Manual on Test Sieving Methods (Astm Manual Series)

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS Prepared by ASTM Committee E29 as Guidelines for Establishing Sieve Analysis Procedures

Lawrence R. Pope and Charles W. Ward, editors 1998 EDITION With editorial changes to conform to the latest revisions of USA Standard Sieve Series specifications (ASTM E 11, E 161, and E 323)

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data ASTM Committee E-29 on Particle and Spray Ciiaracterization. Manual on test sieving methods/prepared by ASTM Committee E-29 as guidelines for establishing sieve analysis procedures: Lawrence R. Pope and Charles W. Ward, editors, 1998 ed. (ASTM manual series; MNL 32) "With editorial changes to conform to the latest revisions of USA standard sieve series specifications (ASTM E 1 1 , E 1 6 1 , and E 323)." Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0-8031-2495-3 1. Particle size determination. 2. Sieves. 3. Granular materials. I. Pope, Lawrence R., 1 9 3 7 . II. Ward, Charles W., 1 9 2 3 . III. American Society for Testing and Materials. IV. Title. V. Series. TA418.A88 1998 620'.43—dc21 98-22472 CIP

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Foreword This manual on test sieving methods is intended for use as a supplement to and not a substitute for the many published ASTM standards relating to the sieve analysis of materials. There has been a need for a manual that would bring together from many sources proven methods for making reliable sieve analyses to serve as a guide for the novice and a reference for the more advanced. Test Sieving Methods was originally compiled by W. C. Mahlig and A. E. Reed, who are now deceased. The latest revisions to this manual were made by a working committee of ASTM E29.01. Please contact Committee E29 for any additional information.

Contents Foreword 1. Wire Cloth Sieves 2. Perforated Plate Sieves 3. Precision Electroformed Sieves 4. Sieves with Enhanced Accuracy 5. Samples and Sampling 6. General Test Sieving Procedure 7. Hand Sieving Method 8. Suggestions on Procedure for Making Sieve Analysis with Precision Electroformed Sieves 9. Mechanical Sieve Shaker Method 10. Wet Testing 11. Combined Wet and Dry Testing 12. Weighing 13. Calculation 14. Graphic Presentation of Test Results 15. Care and Cleaning of Test Sieves 16. Miscellaneous Suggestions Appendix Table 1—U.S. Standard Sieve Series Table 2—U.S. Standard Perforated Plates Sieves Table 3—International Standard (ISO)—Test Sieves—Woven Metal Wire Cloth and Perforated Plate Nominal Size of Apertures Table 4—Precision Electroformed Sieves Table 5—Suggested Bulk Volume of Test Sample for Sieve Analysis with 8in. and 200-mm Round Sieves Table 6—Typical Bulk Densities of Various Particulate Materials. (Weights, Per Unit of Volume, are of Divided, Crushed, or Pulverized Materials in Freely Poured Conditions.) Table 7—List of ASTM Published Standards on Sieve Analysis Procedure for Specific Materials or Industries Table 8—List of ASTM Published Standards on Sampling of Particulate Materials Figure Al—Spinning Riffler

iii 1 1 2 2 2 7 8 8 9 11 13 14 14 16 17 19 24 26 27 29 30 31 34 38 39

Nomenclature

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References

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1. Wire Cloth Sieves 1.1 Standard test sieves that conform to ASTM Specification E l l (Table 1) are referred to as U.S. Standard Testing Sieves and should always be used in a test sieve-based particle size measurement program. This series of test sieves, based on the principle of a fixed ratio of 4V2?r between the sieve openings, was first introduced in the United States in 1910 and since has achieved worldwide use. The concept was pioneered by Peter Ritter von Rittinger of Austria in 1867. The number of sieves in the series and the spacing of the openings in the scale have been proved, by over 90 years experience, to be ideal for the separation of particulate materials according to designated size analysis using sieves. Since 1910, many countries have adopted national sieve standards based on the same fixed ratio as the U.S. Series.' 1.2 The International Standards Organization (ISO), with the USA participating, adopted in 1969, a Recommended Series of Apertures for Test Sieves for universal use. In 1970, the USA Standard Sieve Series, ASTM Specification E l l was revised for full compatibility with the ISO Recommended Aperture Designations, while retaining the basic 4 V ^ ratio between the sieve openings. 1.3 For most sieve tests, where the largest particle in the sample does not exceed 5 in. (125 mm), standard 8-in. (203-mm) diameter, 2-in. (50-mm) deep sieves are recommended. For special cases and with small samples, 3-in. (76-mm) and 6-in. (152-mm) diameter sieves may be selected. All three diameters of sieves are also available with half-height frames 1in. (25-mm) deep. These half-height sieves are very useful when working with small samples, or when using intermediate nesting pans between sieves in the stack to make multiple simultaneous tests with a mechanical shaker. For tests of samples with large size particles and/or volume, larger diameter frames, such as 10-in. (254-mm), 12-in. (305-mm), and 18in. (457-mm) may be selected. 1.4 Standard 8-in. (203-mm) test sieves are available with brass or stainless steel frames with brass wire cloth for the coarser sieves and phosphor bronze wire cloth for the finer sieves. Stainless steel cloth is available where greater strength, durability, resistance to abrasion, and corrosion are a factor. Stainless steel sieve cloth can also be specified with brass frames. 2. Perforated Plate Sieves 2.1 Perforated plate sieves, made to conform to ASTM Specification E 323 (Table 2) are available with square openings from 125- to 3.35-mm (5- to 0.127-in.) and with round openings from 125- to 1-mm (5- to 0.039-in.). The sizes of successive openings in the series follow the same ratio as in the standard ASTM Specification El 1 for sieves. 2.2 Standard frames for perforated plate sieves with openings 4-mm and larger are made of hardwood or steel to hold 12- (305-), 16- (406-), or 18-in. (457-mm) square sieve plates. For openings smaller than 4 nmi, 8-in. (203-imn) circular frames as well as the above larger square frames may be used. 2.3 In general, round hole sieves are used only when the product specification is based on round hole openings. Where perforated sieves and wire cloth sieves are to be used in the same test, or where results with perforated sieves might be compared with results with wire

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MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

cloth sieves, it is recommended that only square opening sieves be used. Results obtained with a specified square opening compared with a round opening are not compatible.

3. Precision Electroformed Sieves 3.1 Precision electroformed sieves, made to conform to ASTM Specification E 161 (Table 4), are available with openings as fine as 3 jjim. With the use of proper care and the special procedures outlined in the instructions following Table 4 (Appendix), sieve analysis results can be obtained in the range of 40 to 3 jtm that is unattainable by any other sieving means. Electroformed sieves, when properly calibrated can be employed as a form of reference standard in the range of 1820 to 3 jjim. 3.2 Because of the delicacy of the electroformed sheet from which the sieves are made, they must be handled with extreme care. Some of the same procedures for tests with the U.S. Standard Testing sieves must be modified for use with the electroformed sieves. 3.3 Because of the method of manufacture and the close tolerances on the opening sizes, the open area may be significantly lower than that of corresponding woven wire sieves. In many cases, reduced sample sizes must be used together with analytical balances of suitable sensitivity. Balances of a precision of a minimum of ±0.001 g are recommended.

4. Sieves with Enhanced Accuracy 4.1 ASTM Specification E l l specify certain manufacturing tolerances permitting a slight variation in the average opening and wire diameters for each sieve. Where precision at a level higher than that afforded by the E 11 specification alone is desired, sieves may be selected by a number of optical measurement devices to meet these needs. 4.2 ASTM Specification E l l calls attention to the availability and usefulness of "matched sieves." Matched sieves are selected on a performance basis by a rigid procedure of actual sieve analyses with the particular material for which the sieves are to be used. The results obtained are compared with another set or sets of test sieves exhibiting desired performance criteria. Matched sieve products generally allow test result variations no greater than 1%. Matched sieves must also meet the appropriate ASTM specifications.

5. Samples and Sampling 5.1 Accurate sampling is of immense importance and is a basic requirement for reliable sieve analyses. Great care must be exercised to obtain samples that are as closely representative of the batch or lot being tested as possible. A major cause of inconsistencies in test results is improper sampling that does not truly represent the gross lot of material. Therefore, once the sampling procedure is established, the same procedure should always be followed. 5.2 How to Take Samples—It is not practical to specify a single method of sampling since the character of the material and the form in which it is available will affect the selection of the procedure to be used. For example, the material may be fine, medium, or coarse and it may consist of a broad spectrum of sizes from the same sample and it may be in a pile, railroad cars, bags, or a continuous stream. Sampling procedures for a variety of materials are described in the ASTM standards listed in Table 7 and should be used for all materials which are noted. For other materials, generally accepted procedures are outlined in this manual.

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5.3 Size of Gross Sample^—The size of a gross sample will depend not only on the character of the material and the form in which it is available (see Section 5.2) but also on whether the test is to determine the particle size distribution of a pile, batch, shipment, days production, or short span of time for production control. The range in size of a gross sample is very wide. It may be as much as several thousand pounds (or kilograms) and may be as little as a fraction of a pound (or kilogram). For detailed sampling instructions and suggested gross sample sizes for specific materials (see Tables 6 and 7). 5.4 Sampling from a Chute or Belt—Good accuracy in sampling is obtained where material is flowing from a chute or a belt conveyor. The ideal place to take the sample is just where the material drops from the chute or belt. When taking the sample, if the stream is small enough, use a pail or other suitable receptacle that can be swung completely across the flowing stream in a brief interval of time and with a uniform movement. Under no circumstances should the sampling receptacle be allowed to overflow, because the overflow would tend to reject a higher proportion of the larger particles than exist in a representative sample. Mechanical sampling devices are available for selecting samples automatically from a stream at uniform spaced intervals of time.^ 5.5 Sampling from a Pile—In sampling from the pile, particularly material Uke crushed stone or coal containing large particles, it is extremely difficult to secure samples that are truly representative. At the apex of a conical pile, the proportion of fines will be greater, while at the base, the percentage of coarse particles will be greater. Therefore, neither location will be representative of the whole. In a shoveling process, every fifth or tenth shovel, and so forth, should be taken depending on the amount of the sample desired. The sample should consist of small quantities taken at random from as many parts of the pile as are accessible and taken in a manner that the composite will have the same grading as the larger amount. 5.6 Sampling from Carload Shipments of Coarse Bulk Materials—For coarse materials, such as crushed stone and gravel, shipped in railroad cars, a recommended method is to dig three or more trenches at least 1-ft (30.38-cm) deep and approximately 1-ft (30.38-cm) wide at the bottom. Equal portions are taken at seven equally spaced points along the bottom of the trench by pushing a shovel downward into the material and not scraping horizontally. Samples from trucks, barges, or boats should be taken in the same manner as from railroad cars, except that the number of trenches should be adjusted to the size of the transportation unit and tonnage involved.* 5.7 Sampling from Carload Shipments of Fine Bulk Materials—One established method for sampling a ceirload of bulk granular material is to take eight samples of equal size (approximately 700 to 1000 g each) from the bottom of a 1-ft (30.48-cm) conical excavation. Samples should be suitably spaced to represent the length and width of the car and then combined into a single gross sample. 5.8 Sampling Bulk Shipments of Fine Material with a Sampling Tube—An alternate and simpler method of sampling a carload, or other bulk quantity of tine or granular material is by the use of a sampling tube which, for this purpose, should be 1.5 in. (31.75 mm) by

^ In this manual the primary sample taken for a sieve analysis test is referred to as the "gross sample," while the sample that has been reduced to the size for the sieve test is referred to as the "test sample." ' Mechanical sampling devices are described in ASTM Methods for Mechanical Sampling of Coal (D 2234). '' For further details on procedures for sampling from carload shipments of coarse and fine materials, see ASTM Methods of Sampling Stone, Slag, Gravel, Sand, and Stone Block for Use as Highway Materials (D 75).

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

approximately 6 ft (1.83 m). Five or six insertions of the tube (follow manufacturers' suggested procedure) will produce approximately a 10-lb (4536-g) sample.'' 5.9 Sampling from a Carload of Bagged Material—One method of sampling a carload of material shipped in bags is to select, at random, a number of bags equal to the cube root of the total number of bags in the car and to take suitable portions (800 to 1000 g for minus 6-mm materials) from each of the selected bags for a combined gross sample.' 5.10 Reduction of Gross Sample to Test Size for Sieve Analysis—After the gross sample has been properly taken, the next step is to reduce it to a suitable size for the sieve analysis test without impairing in any way the particle size distribution characteristics of the original sample. This phase of the operation should follow the applicable ASTM published standards, or the procedures described in the succeeding sections, and should be performed with as much care as was used in the collection of the gross sample and in making the sieve test. 5.11 Coning and Quartering—Pile the gross sample in a cone on a clean, dry, smooth surface (Fig. 1), and place each shovel full at the apex of the cone, and allow it to run down equally in all directions. Then spread the sample in a circle and walk around the pile, gradually widening the circle with a shovel until the material is spread to a uniform thickness. Mark the flat pile into quarters, and reject two opposite quarters. Collect and mix again into a conical pile, taking alternate shovels full from the two quarters saved. It is important to avoid over-working this procedure in order to limit the amount of fines generated by the action of the shovel. Continue the process of piling, flattening, and rejecting two quarters until the sample is reduced to the required size. Please note that this procedure may yield gross samples only marginally representative of the pile.^ 5.12 Sample Splitters and Reducers—Gross samples, if not too large, may be reduced to test sample size by one or more passes through a sample splitter or Jones type riffler (Fig. 2), which will divide a sample in half while maintaining the particle size distribution of the original sample. By repeated passes, the sample can be spUt into quarters, eighths, and so forth, until the size of the sample desired is obtained. For larger gross samples, sample reducers are available that will select a representative 16* part with a single pass (Fig. 3). By just two passes through such a unit, a representative 1-lb sample can be obtained from an original weight of 256 lb. Three passes will give a 1-lb sample from two tons. Always make sure that the passes in the splitter or reducer are at least three times the size of the largest particle in the sample. Do not attempt to arrive at exactly the amount of material specified for the test. If a 50-g sample is desired, arrive as near to this amount as practical, because it will make no difference in the test percentage results whether the sample is slightly larger or smaller. In attempting to arrive at an exact weight, the tendency is to add or subtract material which is not representative of the whole thus destroying the quality of the sample. The highest precision in sample reduction and splitting is obtained through the use of a spinning riffler or divider (see Fig. Al of the Appendix, p. 39). From 2 to 30 test samples can be produced in a single pass. Research continues in the ASTM and ISO Committees to develop a statement of relative precision between splitting methods. 5.13 Size of Test Sample—If the size of the test sample for the sieve analysis has not been established by a published standard, or otherwise, it may be determined by the following suggestions: In deciding on the size of a test sample, consideration must be directed towards the character of the material, its screenability, and the range of particle sizes present. The ' For further details on sampling from carload shipments offinegranular materials in both bulk and bagged form, see ASTM Test for Sieve Analysis of Granular Mineral Surfacing for Asphalt Roofing and Shingles (D 451). ' The operations of mixing, coning, and quartering are illustrated and described in detail in Method of Sampling Coke for Analysis (D 346).

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

FIG. 1—Coning and quartering of sample.

minimum sample size is directly related to the sensitivity of the device (sieve) used to characterize the smallest amount of material collected. For example, in performing a sieve analysis of a material representing the stream to a fine screen, a sample size of 500 to 1000 g may be satisfactory, while the product from a crusher that contains a range of course aggregates to small particle sizes 20 kg or more may be required to meet the criteria. For a finely ground product, a sample of 25 to 100 g should be sufficient. 5.14 Sample Weight Limits—In determining the suitable size of the test sample, the weight per cubic volume of the material is very important. For example, as seen in Table 5, a 100cm^ sample of powdered iron would weight approximately 390 g, while the same volume of diatomaceous earth would weigh only 50 g. The volume of the test sample should be such that no sieve is overloaded to a point where there is a crowding of oversize and nearmesh peirticles on the sieve surface. Overloading is most likely to occur in tests of materials that have a concentration of particles close to one size, or where the entire sample is within a narrow size range. For example, a large proportion of particle sizes would range between a 2-mm sieve and a 500-ji,m sieve. In such cases, the size of the sample must be large enough to permit a measurable amount of the material to be retained on each sieve, pjirticularly on the control sieves. In making a sieve analysis of medium or fine material, it is best not to use too large a sample. A smaller sample taken properly and carefully reduced will usually give more accurate and consistent results than a larger sample that might overload one or more of the sieves. The reverse may be true when testing coarse materials, such as coarse aggregates where larger samples are required to constitute a representative portion.

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

FIG. 2—Sample splitter.

5.15 Determination of Test Sample Size—As a check method to determine the correct size of a sample, the following procedure is suggested: With a sample splitter, accurately split samples of varying weights, such as 25, 50, 100, and 200 g. Then run these various samples on the sieves selected, for a period of approximately 5 min, preferably on a mechanical sieve shaker. A comparison of these results will show the most suitable size sample to use. For example, if the test with the 100-g sample shows approximately the same percentage passing the finer sieves as the 50 g sample, whereas the 150 g sample shows a lower percentage through the finest sieve, this would be an indication that a 150 g sample would be too large, but a 100 g sample would be satisfactory. Once the correct size sample is determined for a particular test, this same size sample should be used for all such tests. 5.16 Table of Suggested Sample Sizes—A useful table of recommended sample sizes for tests with 8-in. or 200-mm sieves is shown in Table 5. Note that the table shows sample sizes by volume. Recommended sample weights (in grams) can be determined by multiplying the values in colunms 3 and 4 by the bulk density (in grams per cubic centimeter) (shown in Table 6) of the material to be tested, rounded out within a tolerance of ±25%. If the actual bulk density of the material being tested has not been determined, the typical density factor for the most nearly similar material listed in Table 6 may be used. The values in Table 4 are a useful guide where standard test sample sizes have not already been established. It is suggested that the sample sizes obtained by the use of Table 4 be verified by the procedure outlined above, before adopting them as standard.

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

FIG. 3—Sixteen to one sample reducer.

6. General Test Sieving Procedure 6.1 If the test sample is not dry and free-flowing because of moisture, it should be dried to a constant weight usually at a temperature of 230 ± 9°F (110 ± 5°C), except in cases where the temperature might have some effect on the material; in which event it may be necessary to air dry the material without heating; or as noted under 9.3, infrared lamps or other drying devices may be used for the purpose. 6.2 Weigh and record the weight of the test sample to a precision (in general) of 0.1%. 6.3 Select the sieves to be used in the test from the ASTM standard sieve series listed in the Appendix. Most sieve analyses are made with a nest of sieves, and it is desirable that the nest consist of as many sieves as necessary to provide adequate information for the size distribution of the material being tested. For example, for a minus 1-in. (25-mm) material, every other sieve or every third sieve could be used, provided selection results in the desired information and does not develop in an overloading of any of the sieves. In some cases, coarser sieves are used in the nest to protect the finer sieves from excessive wear or overloading. For graded materials with a narrow particle size range, such as abrasives, filter sand, and so forth, every sieve in the fourth root of two ratio in the series should be used. In other cases, such as a test for production control, it may be that only one sieve is needed. 6.4 Nest the selected sieves in sequence with the coarsest sieve at the top and the solid pan at the bottom. Place the test sample on the top sieve and close the nest with a cover. Proceed with the test using either the hand sieving method (see Section 7) or the mechanical sieve shaker method (see Section 8).

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7. Hand Sieving Method 7.1 Hand sieving is the original, basic method for performing sieve analyses. It should be noted that the hand sieving approach is extremely subjective and that different operator and laboratory results may vary. In hand sieving, the tests are developed, or at least completed, on one sieve at a time. The best procedure is to place the test sample on a clean, dry sieve with the pan attached. While holding the uncovered sieve and pan in both hands, sieve with a gentle rotary motion until most of the fine material has passed through and the residue looks fairly clean. This operation may take only 1 or 2 min for sieves coarser than No. 100 and 3 or 4 min for sieves No. 100 and finer. Remove the sieve and cover from the pan and then turn it upside down. Then with the sieve and cover held firmly in one hand, gently tap the side of the sieve with the handle of the brush used for cleaning sieves. Dust adhering to the sieve and particles in the mesh will be dislodged, and the underside of the sieve may be brushed clean. Empty the pan and thoroughly clean it with a brush, replace it on the sieve, restore the assembly to an upright position, and carefully remove the cover. Replace on the sieve any coarse material that has been caught in the cover during the tapping. Continue the sieving without the cover, as described above, until not more than 1% by weight of the residue passes any sieve during 1 min. This gentle sieving motion involves no danger of spilling the residue, which should be kept well spread out on the sieve. Continuously rotate the sieve during the sieving. 7.2 "End-point" Tests—Hold the sieve, with pan and cover attached, in one hand at an angle of about 20 degrees from the horizontal. Move the sieve up and down in the plane of inclination at the rate of about 150 times per min, and strike the sieve against the palm of the other hand at the top of each stroke. Perform the sieving over white paper to avoid losing particles that may pass between the lid and the sieve. Return any matericd collecting on the paper to the sieve. After every 25 strokes, turn the sieve about one sixth of a revolution in the same direction. As an aid to proper sieve rotation, the sieve cover may be marked with three straight lines, intersecting at 60 degrees through the center, with one of the lines marked with an arrowhead to indicate the starting point. Continue the sieving operation until the additional material, which passes through in 1 min of continuous sieving, fails to change the weight on that sieve by more than 1%. In reporting sieve tests, calculations should be carried out to 0.1%. 7.3 Procedure with a Stack of Sieves—In hand sieving, when a number of sieves are to be used in the test, arrange the sieves in a stack (include a bottom pan) with the coarsest sieve at the top, and place the sample to be sieved on the top sieve. Shake the whole nest of sieves for a period of 2 or 3 min. The most practical way to do this is to place the stack on a table and shake the sieves with a circular motion accompanied by a tapping action. After this preliminary shaking, shake each sieve separately starting with the coarsest, to complete the separation, as described in Paragraph 7.2. Add all material passing in each individual sieve to the next smaller sieve in the sequence. 7.4 Consistency Important in Hand Sieving—The operator should try to be consistent with the hand sieving method to always reproduce the same circular motion and tapping action. If hand sieving is to be used for repeated tests by more than one laboratory, it is important that a detailed hand-sieving procedure be established and specified.

8. Suggestions on Procedures for Making Sieve Analysis with Precision Electroformed Sieves 8.1 Precision electroformed sieves must be considered as delicate precision instruments and handled with the utmost care to obtain satisfactory results and reasonable sieve life.

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Sieves should conform to ASTM Specification E 161 and should be calibrated or given correction factors to conform to one of the methods given in the Appendix to Specification E 161. 8.2 When using the vibration type electromagnetic shaker, (Fig. 8), it is recommended that the sieve or sieve stack with pan and cover be secured to the shaker pad with two rubber bands, in such a manner that the stack bounces and rocks slightly when the control knob is turned to the medium or high position. Avoid the use of metal spring holders as they hold the stack too firmly to permit the desired rocking motion. A good practice is to hold adjacent sieves together with S-'A by %-in. rubber bands to reduce wear of one sieve on another, as well as to prevent escape of any airborne material. 8.3 When using a sifter of the "oscillating air column" type (see Section 8.5 and Fig. 9) with electroformed sieves, follow the manufacturer's instructions as the suggestions in the two preceding paragraphs would not apply. 8.4 Weighing—Samples are not removed from electroformed sieves for weighing as there is too much danger of loss in the transfer of the small retained fractions. This loss causes serious errors in the recorded results. Sieves and the pan are weighed on an analytical balance before and after the test to obtain the weights of the retained fractions. When removing sample fractions from the sieve after the test, gently brush and tap the contents loose from the sieve while it is held in an inverted position. Do not attempt to dislodge particles by slapping the sieve on the bench, because this action will spring and tear the fine mesh from its supporting grid. Avoid using a sieve that has become blinded for a subsequent test until the sieve has been cleaned and the blinding eliminated, or reduced to less than 15%. Sample sizes for tests with electroformed sieves cannot be precisely stated because of factors such as particle shape, density, propensity to agglomerate, size range and distribution, number of sieves used in the test, and the percentage of open area of the sieve. Sample sizes should be as small as practicable, and weights should be recorded to the nearest milligram. Samples should be large enough to obtain weighable retained fractions on the sieve without overloading any sieve as overloading increases the blinding problem. 8.5 Wet Sieving—If a sample has a preponderance of particles smaller than 40 |xm or cannot be dry-sieved conveniently, it may be wet-sieved through electroformed sieves with a suitable polar liquid or hydrocarbon containing a trace of dispersant. A set of sieves may be mounted in an airtight manner on a suction flask, which can be vibrated as mild alternate suction, and pressure applied to the flask. The sample is washed through each sieve in turn with a fine stream of the liquid and at the same time stroked across the sieve sheet with a Vs-in. wide flat lettering brush. 8.6 Cleaning and Repair—Precision electroformed sieves may be cleaned with the aid of ultrasonic vibrations while inmiersed in an equi-volume mixture of denatured or isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. The sieve should be placed in the ultrasonic cleaning tank with the sieve sheet in the vertical position. Low-power ultrasonic energy should be used for not more than 15 s at a time to prevent cavitation damage to the sieve sheet. Remove the sieve, flush with distilled water, and dry in an over at 100°C. If the sieve sheet is broken it can be repaired by: (1) applying epoxy resin-type cement with the point of a fine needle, or (2) applying small spheres of metal solder with a pencil point iron. In both procedures a lowpower (10 to 50X) binocular microscope is a necessary aid. 9. Mechanical Sieve Shaker Method 9.1 Mechanical sieve shakers are used in practically all laboratories where frequent tests are made. They not only eliminate much tedious hand labor, but when properly used will produce more consistent results.

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9.2 There are several general types of mechanical sieve shakers. One type is designed to simulate hand-sieving by using a circular motion combined with a tapping action. Figures 4 and 5 are examples of this type. 9.3 A type of sieve shaker that will handle a series of 18- by 24-in. (457- by 660-mm) screen trays is shown in Fig. 6. This type produces a vigorous agitation especially suitable for handling large samples of coarse materials such as crushed stone, gravel, and so forth. 9.4 Other types of sieve shakers include those using electromagnetically induced highspeed short-stroke vibration and those using oscillating air columns. 9.5 In using any type of mechanical sieve shaker, it is necessary to determine the length of sieving time best suited to the type of materials being tested, and for shakers with variable controls, it is necessary to determine and establish the exact setting of the controller for best results. 9.6 For routine plant control tests, 3 to 5 min is usually sufficient to give the desired result, while for more difficult materials a sieving time from 10 to 30 min may be necessary. Prolonged sieving time should be avoided when testing friable materials subject to degradation. 9.7 To determine the sieving time necessary to produce close analysis results, use the following procedure: From a gross sample, with a sample splitter, select three or four samples of a suitable mass or volume for the test. Sieve one of these samples for 5 min, one for 10 min, one for 15 min, and a fourth for 20 min. Tabulate the results of these tests by the percentages retained on each sieve. The length of sieving time required to stabilize the sieving result will be readily apparent and can be established. 9.8 For most tests, a satisfactory end-point is considered to have been reached when an additional 1 min of sieving fails to change the weight on any of the sieves used by more than 1%. 9.9 Sieve tests where the ultimate in accuracy is desired can be set up on the basis of shaking the nest of sieves until not more than 0.5% of the material on the finest sieve passes that sieve in a 5-min period. This is a good procedure to follow when no control can be made on the type of mechanical sieve shaker to be used, or if hand and mechanical sieving are used interchangeably.

\'^p^.

HG. 4—Mechanical sieve shaker with tapper.

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

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FIG. 5—Mechanical sieve shaker.

10. Wet Testing 10.1 If at all possible, test sieving should be done on dry material. However, if difficulty is encountered in obtaining reproducible results on materials difficult to screen and if the material is not soluble in water, accurate tests can be made by the wet method. 10.2 In preparing for a wet test, first dry the sample to a constant weight and weigh to the nearest 0.1 g. If the material readily mixes with water, place the test sample on the finest sieve, and wash it back and forth with a gentle stream from a hose in such a way that there is no loss by rising dust or splashing. When the water passing through the sieve appears

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MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

FIG. 6—Mechanical shaker for large sieves.

clear, the sieve containing the residue should be dried, in an oven if possible, to a constant weight and at a temperature not to exceed about 230°F (110°C). Allow the residue to cool to room temperature and weigh the residue. This procedure is repeated on the next coarser sieve. 10.3 This drying time will vary with the size of the sample and the characteristics of the material and should be established by a series of weight checks at intervals until no significant change occurs. If an oven is not available, an infrared lamp set at a distance of about 12 in. (30.48 cm) may be used. 10.4 If the material does not mix well with water, first place the dried, accurately weighed sample in a jar and fill the jar about three quarters full of water. Shake contents vigorously to mix the material with the water. This mixture can then be dumped onto the sieve and the washing process performed as described above. The jar should be rinsed out more than once. 10.5 A small quantity of sodium pyrophosphate or tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) added to the water will aid in dispersing the solid particles. If available, an ultrasonic probe can be immersed in the jar to break up the agglomerates and disperse the particles. Care must be taken not to break down the friable materials.

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

13

FIG, 7—Electromagnetic sieve shaker.

10.6 It is possible to perform wet sieving with a nest of sieves with a mechanical sieve shaker by equipping the shaker so that a small stream of water can be received through the top and drained from the bottom pan after passing through the nest (Fig. 10). 11. Combined Wet and Dry Testing 11.1 When a sieve analysis made with a nest of sieves cannot be done on a dry sample because of the presence of fine par11. Combined Wet and Dry Testingticles that either agglomerate, ticles, or cause flinging to the sieve openings; it is best to remove the fine particles first by wet sieving and then perform the rest of the analysis on a dried sample. 11.2 In the combined wet and dry method, the sample is tested first on the finest sieve using the wet method described in Section 9.2. The coarse residue is then dried at 230°F (110°C) and sieved dry in accordance with the appropriate method in Section 7 or 9. Percentage results are expressed in terms of the original dry mass of the test sample before wet testing.

14

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

FIG. 8—Electromagnetic vibration pad sieve shaker

12. Weighing 12.1 After completion of the agitation of tlie sieves, the entire nest of sieves should be brought to the weighing station for recording of the analysis. Weighing should always be done, in grams, and on a balance with a minimum precision of 0.1 g. The materials retained on each sieve should be weighed separately. The material passing through the finest sieve into the pan should also be weighed. Since the mass of each fraction is determined to within 0.1% of the total sample weight, the maximum error for the test should not exceed 0.1% times the number of weighings. If the sum of the masses of the materials retained on the various sieves, plus that in the pan, does not deviate from the mass of the original sample by more than the above tolerance, the sum of the masses, rather than the original sample mass can be used 100% for calculation of the sieve-analysis percentages. Another common practice is to assume that a deficiency of up to a maximum of 0.5% in the sum of the fraction weights compared to the mass of the original sample is "dust loss" and can be added to the pan fraction. If the variation is greater than the above tolerance, the figures should be rechecked for possible errors in weighing, calculation, blinding of the sieve openings, or accidental spillage loss. (In wet sieving, the material through the finest sieve is usually lost, and this check is not possible.) 12.2 When working with small samples and using 3-in. (76-mm) sieves, it is often desirable to determine a tare weight for each sieve and pan to permit determination of weights without removal of the retained fractions. With small fractions there is great danger that loss of material during removal from the sieve will upset the accuracy of the test (see Table 4). 13. Calculation 13.1 The weights of the material retained on each sieve and the weight of the original test sample are the basic data from which percentages are calculated (see Section 11.1).

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

15

FIG. 9—Oscillating air column type sieve shaker.

These weights are not usually reported. The results are presented in the form of percentages of the total test sample retained on, or passing through, each sieve. 13.2 The percentage retained on each sieve is calculated by dividing the "total weight coarser" than that sieve by the total weight of the test sample. The total weight coarser includes the material retained on that particular sieve plus all material on all coarser sieves. This cumulative percentage is very useful as it represents the total percentage of the test sample coarser than the opening of that particular sieve. Most sieve test tabulations are set up on the basis of the percentage of material retained on each sieve. However, it is also acceptable to set up the specifications and report test results on the basis of the percentage passing each sieve. Figure 11 shows a typical laboratory

16

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

FIG. 10—Wet test set-up with mechanical sieve shaker.

report form for recording the results of a sieve test, while Fig. 12 shows a typical form for reporting a group of sieve analysis results. 14. Graphic Presentation of Test Results 14.1 Sieve analyses often are presented graphically for comparison with specification requirements, or for general evaluation. By interpolation on the sieve analysis graph, percentage retained on or passing sieves not actually used in the test can be estimated. Similarly, the size of an opening that would theoretically retain or pass a selected percentage can be estimated even though that sieve size was not used in the test or, for that matter, does not even exist. 14.2 The abscissa of the sieve analysis graph usually represents the sieve size and the ordinate the percentage retained or passing. Scales used for the coordinates depend upon the use to be made of the results and the preferences of the user. The scale for sieve sizes may be linear (arithmetic) or logarithmic. The latter has the advantage of representing standard sieve sizes, which relate to one another by powers of the fourth root of two on an equally spaced scale (for example, the distances between the No. 4 and No. 8, the No. 8 and No, 16 and the 3.4 in. and 3.8 in. are all the same since the larger sieve in each case has an

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

17

LABORATORY REPORT OF SIEVE ANALYSIS NAME

JCIHK ^^OR SLATE CO.

M.uri.1

S U T E DOST

jt^^„^

FEED TO SCHEBN NO, 1

18-500

Woif hta on or B«tw«en Sieve*

Muh

U.S. No.

Opcninc Ina.

U.S. No.

H«ih

Gr.».

ToUl ParMDUt*

PcrCent

Punnf

On

S 4

4

«

C

8

«

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...

1 1...

12

1r

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14

t6

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[1 _

20

»

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28

30

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2.6

5.2

5.6

9I..II

3S

40

i

e.6

17.1

22.7

77.3

46

50

f

7.6

15.3

38.0

62.0

«5

70

i

6.0

12.0

50.0

50.0

100

100

ISO

140

2M

Pan

!•

""•'

f'""

i

1

99.6

6.0

;

12.0

62.0

38.0

5.5

1

11.0

73.0

27.0

200

3.5

j

7.0

80.0

20.0

Pan

10.0

20.0

100.0

TotBla

50.0

i

i- '

100.0

FIG. 11—Laboratory form for recording sieve test results.

opening twice that of the smaller). The scale for percentages is usually linear but may occasionally be logarithmic. On the linear scale, equal differences in percentage are depicted as the same distance. 14.3 Examples of the two principal types of graphs used for sieve analysis work are shown in Figs. 13 and 14. Figures 15 and 16 show the use of interpolation percentages that would pass or be retained on a screen opening, other than the one used in the test, to determine the size opening that would pass or retain a given percentage. 15. Care and Cleaning of Test Sieves 15.1 Test sieves should be kept thoroughly clan and dry. After each sieve analysis test, the sieves should be carefully cleaned and stored in a cabinet. For cleaning the sieves, a soft brass brush (Fig. 17) is used for sieves coarser than No. 100 (150 |xm) and a nylon brush

18

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

SIEVE TESTS MADE WITH

U. S. SIEVE SERIES SIEVES

.. J^Cl.PCK SUTE„_C.O...

Name.

„Test Number „18-S00„,

-Date..

Address .

(A)

(B)

FEED TO NO. 1 SCREEN Tliw

MMh

^Made by.

.Ei.B.-..

11 r^

NONE

SLA^?B DUSl

Material

U.S. Na.

OVERSIZE FROM NO. 1 SCREEN Tlmr___lSLMinutw

^U M tnutci Cum,% WtilM (Tat.1 % Sint* Sitvti Sin.)

%

(D)

(C)

UNSERSIZE FROM NO. 1 SCREEN

Tim.. Cum.% W«l(ht (Tot.l %

-i:,

Sin.)

i y Min.,t« Cuin.% B*lw.«n (Tolil !l Siex)

%

(E)

FEED TO NO. 2 SCREEN Ti •»»• W*)(ht

OVERSIZE FROM NO. 2 SCREEN

Tlw J,Q M Inutes Cum. % W*lght (Toltl X Betwcn

%

DNDESSIZE FROM NS. 2 SCREEN

Tim.i n Minute* Cum. % Wlilht (Totel % on eich SI.V.I

%

i n Mln.i,M

%

(Tolai % Sim.)

3 4 6

4 6

S

8

10

12

u

16

20

20

28

30

35

40

48

SO

65

70

100

100

150

140

200

200

Pin

P*n

Totals

,ll •;,6 inL 97.7 il.i 1B.0 i j . n
so.o XOSLfi. IPP.P

fifl 90 fl 1 n w.n

.2 6.1 T ; . ? 2ZJi^ 16.2 V i . ? 11.1 'Jl.l 10.2 6 1 , ' ;

h •li •).? •;.6 17.1 22.7 111 li 17.1 Ji2J. 10.7 « . 8 7 . 0 66.a li.3 7 1 . 1

.2 100.0 LOO.O

18.
?fl.9 100.0 100.0

1.0 T( 1 Jill ft

11.1

1.0 16,1 (tO,l

w.o

.2 ?.9

l.ll ?«.•; •f7.? llifl •;

l.lr 29.9 07,1 98.9 99.)|

.6

100,0

00.0

.3 1,'; 16 ft lA.n l-J.O 1?.0 9.0

.1

3.8 50.0 Vi.O •Sl.O 61.0 72.0

?fl.o 100.0 lOO.O

REMARKS

By

E. B.

' . " ' • * *Mi • duh I—t l> M W t nil

FIG. 12—Form for reporting a group of sieve analyses results. (Fig. 18) for sieves finer than No. 100 (150 n,m). This is done by brushing the underside of the wire cloth with a circular motion taking care not to exert damage to the wire cloth. The frame of the sieve may be gently tapped with the wooden handle of the brush; take care not to batter the edges of the frames and pans, as this will interfere with the proper fitting together of the sieve, pan, and cover. Under no circumstances should embedded particles be forced out of the opening with a pick or needle. 15.2 Washing—Occasionally it may be necessary to wash the sieves in a warm soap and water solution to remove the near-mesh particles. The underside of the sieve can be carefully brushed while in the water to aid in the cleaning action. Acid solutions are not recommended for cleaning sieves, as the acid will reduce the diameter of the wire and enlarge the openings. Also, it will loosen the weave in the wire cloth and destroy the accuracy of the sieve. 15.3 New Sieves—New sieves should be cleaned with mild soap and warm water to remove any grease or oil before making the tests. Solvents are not recommended because they may attack the protective coating of lacquer used on some sieve frames. 15.4 Ultrasonic cleaners are available and are very useful for cleaning sieves. Sieves are immersed in a detergent solution in the ultrasonic cleaner, which eases the removal of nearmesh particles. 15.5 Sieves should be examined frequently for defects in the cloth. Holes or breaks are sometimes indicated by very noticeable irregularities in the end-point weighings. Small holes or breaks should not be repaired and any sieve found in such condition should be replaced.

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

19

U. S. SIEVE SERIES Cumulative Direct Diagram of Screen Analysis on Sample of Naipp

JWN DCe SLATE CO.

SLATE DUST

Date_

P.r C*nt

Pti Cant

ZzyssESSTB FRUH| • no. 1 "gCREEH"

inromsizE yam "TIP, i SCBEHT

"5570 3--? ^ i ..E-5_Llfi0ls

78.0 100.0

FIG. 13—Typical linear (arithmetic) type of graph.

15.6 If properly handled, a test sieve should retain the accuracy of its openings throughout the life of the sieve, since ordinary wear is on top of the knuckles of the wire cloth and no measurable wear occurs in the openings.

16. Miscellaneous Suggestions 16.1 Overloading—A sieve is considered overloaded when there is a crowding of oversize and near-mesh particles on the sieve surface after the material finer than one half the sieve opening has passed through. On an overloaded sieve, the weight of the oversize material will tend to wedge the near-mesh particles into the openings, thus blocking these openings from any further usefulness until the wedged particles are removed when the sieve is cleaned.

20

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

. nf

^ aipo

JOHN DOE SLATE CO.

leoK

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STEEEBUSl SRBtBE gE3SH3El5Cg :iJ3se5ffiRS32E: !»SSH :zictHHispsBtj

FIG. 14—Typical logarithmic

KHrizii

type of graph.

16.2 Avoid Sieving "Aids"—Avoid the use of all so-called aids to sieving, such as balls, shot, chains, washers, and so forth. They are not only destructive to the sieve, but also may cause degradation of the sample, thereby giving an incorrect result. If the material being tested is not free sieving, or the fines tend to agglomerate or adhere to the larger particles, then the operator should consider using the wet or wet-dry method which, while it may be an inconvenience, will give more reliable results than the use of balls, chains, and so forth. 16.3 Control of Static in Test Sieving—When sieving fine powders, such as plastics, which charge themselves with static electricity, the addition of a small amount of powdered magnesium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, or similar aid, usually solves the problem and makes it unnecessary to resort to wet testing. For a 50-g sample, add 0.5 g of either of the above chemicals, mix the sample thoroughly so that the particle surfaces are coated with the magnesium or other chemical, and then proceed with the test.

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

21

U. S. SIEVE SERIES Cumulative Direct Diagram of Screen Analysis on Sample of—,-SLATE I>US_T_ Name J*^™ ^^^ SLATE CO. Date_

«

1

I

1

1

,

Openings l.ch.s

m"t"fs

Me.,.

No'-

WaigMts

Per Cent

.=•

!

ON It It '1

" fi-

ll ti

p.» ^ f J "

3 4 6 B 10 14 20 28 36 48

e 8

1

,

IZ'.

Per Cent

'

20 30 50 TO

100 150 200 200

100 140 ZOO

!

T^Uh.

Cumulilive Weights

i 1

'

16

40

I.I

1 1

i' FKKU 'IV SCHKKNS

Per Cent Cumulative Weights

Per Cent

Weights

^

.h ^ ^'.2 • IV.1 lii.ii 12.0 10.7 ' 7.0 1 L.3 ! 2B.9 ilOO.O

! ,h ' ?.6 ' ?2.7 ' ^7.1 iJAA • 59.8 rS6.~S [ 71.0 !100.0 i

1

1

i

1

FIG. 15—Example of interpolation to determine percentage that would pass or be retained on openings other than those used in the test.

16.4 Worn or Damaged Sieves—Do not continue to use a test sieve when the wire cloth is worn, loose, or damaged.

22

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

U. S. SIEVE SERIES Cumulative Direct Diagram of Screen Analysis on Sample of_ Nam^ JOHN DOE SLATE CO. Date.

Openings U.S. l.ch„

mX«

Mesh

Ssmpie Weights

Per Cenl Cumulitive

Pef Cent

Per CBT.1 Cufi>ul»l,»( WelBhli

Per Cent

Welghti

—

Weight!

Cumulativ* Welihts

Y'K^ TO SO EENS 3

1 1

4 6

6

1

'8

8

j

10

12

20

20

2S

30

35

40

1«

ON

" M

tl II 11

" II

P.S. 2pp.

48 65 100 ISO 300

50 TO

too 140 200 200

i i

[ i

4 1\ 5.6 4 ?.?

i 17.1 ! 2f.7 l i . l i J ,17.1 12.0 1 li9.1

l&±.IJ_51.i Ttcrreo li-i U^ 28l5_ llOOlO

]

t .. 1 '

i

i .|

1 1

1

\ I

i 1

1 1 1

I ! 1

! 1 FIG. 16—Example of interpolation to determine the opening that would pass or retain a given percentage of the sample. rotais.

ilflO.O j

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

FIG. 17—Brass wire brush.

FIG. 18—Nylon bristle brush.

23

24

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

APPENDIX TABLE I—U.S. standard sieve series (ASTM

Ell").

Sieve Designation Standard*

Alternative

Nominal Sieve Opening, in."'

Nominal Wire Diameter, mm"

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

125 mm 106 mm 100 mm'' 90 mm 75 mm 63 mm 53 mm 50 mm'' 45 mm 37.5 mm 31.5 mm 26.5 mm 25.0 mm''

5 in. 4.24 in. 4 in.'' 3'/2 in. 3 in. 2'/2 in. 2.12 in. 2 in." PA in. V/i in.

5 4.24 4 3.5 3 2.5 2.12 2 1.75 1.5 1.25 1.06 1 0.875 0.750 0.625 0.530 0.500 0.438 0.375 0.312 0.265 0.250 0.223 0.187 0.157 0.132 0.111 0.0937 0.0787 0.0661 0.0555 0.0469 0.0394 0.0331 0.0278 0.0234 0.0197 0.0165 0.0139 0.0117 0.0098 0.0083 0.0070 0.0059 0.0049 0.0041 0.0035 0.0029 0.0025

8.0 6.30 6.30 6.30 6.30 5.60 5.00 5.00 4.50 4.50 4.00 3.55 3.55 3.55 3.15 3.15 2.80 2.50 2.50 2.24 2.00 1.80 1.80 1.60 1.60 1.40 1.25 1.12 1.00 0.900 0.800 0.710 0.630 0.560 0.500 0.450 0.400 0.315 0.280 0.224 0.200 0.160 0.140 0.125 0.100 0.090 0.071 0.063 0.050 0.045

22.4 m m 19.0 m m 16.0 m m 13.2 m m 12.5 mm'' 11.2 nmi

9.5 m m 8.0 m m 6.7 m m 6.3 mm''

5.6 m m 4.75 m m 4.00 m m 3.35 m m 2.80 m m 2.36 m m 2.00 m m 1.70 m m 1.40 m m 1.18 m m 1.00 m m 850 M-m^ 7 1 0 (jLHi

600 M,m 500 |xm 425 n,m 355 |xm 300 (Jim 250 (Am 212 M,m 180 M.m 150 M-m 125 ixm 106 (Jim 90 (jLm 75 ixm 63 |xm

11/4 in. 1.06 in. 1 in.'' Vs in.

% in. Vs in.

0.530 in. 1/2 in.'' Vie in. % in. Vie in. 0.265 in.

'/4 in."* No. 31/2'^ No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.

4 5 6 7 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 25 30 35

No. 40 No. 45 No. 50 No. 60 No. 70 No. 80 No. 100 No. 120 No. 140 No. 170 No. 200 No. 230

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

25

TABLE I—(Continued)—U.S. standard sieve series (ASTM Ell"). Sieve Designation Standard*

Alternative

Nominal Sieve Opening, in."

Nominal Wire Diameter, mm"

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

0.0021 0.0017 0.0015 0.0012 0.0010

0.036 0.032 0.030 0.028 0.025

53 45 38 32 25

(jtm jjLin (Jim )ji.m H.m''

No. No. No. No. No.

270 325 400 450 500

"For complete specifications including permissible variations from nominal apertures and wire diameters and method of checking and calibrating, see the most recent ASTM E l l insured by American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. * These standard designations correspond to the values for test sieve apertures recommended by the International Standards Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. ' Only approximately equivalent to the metric values in Column 1. •^ These sieves are not in the standard series but they have been included because they are in common usage. " These numbers (iVi to 400) are the approximate number of openings per linear inch but it is preferred that the sieve be identified by the standard designation in millimeters or |xm. ^1000 n,m = 1 nun.

26

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

TABLE 2~U.S. standard perforated plates sieves (ASTM E 323"). Sieve Designation and Aperture Size

Centers

Plate Thickness

Standard mm*

Alternative in.''

Standard mm

Alternative in."*

Standard mm

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

160 135 128 111 95 80 68 64 57 48 41 35 32 29 25

6'/4 51/4

3.4 3.4 3.4 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9

0.1345 0.1345 0.1345 0.1046 0.1046 0.1046 0.1046 0.1046 0.0747 0.0747

10 10 10 12 12 12 12 12 14 14

0.0747 0.0747 0.0747 0.0747 0.0747

14 14 14 14 14

1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9

0.0747 0.0747 0.0747 0.0747 0.0747 0.0747 0.0598 0.0598 0.0598 0.0598 0.0598 0.0598 0.0598 0.0598 0.0598

14 14 14 14 14 14 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16

0.0299 0.0299 0.0299 0.0299

22 22 22 22

125 106 100^ 90 75 63 53 50^ 45 37.5 31.5 26.5 25.0/ 22.4 19.0

5 41/4

4 3'/2

3 21/2 21/8

2 PA V/2 1/4

IVie 1 V« VA

16.0 13.2 12.5/ 11.2 9.5 8.0 6.7 6.3/ 5.6 4.75 4.00 3.35 2.80 2.36 2.00

%

0.078

21 18 17 15 13 11 9.9 9.5 8.7 6.8 5.9 4.9 4.4 3.8 3.3

1.70 1.40 1.18 1.00

0.066 0.055 0.045 0.039

2.9 2.6 2.2 2.0

1%2 '/2

yi6

% yi6 •764 '/4

Vi2 Vie %2

0.127(1/8) VM 3/32

5 4% 33/4 31/8 2^/8 21/2 2'/4 V/t.

\% iyi6 11/4 11/8

1 iyi6

y. 11/16

y8 01/2 yi6 2%4

y8 11/32 1/4 y32

yi6 11/64 y32 1/8

764

0.100 0.090 0.077

1.9 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8

Alternative in." gage*

" For complete specifications, including permissible variations from normal apertures, plate thickness and other characteristics, and for method of checking, see the most recent ASTM Designation E 323 issued by American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshochocken, PA 19428-2959. ' The values shown in this table refer to both round and square apertures. In general, square-aperture perforated-sieve plates are available only in 3.35 mm and larger. ' These standard designations, progressing from a base of 1 mm in the ratio of approximately y2 to 1, correspond to the values for test sieve apertures recommended by the International Standards Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. " Only approximately equivalent to the standard values. ' The gage values are for carbon steel. For other materials, the gage used should be the nearest decimal equivalent of the U.S. Standard gage for steel. /These sieves are not in the standard series but they have been included because they are in common usage.

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

27

TABLE 3—International Standard (ISO)—test sieves—woven metal wire cloth and perforated plate nominal size of apertures. MILLIMETER SIZES Table 1

Table 2

Principal Sizes (R 20/3)

Supplementary Sizes (R20)

Principal Sizes (R 20/3)

Supplementary Sizes (R 40/3)

mm

mm

mm

mm

125 90 63 45 31.5 22.4 16 11.2 8 5.60 4 2.80 2 1.40 1

125 112 100 90 80 71 63 56 50 45 40 35.5 31.5 28 25 22.4 20 18 16 14 12.5 11.2 10 9 8 7.10 6.30 5.60 5 4.50 4 3.55 3.15 2.80 2.50 2.24 2 1.80 1.60 1.40 1.25 1.12 1

125

125 106

90

90 75

63

63 53

45

45 37.5

31.5

31.5 26.5

22.4

22.4 19

16

16 13.2

11.2

11.2 9.50

8

8 6.70

5.60

5.60 4.75

4

4 3.35

2.80

2.80 2.36

2

2 1.70

1.40

1.40 1.18

1

1

NOTE—The proposed nominal sizes of apertures are taken from the series R 20 and R 40/3 of preferred numbers given in ISO/R 3. Sizes below 40 (i.m are based on series R 20 (Table 1) and R 40/3 (Table 2) given in ISO/R 497. All sizes below 45 (xm are regarded as supplementary sizes, regardless of series.

28

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

TABLE 3—(Continued)—International Standard (ISO)—test sieves—woven metal wire cloth and perforated plate nominal size of apertures. MICROMETER SIZES Table 1

Table 2

Principal Sizes (R 20/3)

Supplementary Sizes (R20)

Principal Sizes (R 20/3)

Supplementary Sizes (R 40/3)

ixm

ILTn

fLva

^xm

710 500 355 250 180 125 90 63 45

900 800 710 630 560 500 450 400 355 315 280 250 224 200 180 160 140 125 112 100 90 80 71 63 56 50 45 40 36 32 28 25 22 20

850 710

710 600

500

500 425

355

355 300

250

250 212

180

180 150

125

125 106

90

90 75

63

63 53

45

45 38 32 26 22

NOTE: All sizes listed in R 20/3 and R 40/3 are included in ASTM E 11 and E 323. Some foreign countries may use sizes listed in R/20. These are not all compatible with E 11 or E 323.

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

29

TABLE 4—Precision electwformed sieves (ASTM E 161°). Sieve Designation, Nominal Size of Opening,* p,m

Permissible Variation of Sieve Openings, (xm

Limits, Openings per Linear Inch," min and max

147 to 153 122 to 128 104 to 108 88 to 92 73 to 77 61 to 65 51 to 55 43 to 47 36 to 40 30 to 34 25 to 29 20 to 24 13 to 17 9 to 11 4 to 6

90 to 120 110 to 145 135 to 175 160 to 210 190 to 245 225 to 290 240 to 320 260 to 350 285 to 400 380 to 500 450 to 550 450 to 550^ 450 to 700^ 450 to 800^ 450 to 1000^

1 150 125 106 90 75 63 53 45 38 32 27 22 15 10 5

" For complete specification, including method of calibrating electroformed sieves, see the most recent ASTM E 161 issued by the American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. * These nominal size openings are approximately in a ratio of 4V2iT for the openings 22 jji,m and larger. These standard designations correspond to the values for test sieve apertures recommended by the International Standards Organization, Geneva, Switzerland. ' These limits permit at least two adjacent sieves to be formed with the same number of openings per inch. The percent open area must in no case be so great that the width of metal between openings is less than 18 jjim. '' Because of their greater durability in routine testing, sieves made close to the minimum limit are normally supplied. Sieves made close to the maximum limit may be obtained only on special order but are preferable from the standpoint of logical progression and better test completion time.

30

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

TABLE 5—Suggested bulk volume of test sample for sieve analysis with 8-in. and 200-mm round sieves' Bulk Volume of Material Standard Sie've Designation Standard

Alternate

Recommended Volume of Material for Test Sample

1

2

3

4

25 mm 22.4 19 16 12.5 11.2 9.5 8 6.3 5.6 4 2.80 2 1.40 1 710 (Jim 500 355 250 180 125 90 63 45 38

1 in. ys

1800 cm' 1600 1400 1000 800 800 600 500 400 400 350 240 200 160 140 120 100 80 70 60 50 40 35 30 25

900 cm' 800 700 500 400 400 300 250 200 200 150 120 100 80 70 60 50 40 35 30 25 20 17 15 12

%

Vs 1/2

V>6

Vs V,6 1/4

N o . 31/2

5 7 10 14 18 25 35 45 60 80 120 170 230 325 400

Maximum Permitted Volume on Sieve on Completion of Sieving

" The recommended weight of material for a sieve test sample is calculated by multiplying the bulk volume figure in Column 3 by the particular bulk density in grams per cubic centimeter of the material, rounded out within a toTable 5—Suggested Bulk Volume of Test Sample for Sieve Analysis with 8- in. and 200-m lerance of ±25%. If the density figure for the material being tested is not readily available, use the factor of the nearest similar material shown in Table 6.

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

31

TABLE 6—Typical bulk densities of various particulate materials. (Weights, per unit of volume, are of divided, crushed, or pulverized materials in freely poured conditions.) Average Weight Material

lbs/ft'

G/cm'

Alumina 44 1.23 Aluminum, calcined 128 2.05 Aluminum oxide 122 1.96 Aluminum shot 96 1.54 Ammonium nitrate 48 0.77 Ammonium sulfate 61 0.98 Asbestos ore 54 0.87 Bagasse 6 0.09 Bauxite ore 75 to 85 1.20 to 1.36 Bentonite 50 to 65 0.80 to 1.04 Bicarbonate of soda 57 0.91 Borax 50 to 61 0.80 to 0.98 Boric acid 58 0.93 Calcite 90 to 105 1.44 to 1.68 Calcium carbide 75 1.20 Calcium carbonate 49 0.79 Calcium chloride 64 1.03 Calcium phosphate 57 0.91 Carbon black 24 .033 Cellulose powder 16 0.26 Cement, portland 90 to 100 1.44 to 1.60 Cement clinker 75 to 80 1.20 to 1.28 Chrome ore 140 2.25 Clay 30 to 75 0.48 to 1.20 Coal, anthracite 55 0.88 Coal, bituminous 50 0.88 Coke breeze 25 to 35 0.40 to 0.56 Coke, petroleum 25 to 40 0.40 to 0.64 Copper ore 100 to 150 1.60 to 2.40 Coquina shell 80 1.28 Com starch 40 0.64 Diatomaceous earth 31 0.50 Dicalcium phosphate 64 1.03 Dolomite, crushed 90 to 100 1.44 to 1.60 Feldspar, crushed Table 6—Typical Bulk Densities65oftoVarious Particulate Materials. (Weights, Per Unit of 84 1.04 to 1.35 196 3.14 Ferrophosphorous 80 1.28 Fire clay 24 0.38 Flour, wheat 37 0.59 Hour, maize 90 to 120 1.44 to 1.92 Fluorspar 49 0.79 Fly ash 30 to 40 0.48 to 0.61 Fullers earth 168 2.69 Garnet 76 1.22 Glass beads 95 to 100 1.52 to 1.60 Glass, crushed 93 1.49 Glass cuUet 95 to 100 1.52 to 1.60 Granite, crushed 90 to 100 1.44 to 1.60 Gravel 58 0.93 Gypsum, calcined 90 to 100 1.44 to 1.60 Gypsum, crushed

32

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

TABLE 6—(Continued)—Typical bulk densities of various particulate materials. (Weights, per unit of volume, are of divided, crushed, or pulverized materials in freely poured conditions.) Average Weight

Material Iron ore Kaolin Kyanite Lime, ground Lime, hydrated Limestone, crushed Limestone, agricultural Magnesite Magnetite Manganese ore Marble, crushed Metals, powdered Aluminum Copper Copper-lead Iron Nickel Stainless steel Tantalum Mica Ore, sintered Oyster shells, ground Perlite ore Plaster, calcined Polyethylene pellets Polyethylene powder Poly (vinyl chloride) Potash Potassium carbonate Pumice Rubber, chopped Rubber, ground Phosphate rock Salt, flake Salt, rock Salt, table Sand Sand, silica Sawdust Seacoal Shale Shot, metal Silica flour Silica gel Soapstone, pulverized Soda ash, light Soda ash, heavy Soda, bicarbonate Sodium nitrate Sodium phosphate Sodium sulfate

lbs/ft' 120 to 150

160 68 60 25 85 to 100

70 106 155 120 to 136 90 to 95

80 169 364 243 263 240 300 42 114 29 65 to 75

64 36 18 30 77 79 40 36 20 75 to 85

61 66 75 90 to 100 90 to 100

18 42 100 230 27 45 40 25 to 35 55 to 65

57 78 43 96

G/cm' 1.92 to 2.40 2.25 1.09 0.96 0.40 1.36 to 1.60 1.12 1.70 2.49 1.92 to 2.18 1.44 to. 1.52 1.28 2.71 5.84 3.90 4.22 3.85 4.80 0.67 1.83 0.47 1.04 1.03 0.58 0.29 0.48 1.23 1.27 0.64 0.58 0.32 1.20 0.98 1.06 1.20 1.44 1.44 0.29 0.67 1.60 3.69 0.43 0.72 0.64 0.40 0.88 0.91 1.25 0.69 1.54

to 1.20

to 1.36

to 1.60 to 1.60

to 0.56 to 1.04

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

33

TABLE 6—(Continued)—Typical bulk densities of various particulate materials. (Weights, per unit of volume, are of divided, crushed, or pulverized materials in freely poured coruiitions.) Average Weight Material

Ibs/ff

G/cm^

Steel grit Stone, crushed Sugar, granulated Sugar, powdered Sulfur, crushed Talc, powder Talc, granular Traprock, crushed Triple superphosphate, granular Tungsten carbide Urea prills Vermiculite ore Wood chips Zinc dust Zirconium oxide Zirconium sand

228 85 to 95 50 37 50 to 65 34 44 105 to 110

3.66 1.36 to 1.52 0.80 0.59 0.80 to 1.04 0.55 0.71 1.68 to 1.76

64 550 43 80 13 144 200 162

1.03 8.82 0.69 1.28 0.21 2.31 3.22 2.60

" Where a single figure is given, it represents an actual weight of a typical average sample of the material recorded by a research laboratory; therefore, the figure can be expected to vary from sample to sample of the same material.

34

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

TABLE 7—List of ASTM published standards on sieve analysis procedures for specific materials or industries.

Material

ASTM Designation

Title of Standard

Sieve No. or Size Range

Dry

Wet

Activated Carbon

D2862

Test Method for Particle Size Distribution of Granular Activated Carbon (Vol. 15.01)

200

X

Aggregates

C 117

Test Method for Material Finer than 75 Micrometre (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing (Vol. 4.02) Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates (Vol. 4.02) Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates (Vol. 4.02) Test Method for Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in Aggregates (Vol. 4.02) Specification for Aggregate for Masoruy Mortar (Vol. 4.05) Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Structural Concrete (Vol. 4.02) Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Concrete Masonry Units (Vol. 4.02) Test Method for McNett Wet Classification of Asbestos Fiber (Vol. 04.5) Test Method for Screen Analysis of Asbestos Fibers (Vol. 04.05) Test Methods for Emulsified Asphalts (Vol. 04.03) Test Method for Carbon Black, Pelleted—Fines Content (Vol. 09.01) Test Method for Carbon Black—Pellet Size Distribution (Vol. 09.01) Test Method for Carbon Black—Sieve Residue (Vol. 09.01) Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by the 150 Micrometre (No. 100) and 75 Micrometre (No. 200) Sieves (Vol. 04.01) Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by the 45 Micrometre (No. 325) Sieve (Vol. 04.01) Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement and Raw Materials by the 300-Micrometre (No. 50), 150-Micrometre (No. 100), and 75-Micrometre (No. 200) Sieves by Wet Methods

200

X

C 125 C 136 C 142 C 144 C330 C331

Asbestos

D2589 D2947

Asphalt

D244

Carbon Black

D 1508 D 1511 D 1514

Cement

C 184

C430 C786

31/2 in.-200

X

VA in.-20

X

4-200

X

1 in.-lOO

X

X

3/4 in.-lOO

X

X

4-325 4-70

X X X

20 100 10-120

X X X

30-325 100 200

X

325

X

100-325

X

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

35

TABLE 7—(Continued)—List of ASTM published standards on sieve analysis procedures for specific materials or industries.

Material Ceramic

ASTM Designation C 325 C 371 C 925

Clays

C775

Coal

D 197 D4749

Coke

D293

Enamel

C285

Glass

C 429 D 1214

Lime

Clio C 141

Title of Standard Test Method for Wet Sieve Analysis of Ceramic Whiteware Clays (Vol. 15.02) Test Method for Wire-Cloth Sieve Analysis of Nonplastic Ceramic Powders (Vol. 15.02) Test Method for Precision Electroformed Wet Sieve of Nonplastic Ceramic Powders (Vol. 15.02) Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Whiteware Clays (Vol. 15.02) Test Method for Sampling and Fineness Test of Pulverized Coal (Vol. 05.05) Test Method for Performing Sieve Analysis of Coal and Designating Coal Size (Vol. 05.05) Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Coke (Vol. 05.05) Test Methods for Sieve Analysis of WetMilled and Dry-Milled Porcelain Enamel (Vol. 02.05) Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Raw Materials for Glass Manufacture (Vol. 15.02) Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Glass Spheres (Vol. 06.02) Test Methods for Physical Testing of Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and Limestone (Vol. 04.01) Specification for Hydraulic Hydrated Lime for Structural Purposes (Vol.

Sieve No. or Size Range

Dry

Wet

100-325

X

70-325

X

100-400 10-325

X

8-325

X X

4 in.-O

X

40-325

X

X

-200

X

X

20-325

X

20-200

X

20-200

X

4-200

X

4

X

04.01)

Magnesium Oxide

D 2772

Metal Bearing Ores

E 276

E 389

Metal Powders

B 214

Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Electrical Grade Magnesium Oxide (Vol 10.01) Test Method for Particle Size or Screen Analysis at No. 4 (4.75-mm) Sieve and Finer for Metal Bearing-Ores and Related Materials (Vol. 03.05) Test Method for Particle Size or Screen Analysis at No. 4 (4.75-mm) Sieve and Coarser for Metal-Bearing Ores and Related Materials (Vol. 03.05) Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Granular Metal Powders (Vol. 02.05)

80-325

X

X

36

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

TABLE 7—(Continued)—List of ASTM published standards on sieve analysis procedures for specific materials or industries.

Material Mineral

ASTM Designation D451 D452 D546

Perlite

C549

Pigments and Paint

D 185 D 480 D718

as tic

D 1921

jfractories

C92

sfuse Derived Fuel

E828

Resins

D 1457 D 1705

D 2187 Sand

C778

Soap

D502

Soil

D421

D 422

Title of Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Granular Mineral Surfacing for Asphalt Roofing Products (Vol. 04.04) Method for Sieve Analysis of Nongranular Mineral Surfacing for Asphah Roofing Products (Vol. 04.04) Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Mineral Filler for Road and Paving Materials (Vol. 04.03) Specification for Perlite Loose Fill Insulation (Vol. 04.06) Test Methods for Coarse Particles in Pigments, Pastes, and Paints (Vol. 06.03) Test Methods for Sampling and Testing of Flaked Aluminum Powders and Pastes (Vol. 06.03) Test Methods for Analysis of Aluminum Silicate Pigment (Vol. 06.03) Test Methods for Particle Size (Sieve Analysis) of Plastic Materials (Vol. 08.01) Test Methods for Sieve Analysis and Water Content of Refractory Materials (Vol. 15.01) Method for Designating the Size of RDF-3 from its Sieve Analysis (Vol. 11.04) Specification for Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Molding and Extrusion Materials (Vol. 08.01) Test Method for Particle Size Analysis of Powdered Polymers and Copolymers of Vinyl Chloride (Vol. 08.01) Test Methods for Physical and Chemical Properties of Particulate Ion-Exchange Resins (Vol. 11.02) Specification for Standard Sand (Vol. 04.01) Test Method for Particle Size of Soaps and Other Detergents (Vol. 15.04) Practice for Dry Preparation of Soil Samples for Particle Size Analysis and Determination of Soil Constants (Vol. 04.08) Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils (Vol. 04.08)

Sieve No. or Size Range

Dry

6-100

X

12-200

X

Wet

X 16-100 325

X X

X

100-325 325

X

3-200

X

4-325

X X

18-325

X

325

X

8-100 16-100

X

12-100

X

4^0

X

3 in.-20

X

X

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

37

TABLE 7—(Continued)—List of ASTM published standards on sieve analysis procedures for specific materials or industries.

Material

ASTM Designation D 1140 D2217

D2419 D2487 Vermiculite

C516

Title of Standard Test Method for Amount of Material in Soils Finer than the No. 200 (75Micrometer) Sieve (Vol. 04.08) Practice for Wet Preparation of Soil Samples for Particle-Size Analysis and Determination of Soil Constants (Vol. 04.08) Test Method for Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and Fine Aggregate (Vol. 04.03) Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System) (Vol. 04.08) Specification for Vermiculite Loose Fill Thermal Insulation (Vol. 04.06)

Sieve No. or Size Range

Dry

Wet

40-200

X

10-40

X

4-200

X

40-200

X

4 in.-lOO

X

X

38

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

TABLE 8—List of ASTM published standards on sampling of particulate materials. Material

ASTM Designation

Aggregates Asbestos Fiber Test Bituminous Materials

D75 D2590 D 140 D979

Calcium Chloride

D345

Carbon Black

D 1799 D 1900

Cement

C 183

Ceramic Clays Coal

C322 D 197 D2013 D2234

Coke

D346

Electrical Insulating Material Lime and Limestone

D2755

Metal Powders

B 215

Plastics Soap Powders

D 1898 D460

Statistical Probabilities

E 105

C50

E 122 E 141

Title of Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates (Vol. 04.03) Test Method of Sampling Chrysotile Asbestos (Vol. 04.05) Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials (Vol. 04.03) Practice for Sampling Bituminous Paving Mixtures (Vol. 04.03) Test Method for Sampling and Testing Calcium Chloride for Roads and Structural Apphcations (Vol. 04.03) Practice for Carbon Black—Sampling Packaged Shipments (Vol. 09.01) Practice for Carbon Black—Sampling Bulk Shipments (Vol. 9.01) Practice for Sampling and the Amount of Testing of Hydraulic Cement (Vol. 04.01) Practice for Sampling Ceramic Whiteware Clays (Vol. 15.02) Test Method for Sampling and Fineness Test of Pulverized Coal (Vol. 05.05) Method of Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis (Vol. 05.05) Test Methods for Collection of a Gross Sample of Coal (Vol. 05.05) Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for Laboratory Analysis (Vol. 05.05) Test Method for Sampling and Reduction to Test Weight of Electrical Grade Magnesium Oxide (Vol. 10.02) Practice for Sampling, Inspection, Packing, and Marking of Lime and Limestone Products (Vol. 04.01) Practices for Sampling Finished Lots of Metal Powders (Vol. 02.05) Practice for Sampling of Plastics (Vol. 08.01) Test Methods for Sampling and Chemical Analysis of Soaps and Soap Products (Vol. 15.04) Practice for Probability Sampling of Materials (Vol. 14.02) Practice for Choice of Sample Size to Estimate a Measure of Quality for a Lot or Process (Vol. 14.02) Practice for Acceptance of Evidence Based on the Results of Probability Sampling (Vol. 14.02)

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

FIG. A\—Spinning riffler.

39

40

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

Nomenclature General Terms Two or more particles held together loosely by weak mechanical or physical Agglomerate forces. Aperture Dimensions defining an opening in a screening surface. Balling Agglomeration of particles into a very loose or feathery mass usually in a liquid. Bulk density Ratio of the mass of a material to its volume, in a freely poured condition. To separate an agglomerate or floe into measurable entities or workable Disperse particles. The size of the largest particle that will pass a screen aperture. Effective opening To form an assembly of particles (floe) bonded together by strong molecular Flocculate or chemical forces. Near-mesh or near-size Particles of a size approximately equal to that of the sieve opening. The specified dimension of the opening of a sieve about which the actual size Nominal size is permitted to vary. Ratio of the total area of the openings to the total area of the screen, expressed Open area as a percentage. The dimension of a particle usually expressed in terms of the smallest sieve Particle size opening through which it will pass. Pertaining to a material composed of distinct separate particles. Particulate Representative sample A sample taken from a larger quantity of material which retains, within close limits, the particle size distribution characteristics of the original material from which it was taken, (a) A surface provided with openings of uniform size and shape; (b) a machine Screen provided with one or more screening surfaces. The process of separating a mixture of particles of different sizes by means of Screening one or more screening surfaces. A screen mounted on a frame, usually for laboratory test purposes. Sieve

Certified sieve Cover (lid) Matched sieve Nesting pan Pan (receiver) Sieve cloth series Sieve frame Sieve scale Skirt Standard sieve

Cumulative oversize distribution graph Cumulative undersize distribution graph

Test Sieves A test sieve that has been examined and certified by an authority, accredited for the purpose, as complying with the specifications and tolerances of the applicable standard. A cover that fits snugly over a sieve to prevent the escape of material being sieved. A test sieve that duplicates the results of another sieve within specified limits. A pan with nesting skirt for use in a stack of sieves to permit two or more separate sieve tests to be made simultaneously, usually with a mechanical sieve shaker. A pan that fits snugly beneath a sieve to receive the passing fraction. Sieve cloth woven to a mathematically defined set of opening widths, wire diameters, and tolerances. A rigid framework that supports the sieving medium and limits the spread of the material being sieved. A series of sieve openings having a systematic mathematical progression. The portion of the sieve frame that extends below the sieving surface and nests into the next finer sieve of receiving pan. A sieve, which conforms to a standard specification for test, sieves. Test Sieving A graph obtained by plotting the total percentages by weight retained on each of a set of sieves of descending opening size against the corresponding opening sizes. A graph obtained by plotting the totjd percentages by weight passing each of a set of sieves of descending opening size against the corresponding opening sizes.

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

Dry sieving End point Gross sample Laboratory sample Sieve analysis Size analysis Size distribution graph Size range Test sample Test sieving Wet sieving

41

Sieving without the aid of a liquid. The stopping point in a sieve test at which further sieving fails to pass an amount sufficient to change the result. A representative sample taken from a large volume of material that is too large to use in a test sieve. See Test sample. The results of a sieve test showing the percentages of sample retained on (or passing) each sieve used in the test. The results of dividing a sample into fractions of defined limits (See also Sieve analysis). A graphical representation of the results of a sieve analysis test. The limits between the smallest and the largest particle in a sample. A representative sample that is small enough to use directly in a test sieve or series of sieves. Sieving with one or more test sieves to determine the particle size distribution of a particulate material. Sieving with the aid of a suitable liquid. Production Screening

Feed Oversize Oversize in undersize Point of separation Screen efficiency Undersize (fines) Undersize in oversize

Double crimp Mesh Plain weave Rectangular mesh Shoot wires Space cloth Square mesh Twilled weave Warp wires Weft wires

Bridge width Hole size Margin

Material supplied to a screen for screening. That portion of the feed material that has failed to pass through the openings of a screen. Particles in a screen undersize that are larger than the nominal point of separation. In a screening operation, the size of opening that will allow undersize particles to pass and will reject oversize particles. The percentage of recovery of the desired portion (usually the undersize) from the amount available in the feed. That portion of the feed material that has passed through the openings of a screen. Particles in a screen oversize that are smaller than the nominal point of separation. Woven Wire Cloth Wire cloth woven with approximately equal corrugations in both warp and shoot to lock the wires in position, (a) The number of apertiwes per unit of length; (b) in countries using English measure, the number of openings, and fraction thereof, per linear inch counting from the center of a wire. Wire cloth in which each warp wire and each shoot wire passes over one and under the next adjacent wire in both directions. Mesh with unequal opening widths in warp and shoot direction. The wires running cross-wise of the cloth as woven (also called "shute wires"). Wire cloth, which is designated by the clear opening between the wires instead of by the mesh. Mesh with equal opening widths in warp and shoot direction. Wire cloth in which each shoot wire passes successively over two and under two warp wires and each warp wire passes successively over two and under two shoot wires. The wires running the long direction of the wire cloth as woven. See Shoot wires. Perforated Plate Distance between the nearest edges of two adjacent holes in a perforated plate. In perforated plate, the diameter of the round hole; width of the square hole at its mid-section; smallest width of the oblong hole. Distance between the outside edges of the outside rows of holes and the edges of a perforated plate.

42

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

Perforated plate Pitch Electroformed mesh Micromesh Sieve sheet Supporting grid

A plate with uniform holes, in symmetrical arrangement. Distance between the centers of two adjacent holes in a perforated plate. Electroformed Sieves A sieve sheet formed by electrodeposition on photosensitized, machine-ruled lines. Synonym for electroformed mesh. A sieving plate composed of a fine electroformed mesh bonded to a coarser supporting grid. A relatively thick sheet of metal having large, uniform, square openings to which the fine mesh is bonded for support.

MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS

43

References Allen, T., Particle Size Measurement, Chapman and Hall, London, 1968. Orr, C, Jr., Particulate Technology, Macmillan, New York, 1966. Cadle, R. D., Particle Size, Reinhold, New York, 1965. Irani, R. R. and Callis, C. R, Particle Size: Measurement, Interpretation and Application, Wiley, New York, 1963. Herdan, G., Small Particle Statistics, 2nd ed.. Academic, New York, 1960. Batel, W., Einfuhrung in die Komgrossenmesstechnik, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1960. Orr, C, Jr. and Dalla Valle, J. M., Fine Particles Measurement: Size Surface and Pore Volume, Macmillan, New York, 1959. Rose, H. E., Measurement of Particle Size in Very Fine Powders, Chemical, New York, 1954. Dalla Valle, J. M., Micrometritics. The Technology of Fine Particles, 2nd ed.. Pitman, New York, 1948. "Particle Size Analysis," Analytical Chemistry, Society of Analytical Chemistry, London, 1967. "Powders in Industry," SCI Monograph 14, 1961 Society of Chemical Industry, London. Particle Size Measurement, ASTM STP 234, American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, PA, 1959. "The Physics of Particle Size Analysis," British Journal of Applied Physics, Supplement No. 3, Institute of Physics, London, 1954. "Particle Size Analysis," Supplement to Transactions, Institute of Chemical Engineers, London, Vol. 25, 1947. New Methods for Particle Size Determination in the Subsieve Range, ASTM STP 51, American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, PA, 1941.