What the Abrasive Sieve Analysis Test is?
Sieve analysis is a method for evaluating abrasive size. The test is performed by coating or painting inspectors on coating projects. ASTM C136 is the acceptable standard for the test. The test aids in determining the particle size of fine and coarse aggregate.
What is an aggregate?
Aggregate is a composite material constituent that resists compressive load and adds bulk to the material. It is commonly used in construction work. Sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, and recycled aggregates are all examples of aggregate-inert materials.
What is a sieve
A device with meshes or perforations through which finer particles of a mixture (in this case abrasive) are passed to separate and/or analyze its size. A sieve is available in various sizes and types.
Sieve Type: Woven wire mesh sieves, Perforated plate, etc.
Sieve series: Fine series and Coarse series
Sieve size: from 75µm to 100mm
What does the Sieve analysis mean?
A sieve analysis is a method of determining the particle size distribution of granular material (aggregate) having macroscopic granular sizes. The sieve analysis approach uses multiple layers of sieves with varying sieve opening sizes.
The finest sieve is at the bottom of the stack, with each layered sieve piled above it in increasing sieve size order. When a granular material sample is sifted through the top sieve, the individual particles of the material are separated into the final layer that the particle cannot pass through. The instrument's base features a shaker, which aids in filtration.
When the test is performed, the finest sieve lies at the bottom of the stack, with each layered sieve stacked above it in increasing sieve size order. When a granular material sample is sifted through the top sieve, the individual particles of the material are separated into the final layer that the particle could not pass through. To facilitate the filtration the base contains a shaker.
Why the abrasive sieve analysis test is performed?
The test determines the size of a material, which if not understood, can affect a variety of attributes such as its strength, mixture solubility, surface area properties, etc.
Advantages of performing abrasive sieve analysis test
While there could be several advantages of performing the abrasive sieve analysis test, some are as follows;
Ease of use
Low-cost investment
Accurate and reliable results
Les time to spend
Separation of the particle size fractions
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ABRASIVE SIEVE ANALYSIS TEST
The coating inspectors, who perform the test should have the following apparatus;
Balances; Balances or scales used to test fine and coarse aggregate
Sieves; It is necessary to arrange for the proper type and size of sieve to the specified measurement.
Sieve shaker: Depending on the measurement size and quantity, it could be mechanical or manual
Sampling process
The inspector should follow the project coating specification and/or the applicable standard (ASTM D75) for the sampling, then the inspector should thoroughly mix the sample and reduce it to an amount necessary for testing using the sampling and mixing techniques specified in the standard and/or specification.
How the abrasive sieve analysis test is performed
The sieve analysis test uses a variety of methods, these include;
Throw-action sieving: This method of sieving includes rotating granules and reorienting them to pass through a sieve hole by delivering a vertical force as well as a circular motion.
Horizontal sieving: This method of sieving is the recommended method for long fibrous sample types and involves horizontal circular motions.
Tap-sieving: This method of sieving is like hand sieving, and employs a horizontal circular motion but also includes regular vertical taps.
Air-jet sieving: During the process of air jet sieving, an air stream is used to disturb the material.
After the sieving process is performed using one of the methods above, the weight percentages of each portion of the stack are examined in terms of the percentage of weight maintained and the percentage of weight passed.
Test result
A grade and/or mesh size is given to the tested material based on the sieve size used and the materials easily passed through them, 30 x 60 for example.