Keywords
Citation
(2001), "FT3 Powder Rheometer", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 30 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2001.12930cad.008
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
FT3 Powder Rheometer
FT3 Powder Rheometer
Keywords Freeman Technology, Powders, Rheology
Research scientists, formulation specialists, QC experts and process engineers know that powders in a product or process can be very unpredictable. The new FT3 Powder Rheometer from Freeman Technology provides a means of assessing the flowability of powders. The potential increases in processing efficiency and reduction in costs are believed to be significant.
The FT3 (Plate 5) evaluates flow properties in a small sample (10ml-300ml) by first pre-conditioning it to produce a consistent bed, and then measuring the torque, force and energy in the test chamber as a blade traces a precise helical path through the powder.
Plate 5 The
FT3 Powder Rheometer, shown with a 200ml sample vessel
Routine measurements with the FT3 are said to be fast and straightforward. Standard programmes are reported to be automated and produce highly repeatable results in just a few minutes. The resulting data provides flow rate and compaction indices, numbers that define the key variables affecting flowability. Where particular factors, such as electrostatic charge effects, moisture content or storage temperatures for example, are thought to be causing processing variability, the FT3's flexibility and sensitivity is said to allow detailed investigations. According to Freeman, in each case, even small rheological variations can be detected and analysed. Importantly, these measurements have reportedly been shown to accurately predict actual experiences with a particular powder.
Characterising and classifying powders with the FT3 allows, for the first time, the creation of valuable databases. These can be used as a reference for formulating new materials, resolving processing difficulties or providing quality control specifications.
Details available from: Freeman Technology. Tel: +44 (0) 1684 310860; Fax: +44 (0) 1684 310236; e-mail: info@freemantech.co.uk; Website: www.freemantech.co.uk