In 2011 "Powder-Bulk Solids" published an article comparing certification process veracity with a sieve calibration process using calibrated glass microspheres (or beads). The certification process merely indicates that a sieve mesh conforms to a standard that has a wide tolerance regarding mesh openings. It is performed on a small number of openings. On the other hand, calibration using the calibrated beads results in a number representing the mean opening -- a result generated by actually performing a test encompassing at least 80% of the mesh openings.

The problems outlined in the article  are still dogging todays QC Managers

Read More

Topics: Sieve Shakers, Calibration, Particle Size Analysis, Sieve Calibration, Sieve Certification, Sieve Testing, Sieves, Sieving Process

Customers Want Bostwick Consistometer Calibrations.

When told that CSC Scientific does not calibrate Bostwick Consistometers, people ask . “Then how can I calibrate my consistometer and where can I get a calibration standard?”.

Sampling Method Using Your Product

Read More

Topics: Bostwick Consistometer, Consistency, Calibration, Liquid Properties

Yes Harry, there is a Santa Claus. Or, more specifically, there really is a Holy Grail for ensuring consistent particle size analysis. 

If you’ve been following along, you know it was proven by Pequeño and his family of 150 micron particles who tried to bust our friend Harry’s quality control by attempting to slip through the mesh in Harry’s test sieves and defeat sieve certification.

If you missed this drama, check out previous posts in the Holy Grail series here:

Is there a Holy Grail of Sieve Analysis?

Will Certification Lead to the Holy Grail of Sieving?

Does Calibration Light the Way to the Sieving Holy Grail?

Sieve Calibration is the Holy Grail!

And finally check out our eBook here: Free eBook

Now that we have indeed confirmed that, yes, sieve calibration really is the Holy Grail that sieve testers have been looking for, let’s get to work and dive a little deeper. Let’s examine some methods of sieve calibration.

Read More

Topics: Pequeño, Calibration, Particle Size Analysis, Sieve Calibration, Sieve Certification, Sieve Testing, Sieves, Sieving Process, du Nouy tensiometer, sieve mesh, particle sieze testing, sieve stack, Sieve Quality

You may remember Pequeño and his family of very small 150 micron (150µ) particles being very determined to defeat sieve certification.

Read More

Topics: Calibration, Particle Size Analysis, Sieve Calibration, Sieve Certification, Sieve Testing, Sieves, Sieving Process, Sieve Analysis, Sieve Quality

All about sieve Calibration

We continue to search for answers to the question "Is Sieve Calibration Really the Holy Grail?"  Pequeño, you may remember him as a very small (150-micron) particle who has many similar-sized family members. They are determined to defeat Brad and his Sieve Certification. 

Foiling A Sieve Test

Read More

Topics: Calibration, Particle Size Analysis, Sieve Certification, Sieve Testing, Sieves, Sieving Process, Sieve Analysis

Adventures of Pequeño

This is another Adventure of Pequeño: The 150 Micron Particle, I wonder why I get myself into these fantasies. However, once I start I feel constrained to press on.

In an earlier encounter, our little friend Pequeño, was on a determined quest to make it through sieves -- particularly those through which were said be too small for him to pass. In this scenario, Pequeño along with some of his family and friends -- all small particles about 150 microns in size -- are on their way to a sieve test.

Read More

Topics: Sieve Shakers, Sieve Blinding, ASTM, Pequeño, Calibration, Particle Size Analysis, Sieve Calibration, Sieve Certification, Sieve Testing, Sieves, sieve shaker, sieve stack, certfication

Holy grail and Sieve Calibration

Sieve calibration is the final step in determining whether processes yield suitable end results. In other words:

• Is your concrete going to be strong enough?

• Will you chocolates taste right?

• Will your washing powder flow and dissolve as advertised?

• Is there dangerous residue in your pill stock?

• Will the “frack sand” keep the fractures open?

• Is my salt of the correct grade?

If these are not correct, serious consequences could result (e.g. spoiled product, returned batches, rework or scrap).

Read More

Topics: Calibration, Particle Size Analysis, Sieve Calibration, Sieve Certification, Sieve Testing, Sieves, Sieving Process, particle sieze testing

Topics: Mid-Point Sieves, Calibration, Sieve Calibration, Sieve Certification, Sieve Testing, Sieves, Sieve Analysis

We get repeated queries about calibration of our DuNouy Ring Tensiometers. That makes me think that calibrating procedures to insure accurate surface tension measurment needs some clarification.

Read More

Topics: duNouy Rings, Tensiometer, Surface Tension, Calibration

Within the catalog of questions we are asked is a  category related to Calibrating duNouy Ring Tensiometers. The subject matter ranges from how, why and what is proven?

I guess the immediate and wise-assed answers are:

Read More

Topics: duNouy Rings, Tensiometer, Surface Tension Measurement, Surface Tension, Calibration, Interfacial Tensiometer, Fisher Tensiomat, Liquid Properties