Particle size analysis is a practice that is known for its accuracy and dependability. For this reason, countless industries turn to it when developing quality control programs that ensure they maintain the integrity of their brand in the eyes of customers.
Now, there are many instances in which lab managers and technicians must keep a log that reflects every aspect of their particle analysis, down to what test sieves were used at what moment. But even if this isn’t a requirement for your lab, having this level of accountability for your operation can prove to be a beneficial safeguard down the road.
As the ALPINE Air Jet Sieve e200 LS allows for the use of RFID technology, both in the device itself as well as specialized RFID sieves, air jet sieve analysis is becoming a more prominent method throughout the industry. As these RFID sieves provide enhanced functionality compared to traditional test sieves, it’s vital that you understand what they are and how they work to better identify if they are right for you.
W.S. Tyler has been a prominent leader in the particle analysis industry for over 150 years and has witnessed firsthand how innovation has changed things. As change often creates worry, we strive to use our expertise to help labs capitalize on this change in innovation rather than fear it.
To provide insight into what an RFID test sieve is and if they are suitable for your air jet sieve analysis process, the following article will discuss:
Test sieves are particle analysis instruments used to separate the individual particles that make up a sample of material based on their size. They are constructed using a screening medium, such as sieve cloth, with precise openings and mounted on to frame with adequate stability.
An RFID test sieve is a test sieve made explicitly for an ALPINE Air Jet Sieve e200 LS.
The e200 LS has a ring around the top that features a cut-out that is put in place to fit an RFID tag. This RFID tag is built into the tests sieve is read by the RIFD reader inside the ALPINE internment.
Prior to shipping an RFID sieve, an RFID writer is used to write the sieve specifications onto that sieve’s RFID tag. What is written on the sieve’s RFID tag is then cross-referenced with the sieve’s box and the sieve’s labeling to ensure everything correlates.
So, for example, if it’s an ASTM 200 sieve, the RFID tag will store that information. Every time the sieve is placed into the ALPINE unit, its RFID reader will tell the device which sieve is placed.
When it comes to why you may want to consider using an RFID sieve with an ALPINE Air Jet Sieve e200 LS, there are a couple of reasons. First and foremost, the RFID reader functionality is available on all ALPINE software levels except the light software.
When using the light software, the ALPINE will still have the same adapter and can use the same sieves; however, the RFID will not be utilized. To that end, the basic, ultimate, and security software levels will afford you this functionality if you elect to use it as operators can turn it on and off.
Another critical reason why a lot of lab operators choose to use RFID sieves is that they help to eliminate variables that human error can create. For example, let’s say you are testing concrete particles and have a sieve stack that consists of a #200 sieve, #250, #300, and #325.
The first sieve that should be used is the smallest sieve, which would be the #325 sieve. Assuming you have the proper parameters for this test saved on the ALPINE, the unit will already expect the #325 to be placed first.
If the operator running the test at that time places a #200 sieve first by mistake, the ALPINE will notify that the wrong sieve is currently in place and not proceed with the test.
The other reason you would use an RFID sieve is if your industry standards indicate that you have to. If you’re part 11 compliant, for instance, and need an audit trail that traces and records that the proper sieves were, in fact, used, the RFID functionality helps with this.
If you have a basic operation and can get by using the light software, odds are the RFID functionality wouldn’t suit you. In other words, if there is no clear benefit that is achieved using RFID technology, there is no need to implement them.
Additionally, if you are in that same basic operation and already have a stack of 8-inch sieves, an adapter that allows for the use of 8-inch sieves can be used. In this case, RFID sieves can’t be used as the RFID reader must be detached to fit the 8-inch sieve adapter.
When using 8-inch sieves, you have to be mindful of what sieves are being used.
NOTE: RFID tags cannot be attached to your existing test sieves.
Most basic RFID sieve sizes run at about $185. That said, when you get to the finer mesh specifications, you will benign to run into an increase in price.
With finer meshes, the price of an RFID sieve can reach $960.
RFID test sieves are specialized sieves made specifically for the ALPINE Air Jet Sieve e200 LS and feature an RFID tag that stores the specification of the sieve. This RFID technology helps facilitate an efficient air jet sieve analysis as it prevents variables that are the result of human error.
It is well known that not all air jet sieve analysis operations are the same. Some require an intensive audit trail, and some simply need a printout of the distribution curve.
To best accommodate your needs, the e200 LS has the ability to employ four software levels, each with a unique level of functionality and accountability. But to identify which one makes sense for you, you must understand all four.
W.S. Tyler has spent the past 150 years working with particle analysis operations of all forms. This is how we understand the stress that comes with achieving accurate and repeatable results that comply with industry standards and why we strive to learn your process inside and out, working towards a solution that provides a sigh of relief.
To gain an in-depth understanding of what each software level can and can’t do to better identify which is suitable for you, review the article: