International Flora Technologies, Ltd.

Particle Size Distribution Using U.S Standard

Sieves
Original Approval Date: 08 April 1996
Page 1 of 2

Technical Work Instruction

TW17
Revision Level: l
Revision Date: 05 August 209

PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION

USING U.S. STANDARD SIEVES
1. Purpose and Scope
This work instruction describes the method by which the particle size distribution of solid particulate is
determined. This method applies to various hard bead and jojoba seed powder products. Agglomeration
problems may be experienced with soft bead products.

2. Applicable Documents
a. Applicable Product Specifications

3. Equipment
a.
b.
c.
d.

Analytical balance or digital scale capable of reading 0.1 gram (g)

Rotap, Model RW-26, or similar
Stiff brush
U.S. Standard sieves, in range appropriate for sample size as follows (or other sizes as required):
Table 1: Sieve Selection
Product Size
Designation

Micron Size

Sieve Stack Arrangement

(from top to bottom)

10/10

100 - 900

10 mesh, 30 mesh, 40 mesh, 60 mesh

28/60

250 - 600

20 mesh, 30 mesh, 60 mesh

24/60

250 - 750

20 mesh, 40 mesh, 60 mesh

20/40

420 - 850

10 mesh, 20 mesh, 40 mesh

40/60

250 - 420

30 mesh, 40 mesh, 60 mesh

50/80

100 300

50 mesh, 80 mesh, 140 mesh

60/100

150 - 250

40 mesh, 60 mesh, 100 mesh

<60

<250

STD

800 1200

14 mesh, 16 mesh, 25 mesh

LG

1300 1700

12 mesh, 14 mesh, 16 mesh

40 mesh, 60 mesh

4. Procedure
a. Weigh each of the appropriate sieves (Table 1) and collection pan. Stack appropriate sieves,
arranging the sieves such that the largest mesh (i.e., smallest number) is on top, with remaining
sieves in increasing sieve number order with collection pan on the bottom.
b. Pour approximately 25 grams of sample onto top sieve, replace cover, and fix sieve stack into Rotap
clamps. Set timer and sieve sample for 10 minutes. If a Rotap is not available, hand shake and
Date Printed: 05 August 2009
Compare all printed documents with Control Document to verify that the current revision level is used.

TW17l

International Flora Technologies, Ltd.

Particle Size Distribution Using U.S Standard
Sieves
Original Approval Date: 08 April 1996
Page 2 of 2

Technical Work Instruction

TW17
Revision Level: l
Revision Date: 05 August 209

brush sample through each sieve, until no more particles will pass through using a stiff brush to
brush bottoms of sieves to displace material adhered to sieve below.
c. Weigh each sieve and collection pan and subtract weight of empty sieve or collection pan. These
values are the weights of each fraction. Record weight of each fraction in notebook. Add all values
to obtain a total. Divide the weight of each fraction by the total and multiply by 100. This value is
the percent of each fraction.
d. Report results in laboratory notebook and database as follows:
% on top of the largest size sieve
% on top of the next largest size sieve
% on top of the next largest size sieve (if applicable)
% in the collection pan
e. If the results of the particle size analysis are nonconforming, immediately notify the Quality System
Manager (QSM) and the Director of Operations (DO).
f. Clean screen and brush in the dishwasher or by hand with a cleanser such as Comet weekly.

Date Printed: 05 August 2009

Compare all printed documents with Control Document to verify that the current revision level is used.

TW17l