Sieve analyses

Sieve analyses - particle-size distribution estimation by analytical sieving - are performed by a column of sieves with well-defined screen openings. The sample is placed in the top sieve which has the largest opening. Below are a number of sieves with smaller screen openings. At the base is a round pan, called the receiver. The column is placed in a mechanical shaker. The shaker shakes the column. After the shaking is complete the material on each sieve is weighed. The weight of the sample of each sieve is then divided by the total weight to give a percentage retained on each sieve.