Powder Flow Analyzer

Measure and analyze powder flow, powder flowability, and the rheological properties of powder, grains, cereals and granular materials with the Stable Micro Systems’ Powder Flow Analyzer.


Attached to our texture analyzers, the Powder Flow Analyzer is the most precise powder measurement tool on the market

The Powder Flow Analyzer features a helical blade that guarantees exact repetition time after time, resulting in Controlled Flow Displacement, to achieve very reproducible and highly-discriminating results from a reliable, simple and affordable accessory

What is unique about the Powder Flow Analyzer's helical blade?

Unlike the blades on other powder measuring devices, the Powder Flow Analyzer's patented blade is a true helix and can be mathematically described. The helical blade naturally cuts through the column of powder being tested and negates the need for complex torque measuring systems.

Why is a texture analyzer without a helical blade limited in its ability to measure powder flow?

Other texture analyzers on the market have blades with flat sections that hinder the ability to move through a powder column without disturbing its condition. If a powder is compacted for a caking study, for example, simply coming out of the powder to compact it a second time will disturb and undo the impact of the original compaction. Likewise you could not instruct the blade to slip to the bottom of a powder column and then lift up, because the probe would disturb the powder sample on the downward path. These flaws limit the ability to measure empirical powder flow data and thus powder flow analysis.

Commenting on the patent, Jim Walker, technical director at Stable Micro Systems, said: "The design of the blade is the single most important factor in achieving repeatable powder flow measurements. The non-helical blade used on other instruments is bent from a flat sheet and presents a large flat central area to the powder being tested. It effectively compresses a column of powder beneath the blade during its travel path through the sample. As a consequence, any axial force readings being taken are corrupted and these instruments are forced to rely on torque measurements because of the inadequacies of blade design."

With the Powder Flow Analyzer attached, the TA.XTPlus and the TA.HDPlus are the only texture analyzers on the market that can precisely measure powder flow data and powder flow analysis.

Features and Benefits of the Powder Flow Analyzer

Controlled Flow Displacement:
User programmable tests that displace the sample by slicing, shearing, compressing, compacting, mixing, and aerating; in any combination, and in any sequence.
Exact repetition of the test sequence best suited to your need, time after time.
Independence from variable sample loading by pre-conditioning at the start of the test.
Extremely gentle through to aggressive displacements.
Measurement and analysis of force, time, and distance; parameters that define the sample behavior during the programmed Controlled Flow.
Objective, numeric, automated analysis, characterizing of the flow behavior of the sample during Controlled Flow.
Repeatability and Reproducibility

Repeatable Test Settings and sample flow programs - exactly the same test again and again.
Independence from operator sample loading technique. Controlled Sample Flow enables the powder column sample to be preconditioned before the actual test cycle.
Precision borosilicate glass or stainless steel test vessels. Test vessels of similar specification give the same test result.
Precision machined and surface finished rotor and blade form for displacing the powder. Blades of similar specification give the same test result. Blades can be made in most engineering materials capable of being machined. Standard rotors are 316 Stainless Steel and Over Anodized (Clear) Aluminum. Rotor blades are 10 mm high with either 48 mm or 23 mm diameters.
Sample Size

From less than 10ml to over 200ml - Suited to non-destructive characterization of high value scarce volume samples, e.g. drug substance. Suited to larger sample volumes that can be needed to be representative of a large bulk mass, e.g., flour, herbicides, coal dust, natural pigments.
Cleaning

Test vessel bases are easily removed to enable thorough, simple cleaning.
Only test sample contact parts are vessel and rotor. Parts are easily cleaned or replaced (if used with highly toxic or radioactive materials).
Entire instrument can fit in fume hoods for testing powders which are important to contain.
Ease of Use

Samples can be pre loaded into sample vessels and pre conditioned for humidity and temperature.
Exponent software includes full Powder Flow Analyzer control and analysis.
Versatility

Rapid tests, through to extended cycle mixing tests are possible.
Compaction, slice, shear, lift - aeration are all possible and test programmable in the manner most suited to the sample and process need.
Can also test - tablet and cake compression strength, forward and back extrusion, granule crush strength, three point bend, and many other tests. All of the normal Stable Micro Systems texture analyzer test accessories can be used in conjunction with the Powder Flow Analyzer.
Find out more

Request our Powder Flow Analyzer Product Brochure here.
Request a consultation with one of our regional managers. Our team members are all experienced and trained in a wide variety of texture analysis applications and can help you find the perfect equipment and test method no matter how big or small your testing challenges are.