Gilson SGA-5RT User manual

OPERATING MANUAL
Rice Shaker
SGA-5R & SGA-5RT
Rev: 10/27/2016
PHONE: [phone] P.O. Box 200, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035-0200 FAX: [phone]
740-548-7298 E-mail: [e-mail] Website: www.globalgilson.com 740-548-5314

Gilson Company, Inc. Rice Shaker: SGA-5R & SGA-5RT
Page 2
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Whether you are the owner, employer, operator, or maintenance person for this machine, safety is your responsibil-
ity. You are responsible for operating and maintaining this equipment in compliance with these instructions and for
using common sense. Review and completely understand the operating and safety instructions before using this
machine.
WARNING!
This machine operates on electric current. Improper operation could result in electric shock, electrocution,
or an explosion!
1. ALWAYS make sure the motor and other electrical components are appropriate and properly configured for
your intended use and available power source. The Vibro-Deairator is operated by a motor and controls wired
for 115V/60Hz. Motors are NOT explosion-proof.
2. This device is NOT designed or intended for use in moist or wet environments. Electrical shock or damage to
the unit may occur if the unit is exposed to excessive moisture.
3. ALWAYS check electrical wiring for loose connections and for pinched or frayed wiring.
4. ALWAYS use a properly-wired, three-pronged plug, or otherwise ground the machine. Connect the machine to
a properly-wired, three-pronged receptacle. Make sure the cord is located where no one will trip or get tangled
in it.
5. ALWAYS disconnect and lock out power supply before performing maintenance and repairs.
WARNING!
WARNING: DO NOT operate the machine without having all covers and case in place.
WARNING: ALWAYS level the machine prior to operation.
WARNING: Stop the machine immediately and re-level if excessive vibration or machine movement occurs.
WARNING: ALWAYS unplug or disconnect machine from the power source when the unit is not in operation.
WARNING: Keep all parts of your body away from moving parts of the machine while it is operating.
WARNING: DO NOT wear loose clothing which might be caught in moving parts of the machine.
WARNING: ALWAYS wear safety glasses when operating, maintaining, or repairing this machine.

Gilson Company, Inc. Rice Shaker: SGA-5R & SGA-5RT
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Table of Contents
Page
Safety Instructions 2
Table of Contents 3
1.0 Introduction 4
2.0 Unpacking & Assembly 4
3.0 Set-Up 4
3.1 Glass Filter-Flasks 4
3.2 Aluminum Pycnometers 4
3.3 SG-15 Plastic Pycnometer 5
4.0 Operating Instructions 5
5.0 Diagrams 6
5.1 Figure 1: Glass Filter-Flask 6
5.2 Figure 2: Aluminum Pycnometer 7
5.3 Figure 3: Plastic Pycnometer 8
5.4 Figure 4: Timer Face 9
6.0 Additional Information 9

Gilson Company, Inc. Rice Shaker: SGA-5R & SGA-5RT
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1.0 INTRODUCTION:
The SGA-5R Rice Shaker automates sample agitation
in specific gravity procedures such as those described
for the AASHTO T 209 and ASTM D 2041 “Rice Test”.
This frees laboratory personnel for other duties. The unit
allows the use of three different types of pycnometers of
various sizes; heavy-wall Glass Filter Flasks (Gilson 2L
GW-75, and 4L GW-76), Aluminum Pycnometers (Gilson
2,000g SG-16, and 1,500g SG-17), and the Gilson 6,000g
SG-15 Plastic Pycnometer.
• GW-75 and GW-76 Glass Filter Flasks require the
SGA-8 Adapter Set, consisting of an upper adapter
ring and base pad.
• SG-15 Plastic Pycnometer requires the SGA-7 Adapter
Set, consisting of a base adapter, and upper adapter
with foam ring.
• SG-16 and SG-17 Aluminum Pycnometers DO NOT
require adapters.
NOTE: ALWAYS use the correct adapter for the se-
lected pycnometer. Failure to do so can result in injury
to the operator and damage to the pycnometer.
NOTE: The SGA-5R has only been tested with the
Gilson Pycnometers above. It CANNOT be guar-
anteed to function properly with pycnometers from
other manufacturers.
2.0 UNPACKING & ASSEMBLY:
NOTE: Immediately upon receipt, check the shipping
container carefully for apparent damage. If internal
or external damage is observed or suspected,
contact the freight carrier right away. Gilson can-
not be responsible for shipping damage. Save all
shipping packaging until assured that the device is
operating properly.
The Rice Shaker is shipped in a sturdy cardboard box,
packed in moldable foam. The top plate with two EZ
Clamp adjustment knobs installed, and two threaded
height-adjustment rods, each with a lock nut, are enclosed,
but not assembled. If the SGA-7 or SGA-8 Adapter Sets
were ordered, they will be packaged separately.
Remove the base assembly from the box and place on a
dry, sturdy and level surface and connect the power cord.
On the rear of the unit is a power entry module with a 2
amp fuse. A spare fuse is located in the fuse tray should
it be needed.
Install each adjustment rod into a threaded hole of the base
plate, and secure by tightening the lock nut with a 9/16in
wrench.
The EZ Clamp adjustment knobs are preinstalled on the top
plate, and the knob buttons are held in place with tape. Slide
the top plate over the adjustment rods and remove the tape
when in place.
3.0 SETUP:
3.1 Glass Filter-Flasks:
Push in the buttons of the EZ Clamp knobs and raise the
top plate to the top of the adjustment rods. Position the
rubber base pad between the four rubber bumpers on the
agitator base as shown in Figure 1. Place the top adapter
of the SGA-8 set over the neck of the flask, taking care
to pass it over the flask tubulation. Lift the flask and tilt
slightly so the neck goes through the top plate opening,
and then center the flask bottom on the pad. Push in the
buttons of the EZ Clamp knobs and lower the top plate
into place. Once positioned, release the buttons and twist
to secure the flask. The knobs should be tightened until
snug. Before turning on the Rice Shaker, always check
that both sets of knobs are secure.
NOTE: Pycnometers must be secured but NOT
over-tightened. Over-tightening can damage the
pycnometer or result in loss of action.
3.2 Aluminum Pycnometers:
Place the pycnometer directly on the agitator base between
the rubber bumpers. Slide the top plate over the adjust-
ment rods, and position the rubber bumpers around the
pycnometer (see Figure 2). Adjust the black plastic knobs
until there is a small gap between the plate and the knobs.
Drop the metal speed-knobs onto the rods and tighten so
that the plate is pushed down slightly and contacts the
bottom plastic knobs. Before turning on the Rice Shaker
always check that both sets of knobs are secure.
NOTE: Pycnometers need to be secured but NOT
over-tightened. Over-tightening can damage the
pycnometer or result in loss of action.

Gilson Company, Inc. Rice Shaker: SGA-5R & SGA-5RT
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3.3 SG-15 Plastic Pycnometer:
Place the lower adapter ring of the SGA-7 Adapter Set
between the four rubber bumpers on the agitator base,
and position the SGA-15 Pycnometer on the ring. The
upper adapter of the SGA-7 is placed with the foam side
down on top of the pycnometer. Push in the buttons of
the EZ Clamp knobs and lower the top plate into place,
positioning the rubber bumpers around the adaptors (see
Figure 3). Once positioned, release the buttons and twist to
secure the flask. The knobs should be tightened until snug.
Before turning on the Rice Shaker, always check that both
sets of knobs are secure.
NOTE: Pycnometers must be secured but NOT
over-tightened. Over-tightening can damage the
pycnometer or result in loss of action.
4.0 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:
NOTE: If the Rice Shaker is started with the vi-
bration control set to LOW, the vibrator may start
slowly, or not at all. If this occurs, rotate the knob
counter-clockwise to a higher setting, then reduce
the setting once the vibrator is running.
Rotate the vibration control knob on the right counter-
clockwise to its <OFF> position. Push the mode switch
on the left to <Manual Mode> (see Figure 4). Turn the
amplitude knob clockwise to turn on vibration.
NOTE: When switched to ON, the amplitude control
goes immediately to MAXIMUM. Continue adjusting
clockwise to minimum.
Due to varying pycnometer and sample weights, the
operator must determine the minimum time and vibra-
tion level necessary to dislodge entrapped air without
degrading the sample.
NOTE: Excessive vibratory action will degrade the
sample particles by abrasion.
Start the test by moving the mode switch to the <TIMED>
position and pressing the <START/STOP> button on the
timer (see below for timer set-up). The unit will run to the
set-time and stop. The timer need not be reset unless a
different run time is required.
This unit is equipped with an easy-to-operate Gilson
interval count-down timer. The timer has a large 0.6in
LED display and will operate in four different modes. It is
powered by line voltage and will work on power supplies
from 100—265 VAC, 50/60Hz, with up to 20 amps Induc-
tive or Resistive current.
NOTE: Operation of the vibratory motor for the
SGA-5R is limited to 115V/60Hz AC. For 230V/50Hz
operation, the TR-200 Step-Down Transformer or
equivalent must be used.
Current timer mode is indicated by the four red LED’s on
the timer face (see Figure 4).
A = MMSS (99min:59sec x 1 second)
B = HHMM (99hr:59min x 1 minute)
C = SSSS (9999sec x 1 second)
D = MMMM (9999min x 1 minute)
H is for hours, M for minutes, and S for seconds. To ad-
just the timer mode, press and hold both the <UP> and
<DOWN> arrow keys at the same time until the display
shows the mode. Once the mode letters are displayed,
press the <UP> or <DOWN> key to change modes. Press
the <START> key to accept new mode.
To set the run time, press either the <UP> or <DOWN>
arrow key. The first digit on the right hand side will flash in
half-second intervals. Press either arrow key to adjust to
the desired value. To enter the displayed digit and move
to the next, press the <START/STOP> key. Once the last
digit on the left is entered, the timer is ready to start.
Press the <START/STOP> key to initiate the run program.
Once running, pressing the <START/STOP> key again
will pause the timer with the current amount of time re-
maining on screen. When allowed to time-out, the timer
beeps and displays DONE. Press any key to continue.
Setting and Mode values are saved automatically and
restored on power-up.

Gilson Company, Inc. Rice Shaker: SGA-5R & SGA-5RT
Page 6
Figure 1
Using GW-75 or GW-76 Glass Filter Flasks
SGA-8 Top Adapter
Top Plate
EZ Clamp
Knob
Adjustment Rod
SGA-8 Rubber Base Pad
Base Plate
Vibration Control
Timer/Controller
ON/OFF/Timed
Operation Switch
5.0 PARTS DIAGRAMS:
5.1 Figure 1: Glass Filter-Flask

Gilson Company, Inc. Rice Shaker: SGA-5R & SGA-5RT
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Figure 2
Using SG-16 or SG-17 Aluminum Pycnometer
5.2 Figure 2: Aluminum Pycnometer
SG-16 or SG-17 Aluminum Pycnometer
(No Adapter Required)
EZ Clamp Knob
Top Plate
Adjustment Rod
Base Plate
Vibration Control
Timer/Controller
ON/OFF/Timed
Operation Switch

Gilson Company, Inc. Rice Shaker: SGA-5R & SGA-5RT
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Figure 3
Using SG-15 Plastic Pycnometer
5.3 Figure 3: Plastic Pycnometer
SGA-7 Upper Adapter
SG-15 Plastic
Pycnometer
SGA-7
Adapter Ring
EZ Clamp Knob
Top Plate
Adjustment Rod
Base Plate
Vibration Control
Timer/Controller
ON/OFF/Timed
Operation Switch

Gilson Company, Inc. Rice Shaker: SGA-5R & SGA-5RT
Page 9
Figure 4
Gilson Interval Countdown Timer
5.4 Figure 4: Timer Face
6.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
RICE SHAKER
ASTM D 2041; AASHTO T 209
• Consistent, repeatable agitation for Asphalt Rice
Test and other specific gravity determinations.
• Variable vibration control allows for setting optimum
agitation.
• Automatic operation minimizes operator error and
frees technician from hand agitation.
Gilson's full-feature Rice Shaker is designed for consistent
shaking of Asphalt Rice Test vacuum pycnometers while
freeing the lab technician. It is a useful deaeration device
for specific gravity tests of fine aggregates (ASTM C 128)
and soils (ASTM D 854), for sample preconditioning per
ASTM D 4867 and AASHTO T 283. Built-in 0—99 min.,
59 sec. digital timer has 0.25 second accuracy, vibration
speed control, and a three position switch for manual or
timed operation—all front panel mounted for easy use.
Speed control allows setting of agitation to avoid stripping
of asphalt. The SGA-5R comes with fitted top and bottom
plates for exact fit with SG-16A or SG-17 pycnometers.
Order SGA-7 Adapter Set for use with SG-15 Pycnom-
eter. Use SGA-8 Adapter Set with GW-75 or GW-76 filter
Flasks, SG-500 Volumetric Flasks, SG-24 LeChatelier
Flask, or SG-2 mason jar Pycnometer. Inquire for fitting
other containers. Special SGA-5RT has modified vibration
characteristics to meet the requirements of Texas DOT.
Gilson's exclusive EZ Clamp System quickly secures
pycnometers. Push the buttons, slide into place and a
quick twist secures the container. The steel case has
rubber feet; no mounting is required. Overall Dimensions:
13x14x19in (330x356x483mm), WxDxH. Est. Ship Wt.:
20lb (9kg).
Description Model
Rice Shaker, 115V, 50/60Hz SGA-5R
Rice Shaker, Texas Model SGA-5RT
Accessories
Adapter Sets for SG-15 SGA-7
Adapter Sets for GW-75 or GW-76 SGA-8
RICE SHAKER