For decades, mechanical sieve shakers have helped lab technicians throughout countless industries identify the median size of the particle throughout their product line. As they have been used for so long, several industry standards require them to be used.
This leaves several sieve shakers models on the market with identical characteristics, such as the Advantech DuraTap™ Test Sieve Shaker and the W.S. Tyler RO-TAP® Sieve Shaker. There are very few differences between these devices.
Identifying which sieve shaker to employ is one of the most impart steps to achieving accurate and repeatable results. Here at W.S. Tyler, we understand that this can sometimes prove daunting, and we’re here to help.
To help you distinguish the differences and similarities between the DuraTap and RO-TAP sieve shakers, we will cover the following:
- What a DuraTap is
- What a RO-TAP is
- How the two sieve shaker’s technical speciations compare
- How the two sieve shakers compare in price
What Is an Advantech DuraTap?
The DuraTap is a mechanical sieve shaker that was built to deliver maximum durability when testing various materials. It utilizes an agitating orbital movement in conjunction with a brute force hammer tap to break down particle agglomeration and promote particle movement.
What makes this particular shaker so durable is the fact that the moving parts are constructed from heavy-duty materials.
What Is a W.S. Tyler RO-TAP Sieve Shaker?
The W.S. Tyler RO-TAP Sieve Shaker is the original mechanical sieve shaker and has been around for over 100 years. As it has become a trusted name in the industry, the RO-TAP Sieve Shaker is reflected in dozens of industry standards.
Much like the DuraTap sieve shaker, the RO-TAP uses a combination of oscillating and brute force tapping movements to help facilitate an accurate and repeatable test sieve analysis.
How Do the DuraTap and RO-TAP Compare?
The DuraTap and RO-TAP function in identical ways and deliver the same results. That said, some slight physical differences separate the two.
We will now compare the technical specifications of both machines to provide more insight.
Sieve Stack Capacity
The Advatceh DuraTap is designed to be used specifically with 8-inch and 12-inch diameter test sieves.
That said, when using 8-inch sieves, the DuraTap can house seven full-height sieves, a pan, and cover or 14 half-height sieves, a pan, and cover. When using 12-inch sieves, the DuraTap can house four full-height sieves, a pan, and cover or eight half-height sieves, a pan, and cover.
The RO-TAP Sieve Shaker comes in two variants: the RX-29, which is designed to house 8-inch test sieves, and the RX-30, which is designed to house 12-inch test sieves.
The RX-29 can house six full-height sieves and a pan or 13 half-height sieves and a pan. The RX-30 can house four full-height sieves and a pan or eight half-height sieves and a pan.
Device Footprint
The dimensions of the DuraTap and RO-TAP are identical. The dimensions of both devices are as followed: 28” wide x 21” deep x 25 high (71.1cm x 53.3cm x 63.5cm).
Device Weight
The weight of the Advantech DuraTech and W.S. Tyler RO-TAP are almost identical. There is only a 10 lbs. difference with the DuraTap weighing 170 lbs. and the RO-TAP weighing 180 lbs.
Movement
All mechanical sieve shakers are designed to oscillate and tap a certain number of times per minute. The DuraTap and RO-TAP feature movements that function similarly, as stated above.
That said, the DuraTap will perform at approximately 275 ± 10oscillations and 152 ± taps per minute. On the other hand, the RO-TAP will perform at around 278 ± 10 oscillations and 150 ± 10 taps per minute.
How Do the DuraTap and RO-TAP Compare in Price?
Much like the technical specification of the DuraTap and RO-TAP, both devices are similar in price. Ultimately, the price you can expect to pay is dependent on the specific needs of your operation.
Having said that, the Duratap Test Sieve Shaker has an approximate price range of $2,350 to $2,650. The most significant factors that will dictate the price you can expect to pay are the sieve diameter, voltage, hertz requirements.
On the other hand, the RO-TAP Sieve Shaker has an approximate price range of $1,730 to $7,600. The most significant factors that control the cost you can expect to pay are:
- The diameter of your sieves.
- The level of agitation required.
- The number of sieve stacks you want to test at once.
Organize Your Lab To Maintain Optimal Results
The W.S Tyler RO-TAP Sieve Shaker and Advantech DuraTap Test Sieve Shaker are both mechanical sieve shakers that are used to break up agglomeration and test particles in a sieve stack. While they may have slight technical and cosmetic differences, both devices ultimately perform the same.
While mechanical sieve shakers are a trusted means of gathering reliable test sieve analysis results, their large footprint may not fit in all lab settings. If you are seeking a more accommodating form factor, you should explore all sieve shaker options, including electromagnetic sieve shakers.
W.S. Tyler understands the importance of maintaining a lab setting that is easy to navigate and that this starts with making sure you employ equipment that reduces clutter.
That’s why we recommend reading the following article to learn more about how electromagnetic and mechanical sieve shakers compare: