Sieve analysis is a laboratory test method for determining the particle size distribution of a granular or powdered material by passing it through a stack of progressively finer standardized sieves and weighing the material retained on each sieve. Also called a gradation test or particle size analysis, sieve analysis is the most widely used technique for characterizing bulk materials in vibratory screening applications. The results directly inform which mesh size to use in your vibratory separator, what screening efficiency to expect, and whether your production screens are performing correctly.
A typical sieve analysis involves placing a weighed sample on the top (coarsest) sieve of a nested stack, shaking the stack for a prescribed time using a RoTap sieve shaker or equivalent, then weighing the material retained on each sieve and any material that passes through the finest sieve (the pan fraction). Results are reported as cumulative percentage passing or retained at each sieve size. The test sieves used conform to ASTM E11 or ISO 3310 specifications.
Example Sieve Analysis Results
The table below shows a typical sieve analysis report for a dry powder feed material being processed on a vibratory screener.
| Sieve (US Mesh) | Opening (microns) | Weight Retained (g) | % Retained | Cumulative % Passing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 841 | 2.4 | 2.4% | 97.6% |
| 40 | 420 | 8.1 | 8.1% | 89.5% |
| 60 | 250 | 22.3 | 22.3% | 67.2% |
| 100 | 149 | 31.5 | 31.5% | 35.7% |
| 140 | 105 | 18.9 | 18.9% | 16.8% |
| 200 | 74 | 10.2 | 10.2% | 6.6% |
| Pan | <74 | 6.6 | 6.6% | 0.0% |
| Total | — | 100.0 | 100.0% | — |
Why This Matters in Vibratory Screening
Sieve analysis is the bridge between laboratory quality control and production screening performance. Without accurate particle size data, screen selection becomes guesswork.
- Screen selection — Sieve analysis data tells you exactly what mesh size to install. If your product spec requires all material to pass 60 mesh (250 microns), sieve analysis shows you what percentage of your feed is above that size and whether a single-deck or multi-deck screener is needed.
- Efficiency monitoring — Comparing the sieve analysis of your feed material against the sieve analysis of your screener's oversize and undersize fractions reveals your actual screening efficiency. Declining efficiency signals worn screens, incorrect tension, or blinding.
- Specification compliance — Customers and regulatory bodies require particle size data. Sieve analysis provides the documented evidence that your product meets size specifications — critical for food (HACCP), pharmaceutical (cGMP), and chemical applications.
- D50 and distribution values — Sieve analysis data is used to calculate D10, D50, and D90 values that characterize the median size and spread of your particle distribution.
Related Glossary Terms
- D50 Particle Size — The median particle size derived from sieve analysis data
- D10, D90 — Distribution spread values from sieve analysis
- RoTap Sieve Shaker — The standard lab equipment used for sieve analysis
- ASTM E11 — The standard defining test sieve specifications
- ISO 3310 — The international test sieve standard
- Screening Efficiency — Production metric validated by sieve analysis
Sieve Analysis FAQs
What is sieve analysis?
Sieve analysis is a laboratory test that determines particle size distribution by passing a sample through a stack of sieves with progressively smaller openings. The material retained on each sieve is weighed and reported as a percentage. The results show what proportion of the sample falls within each size range, which is essential for quality control and process optimization in vibratory screening.
How does sieve analysis relate to vibratory screening?
Sieve analysis results directly inform vibratory screening decisions. The particle size distribution data tells you which mesh size to install in your separator, what screening efficiency to expect, and whether your production screen is performing correctly. If sieve analysis shows oversize material in your finished product, your vibratory screener may have a worn or damaged screen that needs replacement.
What standards govern sieve analysis?
In North America, sieve analysis is governed by ASTM C136 (aggregates), ASTM D6913 (soils), and ASTM B214 (metal powders), among others. These test methods specify which ASTM E11 sieves to use, sample preparation requirements, shaking time, and reporting format. Internationally, ISO 3310 sieves and ISO 2591 test methods apply.
Match Your Sieve Analysis to the Right Production Screen
ScreenerKing's technical team helps you translate sieve analysis data into the correct production screen specification. We manufacture replacement screens from 4 to 500 mesh for Sweco, Kason, Midwestern Industries, Cleveland Vibratory, Russell Finex, and Rotex separators. Over 30 years of screening expertise from Houston, TX.
