Ro-Tap® 258 Sieve Shaker
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | 258 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The Ro-Tap® 258 Sieve Shaker is a precision-engineered mechanical sieve shaker designed for standardized dry and wet particle size distribution analysis in accordance with ASTM E11, ISO 3310-1, and USP <786>. It operates on the classic Ro-Tap® principle—combining vertical tapping (275 taps/min) with horizontal circular motion (15 rpm)—to replicate manual sieving while ensuring high reproducibility, inter-laboratory comparability, and compliance with GLP/GMP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity requirements when integrated with validated software. Its vertically oriented architecture minimizes footprint and enhances operator ergonomics, making it ideal for QC laboratories, R&D facilities, and contract testing organizations requiring traceable, auditable sieve analysis results.
Key Features
- Industrial-grade construction: All structural components—including housing, frame, and drive mechanism—are fabricated from stainless steel or anodized aluminum; no plastic load-bearing parts are used.
- Self-lubricating bearing system: Pre-greased, sealed-for-life bearings eliminate routine maintenance and extend service life beyond 10,000 operational hours under standard use.
- Digital programmable timer: Integrated 99-minute countdown timer with ±1-second accuracy and automatic shutdown ensures repeatable test duration across shifts and operators.
- Modular sieve stack compatibility: Supports both 200 mm and 300 mm diameter sieve assemblies via optional conversion kits—enabling seamless transition between ASTM-standard and ISO-standard sieve configurations.
- Optimized stacking capacity: Accommodates up to 7 full-height (50 mm) or 14 half-height (25 mm) 200 mm sieves; or up to 4 full-height, 7 medium-height (37.5 mm), or 8 half-height 300 mm sieves—maximizing throughput without compromising amplitude consistency.
- Robust motor drive: 1/4 hp (186 W), 220 V / 50 Hz induction motor delivers stable, low-vibration tapping force over extended duty cycles.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Ro-Tap® 258 accommodates a wide range of dry granular materials—including pharmaceutical powders, metal alloys, ceramics, catalysts, food ingredients, and mineral aggregates—without segregation bias or attrition artifacts. All sieve accessories—including receiving pans (PS8F), cover lids with lifting rings (CS8W/R), and ASTM-certified woven-wire test sieves (#4 to #400)—are manufactured to strict tolerances per ASTM E11 Annex A1 and ISO 3310-1 Clause 6. Each sieve undergoes individual calibration verification and is supplied with a traceable certificate of conformance. The instrument’s mechanical performance is validated against ASTM D6913 and ISO 13320 Annex B protocols for sieve shaker qualification.
Software & Data Management
While the Ro-Tap® 258 operates as a standalone mechanical unit, it is fully compatible with third-party LIMS and electronic lab notebook (ELN) systems via RS-232 or USB-to-serial interface (optional). When paired with compliant laboratory software, all timer settings, run logs, operator IDs, and timestamped start/stop events can be captured, encrypted, and archived with audit trail functionality meeting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 requirements. Raw mass retention data from post-sieve gravimetric analysis may be imported directly into statistical process control (SPC) platforms for real-time trend monitoring and capability analysis (e.g., Cpk, Ppk).
Applications
- Pharmaceutical solid dosage form development: Excipient flowability assessment, API particle size specification verification, and blend uniformity screening prior to tableting.
- Materials science QA/QC: Metal powder characterization for additive manufacturing feedstock qualification per ASTM F3049 and ISO/ASTM 52900.
- Geotechnical and aggregate testing: Soil gradation analysis per ASTM D6913 and AASHTO T 27.
- Food & beverage quality assurance: Flour fineness grading, spice particle distribution, and cocoa powder classification.
- Chemical catalyst manufacturing: Support particle size distribution validation for fixed-bed reactor loading specifications.
FAQ
What sieve diameters does the Ro-Tap® 258 support?
It natively supports 200 mm diameter sieve stacks; 300 mm compatibility is achieved using the optional 258-300 Conversion Kit.
Is the instrument compliant with ASTM E11 and ISO 3310-1?
Yes—the mechanical motion profile, amplitude tolerance, and timing accuracy meet the performance criteria specified in both standards.
Does the Ro-Tap® 258 require periodic recalibration?
No routine recalibration is required; however, annual mechanical verification per ASTM D6913 Appendix X2 is recommended for GMP-regulated environments.
Can the Ro-Tap® 258 be used for wet sieving?
Yes—when equipped with waterproof receiving pans and appropriate sieve frames, it supports ASTM C136/C136M wet sieving procedures.
What is the expected service life under continuous laboratory use?
With proper loading and ambient environmental control (temperature <35°C, humidity <80% RH non-condensing), mean time between failures exceeds 8 years based on field reliability data from 2018–2023 installations.
