11.0 Appendix: Additional Information ....................................12
12.0 Replacement Parts ...................................................13
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Gilson Company, Inc. GilSonic AutoSiever: GA-6
GilSonic AutoSiever
The speed and accuracy of sonic sieving coupled with microprocessor control make
the AutoSiever the ultimate instrument for laboratory sieving as ne as 5µm.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Sonic Sieving to 5µm with 3in Sieves
Useful Range with most Powders
• Wire-woven sieves from No.20 (850µm) to No.635 (20µm)
or precision electroform nickel mesh 150µm to 5µm.
• Electroformed mesh sizes of 150µm and larger are available
for ±2µm precision when needed.
• Larger wire-woven sieves from No.3-1/2 to No.20 are avail-
able for low density materials.
All sieves employ clear acrylic frames to allow viewing of the
sieving process.
1.2 Unique Features
• Electronic controls give exact repeatability of programmed
time and amplitude sequences.
• Amplitude may be set precisely with a digital LED
0-99 even-increment scale. Memory stores up to 10 pro-
grams with instant recall.
pulses per minute. Addition of tapping actions helps clear
blinding of near-sized particles and assists in deagglomerating
samples with electrostatic, hygroscopic, or other adhesion
problems.
The AutoSiever's control panel and ten program memory help
insure exact repeatability of sequences of time and vibration
amplitude, plus user-selection of vertical and horizontal tapping.
Desired maximum amplitude is determined in manual mode by
viewing the action of the largest particles in each sample type.
Each program has timed segments for buildup to desired
maximum amplitude (Time A), hold time at maximum (Time B),
then down-ramp to zero (Time C). Amplitude is displayed on
a 0-99 digital LED scale. Programs vary with sample types and
particle size range. Once in memory, the test sequences can
be rerun on demand to repeat testing of similar samples. All
switch setting as well as time-amplitude sequences are stored
for each of ten program memory slots where they are available
for instant recall and use without resetting any controls.
• Built-in vertical or alternating vertical and horizontal tapping helps clear sieves and deagglomerate samples.
• Large digital LED display and 8 LED mode indicators tell
operator at a glance the mode or function in progress.
NOTE: Test times vary with size, density, texture, and
quantity of samples. Five minutes is typical, but sieving
time can be as little as 30 seconds under favorable conditions.
1.3 How It Works
The AutoSiever is designed to automatically take full advantage
of the unique capabilities of sonic sieving. Intensity of sieving
action is varied by changing the amplitude of sonic pulses.
Sonic sieving uses a vertically oscillating air column to lift
particles, then carr y them back against mesh openings at 3,600
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GA-6 Sonic Sieving Action
Flexible
Diaphragm
Sieves
Flexible Wall
Fines Collector
Figure 1.3
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Gilson Company, Inc. GilSonic AutoSiever: GA-6
2.0 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS3.0 UNCRATING & SETUP
You are responsible for the safe operation of this device, and
maintaining this equipment in compliance with these instructions. You must read and completely understand these operating
and safety instructions before using this machine.
DANGER!: This machine operates on electric current.
Improper operation could result in electric shock, electrocution, or an explosion.
1. The GA- 6 AutoSiever is congured to operate on 115V/60Hz
or 230V/50Hz power supplies, as noted in the assembly
instructions. Make sure that the Voltage Selector Switch
on the back of the unit is set to operate with the proper
voltage supply. This unit is NOT explosion-proof.
2. ALWAYS check electrical wiring for loose connections and
for pinched or frayed wiring.
3. ALWAYS use a properly congured three-pronged plug, as
supplied with the unit. Connect the machine to a properlywired, three-pronged receptacle. Make sure the cord is
routed safely.
After inspecting the shipment for external damage, immediately
unpack the Gilsonic AutoSiever and inspect for concealed
shipping damage. Repor t damage immediately to the shipping
company. Retain all shipping records and packing materials
until proper operation is conrmed.
Place the GilSonic AutoSiever on a stable, level surface at a
convenient working height.
To access the Sieving Chamber (see Figure 3.0), lift the sliding
door and lock the Sieve Stack Assembly (see Figure 5.1) by pulling
down on the Sieve Stack Locking Bars until they snap onto the
top ring of the Fines Collector Holder. Pull the Assembly out to
remove it from the AutoSiever. The Diaphragm and Fines Collector are part of the Sieve Stack Assembly, but are packaged
separately for shipping.
On the back of the AutoSiever, nd the Voltage Selector and
insure it is set to match the voltage of your power supply as
shown in Figure 3.1. The 110V and 220V settings will work with
either 50Hz or 60Hz electrical supplies. Connect the supplied
3-wire grounded power cord to the back of the AutoSiever and
plug into a grounded electrical outlet.
4. ALWAYS disconnect and lock-out power supply before
performing maintenance and repairs.
5. NEVER operate this device without having all covers and
case in place.
6. ALWAYS unplug or disconnect machine from the power
source when the unit is not in operation.
Sieving Chamber
Stack
Locking
Ring
Stack
Switch
Horizontal
Tappers
Chamber
Light
Stop
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Figure 3.0
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Gilson Company, Inc. GilSonic AutoSiever: GA-6
4.0 CONTROL & DISPLAY FUNCTIONS
4.1 Programmable Control Keypad
The Recall and Save functions are used to store or recall programs
See Figure 4.0 for a diagram of the AutoSiever control panel.
RUN/STOP
The Run/Stop button starts and stops the sieving action. The
“Run” LED light is on when the AutoSiever is running. If this
button is pressed during a sequence, the AutoSiever will abort
the test. If pressed again, another sequence will be initiated
from the beginning.
MAN/AUTO
This function selects manual or automatic modes of operation
for the AutoSiever. The Manual mode is generally used when
determining proper time and amplitude settings for particular
samples. The Auto mode is used when inputting data in programs or selecting programs from memory.
PAUSE/RES
The Pause/Resume function interrupts the progress of a sieving
sequence. The “Pause” LED light is lit when this function is
activated. Wh en paused, remaining time and sequ ence position
will be indicated on the display and program LED’s. Press the
Pause/Resume button a second time to resume operation.
PGM
The Program function is used to enter amplitude and phase
times. The button is pressed to accept the displayed value and
advance to the next entry. This function is also used to review
saved values in an existing program.
REC/ AND SAVE/
from any of the ten memory locations coded 0 through 9. The
buttons are enabled when programming in the “Auto” mode.
The up and down arrow functions are used for setting time
and amplitude values and are enabled in the “Manual” mode.
4.2 Tapping Action Control Buttons
Horizontal and vertical tapping assists in particle separation
and freeing lodged, near-size particles from blinded openings:
O
This disables all tapping. Pressing this will make Sieving action
of the unit solely dependent on sonic energy.
This button activates vertical tapping. The platform of the
Sieving Chamber is struck from underneath, elevating and
reorienting particles to the sieve cloth during the sieving
sequence.
/
This button engages both horizontal and vertical tapping.
The two horizontal tappers can be seen in the rear of the
sieving chamber on the left-hand side. Use of both Vertical
and horizontal tapping assures maximum movement of hard
to separate material.
Fuse & Voltage Selector Block
Remove panel and set aside.Remove fuses.
Voltage selector setup for 110V operation.
To change to 220V, pull out, turn 180°
Figure 3.1
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and insert with "220" showing.
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Gilson Company, Inc. GilSonic AutoSiever: GA-6
4.3 Test Phase Indicator Lights
Time A
This phase begins the test sequence and determines the time
in which amplitude is increased from 0 to the programmed
setting. Gradual increase of amplitude allows samples with
large amounts of nes, low density or electrostatic tendencies
to gently separate before more severe action generates static
buildup and causes particles to agglomerate.
Time B
This phase determines the time that the test will be run at the
programmed maximum amplitude setting. Most of the testing
time will be in this phase.
Time C
This is the duration needed for the amplitude to decline from
maximum to zero. Each sieve size has an optimum separation
amplitude that decreases with particle size. The gradual decrease
at the end of the test serves to clean up separation of near-sized
particles on each sieve.
Max. Amplitude
This LED is on at any time the programmed maximum amplitude
setting is active.
4.4 Operating Mode Indicator Lights
Run
This LED is active whenever the AutoSiever is in operation.
Pause
This LED is lit when the “PAUSE/RES” button is pressed. In this
mode, the test in progress is interrupted, but the time and amplitude settings are saved. When the button is pressed again,
the test sequence resumes. This LED is also lit when the stack
assembly is removed during a run.
Auto
The Auto LED is lit when programming, saving programs or
testing with a saved program.
Manual
The Manual LED is lit when establishing amplitude levels and
sequencing for materials.
The LED Digital display shows all of the settings and values
needed when programming and using the AutoSiever. When
numerical values are entered, they appear in the space for the
right-hand digit and “push” any digit currently displayed to the
left. It may be necessary to enter a series of zeroes if you want
to start from a “clear” display.
ON/OFF
Power
Switch
Tapping
Action
Control
Buttons
Test Phase Diagram
& Indicator Lights
Control Panel
Operating
Mode
Indicator
Lights
Programmable
Control
Keypad
LED Digital Display
Figure 4.0
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Gilson Company, Inc. GilSonic AutoSiever: GA-6
5.0 PREPARING THE SIEVE STACK ASSEMBLY
PLEASE NOTE: Using brands of sieves, nes collectors
and/or diaphragms other than Gilson may void the
warranty.
Column Lock
Diaphragm
Top Cone
Stack Locking
Bar
Spacers
or
Sieves
Fines Collector
Fines Collector
Sieve Stack Assembly
A. Select desired sieves for testing. Capacity of Sieve Stack Assem-
bly (Figure 5.1) is seven standard sieves or three precision
sieves. When using fewer sieves, spacers must be added to
maintain correct height of Sieve Stack Assembly. Mixing of
wire-woven and precision sieves in the same stack is not
recommended.
CAUTION: Sieve stack capacity is one when using
precision sieves with openings of 10µm or less. Fine
sieve openings may impede airow enough to damage
sieves.
B. On a balance sensitive to at least 0.01 gram, determine and
record the tare mass of parts that will contact the sample
during testing:
Diaphragm
•
• Top Cone
• Each Sieve
• Each Spacer
• Fines Collector
C. Place the Fines Collector into the Fines Collector Holder.
The top ring of the Collector should nest in the recess in the
top ring of the Holder. Attach the Collector by inserting the
keyhole slot in the Collector disc under the screw head in
the Holder.
D. Nest the stack of sieves to be used, nest at the bottom,
coarsest on top, with spacers as necessary to maintain correct
stack height. Fit the stack onto the top of the Fines Collector.
Figure 5.1
NOTE: Stacking the sieves with the labels facing to the
side will allow unobstructed viewing of the material
during sieving operations.
E. Carefully deposit the sample into the top sieve. Insert the
small end of the Top Cone into the top sieve and place the
Diaphragm on top with the metal ring facing down.
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Gilson Company, Inc. GilSonic AutoSiever: GA-6
NOTE: There are two issues to consider involving quantity
of sample to be tested. The rst is physical load on the
sieve cloth. The Fine sieves in both woven-wire and
electroform versions are quite delicate. Excessive mass
on the cloth dramatically shortens the useful life of the
sieve. Additionally, excessive volume can restrict free
movement of the air column created by sonic energy
in the AutoSiever. This also creates excessive loads on
the sieve cloth and may result in damage to the sieves.
Generally, following the guidelines below for eective
separation will prevent most problems from overloading.
If your material has especially high or low bulk density, you
should discuss your application with a Gilson Technical
Support representative.
The second issue is optimum sample quantity for eective
separation. This is dependent upon powder density,
sieve sizes to be used and sample load on each sieve at
completion of sieving. For proper separation, there should
be no more than a thin layer of sample on any one sieve
when the test is complete.
Maximum sample quantity for woven-wire sieves 38mm
(No. 400) or larger is 20g or 7cc. For ner woven-wire
sieves, 10g or 4cc is the maximum. For precision sieving
with electroformed sieves, a one gram sample is typical
and 5 grams or 5cc is maximum.
6.0 ESTABLISHING TEST SEQUENCES
For each type of material tested, a sequence should be
established that most eectively processes the particular
material type. This assures the highest degree of accuracy and
repeatability from the AutoSiever and enables subsequent
samples of similar materials to be processed eciently using
custom-programmed sequences.
• Prepare a sample of material to be tested, place it in the
sieve stack and put together the Sieve Stack Assembly as
discussed in Section 5.0.
Insert the assembly into the Sieving Chamber and release
•
the Sieve Stack Locking Bars as noted in Section 5.0 G.
Turn the AutoSiever power switch on and check that the
•
Manual mode LED is lit. If not, set it for Manual operation
by pressing the MAN/AUTO button.
Sieve Stack Releasing with Thumb & Finger
F. Place the Column Lock over the Diaphragm and press down
until the Stack Locking Bars snap onto the top ring of the
Fines Collector Holder.
G. Insert the Sieve Stack Assembly into the sieving chamber of
the AutoSiever until it rests against the stops on the platform.
Release the Sieve Stack Locking Bars by inserting a thumb
and forenger inside the bars at the bottom of the stack and
forcing them outward (see Figure 5.2). When released, the
assembly will rise upward and the Column Lock should t
into the Stack Locking Ring in the top of the sieving chamber,
securing the stack in place. Check that the Stack Assembly
is secured by gently pulling outward.
NOTE: When properly secured, the Stack Switch is
depressed and will enable normal operation. If not
secured, the AutoSiever will go into Pause mode and
the unit will not operate.
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Figure 5.2
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Gilson Company, Inc. GilSonic AutoSiever: GA-6
6.1 Setting Maximum Amplitude
A. Using the REC/ and SAVE/ arrow keys, adjust
the amplitude level to an initial low number, such as 5, and
press the Run/Stop button to start.
G. Enter the maximum amplitude setting as determined in
manual mode above and press PGM. The value will be stored
and the Time B LED will start blinking.
CAUTION: The Electroformed cloth in Precision Sieves is
especially delicate and may be destroyed if the amplitude
setting is too high. While it is impossible to state an exact
maximum value, an amplitude setting of 25 or more for
sieves of 20µm or less should be approached incrementally.
Coarser Electroformed sieves will be more robust, as will
most wire-woven sieves, but it is still possible to damage
them with excessively high settings or prolonged run-times.
If you are unable to achieve satisfactory separations in 15
minutes or less at amplitude settings under 50, please
consult a Technical Support representative at Gilson.
Attempting higher settings may void the warranty.
B. Gradually increase the amplitude until sample material on
the top sieve ows smoothly in a gentle uid action. Note
the nal number on the display for later programming as the
maximum amplitude value.
6.2 Establishing Phase Times
Phase times require experimentation to nd the best values,
but the settings below are generally a good starting point:
• Time “A” (Ramp-up) 0.5 minutes
Time “B” (Time at Max. Amplitude) 5.0 minutes
•
Time “C” (Cleanup) 0.3 minutes
•
C. Press MAN/AUTO to return the unit to automatic operation.
H. Continue entering and storing values for Time B and Time
C phases. After a value for Time C is entered and stored, the
total time for the test (A+B+C) will be displayed.
I. Select one of the three Tapping Action buttons to program
tapping during operation.
NOTE: For most materials, operation with both horizontal
and vertical tapping (/) insures the best separation.
Some problem materials may respond best using only
vertical tapping or none at all.
J. To execute the entered program one time, simply press the
Run/STOP button. The AutoSiever will run the sequence and
stop automatically at completion.
NOTE: After running through a test cycle at these initial
settings, the individual fractions can be weighed, then
tested again for an additional minute at the previously
determined amplitude setting. If the amount passing a
given sieve increases less than about 1%, then the original
settings are adequate. If there is more than an additional
1% passing, the process of increasing test times in oneminute increments should be continued. If the material
being tested is exceptionally dense or lightweight,
prone to agglomerate or gather static charges, time
and amplitude settings may have to be increased. (See
Caution note in Section 6.1 A.)
D. Press PGM until the Time A indicator LED is blinking.
E. Use the keypad to enter the time for the amplitude to ramp
up from 0 to the established maximum setting. A default
value of 0.1 is already programmed.
NOTE: Time is displayed in 0.1 minute (6 second)
increments. 1 minute, 18 seconds would be displayed as
1.3. Digits entered appear in the right-hand space of the
display and “push” other digits to the left. When entering
new values, it may be necessary to enter 0’s until the display
is cleared.
F. Press PGM to accept the displayed value. The setting will be
stored and the Max. Amplitude LED will begin to blink.
K. To store the entered program into memory, press SAVE and
enter a number from 0 to 9 for the memory location.
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Gilson Company, Inc. GilSonic AutoSiever: GA-6
7.0 PERFORMING A TEST
A. To perform a test with the AutoSiever, start by following the
steps in Section 5.0, Preparing the Sieve Stack Assembly.
Place the Stack Assembly with the sample into the unit and
close the door.
B. Turn the power switch on and either enter amplitude and
phase time values as described in Section 6.2 C through J,
or select a previously stored program from one of the ten
memory locations by pressing REC/ and the memory
location.
C. Press the RUN/STOP button to initiate the test. The
AutoSiever will execute the program and automatically stop
at completion.
D. Remove and disassemble the stack assembly and weigh the
individual sieves with the separated fractions. Subtract the
tare weights of the individual sieves to determine fraction
weights.
E. Total sample weight can be determined by adding the fraction
weights to the weight of the nes on the tared Fines Collector,
Top Diaphragm, Top Cone and Spacers and subtracting the
tare weight of the components.
8.0 CARE & HANDLING OF SIEVES
8.1 Precision Sieves
Gilson Precision Sieves are made of unsupported electroformed
nickel mesh for the maximum open area. Sieves with support grid
are also available. These sieves are delicate testing instruments
and must be handled with care.
• When testing with sieves of 10µm or less, use only one
sieve at a time in the sieve stack assembly. Using more may
impede air ow and result in damage or poor separations.
• Never exceed a sample weight of 5g or volume of 5 cc
when using Precision Sieves.
• For cleaning, use an Ultrasonic Cleaner of 150 watts or
less with water temperature between 70˚ and 90˚F (21˚
to 32˚C). Place sieves in on edge for 30 seconds to one
minute, then remove and allow to air-dry. Do NOT brush
or use compressed air to clean precision sieves!
Standard & Precision Sieves
• When dry, store Precision Sieves in their plastic jewel cases
until ready for next use.
• Never touch the mesh of Precision Sieves with the ngers.
Acids and oils on the skin will quickly discolor and corrode
the mesh.
8.2 Standard Sieves
Sieves with woven-wire mesh are generally more robust than
Precision Sieves, but must still be handled with care to maintain
their eectiveness as testing instruments.
• Do not subject sieves to temperatures higher than 120˚F
(49˚C).
• Coarser sieves may be gently brushed to clean; ner sieves
should be immersed in an ultrasonic cleaner as noted
above.
• Do not use compressed air to clean sieves.
9.0 MONITORING PERFORMANCE
While it is not practical to attempt to “calibrate” the AutoSiever
device itself, performance of the unit as related to particle
separation can be monitored. Tracking ongoing performance
and repeatability can be an important part of a QC/QA program
and should be done periodically for any testing device.
• Do not expose to radiant heat or attempt to dry in a
conventional or microwave oven.
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Gilson Company, Inc. GilSonic AutoSiever: GA-6
At a minimum, an appropriately sized reference material will be
needed. Gilson oers Whitehouse Sieve Standards, which are singleuse vials of glass beads for use on individual sieves. We also have
H. Replace top and handle and reinstall the 7 Phillips-head
screws. Tighten snugly.
Standard Reference Materials supplied directly from NIST or BCR
(European Community Bureau of Reference), designed to cover
I. Replace power cord in rear of unit.
a range of sizes. These materials are intended for use to monitor
average size openings on sieves, but will also reect the repeatability of an individual AutoSiever unit over time.
10.3 Fuse Replacement
For the most meaningful results, the reference material should
be tested on a master sieve or set of sieves and sieve stack assembly that is set aside only for this purpose. AutoSiever controller settings must be the same for each performance check.
If signicant variations are found, adjustment of amplitude or
time settings or changing the diaphragms may reconcile the
results. If these adjustments do not help, it may be a sign of
more complex problems. Gilson may be consulted at any time
to assist with diagnosis.
10.0 MAINTENANCE & REPAIR
10.1 General Repairs
Simple replacement of speakers, lamps and fuses are easily accomplished by following the instructions below. More complex
diagnosis and repair should be performed in cooperation with
Gilson personnel or by returning the unit to Gilson.
WARNING!: Always disconnect the unit from
its power supply before attempting any maintenance,
adjustment or repair procedure.
10.2 Speaker Replacement
A. Disconnect power by unplugging and removing the power
cord from the rear of the unit.
B. Remove the 7 Phillips-head screws on the top of the unit
and remove the case top and handle.
A. Disconnect power by unplugging and removing the power
cord from the rear of the unit.
B. The fuse holder is contained in the power receptacle at the
rear of the unit. The fuse holder is a small “drawer” at the
bottom of the receptacle, which may be opened with a
ngernail or small screwdriver. The fuse holder can then be
pulled out.
C. There are two 5 amp \fuses in the holder. The one closest to
the cabinet is the functional unit. The fuse to the outside is
a spare.
D. Test the fuse for continuity with an ohmmeter. If no continu-
ity, replace with the spare fuse.
E. Push the fuse holder back in until it latches.
F. Replace the power cord.
10.4 Lamp Replacement
A. Disconnect power by unplugging and removing the power
cord from the rear of the unit.
B. Open the Sieving Chamber door and remove the Sieve Stack,
if necessary.
C. Remove the two Phillips-head screws securing the stainless
steel diuser bezel.
D. Remove the bezel and diuser lens.
E. Carefully pull straight up on the lamp to remove.
C. Note orientation of the speaker and remove the two lugged
wires from the terminals.
D. Remove the 4 slotted screws holding the speaker in place
and remove the speaker from the case.
E. Install the replacement speaker in correct orientation.
F. Reinstall the 4 slotted screws and tighten snugly.
G. Gently attach lugged speaker wires, taking care not to bend
terminals.
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F. Insert replacement lamp, pushing gently down into place
to seat.
G. Replace bezel and diuser and reinstall the two Phillips-head