Patented powder flow rheometer

Patented powder flow rheometer

Keywords: Powder, Rheology, Flow

Freeman Technology provides instruments that measure and classify the flow properties of powders. On show at the recent Powtech 2002, Nürnberg,Germany,the company displayed its patented FT3 Powder Rheometer, a system that is said to aid formulation of new materials, helps optimize handling and processing and can provide quality control standards that lead to real productivity and quality gains. According to Freeman the FT3 Powder Rheometer is an indispensable tool across many industries.

The traditional unreliability of flowability measurements arising from the unknown packing condition of test samples is believed to be overcome using the FT3, with its novel preconditioning procedure that is said to make the data exceptionally reproducible. Most of the factors that affect powder flow properties may now be assessed independently. Freeman informs us that for the first time information databases on powders can stand alongside those on solids and fluids.

The FT3 is described as using a patented helical blade principle, where the blade displaces powder as it moves along a helical path through the sample. Gentle to aggressive flow patterns and flow rates can reportedly be achieved depending on the direction and speed of movement. All forces acting on the blade are measured and used to calculate the work done to make the powder flow. These energy measurements form the basis of all flowability assessments.

Further details are available from Freeman Technology. Tel: +44 (0) 1684 310860; Fax: +44 (0) 1684 310236; E-mail: info@freemantech.co.uk