A universal truth ?

Discussions at the recent World Congress on Particle Technology served to remind me of the variety of techniques to have emerged in the quest for definitive powder characterisation. Most recently the introduction of powder rheometers has brought a fresh perspective, allowing the characterisation of powders using dynamic measurements, and starting to move us away from ‘single number’ answers. Today these instruments have evolved to incorporate a range of measurement regimes - certainly the FT4 can be more accurately described as a ‘universal powder tester’. Our goal is to allow powder processors to answer questions such as

	Will my new material process well in existing equipment?
	How sensitive is it to air, water, storage and other conditions?
	Why do some batches process well when others are difficult?
	How can I modify my formulation or equipment to improve processing?

As the conference season continues, we look forward to further lively debate on these and other topics. If you are attending one of the events listed below, do come and see us!

Reg Freeman, Managing Director

Real time bulk density measurement

New software developments allow measurement of bulk density in the course of a test program - no additional hardware or instrumentation required.

For full details click here.

Fully automated permeability measurement

Tests can be conducted in a variety of ways to suit individual requirements, providing essential information about the ease with which air can pass through a powder under specified conditions.

For full details click here.

Wall friction measurement

Important in plant design and in predicting how a powder will process in a given plant, this measurement is fast (just 10 minutes) and fully automated.

For full details click here.

Understanding powders –request our new audiovisual presentation

Available on CD, the first in our new series of audiovisual presentations relates powder characterisation to the challenges faced in powder processing.

Click here to request the first presentation: ‘Understanding powders & powder processing’.

Coming soon - ‘Perspectives on the nature of powders & powder behaviour’ and ‘Measuring powder properties’.

Effect of flow additives - WCPT5 paper now available

Copies of ‘The flowability of powders and the effect of additives’, a paper given by Reg Freeman at the 5th World Congress on Particle Technology, are now available. This work describes the use of the FT4 to determine the effect of flow additives on two types of starch. To view the abstract and request the paper as a pdf click here.

Freeman Technology is participating in a number of events this year and we very much look foreword to meeting you

8th - 11th May 2006

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

Rosemont, IL

The FT4 will be on the Particle Technology Labs booth #1156.

James Cooke, Materials Scientist at Freeman Technology will be available on the booth and will deliver a paper to the conference entitled: “Understanding powder behaviour and predicting processability” – Tues, 9 May at 10:30 am.

Click here for the Powder & Bulk Solids website.

15th - 19th May 2006

Stand Number 5.1 F38

Frankfurt, Germany

For the ACHEMA website click here.

29th October - 2nd November 2006

American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists

Booth No. 2282

San Antonio TX, USA

For the AAPS website click here.