Sieve analysis is a simple and widely used method to determine the particle size distribution of granular materials. The technique involves passing a sample through a series of sieves arranged in decreasing mesh size order, from coarse to fine.

The sample is placed on the top sieve and subjected to mechanical or manual shaking for a specified duration. Particles are separated according to size, with larger ones retained on coarser sieves and smaller particles passing through to finer sieves.

By measuring the weight of material retained on each sieve, the proportion of each size fraction is determined. From this, the particle size distribution curve is plotted, showing particle size (on a logarithmic scale) vs. percentage passing (finer).

Key parameters:
● D₁₀ (Effective Diameter): 10% of particles are finer than this size.
● D₅₀ (Median Diameter): 50% of particles are finer than this size.
● D₉₀ (Coarse Diameter): 90% of particles are finer than this size.

Applications of Sieve Analysis in Pharmaceutics: Sieve analysis is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for,

1. Controlling particle size distribution of powders and granules
   
2. Ensuring uniform mixing of ingredients
   
3. Improving flow properties during tablet and capsule manufacturing
   
4. Achieving consistent drug release and dissolution behavior
   

This method is particularly useful for coarse particles, where direct separation based on size is possible.