Semolina, Pasta, and Noodle AACC International Method 66-20.

01
Quality Page 1 of 1

Determination of Granularity of Semolina and Farina:

Sieving Method
First approval September 16, 1998; Reapproval November 3, 1999

Objective
Granularity of a ground material, such as semolina or farina, is the particle
distribution of the material, which can be determined by a system of sieving.
Data are reported as the weight of material remaining on a specified sieve or
sieves after sieving for a standard time, expressed as a percentage of the original
weight of the sample. For certain purposes, the weight of material passing
through a specified sieve or sieves may also be used, expressed in the same way.

Apparatus
Sieves. 8-in. (∼20 cm) diameter, 30-, 40-, 60-, 80-, and 100-mesh (595-,
425-, 250-, 180-, and 150-µm aperture). These numbers conform to the U.S.
Standard sieve nomenclature (U.S. nos. 30, 40, 60, 80, and 100), which, in turn,
conforms to ASTM Standard E-11. The top sieve must have a tightly fitting lid,
and the bottom sieve must have a tightly-fitting pan.
Second sieve pan, also 8-in. (∼20 cm) diameter (optional but useful).
Sieve shaker or vibrator-type shaker.
Brush, “camel’s hair” or nylon bristle, 1 in. (∼2.5 cm) wide.
Analytical balance capable of weighing to an accuracy of 10 mg.
Vacuum cleaner (optional).

Procedure
1. Weigh sieve pans, and record weights.
2. Stack the five sieves with a tared pan beneath the bottom sieve.
3. Ensure that each sample is well-blended before testing.
4. Accurately weigh 100 ± 0.01 g of semolina and transfer it to the top sieve
(30-mesh) of the stack. Place the lid on the sieve.
5. Sieve sample for 5 min on sieve shaker.
6. Retaining lid on top sieve, carefully brush any fine material adhering to the
underside of sieve onto the sieve below. Transfer overs on top sieve to the sec-
ond weighed sieve pan. Record increase in weight. Repeat this procedure for all
sieves. (The purpose of the lid is to avoid spillage while brushing the bottom of
each sieve free of adhering material.)
7. Report results as the weight of material on each sieve, together with the
fine material that passes through the bottom (100-mesh) sieve. Results may be
reported on the constant-moisture basis of 14%, or on the “as-is” basis, and
should be expressed as a percentage of original weight of sample.
8. Recovery should be in excess of 98% of the original sample weight.
9. Each test will take about 15 min.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/AACCIntMethod-66-20.01