Creating a percent finer sieve analysis graph in Excel is crucial for visualizing particle size distribution data, particularly in industries like construction, mining, and pharmaceuticals. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your graph is not only accurate but also visually appealing and easy to interpret.
Understanding Sieve Analysis Data
Before diving into the Excel aspects, let's clarify what sieve analysis data entails. Sieve analysis determines the particle size distribution of a granular material by passing it through a series of sieves with progressively smaller openings. The results typically show the mass (or weight) of material retained on each sieve. To create a percent finer graph, you'll need to calculate the cumulative percentage of material passing through each sieve.
Data Preparation: Calculating Percent Finer
Let's assume your data looks like this:
| Sieve Size (µm) | Mass Retained (g) |
|---|---|
| 850 | 10 |
| 600 | 25 |
| 425 | 40 |
| 300 | 50 |
| 212 | 35 |
| Pan | 10 |
| Total | 170 |
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Calculate the cumulative mass retained: Start with the mass retained on the largest sieve (850 µm). For each subsequent sieve, add the mass retained on that sieve to the cumulative mass retained from the previous sieve.
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Calculate the cumulative mass passing: Subtract the cumulative mass retained from the total mass of the sample.
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Calculate the percent finer: Divide the cumulative mass passing by the total mass and multiply by 100.
Here's the completed data table:
| Sieve Size (µm) | Mass Retained (g) | Cumulative Mass Retained (g) | Cumulative Mass Passing (g) | Percent Finer (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 850 | 10 | 10 | 160 | 94.12 |
| 600 | 25 | 35 | 135 | 79.41 |
| 425 | 40 | 75 | 95 | 55.88 |
| 300 | 50 | 125 | 45 | 26.47 |
| 212 | 35 | 160 | 10 | 5.88 |
| Pan | 10 | 170 | 0 | 0 |
Creating the Percent Finer Sieve Graph in Excel
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Input Data: Enter your sieve sizes (x-axis) and percent finer values (y-axis) into an Excel spreadsheet.
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Select Data: Highlight both columns of data.
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Insert Chart: Go to the "Insert" tab and select "Scatter" chart. Choose the scatter chart with smooth lines and markers.
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Format the Chart:
- Axis Labels: Add appropriate labels to both axes (e.g., "Particle Size (µm)" and "Percent Finer").
- Title: Give your chart a clear and descriptive title (e.g., "Particle Size Distribution - Percent Finer").
- Gridlines: Add major and minor gridlines for easier readability.
- Legend: You likely won't need a legend for this type of chart.
- Data Points: Consider using a different marker for each data point to clearly show the individual values.
Pro Tip: For a more professional look, adjust the font, colors, and overall formatting to match your report's style guide.
Interpreting the Graph
The resulting graph will show a cumulative distribution curve. The steeper the curve, the narrower the particle size distribution. A flat curve indicates a wide range of particle sizes. The graph makes it easy to identify key percentiles such as the D10, D50 (median), and D90, representing the particle size at which 10%, 50%, and 90% of the material is finer, respectively. These percentiles provide critical information about the material's overall size characteristics.
By following these steps, you can effectively create a percent finer sieve graph in Excel, providing a clear and concise visual representation of your particle size distribution data. Remember to always double-check your calculations and data entry to ensure accuracy. This graph is a powerful tool for analysis and communication in various engineering and scientific fields.
