What is a Test Sieve

 A test sieve is a precision tool used to separate particles by size in powder, granule, or bulk material samples. It consists of a mesh screen (woven wire or perforated plate) mounted in a circular or square frame, designed to meet international standards like ISO 3310 or ASTM E11. By shaking or vibrating the sieve, particles smaller than the mesh openings pass through, while larger ones are retained, enabling accurate particle size analysis and quality control.

Types of Test Sieves

1. Woven Wire Mesh Sieves
   • Made of stainless steel or brass wires woven into square or rectangular openings.
   • Ideal for fine powders (e.g., pharmaceuticals, food ingredients).
   • Example: Endecotts offers mesh sizes from 20 µm to 125 mm.
2. Perforated Plate Sieves
   • Feature punched holes in metal plates (round or square).
   • Durable and suitable for coarse materials (e.g., aggregates, minerals).
   • Example: Wuxi Serve Real provides aperture sizes from 1 mm to 125 mm.
3. Specialty Sieves
   • Wet-Washing Sieves: For slurry analysis (e.g., soil testing).
   • Microplate Sieves: Ultra-fine mesh (5 µm–200 µm) for nanomaterials.

International Standards & Certification

• ISO 3310-1: Defines sieve specifications, including mesh tolerance and frame dimensions.
• ASTM E11: Specifies testing methods for sieve calibration and durability.
• Certification: Look for sieves with aperture verification certificates (e.g., Endecotts’ recertification service ensures compliance).

Applications Across Industries

• Food & Beverage: Verify flour fineness or coffee grind consistency.
• Pharmaceuticals: Control API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) particle size for bioavailability.
• Construction: Test sand/gravel grading for concrete mix design.
• Mining: Analyze ore particle distribution for beneficiation processes.

How to Choose the Right Test Sieve

1. Material Compatibility:
   • Use stainless steel for corrosive samples (e.g., salts, chemicals).
   • Opt for brass sieves for non-reactive, dry powders.
2. Mesh Size Selection:
   • Align with industry standards (e.g., ASTM C136 for aggregates).
   • For multi-stage analysis, use a sieve stack (e.g., 4.75 mm, 2.36 mm, 1.18 mm).
3. Frame Design:
   • Full-height frames for manual shaking; half-height for automated sieve shakers.
4. Supplier Reputation:
   • Prioritize manufacturers with ISO 9001 certification (e.g., Wuxi Serve Real, Endecotts).