Sieve analysis laboratory
Your needs: analyse the particle size of a granular material by sieving
What is particle size analysis by sieving?
Particle size analysis by sieving is one of our particle size analyses.
Sieve analysis is used to
- Measure the size of particles present in a sample to understand their nature.
- Measure the quality and conformity of powders or granules used in a wide range of sectors (chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, etc.), particularly in additive manufacturing.
This type of analysis can also be carried out by laser granulometry (liquid or dry method) or by sedimentation.
How sieve analysis works
Particle size analysis by sieving involves passing a sample of material through a series of sieves with different mesh sizes, classified by decreasing size.
Each sieve retains particles larger than its openings, while allowing smaller particles to pass through.
By weighing the amount of material retained by each sieve, the particle size distribution of the sample can be determined .
Granulometry by sieving to define particle size
Particle size influences material properties such as flow and transport for bulk materials, chemical reactivity, abrasiveness, solubility, extraction and reaction behaviour, and compressibility.
Accurate particle size determination is therefore essential for a wide range of industries, including construction, plastics, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
In industry, poor particle size control can lead to product performance problems, inefficiencies in manufacturing processes and increased safety and environmental risks.
Why carry out a sieve test?
Performing a laboratory sieve test on particulate materials enables the particle size distribution to be determined, which is essential for guaranteeing the quality and compliance with standards of materials used in various industries, such as construction, pharmaceuticals and food.
This ensures batch homogeneity, optimises production processes and the quality of finished products, and contributes to the research and development of new products. In addition, knowledge of particle size helps to manage the environmental impact and safety risks associated with handling these materials.
Our solutions: study particle size distribution using granulometric sieve analysis
FILAB offers you a highly responsive service and expertise in materials characterisation and particle size distribution by sieve analysis. By referring to current standards, we ensure reliable results that comply with industrial standards, thus optimising the quality, performance and safety of products in various sectors such as construction, plastics, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Our sieve analysis services
Example of the application of sieve analysis in the laboratory
Particle size analysis by sieving serves a number of essential purposes in various industrial contexts. Determining the particle size distribution of a material provides an understanding of its composition and properties.
- Quality and Conformity: checking that materials comply with specifications and industrial standards, thereby guaranteeing their suitability for specific applications.
- Batch Consistency Control: Ensuring the consistency and uniformity of batches of materials, which is crucial to maintaining the quality of finished products.
- Optimisation of production processes: Adjusting production parameters to improve efficiency and profitability based on the particle size of materials.
- Study of Reactivity and Solubility: Analyse particle size to influence the rate of chemical reaction, solubility and other physico-chemical behaviour of materials.
- Abrasivity and compressibility control: Assess the impact of particle size on the mechanical properties of materials, such as their abrasivity and compressibility, for specific applications.
- Risk prevention: Identify and manage the risks associated with handling particulate materials, such as dust explosions or environmental problems.
- Research and Development: Helping to design and optimise new materials and products by providing accurate particle size data.
Materials screening and industrial applications
| Type of material | Industrial application |
| Sand | Concrete manufacture, construction, glass industry |
| Gravel | Public works, road construction, concrete |
| Metal powders | Metallurgy, additive manufacturing (3D metal printing), surface treatments |
| Crushed minerals | Manufacture of cement, plaster and building materials |
| Pharmaceutical powders | Tablet formulation, coating, drug production |
| Flour and cereals | Food industry, manufacture of bakery products |
| Pigments and dyes | Manufacture of paints, inks and cosmetics |
| Plastic granules | Plastic injection, extrusion, manufacture of industrial parts |
| Granulated fertilisers | Agriculture, production and distribution of chemical fertilisers |
| Ceramics | Technical and sanitary ceramics industry, electronics |
| Coal | Energy production, metallurgical industries |
| Cosmetic powders | Formulation of cosmetic products, make-up |
Our particle size analysis services
FAQ
What types of materials can be analysed by sieving?
Sieving is applicable to a wide variety of solid materials, from coarse aggregates used in construction to fine powders in the pharmaceutical, food and chemical industries. However, it is most effective for particle sizes ranging from 75 micrometres (µm) to several centimetres.
How do you choose the right sieves for an analysis?
The choice of sieves depends on the expected particle size distribution of the sample. A standard series of sieves, with decreasing mesh openings, is generally used to cover the expected size range. ISO 3310 and ASTM E11 provide specifications for test sieves according to the needs of the analysis.
How are the sieve analysis results interpreted?
The results are usually presented in the form of a particle size distribution, showing the percentage of the total sample that falls within each size fraction. This provides information on the variety of particle sizes present in the sample and allows parameters such as the mean, median and mode of the size distribution to be calculated. These data are crucial for understanding the behaviour of the material in its final application.
What are the standards for particle size analysis by sieving materials in the laboratory?
Standards for particle size analysis by laboratory sieving of materials include guidelines from ASTM, ISO, and NF.
ASTM E11 and ASTM C136 specify the requirements for sieves and the test method for aggregates.
ISO 3310-1 and ISO 565 define the characteristics of sieves and general sieving methods.
In France, NF standards such as NF P94-056 govern the granulometric analysis of soils.
These standards ensure the accuracy, reproducibility and comparability of results for various industrial applications.
