16
Static Electricity
Some materials generate static electricity during the dry sieving process. When particles “charge” themselves
as they come in contact with other particles, they stick to the metal frame and cloth of the sieve.
This prevents you from obtaining accurate results.
As a suggestion:
Add a small amount of talc, activated charcoal, powdered magnesium carbonate or burgess clay to the
sample material. For a 100 gram sample add approximately 1 gram of chemical.
Mix thoroughly to completely coat the particle surfaces.
Perform the sieve test.
This method may not eliminate static electricity entirely; however, the effect should be significantly
reduced and will not affect your test results.