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Ultrasonic cleaning of test sieves

The determination of particle size distribution by sieve analysis using sieve shakers is becoming increasingly important for assessing the quality of bulk materials. Test sieves are high-precision testing instruments that are indispensable in quality control, research and production monitoring.

The prerequisite for reproducible results is a residue-free mesh. Deposits and adhering particles - so-called boundary grains - significantly reduce the permeability of the metal sieves. Careful cleaning is therefore essential. As mechanical cleaning methods often reach their physical limits and pose risks for the test equipment, screen manufacturers worldwide recommend the standardised use of ultrasonic baths.

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Avoid loss of precision through the targeted use of ultrasound

Common test sieves have standardised mesh sizes in accordance with international standards such as ISO 3310, which in practice usually range from 2 mm down to 63 µm. Mesh sizes below 20 µm are rather rare and reserved for special laboratory applications.

The choice of the right cleaning method depends largely on this mesh size:

Coarse sieves: Very coarse meshes can often still be cleaned easily by simply rinsing.
The critical transition: Manufacturers generally recommend gentle cleaning in an ultrasonic bath for mesh sizes of less than 500 µm. Very careful manual brushing is still possible to a certain extent up to a limit of around 250 µm, but the risk of permanently distorting the sensitive wire mesh increases noticeably at this point.
Fine sieves: At the latest in the range below 125 µm - and especially at 63 µm and finer - mechanical methods are no longer sufficient. Particles adhere stubbornly to the fine meshes and any attempt at manual cleaning will inevitably damage the test equipment.

This is where ultrasonic cleaning really comes into its own. It works without contact using the physical force of cavitation: in the water bath, the sound waves generate microscopically small bubbles which, when they implode, loosen the stuck boundary grains from even the finest meshes. A major advantage of this process is that the mesh size and fabric tension remain unchanged. Impurities are also completely removed from hard-to-reach areas on the sieve frame, which reliably prevents material from being carried over into the next sample.

Ultrasound cleaning

The right products for every application

SONOREX DIGITEC DT 106 Ultrasonic bath
1.161,00 € (plus Shipping & VAT) Commercial customers only
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SONOREX SH 7 sieve holder
57,00 € (plus Shipping & VAT) Commercial customers only
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TICKOPUR R 33 Universal cleaner for ultrasonic cleaning, concentrate
25,00 € - 1.320,00 € (plus Shipping & VAT) Commercial customers only
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SONOREX SUPER RK 1028 CH Ultrasonic bath with heater
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SONOREX SH 28 C sieve holder
286,00 € (plus Shipping & VAT) Commercial customers only
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The preparation process in everyday laboratory work

A reproducible cleaning process protects the expensive test instruments and ensures that the sieves are quickly ready for the next analysis. The recommended process comprises the following steps:

Preparation and chemistry

The biodegradable product TICKOPUR R 33 is added to the water bath at a dosage of 3 to 5 %. The use of strongly alkaline cleaners with a pH value above 11 should be avoided, as these can attack the screen material. The bath temperature is set to 40 °C, which is gentle on the material.

Positioning and sound reinforcement

The positioning depends on the appliance used. In models for single sieve cleaning, the sieve can be positioned flat. If several sieves are processed simultaneously in larger baths, we recommend special sieve holders such as the SONOREX SH 7 or SH 28 C. Here, the sieves are set vertically and rotated manually during the process. This guarantees that dissolved particles sink unhindered to the bottom of the tank. A sonication time of 2 to 5 minutes at moderate power is usually completely sufficient.

Rinsing and drying

After removal, rinse thoroughly with demineralised water. The trays are placed vertically to drain and then dried in the air at room temperature. A brief rinse with ethanol or isopropanol accelerates the drying process, as these liquids evaporate quickly and without leaving any residue.

Important note on material compatibility: These parameters also apply to modern test sieves with plastic frames, for example made of polypropylene or polyamide. As the temperature of 40 °C is well below critical deformation ranges, the process is harmless. However, the following applies to all sieves: too long or excessively frequent sonication can lead to a long-term weakening of the sensitive soldered or bonded joints between the mesh and frame.

Proven device configurations for every test throughput

Depending on the daily cleaning volume and the diameter of the sieves used, specifically customised ultrasonic baths have become established in everyday laboratory work.

Solutions for individual sieves: The compact SONOREX SUPER RK 106 and SONOREX DIGITEC DT 106 models (for sieves up to Ø 200 mm) are suitable for the targeted cleaning of individual sieves. The corresponding large-bath models RK 1040 and DT 1040 are available for large-format test sieves up to a diameter of 500 mm.
Processing at high throughput: If several test sieves need to be cleaned in parallel in production monitoring, BANDELIN solutions such as the SONOREX SUPER RK 1028 C or SONOREX DIGITEC DT 1028 C are recommended. With the appropriate suspension frame, up to five sieves (Ø 200 mm) can be processed at the same time.

Ready for reproducible analysis results? Let us advise you on the proven SONOREX ultrasonic baths for your laboratory requirements!

Example application in the video

We have put together an overview of sample cleanings for you to carry out an optimal US cleaning.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about cleaning test sieves

Why should fine test sieves not be dried with compressed air or heat?

A strong jet of compressed air or the high temperatures of a drying cabinet can distort the fine wire mesh. This changes the standardised mesh size and the mesh tension decreases, making the sieve unusable for precise analyses. The gentlest method is vertical draining and subsequent drying at room temperature.

Can screens with plastic frames be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath?

Yes, frames made of plastics such as polypropylene or polyamide can withstand the recommended bath temperature of 40 °C without any problems. A short sonication time of around 2 to 5 minutes is important, as is the use of a hanging basket or sieve holder to avoid direct contact with the floor.

Which cleaning agent is suitable for test sieves?

For gentle ultrasonic cleaning, we recommend the universal concentrate TICKOPUR R 33 at a dosage of 3 to 5 %. Strongly alkaline cleaners with a pH value of over 11 must not be used, as they can attack the metal alloys and plastic components of the test instruments.

Does ultrasound damage the soldered and bonded areas of the screens?

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We - a Berlin-based family business in its third generation - specialise in the development, manufacture and distribution of ultrasonic devices, corresponding accessories and application-specific cleaning and disinfection preparations. The high vertical range of manufacture, a modern production facility and motivated employees distinguish us and are guarantors for constantly new quality products.