Particle Size Distribution (Rotap) Test
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Up to 6 sieves: 70 per analysis
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7-9 business days
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Rush Available


Technical data sheet
Method description
Up to six sieves can be stacked on the Rotap in descending size order. The sample is placed on the top sieve and is sifted down via the shaking and tapping action of the instrument. Sample weights retained on the sieves are recorded. A full range of sieves with openings from 1 inch to 0.037 mm are available.
Acceptable matrices
Free-flowing powders and particulates
Unacceptable matrices
Liquids, particle sizes that are >25 mm
Equipment
Rotap
Method reference
Internally-developed method
Reportable unit
% retained on each sieve
Sample size requirements
100 grams
Information required by submitter
We need to know the sieve sizes to be tested, either US Std. sieve numbers or particle size range to be covered (micrometers, millimeters, or inches). The use of flow agents or run times can be specified to meet method requirements.
Additional information
This method sizes particulate samples and powders by sieve separation. However, for sticky or high-fat samples, the Alpine tester is more accurate.
Sieve# | Opening(“) | Opening(µm) |
1-inch | 1.000 | |
3/4-inch | 0.750 | |
5/8-inch | 0.625 | |
1/2-inch | 0.500 | |
7/16-inch | 0.438 | |
3/8-inch | 0.375 | |
1/4-inch | 0.250 | |
#4 | 0.187 | 4750 |
#5 | 0.157 | 4000 |
#6 | 0.132 | 3350 |
#7 | 0.111 | 2800 |
#8 | 0.0937 | 2360 |
#10 | 0.0787 | 2000 |
#12 | 0.0661 | 1680 |
#14 | 0.0555 | 1410 |
#16 | 0.0469 | 1190 |
#18 | 0.0394 | 1000 |
#20 | 0.0331 | 840 |
#25 | 0.0280 | 710 |
#30 | 0.0232 | 590 |
#35 | 0.0197 | 500 |
#40 | 0.0165 | 420 |
#45 | 0.0138 | 350 |
#50 | 0.0117 | 297 |
#60 | 0.0098 | 250 |
#70 | 0.0083 | 210 |
#80 | 0.0070 | 177 |
#100 | 0.0059 | 149 |
#120 | 0.0049 | 120 |
#140 | 0.0041 | 105 |
#170 | 0.0035 | 88 |
#200 | 0.0029 | 74 |
#230 | 0.0024 | 62 |
#270 | 0.0021 | 53 |
#325 | 0.0017 | 44 |
#400 | 0.0014 | 37 |
Common Particle Size Distribution (Rotap) Test Testing Questions
While our sales and customer service team are happy to answer general testing questions, consultations typically start at a rate of $250 per 30 minutes regarding the interpretation of reported test results or questions about our test methods. We cannot consult on regulations, tolerance limits, or claims.
We make every effort to keep our methods and detection limits up to date according to the latest standards and qualifications. If you have any questions regarding the limit of detection/quantification or method references, please contact our Customer Service team at 1-800-245-5615.
Our standard turnaround time is 10 business days for most assays. There are some assays that require a longer turnaround time. We also offer a RUSH service that is half the time of the standard turnaround time of the assay at double the cost of the assay. A few assays that we provide cannot be rushed due to the nature of the test. Please check the specific assay you are interested in regarding the ability to RUSH the turnaround time.
Medallion Labs, a division of General Mills, offers multiple areas of expertise for analytical testing and product evaluation for the food and ingredient industry. Our areas of expertise include Chemical Analysis, Nutritional Analysis, Food Safety, Shelf Life Studies, Microbiology, Specialty Fibers, Physical Testing, Allergen Testing, as well as Product Evaluation (which includes Product Performance and Sensory Evaluation) and Technical Consulting/Method Development. Our methods are developed for the testing of food products and ingredients.
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