Test Sieving Methods

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)
ASTM Manual Series: MNL32

ASTM Stock #: MNL32
100 Barr Harbor Drive
iSIf West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959

Printed in the U.S.A.
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
Copyright © 1998 AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS, West Conshohocken,
PA. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or copied, in whole or in part, In any
printed, mechanical, electronic, film, or other distribution and storage media, without the written
consent of the publisher
Photocopy Rights
Authorization to photocopy items for internal, personal, or educational classroom use, or

the internal, personal, or educational classroom use of specific clients, is granted by the
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) provided that the appropriate fee is paid
to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923; Tel: 508-750-
8400; online: http://www.copyright.com/.
NOTE: This manual does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with Its use.
It is the responsibility of the user of this manual to establish appropriate safety and health practices
and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Printed in Mayfield, PA
July 1998
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 iii
1. Wire Cloth Sieves 1
2. Perforated Plate Sieves 1
3. Precision Electroformed Sieves 2
4. Sieves with Enhanced Accuracy 2
5. Samples and Sampling 2
6. General Test Sieving Procedure 7
7. Hand Sieving Method 8
8. Suggestions on Procedure for Making Sieve Analysis with Precision
Electroformed Sieves 8
9. Mechanical Sieve Shaker Method 9
10. Wet Testing 11
11. Combined Wet and Dry Testing 13
12. Weighing 14
13. Calculation 14
14. Graphic Presentation of Test Results 16
15. Care and Cleaning of Test Sieves 17
16. Miscellaneous Suggestions 19
Appendix
Table 1—U.S. Standard Sieve Series 24
Table 2—U.S. Standard Perforated Plates Sieves 26
Table 3—International Standard (ISO)—Test Sieves—Woven Metal Wire
Cloth and Perforated Plate Nominal Size of Apertures 27
Table 4—Precision Electroformed Sieves 29
Table 5—Suggested Bulk Volume of Test Sample for Sieve Analysis with 8-
in. and 200-mm Round Sieves 30
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.) 31
Table 7—List of ASTM Published Standards on Sieve Analysis Procedure for
Specific Materials or Industries 34
Table 8—List of ASTM Published Standards on Sampling of Particulate
Materials 38
Figure Al—Spinning Riffler 39
Nomenclature 40
References 43
MNL32-EB/JUI. 1998
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 1-
in. (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 si-
multaneous 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 18-
in. (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 ab-
rasion, 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
' Including Canada, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, India, Argentina,
Chile, and Uruguay.
1
Copyright® 1998 b y AS FM International www.astm.org
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 represen-
tative 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.
MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS 3
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 circum-
stances 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 lo-
cation 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).
approximately 6 ft (1.83 m). Five or six insertions of the tube (follow manufacturers' sug-
gested 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).
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 100-
cm^ 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 near-
mesh 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, pjirtic-
ularly 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.
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.
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 over-
loading. 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).
8 MANUAL ON TEST SIEVING METHODS
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.
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 low-
power (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.
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 high-
speed 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.

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
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 signif-
icant 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.
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. Per-
centage results are expressed in terms of the original dry mass of the test sample before wet
testing.
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 re-
checked for possible errors in weighing, calculation, blinding of the sieve openings, or ac-
cidental 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 desir-
able 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).
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
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 re-
quirements, 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
LABORATORY REPORT OF SIEVE ANALYSIS

NAME JCIHK ^ÔR SLATE CO. 18-500
M.uri.1 S U T E DOST
jt^^„^ FEED TO SCHEBN NO, 1
Woif hta on or
B«tw«en Sieve* ToUl ParMDUt*
U.S. U.S.
Muh No. Opcninc Ina.
H«ih No.
Gr.». PcrCent On Punnf
4 4
« C
.,..-. ...
1
1...
8 « 1r
!• 12
"t 1
14 t6 1! [1 _
20 » ""•' f'"" .2 .ll .h 99.6
28 30
i 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 i 6.0 12.0 50.0 50.0
100 100 6.0 ; 12.0 62.0 38.0
ISO 140 i 5.5 1 11.0 73.0 27.0
2M 200 3.5 j 7.0 80.0 20.0
i- -
Pan Pan 10.0 ' 20.0 100.0
TotBla 50.0 100.0
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
SIEVE TESTS
MADE WITH
U. S. SIEVE SERIES SIEVES
Name. .. J^Cl.PCK SUTE„_C.O... -Date.. „Test Number „18-S00„,
Address . ^Made by. .Ei.B.-..
Material SLA^?B DUSl 11 r^ NONE
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)
FEED OVERSIZE UNSERSIZE FEED OVERSIZE DNDESSIZE

TO FROM FROM TO FROM FROM
NO. 1 SCREEN NO. 1 SCREEN NO. 1 SCREEN NO. 2 SCREEN NO. 2 SCREEN NS. 2 SCREEN
Tliw Û M tnutci Tlmr___lSLMinutw Tim.. i y Min.,t« Ti •»»• J,Q M Inutes Tlw i n Minute* Tim.- i n Mln.i,M
% Cum,% WtilM Cum.% W«l(ht % Cuin.% W*)(ht

%
Cum. % W*lght
% Cum. % Wlilht
%
MMh
U.S.
Na.
Sitvti
(Tat.1 %
Sin.) Sint* -i:, (Tot.l %
Sin.)
B*lw.«n (Tolil !l
Siex)
(Toltl X Betwcn
SI.V.I
(Totel %
on eich
(Tolai %
Sim.)
3
4 4
6 6
S 8
10 12
u 16
20 20
.li ,ll 1.0 1.0 h •li l.ll l.lr
28 30 •;.? •;,6 T( 1 16,1 •).? •;.6 ?«.•; 29.9 .3 .1
35 40
inL 97.7 Jill ft (tO,l .2 .2 17.1 22.7 •f7.? 07,1 1,'; 3.8
48 SO il.i 1B.0 11.1 w.o ?.9 6.1 111 li 17.1 llifl 98.9 16 ft 50.0
65 70 i j . n <o.n fifl 90 fl T ; . ? 2ZJi^ Ji2J. •; 99.)| lA.n Vi.O
100 100 1 2 ^ 6J.0 1 n w.n 16.2 V i . ? 10.7 « . 8 l-J.O •Sl.O
150 140
JJ-Dj 71.0 11.1 'Jl.l 7 . 0 66.a 1?.0 61.0
200 200
7.0 6 0 . 0 10.2 6 1 , ' ; li.3 7 1 . 1 9.0 72.0
Pin P*n so.o XOSLfi. .2 100.0 18.<il00.0 ?fl.9 100.0 .6 100,0 ?fl.o 100.0
Totals LOO.O loo.ol 100.0 00.0 lOO.O
IPP.P
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 near-
mesh 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.
U. S. SIEVE SERIES
Cumulative Direct Diagram of Screen Analysis on Sample of SLATE DUST
Naipp JWN DCe SLATE CO. Date_
Pti Cant P.r C*nt
ZzyssESSTB FRUH| inromsizE yam

• no. 1 "gCREEH" "TIP, i SCBEHT
"5570
3--?
^ i -
78.0
..E-5_Llfi0ls 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.
. nf SLATF. DUST
^ aipo n">
w
JOHN DOE SLATE CO.
leoK
M
^ hif [ 1 r ~
^f 5;!=
HljTlrijTr : • -1 -1?^ ~^ J = ;
'••7^-
i=
wh-'f
-r
:|
B
||myU|::
B
• ~
r
j Tl'^ ^ : _ : . : •
"iH
7:1
iif^' i i: il:"
- -r -
: • • ; -
t^ -^
-
c5".
^p w :'|:i
Ip: -rE
inr^
Iff ^ M_V'
-
: • :
:
. , :
"
;
•
;.:
i:i :s w
mf- f nîl~ | | E
itmtFfP
ipfSi
:"-; it"' 11 =^p ':i ---: :)]]);: ^4
ijtt ziz
w- SffiPr
60
so
:'r^
~
Ir
ih:
riHJiT
1 .:;, i : ^
-.;- "-::
• if 1^- -.-f: ii;3;
~: 'mP' V l ; ||EJEE3E EE^
ffl:- 5 t ; •MT.' : - ; E JTl" • 3 - 3pl r iir
\i =EE
=
||IB]4Sj:
l^lirnrll-
'FH' t••""- bz ijiisi
t[ip|iiti-4:
:?;# IT r -:î=
4th
t i.:-: • f? M; IIEE tftfftm^
Iffil M't-
jUyiiii... iiB
-^ ilp: --!-
;r
_:r
aj^g
•m
a r ; ..- ¥- jgfe ^'i'l ttt-- - H~
20
3
ilirrTn^ - -
In r T r r r ' "
fi^
.. — —
::r
g. EI
if 'zhS'-¥ îi
|-f-
^P^ i#P^ EE
^'d^
— pif:
1 f
to
8TT: I'^t
M\h ips
M
SCALE
f °\ " I •J » ~ - rslji %i• |s IpM ^M ! S
II I I I
STEEEBUSl SRBtBE
gE3SH3El5Cg
:iJ3se5ffiRS32E: !»SSH
:zictHHispsBtj KHrizii
FIG. 14—Typical logarithmic 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 mag-
nesium 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 mag-
nesium or other chemical, and then proceed with the test.
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 , ^ 1 , I.I
Openings Per Cent
l.ch.s
m"t"fs
Me.,. No'- WaigMts
Per Cent
.=• Weights
Per Cent Cumulative
Weights IZ'. Per Cent Cumulilive
Weights
1
i' 1
FKKU 'IV SCHKKNS ! i
3 ' 1
4
6 e
B 8 -
10
ON
It
14
20
16
20 .h ! ,h '
28 30 ^ ^'.2 ' ?.6 1
It 36 40 • IV.1 ' ?2.7

'1
48 50 lii.ii ' ^7.1
12.0 iJAA
"
fi- 100
TO
100 10.7 • 59.8
ll 150 140 ' 7.0 rS6.~S
ti 200 1 L.3 [ 71.0
p.» ^ f J " 200
ZOO
! 2B.9 !100.0 -
1
! TÛh. ilOO.O i i 1
FIG. 15—Example of interpolation to determine percentage that would pass or be retained on open-
ings 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.
U. S. SIEVE SERIES
Cumulative Direct Diagram of Screen Analysis on Sample of_
Nam^ JOHN DOE SLATE CO. Date.
Openings Per Cenl Per CBT.1

U.S. Ssmpie
l.ch„
mX« Mesh Weights
Pef Cent Cumulitive
Welghti
Per Cent Cufi>ul»l,»(
WelBhli
Weight! — Cumulativ*
Welihts
Y'K^ TO SO EENS
3
4 1
6 6 1 1
'8
10 12
8
i [
j
] i
1
1« i i t i 1
ON 20 ' 1
20
30 4 1\ 5.6
?.? 4 .. 1 .|
"
M
2S
35 40
i 17.1 ! 2f.7 \
I
tl
48
50
l i . l i J ,17.1 i
TO
II
65 12.0 1 li9.1 1
I
11
100 too l&±.IJ_51.i !
"
II
ISO
300
140
200 Ttcrreo
li-i U^ 1
1 1
P.S. 2pp. 28l5_ llOOlO 1

200
rotais. ilflO.O j
!
1
FIG. 16—Example of interpolation to determine the opening that would pass or retain a given per-
centage of the sample.
FIG. 17—Brass wire brush.
FIG. 18—Nylon bristle brush.

APPENDIX
TABLE I—U.S. standard sieve series (ASTM Ell").
Sieve Designation
Nominal Sieve Nominal Wire
Standard* Alternative Opening, in."' Diameter, mm"
(1) (2) (3) (4)

125 mm 5 in. 5 8.0
106 mm 4.24 in. 4.24 6.30
100 mm'' 4 in.'' 4 6.30
90 mm 3'/2 in. 3.5 6.30
75 mm 3 in. 3 6.30
63 mm 2'/2 in. 2.5 5.60
53 mm 2.12 in. 2.12 5.00
50 mm'' 2 in." 2 5.00
45 mm PA in. 1.75 4.50
37.5 mm V/i in. 1.5 4.50
31.5 mm 11/4 in. 1.25 4.00
26.5 mm 1.06 in. 1.06 3.55
25.0 mm'' 1 in.'' 1 3.55
22.4 m m Vs in. 0.875 3.55
19.0 m m % in. 0.750 3.15
16.0 m m Vs in. 0.625 3.15
13.2 m m 0.530 in. 0.530 2.80
12.5 mm'' 1/2 in.'' 0.500 2.50
11.2 nmi Vie in. 0.438 2.50
9.5 m m % in. 0.375 2.24
8.0 m m Vie in. 0.312 2.00
6.7 m m 0.265 in. 0.265 1.80
6.3 mm'' '/4 in."* 0.250 1.80
5.6 m m No. 31/2'^ 0.223 1.60
4.75 m m No. 4 0.187 1.60
4.00 m m No. 5
0.157 1.40
No. 6
3.35 m m 0.132 1.25
No. 7
2.80 m m 0.111 1.12
No. 8
2.36 m m 0.0937 1.00
No. 10
2.00 m m 0.0787 0.900
No. 12
1.70 m m 0.0661 0.800
No. 14
1.40 m m 0.0555 0.710
No. 16
1.18 m m 0.0469 0.630
No. 18
1.00 m m 0.0394 0.560
No. 20
850 M-m^ No. 25 0.0331 0.500
7 1 0 (jLHi No. 30 0.0278 0.450
600 M,m No. 35 0.0234 0.400
500 |xm 0.0197 0.315
425 n,m No. 40 0.0165 0.280
355 |xm No. 45 0.0139 0.224
300 (Jim No. 50 0.0117 0.200
250 (Am No. 60 0.0098 0.160
212 M,m No. 70 0.0083 0.140
180 M.m No. 80 0.0070 0.125
150 M-m No. 100 0.0059 0.100
125 ixm No. 120 0.0049 0.090
106 (Jim No. 140 0.0041 0.071
90 (jLm No. 170 0.0035 0.063
75 ixm No. 200 0.0029 0.050
63 |xm No. 230 0.0025 0.045
TABLE I—(Continued)—U.S. standard sieve series (ASTM Ell").

Sieve Designation
Nominal Sieve Nominal Wire
Standard* Alternative Opening, in." Diameter, mm"
(1) (2) (3) (4)
53 (jtm No. 270 0.0021 0.036

45 jjLin No. 325 0.0017 0.032
38 (Jim No. 400 0.0015 0.030
32 )ji.m No. 450 0.0012 0.028
25 H.m'' No. 500 0.0010 0.025
"For complete specifications including permissible variations from nominal apertures and wire di-
ameters 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.
TABLE 2~U.S. standard perforated plates sieves (ASTM E 323").
Sieve Designation
and Aperture Size Centers Plate Thickness
Standard Alternative Standard Alternative Standard Alternative

mm* in.'' mm in."* mm in." gage*
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
125 5 160 6'/4 3.4 0.1345 10

106 41/4 135 51/4 3.4 0.1345 10
100^ 4 128 5 3.4 0.1345 10
90 3'/2 111 4% 2.7 0.1046 12
75 3 95 33/4 2.7 0.1046 12
63 21/2 80 31/8 2.7 0.1046 12
53 21/8 68 2^/8 2.7 0.1046 12
50^ 2 64 21/2 2.7 0.1046 12
45 PA 57 2'/4 1.9 0.0747 14
37.5 V/2 48 V/t. 1.9 0.0747 14
31.5 1/4 41 \% 1.9 0.0747 14
26.5 IVie 35 iyi6 1.9 0.0747 14
25.0/ 1 32 11/4 1.9 0.0747 14
22.4 V« 29 11/8 1.9 0.0747 14
19.0 VA 25 1 1.9 0.0747 14
16.0 % 21 iyi6 1.9 0.0747 14
13.2 1%2 18 y. 1.9 0.0747 14
12.5/ '/2 17 11/16 1.9 0.0747 14
11.2 yi6 15 y8 1.9 0.0747 14
9.5 % 13 01/2 1.9 0.0747 14
8.0 yi6 11 yi6 1.9 0.0747 14
6.7 •764 9.9 2%4 1.5 0.0598 16
6.3/ '/4 9.5 y8 1.5 0.0598 16
5.6 Vi2 8.7 11/32 1.5 0.0598 16
4.75 Vie 6.8 1/4 1.5 0.0598 16
4.00 %2 5.9 y32 1.5 0.0598 16
3.35 0.127(1/8) 4.9 yi6 1.5 0.0598 16
2.80 VM 4.4 11/64 1.5 0.0598 16
2.36 3/32 3.8 y32 1.5 0.0598 16
2.00 0.078 3.3 1/8 1.5 0.0598 16
1.70 0.066 2.9 764 0.8 0.0299 22
1.40 0.055 2.6 0.100 0.8 0.0299 22
1.18 0.045 2.2 0.090 0.8 0.0299 22
1.00 0.039 2.0 0.077 0.8 0.0299 22
" 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 Orga-
nization, 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.
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 Supplementary Sizes Principal Sizes Supplementary Sizes

(R 20/3) (R20) (R 20/3) (R 40/3)
mm mm mm mm
125 125 125 125
112 106
100
90 90 90 90
80 75
71
63 63 63 63
56 53
50
45 45 45 45
40 37.5
35.5
31.5 31.5 31.5 31.5
28 26.5
25
22.4 22.4 22.4 22.4
20 19
18
16 16 16 16
14 13.2
12.5
11.2 11.2 11.2 11.2
10 9.50
9
8 8 8 8
7.10 6.70
6.30
5.60 5.60 5.60 5.60
5 4.75
4.50
4 4 4 4
3.55 3.35
3.15
2.80 2.80 2.80 2.80
2.50 2.36
2.24
2 2 2 2
1.80 1.70
1.60
1.40 1.40 1.40 1.40
1.25 1.18
1.12
1 1 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.
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 Supplementary Sizes Principal Sizes Supplementary Sizes

(R 20/3) (R20) (R 20/3) (R 40/3)
ixm ILTn fLva ^xm
900 850
800
710 710 710 710
630 600
560
500 500 500 500
450 425
400
355 355 355 355
315 300
280
250 250 250 250
224 212
200
180 180 180 180
160 150
140
125 125 125 125
112 106
100
90 90 90 90
80 75
71
63 63 63 63
56 53
50
45 45 45 45
40 38
36
32 32
28 26
25
22 22
20
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.
TABLE 4—Precision electwformed sieves (ASTM E 161°).
Sieve Designation, Permissible Variation Limits, Openings

Nominal Size of of Sieve per Linear Inch,"
Opening,* p,m Openings, (xm min and max
1
150 147 to 153 90 to 120
125 122 to 128 110 to 145
106 104 to 108 135 to 175
90 88 to 92 160 to 210
75 73 to 77 190 to 245
63 61 to 65 225 to 290
53 51 to 55 240 to 320
45 43 to 47 260 to 350
38 36 to 40 285 to 400
32 30 to 34 380 to 500
27 25 to 29 450 to 550
22 20 to 24 450 to 550^
15 13 to 17 450 to 700^
10 9 to 11 450 to 800^
5 4 to 6 450 to 1000^
" 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.
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 Recommended Volume Maximum Permitted

of Material for Volume on Sieve on
Standard Alternate Test Sample Completion of Sieving
1 2 3 4
25 mm 1 in. 1800 cm' 900 cm'

22.4 ys 1600 800
19 % 1400 700
16 Vs 1000 500
12.5 1/2 800 400
11.2 V>6 800 400
9.5 Vs 600 300
8 V,6 500 250
6.3 1/4 400 200
5.6 N o . 31/2 400 200
4 5 350 150
2.80 7 240 120
2 10 200 100
1.40 14 160 80
1 18 140 70
710 (Jim 25 120 60
500 35 100 50
355 45 80 40
250 60 70 35
180 80 60 30
125 120 50 25
90 170 40 20
63 230 35 17
45 325 30 15
38 400 25 12
" 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.
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
84 Particulate Materials. (Weights, Per Unit of
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
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 lbs/ft' G/cm'
Iron ore 120 to 150 1.92 to 2.40

Kaolin 160 2.25
Kyanite 68 1.09
Lime, ground 60 0.96
Lime, hydrated 25 0.40
Limestone, crushed 85 to 100 1.36 to 1.60
Limestone, agricultural 70 1.12
Magnesite 106 1.70
Magnetite 155 2.49
Manganese ore 120 to 136 1.92 to 2.18
Marble, crushed 90 to 95 1.44 to. 1.52
Metals, powdered
Aluminum 80 1.28
Copper 169 2.71
Copper-lead 364 5.84
Iron 243 3.90
Nickel 263 4.22
Stainless steel 240 3.85
Tantalum 300 4.80
Mica 42 0.67
Ore, sintered 114 1.83
Oyster shells, ground 29 0.47
Perlite ore 65 to 75 1.04 to 1.20
Plaster, calcined 64 1.03
Polyethylene pellets 36 0.58
Polyethylene powder 18 0.29
Poly (vinyl chloride) 30 0.48
Potash 77 1.23
Potassium carbonate 79 1.27
Pumice 40 0.64
Rubber, chopped 36 0.58
Rubber, ground 20 0.32
Phosphate rock 75 to 85 1.20 to 1.36
Salt, flake 61 0.98
Salt, rock 66 1.06
Salt, table 75 1.20
Sand 90 to 100 1.44 to 1.60
Sand, silica 90 to 100 1.44 to 1.60
Sawdust 18 0.29
Seacoal 42 0.67
Shale 100 1.60
Shot, metal 230 3.69
Silica flour 27 0.43
Silica gel 45 0.72
Soapstone, pulverized 40 0.64
Soda ash, light 25 to 35 0.40 to 0.56
Soda ash, heavy 55 to 65 0.88 to 1.04
Soda, bicarbonate 57 0.91
Sodium nitrate 78 1.25
Sodium phosphate 43 0.69
Sodium sulfate 96 1.54
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 228 3.66

Stone, crushed 85 to 95 1.36 to 1.52
Sugar, granulated 50 0.80
Sugar, powdered 37 0.59
Sulfur, crushed 50 to 65 0.80 to 1.04
Talc, powder 34 0.55
Talc, granular 44 0.71
Traprock, crushed 105 to 110 1.68 to 1.76
Triple superphosphate,
granular 64 1.03
Tungsten carbide 550 8.82
Urea prills 43 0.69
Vermiculite ore 80 1.28
Wood chips 13 0.21
Zinc dust 144 2.31
Zirconium oxide 200 3.22
Zirconium sand 162 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.
TABLE 7—List of ASTM published standards on sieve analysis procedures for

specific materials or industries.
Sieve No.
ASTM or Size
Material Designation Title of Standard Range Dry Wet
Activated D2862 Test Method for Particle Size 200 X

Carbon Distribution of Granular Activated
Carbon (Vol. 15.01)
Aggregates C 117 Test Method for Material Finer than 75 200 X
Micrometre (No. 200) Sieve in
Mineral Aggregates by Washing (Vol.
4.02)
C 125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and
Concrete Aggregates (Vol. 4.02)
C 136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine 31/2 in.-200 X
and Coarse Aggregates (Vol. 4.02)
C 142 Test Method for Clay Lumps and Friable VA in.-20 X
Particles in Aggregates (Vol. 4.02)
C 144 Specification for Aggregate for Masoruy 4-200 X
Mortar (Vol. 4.05)
C330 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates 1 in.-lOO X X
for Structural Concrete (Vol. 4.02)
C331 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates 3/4 in.-lOO X X
for Concrete Masonry Units (Vol.
4.02)
Asbestos D2589 Test Method for McNett Wet 4-325 X
Classification of Asbestos Fiber (Vol.
04.5)
D2947 Test Method for Screen Analysis of 4-70 X
Asbestos Fibers (Vol. 04.05)
Asphalt D244 Test Methods for Emulsified Asphalts 20 X
(Vol. 04.03)
Carbon Black D 1508 Test Method for Carbon Black, 100 X
Pelleted—Fines Content (Vol. 09.01)
D 1511 Test Method for Carbon Black—Pellet 10-120 X
Size Distribution (Vol. 09.01)
D 1514 Test Method for Carbon Black—Sieve 30-325 X
Residue (Vol. 09.01)
Cement C 184 Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic 100
Cement by the 150 Micrometre (No. 200 X
100) and 75 Micrometre (No. 200)
Sieves (Vol. 04.01)
C430 Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic 325 X
Cement by the 45 Micrometre (No.
325) Sieve (Vol. 04.01)
C786 Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic 100-325 X
Cement and Raw Materials by
the 300-Micrometre (No. 50),
150-Micrometre (No. 100), and
75-Micrometre (No. 200) Sieves
by Wet Methods
TABLE 7—(Continued)—List of ASTM published standards on sieve analysis procedures for specific
materials or industries.
Sieve No.
ASTM or Size
Ceramic C 325 Test Method for Wet Sieve Analysis of 100-325 X

Ceramic Whiteware Clays (Vol. 15.02)
C 371 Test Method for Wire-Cloth Sieve 70-325 X
Analysis of Nonplastic Ceramic
Powders (Vol. 15.02)
C 925 Test Method for Precision Electroformed 100-400
Wet Sieve of Nonplastic Ceramic
Powders (Vol. 15.02)
Clays C775 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis 10-325 X
of Whiteware Clays (Vol. 15.02)
Coal D 197 Test Method for Sampling and Fineness 8-325 X
Test of Pulverized Coal (Vol. 05.05)
D4749 Test Method for Performing Sieve X
Analysis of Coal and Designating
Coal Size (Vol. 05.05)
Coke D293 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Coke 4 in.-O X
(Vol. 05.05)
Enamel C285 Test Methods for Sieve Analysis of Wet- 40-325 X X
Milled and Dry-Milled Porcelain
Enamel (Vol. 02.05)
Glass C 429 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Raw -200 X X
Materials for Glass Manufacture (Vol.
15.02)
D 1214 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Glass
Spheres (Vol. 06.02)
Lime Clio Test Methods for Physical Testing of 20-325 X
Quicklime, Hydrated Lime, and
Limestone (Vol. 04.01)
C 141 Specification for Hydraulic Hydrated 20-200 X
Lime for Structural Purposes (Vol.
04.01)
Magnesium D 2772 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of 20-200 X
Oxide Electrical Grade Magnesium Oxide
(Vol 10.01)
Metal Bearing E 276 Test Method for Particle Size or Screen 4-200 X X
Ores Analysis at No. 4 (4.75-mm) Sieve
and Finer for Metal Bearing-Ores and
Related Materials (Vol. 03.05)
E 389 Test Method for Particle Size or Screen 4 X
Analysis at No. 4 (4.75-mm) Sieve
and Coarser for Metal-Bearing Ores
and Related Materials (Vol. 03.05)
Metal Powders B 214 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of 80-325 X
Granular Metal Powders (Vol. 02.05)
Sieve No.
ASTM or Size
Mineral D451 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of 6-100 X
Granular Mineral Surfacing for
Asphalt Roofing Products (Vol. 04.04)
D452 Method for Sieve Analysis of 12-200 X
Nongranular Mineral Surfacing for
Asphah Roofing Products (Vol. 04.04)
D546 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of X
Mineral Filler for Road and Paving
Materials (Vol. 04.03)
Perlite C549 Specification for Perlite Loose Fill 16-100 X
Insulation (Vol. 04.06)
Pigments and D 185 Test Methods for Coarse Particles in 325 X X
Paint Pigments, Pastes, and Paints (Vol.
06.03)
D 480 Test Methods for Sampling and Testing 100-325
of Flaked Aluminum Powders and
Pastes (Vol. 06.03)
D718 Test Methods for Analysis of Aluminum 325 X
Silicate Pigment (Vol. 06.03)
as tic D 1921 Test Methods for Particle Size (Sieve
Analysis) of Plastic Materials (Vol.
08.01)
jfractories C92 Test Methods for Sieve Analysis and 3-200 X X
Water Content of Refractory Materials
(Vol. 15.01)
sfuse Derived E828 Method for Designating the Size of 4-325 X
Fuel RDF-3 from its Sieve Analysis (Vol.
11.04)
Resins D 1457 Specification for Polytetrafluoroethylene 18-325 X
(PTFE) Molding and Extrusion
Materials (Vol. 08.01)
D 1705 Test Method for Particle Size Analysis 325 X
of Powdered Polymers and
Copolymers of Vinyl Chloride (Vol.
08.01)
D 2187 Test Methods for Physical and Chemical 8-100 X
Properties of Particulate Ion-Exchange
Resins (Vol. 11.02)
Sand C778 Specification for Standard Sand (Vol. 16-100 X
04.01)
Soap D502 Test Method for Particle Size of Soaps 12-100 X
and Other Detergents (Vol. 15.04)
Soil D421 Practice for Dry Preparation of Soil 4^0 X
Samples for Particle Size Analysis and
Determination of Soil Constants (Vol.
04.08)
D 422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis 3 in.-20 X
of Soils (Vol. 04.08)
Sieve No.
ASTM or Size
D 1140 Test Method for Amount of Material in 40-200 X

Soils Finer than the No. 200 (75-
Micrometer) Sieve (Vol. 04.08)
D2217 Practice for Wet Preparation of Soil 10-40 X
Samples for Particle-Size Analysis and
Determination of Soil Constants (Vol.
04.08)
D2419 Test Method for Sand Equivalent Value 4-200 X
of Soils and Fine Aggregate (Vol.
04.03)
D2487 Classification of Soils for Engineering 40-200 X X
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification
System) (Vol. 04.08)
Vermiculite C516 Specification for Vermiculite Loose Fill 4 in.-lOO X
Thermal Insulation (Vol. 04.06)
TABLE 8—List of ASTM published standards on sampling of particulate materials.
ASTM
Material Designation Title of Standard
Aggregates D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates (Vol. 04.03)

Asbestos Fiber Test D2590 Test Method of Sampling Chrysotile Asbestos (Vol. 04.05)
Bituminous Materials D 140 Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials (Vol. 04.03)
D979 Practice for Sampling Bituminous Paving Mixtures (Vol.
04.03)
Calcium Chloride D345 Test Method for Sampling and Testing Calcium Chloride for
Roads and Structural Apphcations (Vol. 04.03)
Carbon Black D 1799 Practice for Carbon Black—Sampling Packaged Shipments
(Vol. 09.01)
D 1900 Practice for Carbon Black—Sampling Bulk Shipments (Vol.
9.01)
Cement C 183 Practice for Sampling and the Amount of Testing of
Hydraulic Cement (Vol. 04.01)
Ceramic Clays C322 Practice for Sampling Ceramic Whiteware Clays (Vol. 15.02)
Coal D 197 Test Method for Sampling and Fineness Test of Pulverized
Coal (Vol. 05.05)
D2013 Method of Preparing Coal Samples for Analysis (Vol. 05.05)
D2234 Test Methods for Collection of a Gross Sample of Coal (Vol.
05.05)
Coke D346 Practice for Collection and Preparation of Coke Samples for
Laboratory Analysis (Vol. 05.05)
Electrical Insulating D2755 Test Method for Sampling and Reduction to Test Weight of
Material Electrical Grade Magnesium Oxide (Vol. 10.02)
Lime and Limestone C50 Practice for Sampling, Inspection, Packing, and Marking of
Lime and Limestone Products (Vol. 04.01)
Metal Powders B 215 Practices for Sampling Finished Lots of Metal Powders (Vol.
02.05)
Plastics D 1898 Practice for Sampling of Plastics (Vol. 08.01)
Soap Powders D460 Test Methods for Sampling and Chemical Analysis of Soaps
and Soap Products (Vol. 15.04)
Statistical E 105 Practice for Probability Sampling of Materials (Vol. 14.02)
Probabilities
E 122 Practice for Choice of Sample Size to Estimate a Measure of
Quality for a Lot or Process (Vol. 14.02)
E 141 Practice for Acceptance of Evidence Based on the Results of
Probability Sampling (Vol. 14.02)
FIG. A\—Spinning riffler.

Nomenclature
General Terms
Agglomerate Two or more particles held together loosely by weak mechanical or physical
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.
Disperse To separate an agglomerate or floe into measurable entities or workable
particles.
Effective opening The size of the largest particle that will pass a screen aperture.
Flocculate To form an assembly of particles (floe) bonded together by strong molecular
or chemical forces.
Near-mesh or near-size Particles of a size approximately equal to that of the sieve opening.
Nominal size The specified dimension of the opening of a sieve about which the actual size
is permitted to vary.
Open area Ratio of the total area of the openings to the total area of the screen, expressed
as a percentage.
Particle size The dimension of a particle usually expressed in terms of the smallest sieve
opening through which it will pass.
Particulate Pertaining to a material composed of distinct separate particles.
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,
Screen (a) A surface provided with openings of uniform size and shape; (b) a machine
provided with one or more screening surfaces.
Screening The process of separating a mixture of particles of different sizes by means of
one or more screening surfaces.
Sieve A screen mounted on a frame, usually for laboratory test purposes.
Test Sieves
Certified sieve 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.
Cover (lid) A cover that fits snugly over a sieve to prevent the escape of material being
sieved.
Matched sieve A test sieve that duplicates the results of another sieve within specified limits.
Nesting pan 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.
Pan (receiver) A pan that fits snugly beneath a sieve to receive the passing fraction.
Sieve cloth series Sieve cloth woven to a mathematically defined set of opening widths, wire
diameters, and tolerances.
Sieve frame A rigid framework that supports the sieving medium and limits the spread of
the material being sieved.
Sieve scale A series of sieve openings having a systematic mathematical progression.
Skirt The portion of the sieve frame that extends below the sieving surface and nests
into the next finer sieve of receiving pan.
Standard sieve A sieve, which conforms to a standard specification for test, sieves.
Test Sieving
Cumulative oversize A graph obtained by plotting the total percentages by weight retained on each
distribution graph of a set of sieves of descending opening size against the corresponding
opening sizes.
Cumulative undersize A graph obtained by plotting the totjd percentages by weight passing each of
distribution graph a set of sieves of descending opening size against the corresponding opening
sizes.
Dry sieving Sieving without the aid of a liquid.

End point The stopping point in a sieve test at which further sieving fails to pass an
amount sufficient to change the result.
Gross sample A representative sample taken from a large volume of material that is too large
to use in a test sieve.
Laboratory sample See Test sample.
Sieve analysis The results of a sieve test showing the percentages of sample retained on (or
passing) each sieve used in the test.
Size analysis The results of dividing a sample into fractions of defined limits (See also Sieve
analysis).
Size distribution graph A graphical representation of the results of a sieve analysis test.
Size range The limits between the smallest and the largest particle in a sample.
Test sample A representative sample that is small enough to use directly in a test sieve or
series of sieves.
Test sieving Sieving with one or more test sieves to determine the particle size distribution
of a particulate material.
Wet sieving Sieving with the aid of a suitable liquid.
Production Screening
Feed Material supplied to a screen for screening.
Oversize That portion of the feed material that has failed to pass through the openings
of a screen.
Oversize in undersize Particles in a screen undersize that are larger than the nominal point of
separation.
Point of separation In a screening operation, the size of opening that will allow undersize particles
to pass and will reject oversize particles.
Screen efficiency The percentage of recovery of the desired portion (usually the undersize) from
the amount available in the feed.
Undersize (fines) That portion of the feed material that has passed through the openings of a
screen.
Undersize in oversize Particles in a screen oversize that are smaller than the nominal point of
separation.
Woven Wire Cloth

Double crimp Wire cloth woven with approximately equal corrugations in both warp and
shoot to lock the wires in position,
Mesh (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 count-
ing from the center of a wire.
Plain weave Wire cloth in which each warp wire and each shoot wire passes over one and
under the next adjacent wire in both directions.
Rectangular mesh Mesh with unequal opening widths in warp and shoot direction.
Shoot wires The wires running cross-wise of the cloth as woven (also called "shute wires").
Space cloth Wire cloth, which is designated by the clear opening between the wires instead
of by the mesh.
Square mesh Mesh with equal opening widths in warp and shoot direction.
Twilled weave 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.
Warp wires The wires running the long direction of the wire cloth as woven.
Weft wires See Shoot wires.
Perforated Plate
Bridge width Distance between the nearest edges of two adjacent holes in a perforated plate.
Hole size In perforated plate, the diameter of the round hole; width of the square hole
at its mid-section; smallest width of the oblong hole.
Margin Distance between the outside edges of the outside rows of holes and the edges
of a perforated plate.
Perforated plate A plate with uniform holes, in symmetrical arrangement.

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

Test Sieving Methods

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Test Sieving Methods

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

MANUAL ON

TEST SIEVING METHODS

Prepared by ASTM Committee E29

Lawrence R. Pope and

ASTM Manual Series: MNL32

100 Barr Harbor Drive

iSIf West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959

ASTM Committee E-29 on Particle and Spray Ciiaracterization.

Authorization to photocopy items for internal, personal, or educational classroom use, or

1. Wire Cloth Sieves

2. Perforated Plate Sieves

3. Precision Electroformed Sieves

4. Sieves with Enhanced Accuracy

5. Samples and Sampling

FIG. 1—Coning and quartering of sample.

FIG. 2—Sample splitter.

FIG. 3—Sixteen to one sample reducer.

6. General Test Sieving Procedure

7. Hand Sieving Method

8. Suggestions on Procedures for Making Sieve Analysis with Precision

9. Mechanical Sieve Shaker Method

HG. 4—Mechanical sieve shaker with tapper.

FIG. 5—Mechanical sieve shaker.

10. Wet Testing

FIG. 6—Mechanical shaker for large sieves.

FIG, 7—Electromagnetic sieve shaker.

11. Combined Wet and Dry Testing

FIG. 8—Electromagnetic vibration pad sieve shaker

FIG. 9—Oscillating air column type sieve shaker.

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

14. Graphic Presentation of Test Results

LABORATORY REPORT OF SIEVE ANALYSIS

jt^^„^ FEED TO SCHEBN NO, 1

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 i 6.0 12.0 50.0 50.0

100 100 6.0 ; 12.0 62.0 38.0

ISO 140 i 5.5 1 11.0 73.0 27.0

2M 200 3.5 j 7.0 80.0 20.0

TotBla 50.0 100.0

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

15. Care and Cleaning of Test Sieves

U. S. SIEVE SERIES SIEVES

Name. .. J^Cl.PCK SUTE„_C.O... -Date.. „Test Number „18-S00„,

Address . ^Made by. .Ei.B.-..

Material SLA^?B DUSl 11 r^ NONE

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E)

FEED OVERSIZE UNSERSIZE FEED OVERSIZE DNDESSIZE

% Cum,% WtilM Cum.% W«l(ht % Cuin.% W*)(ht

FIG. 12—Form for reporting a group of sieve analyses results.

Pti Cant P.r C*nt

ZzyssESSTB FRUH| inromsizE yam

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

16. Miscellaneous Suggestions

FIG. 14—Typical logarithmic type of graph.

Openings Per Cent

It 36 40 • IV.1 ' ?2.7

Openings Per Cenl Per CBT.1

P.S. 2pp. 28l5_ llOOlO 1

FIG. 17—Brass wire brush.

FIG. 18—Nylon bristle brush.

(1) (2) (3) (4)

TABLE I—(Continued)—U.S. standard sieve series (ASTM Ell").

(1) (2) (3) (4)