SADR - Sieve Analysis Dry Test

A set of numbers representing the percentage of dry material particles retained on each sieve in a stack of interlocked sieves with successively finer openings. The stack of sieves is vibrated in a shaker until all material has filtered down through. The test should specify maximum water content of powder, shaking time, settings for shaker (if appropriate), and what sieve series was used (i.e. US Standard, Tyler). Should also specify whether numbers refer to % on the sieve or % passing the sieve.

For a more detailed test see SIEV. It is our opinion that a water washing test is more effective and accurate.

Large particle grogs are difficult to produce

These particles are from a grog that has been milled and separated into its constituent sizes in the lab. As you can see it has a wide range of particle sizes, from 48 to finer than 200 mesh. When fired ceramic (like bricks) is ground the finer sizes often predominate. Because the coarser grades have a lower yield they can be much more expensive and harder to get. But they are the most effective in reducing the drying shrinkage and fired stability of structural and sculptural bodies.

This is what labs use to measure particle size

Two example of high quality brass laboratory sieves

To measure particle size in a slurry or powder you need sieves. This is the most popular type used in labs. They are made from brass by a company named Tyler. The range of screen sizes for testing particle size is very wide (obvious here: the top screen has an opening of 56 mm, the bottom one 0.1 mm - the wires are almost too small to see). You can often buy these used on Ebay for a lot less than new ones, search for "tyler sieve". The finer sieves (especially 200) are fragile and more easily ripped. For potters it is good to have a 50, 100 and 150.

Variables

VAL - Value (V)

Related Information

Links

Articles	Simple Physical Testing of Clays Learn to test your clay bodies and clay materials and record the results in an organized way, understanding the purpose of each test and how to relate its results to changes that need to be made in process, recipe and materials.
Tests	% Passing 325 Mesh Wet
Tests	Average Particle Size (Microns)
Tests	Hegman Fineness
Tests	Sieve Analysis 35-325 Wet A measure of particle size distribution by washing a powdered or slaked sample through a series of successively finer sieves
Tests	Ultimate Particle Size Distribution
Typecodes	Particle Tests Tests conducted to determine particle populations, sizes, shapes, densities, surface areas, etc.
Typecodes	Body Tests Tests conducted on bodies made from materials, as opposed to the materials themselves.
Glossary	Splitting
Glossary	Particle Size Distribution Knowing the distribution of particle sizes in a ceramic material is often very important in assessing its function and suitability for an application.
Glossary	Sieve Sieves are important in ceramics for removing particulates and agglomerates from glaze, engobe and body slurries.

By Tony Hansen
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