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Solids Handling & Processing

Evaluating consolidation using the FT4 Powder Rheometer

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The consolidation of a powder bed can occur in different ways. Consolidation during a transportation or processing can be due to vibration, with powder subject to normal and lateral stresses. This is often simulated by using a jolting volumeter or autotapper to tap a powder sample within a cylinder which causes rearrangement of the particle packing structure.

 Consolidation can also occur during storage where a powder is primarily subject to the normal stress associated with its own weight. To simulate this in a test, materials can be consolidated by applying a direct pressure using a piston, for example.

In this study, a selection of ten powders, used in a range of industries, were assessed. Two methods were then used to assess the impact of different types of consolidation. Method 1 is based on tapping the powder bed, simulating a transportation process and Method 2 on directly compressing the powder bed, simulating long-term storage.

Please follow the link below to download a copy of “Evaluating Consolidation using the FT4 Powder Rheometer”. 

Freeman Technology

Freeman Technology

About us

Freeman Technology specialises in systems for measuring the flow properties of powders and has nearly 20 years' experience in powder flow and powder characterisation.

The company invests significantly in R&D and applications development, and provides detailed know-how to support its range of products. Expert teams guide and support users around the world in addressing their individual powder challenges, focusing on delivering the most relevant information for the process. The result is world-leading solutions for understanding powder behaviour - in development, formulation, scale-up, processing, quality control, or anywhere that powders have a role.

Freeman Technology’s solutions include the FT4 Powder Rheometer®, a uniquely universal powder tester, and the Uniaxial Powder Tester, a complementary tool for quick and robust powder assessment. Systems are installed around the world in the chemical, pharmaceutical, toners, foods, powder coatings, metals, ceramics, cosmetics, and many other industries. They deliver data that maximise process and product understanding, accelerating R&D and formulation towards successful commercialisation, and supporting the long term optimisation of powder processes.

Founded in 1989 as a developer of automated testing systems for materials characterisation, the company has focused exclusively on powders since the late 1990s and in 2018 became part of Micromeritics Instrument Corporation. The company’s R&D, manufacturing and commercial headquarters are in Gloucestershire, UK, with operations and distribution partners in key global territories. In 2007 the company received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation and in 2012 the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

Where we supply to

UK Ireland, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, North America

Industries we supply to

Chemicals, Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries

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