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[February 2001]
Flow property databases made easier
Freeman Technology (Malvern, Worcs, England) has launched its new FT3 Powder Rheometer on to the market; the company claims that it provides a revolutionary means of assessing the flowability of powders with potential increases in processing efficiency and reduction in costs being significant.
The FT3 evaluates flow properties in a small sample (10ml to 300ml) by first preconditioning it to produce a consistent bed and then measuring the torque, force and energy in the test chamber as a blade traces a precise helical path through the powder.
Routine measurements are said to be fast and straightforward. Standard programmes are automated and are said to produce highly repeatable results in just a few minutes. The resulting data provides flow rates and compaction indices, numbers that define the key variables affecting flowability. Where particular factors - such as electrostatic charge effects, moisture content or storage temperatures for example - are thought to be causing processing variability, the FT3's flexibility and sensitivity allows detailed investigations. In each case, even small rheological variations can be detected and analysed. Importantly, these measurements have been shown to accurately predict actual experiences with a particular powder.
Characterising and classifying powders with the FT3 allows the creation of valuable databases. These can be used as a reference for formulating new materials, resolving processing difficulties or providing quality control specifications. Freeman Technology (Malvern, Worcs, England) has launched its new FT3 Powder Rheometer on to the market; the company claims that it provides a revolutionary means of assessing the flowability of powders with potential increases in processing efficiency and reduction in costs being significant.
The FT3 evaluates flow properties in a small sample (10ml to 300ml) by first preconditioning it to produce a consistent bed and then measuring the torque, force and energy in the test chamber as a blade traces a precise helical path through the powder.
Routine measurements are said to be fast and straightforward. Standard programmes are automated and are said to produce highly repeatable results in just a few minutes. The resulting data provides flow rates and compaction indices, numbers that define the key variables affecting flowability. Where particular factors - such as electrostatic charge effects, moisture content or storage temperatures for example - are thought to be causing processing variability, the FT3's flexibility and sensitivity allows detailed investigations. In each case, even small rheological variations can be detected and analysed. Importantly, these measurements have been shown to accurately predict actual experiences with a particular powder.
Characterising and classifying powders with the FT3 allows the creation of valuable databases. These can be used as a reference for formulating new materials, resolving processing difficulties or providing quality control specifications.
Web site: http://www.freemantech.co.uk/
ENDS