Gilson Company, Inc. Rice Shaker: SGA-5R & SGA-5RT
Page 4
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 SETUP:
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.
