Sieve analysis, also known as sieving analysis, is a particle size analysis method that determines the particle size composition of loose solid materials. Here is a detailed explanation of sieving analysis:

Definition and Principle

Sieving analysis refers to the process of separating materials into several levels according to particle size by sieving. Its essence is to let a known mass of material (sample) pass through a set of sieves with gradually decreasing sieve holes, thereby separating the material into different particle size levels. The sieving results can be obtained through the discharge port on the sifter, and smaller particles can pass through the mesh holes, while larger particles cannot pass through, thereby achieving material separation.

Sieve analysis methods and steps

Dry sieving method:

When the material contains less water and mud, and the requirements for the analysis results are not very strict, dry sieving can be performed directly.
Dry sieving generally takes 10 to 30 minutes to run on the vibrating screen.
To check whether the screening has reached the endpoint, each layer of the sieve needs to be manually screened and checked. The screening can be considered to have reached the endpoint only when the mass of the material under the sieve screened out within 1 minute is not greater than 1% of the mass of the material on the sieve or not greater than 0.1% of the total mass of the screened material.

Wet sieving:

If the material is severely sticky and the requirements for the analysis results are relatively strict, wet screening must be used.
Wet screening can also better adapt to the ambient temperature and atmospheric humidity and improve operating conditions.
The specific screening method is to place the sample in the sieve, flush it with water, and complete the screening after flushing for a period of time. The screen residue of the powder sample is calculated based on the weight of the screen residue and the weight of the sample.

In addition, there are many screening methods such as overlapping screening methods, layered sequence methods, coarse and fine combined methods, etc., and the appropriate method can be selected according to the nature of the material and the screening requirements.

Purpose and application of sieve analysis

Purpose:

To find out the weight percentage of each particle size, to determine their particle size composition.
The weight of a certain particle size divided by the total weight of the sieved material is the yield (or screen residue) of the material of that particle size.
The cumulative screen residue percentage indicates the percentage of the material larger than a certain sieve hole in the total weight of the sieved material; the cumulative undersize percentage indicates the percentage of the material smaller than a certain sieve hole in the total weight of the sieved material or the percentage of the throughput.

Application:

Sieving analysis is widely used in many industries, such as the chemical industry for the screening of granular materials, the food industry for the screening of powder and granular materials, the metallurgical industry for the screening of materials in the fields of casting, steel, etc., and the environmental protection industry for the screening of waste.

Data processing and result analysis

Data processing:

When the mass loss of the material in the sieving process does not exceed 1%, the sum of the masses of each particle size can be calculated as 100%.
The results of the sieving analysis can be processed by the table method or curve method. The tabular method usually includes columns such as particle size, the mass of each particle size obtained by sieving, the yield of each particle size, the cumulative yield on the sieve, and the cumulative yield under the sieve.

Result analysis:

The particle size distribution of the material can be understood through the sieving analysis results, which provides an important reference for subsequent processing and use.
If the sieving analysis results do not meet the requirements, the sieving analysis needs to be repeated until accurate and reliable results are obtained.

Test Sieve Shaker Video

Conclusion

Sieve analysis, as an important particle size analysis method, not only provides laboratory researchers with key data for an in-depth understanding of material properties, but also lays the foundation for quality control, process optimization, and product performance improvement in industrial production processes. Therefore, sieving analysis is not only an important technology in the field of particle size analysis but also the key to promoting technological progress and sustainable development in related industries.