Learn what is sieve shaker machine with principle, construction, working, uses, advantages and disadvantages. This is a size separation equipment in pharma.
What is sieve shaker machine in pharmacy?
This is a laboratory instrument which efficiently separate particles of different sizes within a given material. It consists of a set of nested sieves. It follows the mechanism of shaking or oscillating of the sieves to separate particles.
This equipment is widely used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, construction and environmental testing.
It is widely used in pharmaceutical and chemical industry.
Sieve shaker principle
It contains number of sieves in a nest where a powder drug separated from a mixture according to their size.
The sieve shaker principle follows the mechanism of shaking or oscillating. This shaking separate particle based on their size.
The coarser sieves at the top retain larger particles. And below the coarser sieves, the finer sieves collect smaller particles. This machine can control shaking duration and intensity for accuracy.
Construction
According to United states Pharmacopeia and Indian pharmacopeia standard sieves of have different mesh numbers are available in a sieve shaker machine.
- This machine contains a set of sieves included coarsest sieves and finest sieves.
- Coarsest sieves are used for coarse powders.
- Fine sieves used to determine fine powders.
- It also contains a pan for collection of fine powders.
- A timer and indicator bulb also used in machine.
- For power supply machine contain a switch (on and off).
Sieve shaker working
Here how a sieve shaker works,
- Arrange sieves in a nest, place the coarsest sieve at the top.
- Add 100 mg of powder to the top sieve.
- Shake the machine for 20 minutes.
- Slowly the powders pass through each sieve.
- A timer controls the sieving duration with precision.
- The finest sieve collects the fine powders in the pan.
- Switch off the machine once the sieving process is complete.
- Weigh the powders which are retain by sieves.
What are the uses of sieve shaker?
Here is some application of sieve shaker machine:
- For analysis particle size.
- For collection of fine powders.
- Preparation of tablets and capsules.
- Quality control for flour, sugar, etc.
- Soil and sediment analysis.
What are the advantages of this machine?
- Accurate result may obtain.
- Operation is simple and rapid.
- The machine is less expensive.
- Saves time.
- Versatility across materials and sizes.
- Critical for quality control in various industries.
What are the disadvantages?
- For separation of wet and greasy particles it can lead improper sieving.
- During shaking, the particles may colloid each other and occur size reduction.
- Lower limit of particle size is 50µm.
- Operational noise requires precautions.
- Limited capacity for large quantities.
- Regular cleaning and calibration needed.
- Specialized knowledge for effective operation.
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