RETSCH AS 200 TAP Tap Sieve Shaker

Overview

The RETSCH AS 200 TAP is a precision-engineered tap sieve shaker designed for standardized dry-sieving analysis of granular and powdered materials in laboratory and quality control environments. It operates on the principle of controlled tap sieving—combining horizontal circular motion with precisely timed vertical impacts—to ensure consistent particle stratification and efficient separation across multiple sieve fractions. This dual-motion profile replicates the mechanical action defined in international standards such as ISO 2591-1 (determination of particle size distribution by sieving), ASTM E11 (specification for wire cloth and sieves for testing purposes), and EN 933-1 (tests for geometrical properties of aggregates). Unlike orbital or vibratory shakers, the AS 200 TAP delivers reproducible energy input per tap cycle, minimizing operator-induced variability and supporting method transfer between laboratories. Its robust electromechanical drive system eliminates the need for compressed air or hydraulic components, ensuring long-term operational stability and low maintenance requirements.

Key Features

• Tap-sieving mechanism with adjustable tap frequency (0–300 taps/min) and programmable duration (0.1–99.9 min), enabling strict adherence to standardized test protocols.
• Horizontal circular motion (amplitude: 8 mm) synchronized with vertical impact (stroke: 2.5 mm) to optimize particle mobility and prevent blinding of fine-mesh sieves.
• Modular sieve stack design accommodating up to 13 nested sieves (standard DIN/ISO or ASTM-compliant frames), with maximum stack height of 350 mm and total load capacity of 3 kg.
• Ergonomic front-access loading bay with quick-clamp lid and integrated safety interlock—prevents operation unless fully secured.
• Digital timer with high-resolution display and real-time elapsed time feedback; all settings stored in non-volatile memory for repeatable method recall.
• RS232 serial interface for bidirectional communication with external PCs running EasySieve software—enabling automated parameter upload, result logging, and audit-trail generation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AS 200 TAP is validated for use with a broad spectrum of dry, free-flowing, and moderately cohesive particulates—including metal powders (e.g., stainless steel, titanium alloys), ceramic precursors, activated carbon, pharmaceutical excipients, food-grade spices, abrasive grains (e.g., diamond grit), and mineral fillers. It is not intended for wet sieving, heat-sensitive polymers, or highly electrostatic or fibrous materials without prior conditioning. All mechanical and electronic components comply with CE marking directives (2014/30/EU EMC, 2014/35/EU LVD) and are constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel and anodized aluminum. The instrument meets metrological traceability requirements under ISO 9001:2015 for measurement equipment calibration and verification, and supports GLP/GMP documentation workflows when used with EasySieve’s 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software module (user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails).

Software & Data Management

EasySieve software—supplied standard with the AS 200 TAP—provides a dedicated interface for method definition, real-time monitoring, and post-analysis reporting. Users can configure multi-step sieving programs (e.g., sequential tap intensity ramping), assign sample IDs and batch metadata, and export tabular results (mass retained per fraction, cumulative % passing, D10/D50/D90) in CSV, PDF, or XML formats. Raw data files include timestamped instrument parameters (tap count, duration, amplitude), environmental logs (if connected to optional temperature/humidity sensors), and operator credentials. Data integrity is reinforced via password-protected user roles (Administrator, Analyst, Reviewer), automatic backup to network drives, and encrypted local storage. Integration with LIMS platforms is supported through ODBC drivers and configurable API endpoints.

Applications

• Quality assurance of raw material batches in metallurgy, ceramics, and battery electrode manufacturing—verifying compliance with specified particle size distributions (PSD).
• R&D screening of grinding and milling efficiency—quantifying fineness after comminution processes using standardized sieve cuts.
• Pharmaceutical solid dosage development—assessing flowability and blend uniformity via sieve analysis per USP <786> and ICH Q5A guidelines.
• Construction materials testing—determining gradation curves for aggregates, sands, and lightweight fillers in accordance with EN 933 series.
• Food and flavor industry QC—monitoring consistency of ground spices, cocoa powders, and functional ingredients to meet sensory and processing specifications.

FAQ

What sieve standards are compatible with the AS 200 TAP?
Standard DIN/ISO 3310-1 (woven wire mesh), ISO 3310-2 (perforated plate), ASTM E11, and BS 410 sieves—available in diameters of 200 mm and 300 mm—are fully supported.
Can the AS 200 TAP be used for wet sieving?
No—this instrument is strictly designed for dry-sieving applications. Wet sieving requires dedicated equipment with liquid containment and drainage systems.
Is calibration required before first use?
Yes—initial verification of tap frequency, stroke amplitude, and timer accuracy must be performed using RETSCH-certified calibration tools and documented per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
How does the AS 200 TAP differ from the AS 200 basic model?
The AS 200 TAP adds programmable tap intensity control, extended timing resolution (0.1 min), enhanced stack height tolerance (350 mm), and native RS232/EasySieve integration—features absent in the non-tap AS 200 variant.
Does the instrument support IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages?
Yes—RETSCH provides GMP-compliant Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) templates, including test protocols, acceptance criteria, and blank execution records for regulated environments.