Vibratory Soil Sieve Shaker

What is the Vibratory Soil Sieve Shaker?

A shaker that classifies dried and ground soil into defined size fractions using vibrating test sieves. It is the right choice for preparing method-specified fractions and for determining soil particle size distribution.

Overview

The vibratory soil sieve shaker holds a stack of test sieves in decreasing aperture order and shakes them with a three-dimensional motion, so particles pass progressively and the retained mass on each sieve can be weighed. In soil laboratories it is used mainly to prepare the fraction that passes the specified sieve, often two millimetres, and to reject stones and roots before analysis. It also supports particle size distribution work for gravel, sand, silt and coarse fractions, and it can prepare the finer fraction for total element analysis. Sieves are selected in standard diameters and apertures and must be certified for critical work, and the loading on each sieve is kept within the maximum that allows particles to reach the apertures. Shaking time is checked by sieving a further interval and confirming that the mass change is negligible, and sieves are cleaned and inspected for clogged or damaged apertures.

How does it work?

Soil preparation begins with drying and physical reduction. Air-drying at a moderate temperature removes most free water while limiting chemical change, and oven drying at a controlled temperature is used when the dry mass must be determined. Grinding reduces particle size with a ball mill, disc mill, jaw crusher or agate mortar, chosen so that the material of the grinding surfaces does not contaminate the sample for the elements of interest. Homogenising mixes the ground material until composition is uniform, and dividing reduces it by a rotating or riffle splitter so that each subsample matches the bulk. Sieving with a set of certified sieves classifies particles by size, and a two-millimetre sieve is standard for many soil tests, with finer fractions used for total element analysis. Moisture, contamination and heat are the main risks to control throughout.

What are the key features?

• Three-dimensional vibration gives efficient, repeatable sieving.
• Prepares method-specified fractions such as the 2 mm passing fraction.
• Supports particle size distribution analysis.
• Stack of standard certified sieves with pan and lid.
• Programmable time and amplitude for different soils.
• Cleaning and aperture inspection maintain accuracy.

What are the technical specifications?

A typical vibratory soil sieve shaker configuration offers sieve diameter of 200–300 mm, sieve apertures of 0.063–20 mm range, motion of Three-dimensional vibration, amplitude of 0–3 mm, adjustable, sieving time of 1–60 min, programmable and sieve stack of Up to 8 sieves plus pan. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Vibratory Soil Sieve Shaker is used in preparation of the 2 mm soil fraction, particle size distribution analysis, separation of stones and roots and finer fraction preparation for total analysis. Across the wider Soil Sample Preparation class, laboratories also deploy it for soil chemical analysis preparation, trace metal and geochemical testing and organic contaminant sample preparation.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include ISO 11464 (soil pretreatment), ISO 11465 (dry matter and water), ISO 18400-102 (sampling techniques), EN 16179 (sample pretreatment) and GB/T 32722 (soil pretreatment). Certification candidates for this model are CE and ISO 9001 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Air-dry samples in a clean, dust-free area away from exhaust and solvent sources, spread thinly and turn them so drying is even, and record the drying conditions. Dry soil gains or loses water readily, so weigh promptly and store prepared samples in sealed containers. Clean mills, mortars and sieves between samples, and run an inert blank through the mill to detect contamination, especially when switching between samples of very different composition. Track and minimise the fine fraction lost as dust during grinding, because it may differ in composition from the bulk. Verify grind quality by sieving a subsample, and record the sieve and mill settings, particle size and operator with each batch. Keep grinding short or cooled to avoid heating that alters organic matter and volatiles.

How do I select the right Vibratory Soil Sieve Shaker?

Select the sieve shaker when method-specified soil fractions must be prepared reproducibly and when particle size distribution data are needed. For disaggregation only, hand sieving may suffice. In an RFQ, specify sieve diameters, aperture ranges, sample mass and whether wet sieving is required.

How does it compare with other Soil Sample Preparation variants?

Start from the analysis and the elements of interest. For trace metal work, use grinding surfaces that will not contribute the measured elements, such as agate, zirconia or tungsten carbide, and avoid ordinary steel. For organic contaminant analysis, avoid heat and contamination from lubricants, and consider cryogenic grinding. Choose drying conditions to match the method: air-drying for most chemical tests, controlled oven drying when the dry mass is required, and freeze drying for volatile compounds. Match the mill and sieve to the required final particle size, and add a divider so ground material can be reduced without segregation. Check that the equipment can be cleaned between samples to prevent carry-over, and consider throughput, dust control and the balance and sieves needed to complete the method.