What is the maximum time allowed for a mechanical sieve shaker?

The maximum time allowed for a mechanical sieve shaker is ten minutes. This duration is based on standardized testing methods that ensure consistent and reliable results when separating granular materials.

Using a mechanical sieve shaker for a predetermined time, such as ten minutes, helps to achieve effective stratification of the sample, allowing for accurate assessment of the particle size distribution. This standardization of time is critical because longer shaking periods can lead to over-sieving or degradation of material, while shorter periods may not adequately separate the particles, resulting in unreliable data.

This time limit is rooted in the need for repeatability and uniformity in testing processes across different samples and conditions, making ten minutes the optimal choice for ensuring consistent results in soil and aggregate testing methodologies.