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Have questions about your materials testing equipment? We have the answers to these questions and much more right here! Check back monthly for long-form blog posts, how-to guides and infographics. We’ll address industry insights, the operation and maintenance of specific equipment, and our product line recommendations, all designed to better serve you.
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Test sieves are simple devices, but they are still scientific instruments and the most cost-effective and widely used particle sizing and gradation testing method. This blog article will cover the accuracy verification of sieves, agitation and sieve shakers, accessories, and wet-wash sieves.
Particle size gradation is the most often-performed test on aggregates, and effective characterization can’t move forward without it. Testing screens offer an efficient and cost-effective method for accurate size determinations of coarse materials. This blog post will help you select the right Gilson Screen Shaker for your testing applications.
Screen Trays are the heart of all Gilson Testing Screen Shakers. In this blog post, we discuss how to get the most accurate results and extended life from your testing screen trays.
Does the particle size analysis of coarse aggregates always require a testing screen with large screen trays? In a situation where larger testing equipment is not available, there may still be ways to get the job done. Using conventional round test sieves for large particle sizes is less efficient, but still acceptable if done properly. We discuss test requirements, sieve capacities, and tips to help with equipment selection.
The two major standards governing test sieves and appropriate opening sizes are ASTM E11 and ISO 565/3310-1, both of which specify parameters for aperture dimensions, mesh size and statistical variations. We take a dive into sieve sizes and give guidance on the basics, popular test application opening sizes, maintenance, and an opening size conversion table.
Measuring the particle size distribution of fine-grained soils like clay and silt is best performed using the soil hydrometer test. In this blog post, we provide some guidance from sample prepping to performing the test procedure by following the ASTM D7928 standard test method.
Most materials have a lower size limit where sieving with a sieve shaker is no longer sufficient, and the agitation necessary for particle separation starts to break down and destroy some fragile materials. Particles in some substances resist separation and clump together due to electrostatic or moisture issues. For many years, these problems limited the effectiveness of measuring particle size by sieving. This article tells the story of how one man pushed back those boundaries.
Test sieves are an efficient, productive, and economical means of characterizing the gradation of dry granular materials. However, the sieving method is not without limitations. If obstacles seem to be making it difficult to produce accurate, repeatable results for finer sizes, Sonic Sieving may be the answer.
Concluding our two-part series on aggregate characteristics. Find out how shape, size, and specific gravity play a part in determining the effectiveness of aggregates in construction projects.
Testing sieves are not a one-size-fits-all product in materials testing. They should be selected based on application, compliance standards, sample composition, level of precision required and more.
