sítáním

Sítáním is the process of separating a mixture by passing it through a sieve or screen to classify particles by size. The term is used in several European languages and is commonly rendered in English as sieving or screening. The method relies on the mesh size of the sieve, which determines which particles pass through and which are retained.

Techniques and equipment range from simple, hand-operated sieves to mechanically driven systems. Dry sieving uses solid materials in a dry state, while wet sieving employs a liquid to reduce cohesion or to facilitate separation. Sieve sets are often used in combination with vibrating or rotating machinery to improve separation efficiency.

Applications span various fields. In cooking and food preparation, sifting flour, cocoa, or powdered sugar improves texture and consistency. In materials science and construction, sieve analysis determines the particle-size distribution of granular materials such as sand, gravel, cement, and aggregates, informing quality control and mix design. In mining and geology, sieving helps grade ore and soil samples. In archaeology, sieving excavated sediments is used to recover small artifacts and ecofacts that might be missed by other methods.

Standards and interpretation: sieve analyses rely on defined mesh apertures and standardized procedures to ensure reproducibility. Factors such as particle size distribution, moisture, particle shape, and sieve loading influence performance and accuracy. Proper cleaning and calibration of sieves are essential for reliable results.

See also: sieve, sieve analysis, screening, filtration, mesh.