Ensuring Precision in Materials Testing: The Significance of Reference Materials for Sieves
In the realm of materials testing, the consistent adherence to industry benchmarks by test sieves is pivotal. Employing substandard equipment for particle size analysis can imperil production outcomes, material integrity, and cause costly setbacks and rejections. Over time, the natural wear and erosion of sieve wires result in enlarging openings, potentially exceeding acceptable limits. Factors such as physical damage, chemical corrosion, or detachment from the frame can also compromise sieve accuracy. Routine evaluations are indispensable to confirm sieves conform to mandated specifications.
Optical Examination and Verification
Direct verification of sizes of opening and diameters of the wire, aligning with benchmark like ASTM E11 as well as ISO 565, requires optical/microscopic inspection and measurement of Calibration Grade or Inspection Grade. Sieve Verification Services makes sure stipulated dimensions are fulfilled, necessitating temporary removal of sieves for
dispatch to the Verification Laboratory.
Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) and User-Prepared References
Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) facilitate calculating effective opening sizes through material sieving. SRMs or user-prepared reference materials allow direct comparisons between previously calibrated sieves and working sieves. While reference materials yield indirect assessments, they satisfactorily evaluate compliance.
Calibration Test Sieves
Subjected to a more detailed evaluation, Calibration Test Sieves have approximately double the number of openings measured compared to Inspection Sieves. This rigorous assessment results in a confidence level of 99.73%, adhering to ASTM standards. Calibration Sieves are indispensable for applications demanding an exceptionally high
level of accuracy. Starting as Compliance Sieves, they undergo additional Calibration Sieve Verification.
Quality Control Protocols
ASTM E2427, the Standard Test Method for Acceptance by Performance Testing for Sieves, presents a uniform framework for all the practices. It enables contrasting a working sieve’s performance with that of an calibration or inspection grade reference sieve, utilizing SRMs or user-prepared reference materials. These internal performance evaluations are economical and enable monitoring sieve performance influenced by wear.
User-Prepared vs. Standard Reference Materials
User-prepared reference materials, although accessible, demand substantial time and effort. Lacking direct traceability, they can be intr icate to r eplicate and authenticate.On the flip side, Standard Reference Material (SRMs), precision-engineered spheres made from specific s oda glass material, provide documented particle size distribution that can be traced back to NIST or European Community Bureau of R eference (BCR) s tandards. While SRMs present predictable outcomes, they have limitations being expensive and having usage restrictions, often accompanied by traceable certification expiry dates.
