Gilson Redefines Sieving Operations for the Shelly Company

The Shelly Company/Oldcastle Materials updated its rotary sifter models and enhanced worker protection with the help of Gilson. The Shelly Company/Oldcastle Materials is a leading supplier of asphalt, aggregates, ready mix concrete, and construction and paving services in the state of Ohio with a network of over 30 facilities. Asphalt lab techs were using outdated rotary sifters to determine particle size distribution of aggregates and other materials to meet QC/QA requirements. Older models were difficult to operate, presented safety concerns, and were problematic to repair. The company also faced challenges including:

• Inefficient operations with older models that couldn’t accommodate both 8-inch and 12-inch sieves
• Pulleys were exposed during operation presenting a hazard to operators
• Loud, distracting operation posed potential threat to employee hearing
• Inability to replace parts such as timers, that needed repair often

Lab Tech Steve Russell prepares sieves for testing at one of The Shelly Company/Oldcastle Materials labs.

Gilson Technical Development Manager Jim Bibler met with Vice President Larry Shively of the Shelly Company/Oldcastle Materials and determined that the best solution for the company was the SS-21 Gilson Silent Sifter®. Shively purchased two new rotary sifter models complete with:

• Fast conversion from 8 to 12 inches or 200 to 300 mm diameter sieves
• Enclosed cabinets for a safe, dust-free operation
• Noise levels 7-10dB lower than other rotary sifters for enhanced worker protection
• Ergonomic knob for easy rotation of machine into testing position
• Locking casters for easy mobility and no clamping system required
• Sieve stack capacity from six 12-inch diameter full-height sieves with pan to twenty 8-inch diameter half-height sieves with pan

This improved the accuracy and safety of sieving operations for The Shelly Company/Oldcastle Materials and created a more streamlined system for ordering repair parts. Shively can simply contact a Gilson specialist and order the replacement parts he needs right away. He was so pleased with the performance of his two rotary sifters that he has purchased five more and plans to replace the majority of his other rotary sifters with Gilson models. The SS-21 Silent Sifter® improved the accuracy of sieving operations for The Shelly Company/Oldcastle Materials and offered numerous other benefits by providing:

• Adaptable solution accommodating both 8-inch and 12-inch sieves for testing versatility
• User-friendly design with easy-tilt handle and sliding casters for mobility
• Larger sieve nesting capacity for more efficient operations
• Quieter operation with enclosed sound cabinet to protect workers
• More standardized process for purchasing spare parts when wear occurs

“We like the performance,” Shively said. “It sounds simple but when you’re running tests day in and day out [these features] make a big difference.”

Gilson took things a step further for The Shelly Company/Oldcastle Materials by providing technical support throughout their transition to the new SS-21 Silent Sifter®.