Applies to QEST Web App

Contents

Overview

There are a number of elements common to various particle size distribution (PSD) worksheets in QEST Web App (QWA). This article, and its related articles, provide an overview of the QWA approach to PSD tests by sieving, and document the functionality of the common parts of worksheets for this type of test.

As PSD tests by sieving are commonly referred to as sieve tests or sieve analysis tests, these tests will be referred to as sieve analysis tests in these articles.

These articles assume that the reader is familiar with the processes in carrying out a sieve analysis test and it is not intended to be an explanation of how to carry out this type of test.

Background

QEST Web App Fundamentals

Users new to the QEST Web App can find basic information in the articles under Using QEST Web App

Details on selected individual test methods are provided in the articles under Test Method Details

QEST Web App and Sieve Analysis Testing

The design of the QEST Web App worksheet presents the data input fields in a sequence that is intended to mimic the actual laboratory workflow for the applicable test method, with data entry performed in real time by the technician at the bench.

Structure of a Sieve Analysis Worksheet

Introduction

A sieve analysis worksheet has three parts: a beginning, a middle and an end. Each of these parts contain multiple worksheet sections.

The names, and number of the sections in the beginning and end parts are largely standardized for most sieve analysis tests. The internal structures of these sections have been unified as much as possible to keep a common look and feel between the different sieve analysis worksheets.

The middle part is much more dynamic and is where the main functionality of the worksheet resides. For a sieve analysis test, this part can contain two or more sections depending on the number of separations (splits) that are required during the sieving, and whether or not washing of the material is required.

Section Descriptions

Beginning

Middle

End

Configuring the Sieving Procedure

The simplest form of a sieve analysis test is where all the test portion is dry sieved through a single set of sieves.

Depending on the test method, this could be the default worksheet procedure, especially for materials like clean, dry, sands and gravels or aggregates.

Sieve analysis worksheets can have various default configurations. Where a default configuration does not match a customer’s normal processes, it may be possible to customize the default values (see below).

Additionally, the worksheets have local configurations that the user can apply to suit different situations and circumstances encountered during the testing process.

A test method can require the whole sample to be washed, or only the finer portion, and one or both can be optional in other cases. The sieve analysis worksheets provide washing options to cover these situations.

Customizing Default Values

Not all default values can be changed by a customer. But, where they can, it is done through the QEST Administration Console. If you need assistance, contact the Spectra QEST Service Desk.

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