Tech Team · Kintek Solution

Sieve analysis is a widely used method for determining the particle size distribution of granular materials. The standard size of a sieve analysis depends on the diameter of the sieve frame and the mesh size, which are governed by industry standards such as ASTM E11 and ISO 3310-1. Common frame sizes include 3 inches (75 mm), 8 inches (200 mm), and 12 inches (300 mm) in the U.S., and 100 mm, 200 mm, and 300 mm internationally. Mesh sizes range from 4 mesh (4.75 mm) to 500 mesh (0.025 mm), depending on the application and particle size range. The choice of sieve size and mesh is critical for accurate and consistent results in particle size analysis.

Key Points Explained:

1. Standard Sieve Frame Sizes:

   • Sieve frames are available in various diameters, with common sizes including 3 inches (75 mm), 8 inches (200 mm), and 12 inches (300 mm) in the U.S.
   • Internationally, standard sizes are 100 mm, 200 mm, and 300 mm.
   • Larger frames, such as 18 inches (500 mm) and 24 inches (600 mm), are also available for specific applications requiring larger sample volumes.

2. Mesh Size Range:

   • Mesh sizes for sieves range from 4 mesh (4.75 mm) to 500 mesh (0.025 mm).
   • The mesh size determines the size of particles that can pass through the sieve, with larger mesh numbers corresponding to smaller openings.

3. Industry Standards:

   • ASTM E11 and ISO 3310-1 are the primary standards governing sieve construction and performance.
   • These standards specify the acceptable range of particle sizes that can be effectively sieved, from 150 mm (6 inches) down to 5 µm (0.0002 inches).

4. Types of Sieves Based on Screen Size:

   • Wire Woven Mesh Sieves: Used for finer particles, with screen sizes ranging from 0.02 mm to 2.36 mm.
   • Metal Perforated Plate Sieves: Suitable for larger particles, with screen sizes from 1 mm to 125 mm.
   • Electroforming Sieves: Designed for very fine particles, with sieve sizes from 5 µm to 500 µm.

5. Application-Specific Requirements:

   • The choice of sieve size and mesh depends on the material being analyzed and the desired particle size range.
   • Standards provide detailed guidelines on the number of sieves required, sample size, test duration, and whether a sieve shaker is needed.

6. Certification and Calibration:

   • Sieves may need to be certified or calibrated to ensure accuracy and consistency in results.
   • Certified sieves are often required for compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

7. Importance of Standardization:

   • Standardized sieve sizes and mesh specifications ensure uniformity and reproducibility in particle size analysis across different laboratories and industries.
   • Over 150 ASTM standards and 130 ISO standards reference sieve analysis, highlighting its importance in various analytical and industrial processes.

By adhering to these standards and selecting the appropriate sieve size and mesh, users can achieve reliable and accurate particle size distribution results, which are critical for quality control and research applications.

Summary Table:

Aspect	Details
Standard Frame Sizes	3" (75 mm), 8" (200 mm), 12" (300 mm) in the U.S.; 100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm internationally
Mesh Size Range	4 mesh (4.75 mm) to 500 mesh (0.025 mm)
Industry Standards	ASTM E11, ISO 3310-1
Sieve Types	Wire Woven Mesh, Metal Perforated Plate, Electroforming
Applications	Quality control, research, material analysis
Certification	Required for compliance with standards

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