Overview - taking the guesswork out of powder processing |
Freeman Technology instrumentation can characterise powders and solve problems of powder flow. Formulators, manufacturers and all who handle and process particulate solids will know how variable they can be. The characterisation of powders and also of processing machinery is very difficult due to the complex nature of these materials.
Freeman Technology took a hard look at methods of powder characterisation and came up with a concept that is now patented worldwide. The FT4 Powder Rheometer provides a totally innovative approach to powder testing by measuring the energies needed to establish specific flow conditions. The technique offers several benefits that are new and which in combination, make it possible to classify powder in terms of their flowability performance and their processability.
This revolutionary technique is viable for powder classification because it overcomes the affect of variable packing by 'conditioning' in preparation for testing. In all traditional flow testing methods, the packing condition is largely unknown and so the results will vary accordingly. For repetitive testing it is essential to know what was tested and the condition of the powder when tested. Using the FT4, raw materials, intermediates or finished product may be evaluated at different times and sites and assessed for conformance.
In addition to flowability data the FT4 can assess how a material may be changed by being processed, for example, by segregation or attrition. This allows the two key issues of powder processing to be addressed. Firstly, will the powder flow satisfactorily? And secondly, is the powder robust - will it be adversely affected by being processed?
Using the FT4 the considerable handling and processing experience that most companies have may be categorised and used as a reference for anticipating and resolving future difficulties. The key benefits of this will be to increase the efficiency of production and ensure improved control of product quality.
