Physical Tests AACC International Method 55-60.

01
Page 1 of 2

Guideline for Determination of Particle Size Distribution

Final approval October, 2011

Scope
This guideline applies to the determination of particle size distribution of
powdered chemical leavening agents by mechanical sieving. Generally, the
particle size distributions for these materials are defined by their respective
specifications by using several screens with mesh sizes ranging from 60–325 U.S.
Standard (250–44 µm). The intent of this document is to outline a general
procedure, provide suggested values for key parameters where appropriate, and
highlight controllable sources of error.

Equipment
1. Sieve shaker, percussion, Ro-Tap or equivalent.
2. U.S. Standard screens, pan, and cover.
3. Nylon brush.
4. Balance accurate to 0.01 g.
General Procedure
1. Weigh a sample of test material to the nearest 0.1 g.
2. Weigh each screen, and keep this information available. (The screen weights
will be used when the amount of product retained after shaking is determined.)
3. Ensure that the sieves to be used and the pan are clean, using the brush if
needed. When using U.S. standard screens, stack the specified sieves with the
largest sieve on the top. If using Tyler screens, place them according to micron
size. Place the pan at the bottom of the stack.
4. Pour the sample into the top sieve, and place the cover over it. Place the
sieve stack in the shaker, and secure per the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Run the shaker for the amount of time specified at the hammer and
oscillation frequency specified.
6. Remove the stack from the shaker, and carefully dismantle the stack. Weigh
each screen with the material on it. (It is suggested that the screens be used as a
weigh container so that no material is lost in transfer.) Subtract the screen
weights (step 2) from the total, and record to the nearest 0.1 g. The contents can
also be removed into a pretared container, weighed, and recorded to the nearest
0.1 g.

Calculation
For each screen:

weight of material recovered from screen

% retained = × 100
total sample weight

doi: 10.1094/AACCIntMethod-54-60.01
Physical Tests AACC International Method 55-60.01
Page 2 of 2

Guideline for Determination of Particle Size Distribution (continued)

Cumulative percent retained is percent retained on a particular sieve plus the

percent retained on all coarser sieves.

Sieving Control Parameters

The following parameters must be controlled in order to maximize repro-
ducibility of results and agreement among laboratories. Suggested values and
practices are given.
Sample size: 50 ± 1 g.
Sieve preparation: Inspect sieves routinely. If necessary, clean with deionized
water and oven dry.
Shake time: 5–15 min. See Note.
Shaker hammer tap frequency: 150 ± 10 taps per min.
Shaker hammer weight: 5 lb, 6 oz.
Shaker hammer drop distance: 15/16 ± 1/16 in.
Oscillation frequency: 300 ± 15 per min.
Method of emptying pans: Pour out contents, tap side of frame, brush under-
side of screen.
Support for shaker: Must be of sufficient mass with a level surface to support
operating shaker without moving.
Check standard for calibration: Certified standard screens.
Cleaning: Use vacuum to remove any leftover particles.

Note
In order to achieve interlaboratory agreement, the same shake time must be
used. In general, materials with smaller particle size distributions require longer
shake times to achieve consistent results.

References
1. ASTM Standard D-502-89. (Reapproved 2009). Standard Test Method for Particle Size of Soaps
and Other Detergents. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA. DOI:10.1520/D0502-
89R09.
2. W.S. Tyler. Test Sieve Analysis. W.S. Tyler Industrial Group, Mentor, OH. http://www.wstyler.
com/html/images/test_sieves_photo/sieve_analysispsd/Tyler_Test_Siev_Analysis.pdf