The FT4 Powder Rheometer is a versatile powder flow tester that measures powder flow parameters and behavior.
The FT4 was created with one goal in mind: to characterize the rheology of powders or powder flow qualities. This remains a fundamental purpose today, but the instrument, accessories, and methodology have been progressively improved to the point that the FT4 is now regarded as a universal powder flow tester. It varies from other powder tests in numerous ways; however, when measuring industrial value, three qualities are crucial.
- The capacity to imitate powder processing conditions by evaluating materials in consolidated, moderately stressed aerated, or fluidized states
- The use of multifaceted powder characterization to measure dynamic powder flow, bulk, and shear characteristics to develop the most comprehensive image of how a powder behaves
- Unmatched sensitivity, allowing the distinction of powders that other testers label as the same
Image Credit: Freeman Technology
Features
- Completely automated test procedures and data analysis
- Conditioning mode offers exceptional repeatability
- Sample sizes range from 10 ml to 160 ml. (A 1ml Shear Cell is also available)
How Does it Work?
The FT4 employs unique technology for measuring the resistance of the powder to flow whilst the powder is in motion. A precision ‘blade’ is rotated and moved downwards through the powder to establish a precise flow pattern. This causes millions of particles to interact or flow relative to one another, and the blade’s resistance measures the difficulty of this relative particle movement, also known as bulk flow characteristics.
Excellent repeatability and sensitivity are accomplished by moving the blade in a precise and consistent manner. The FT4’s innovative control systems accurately adjust the blade’s rotational and vertical speeds, determining the Helix Angle and Tip Speed.
Image Credit: Freeman Technology
FT4 Powder Rheometer - a Universal Powder Flow Tester
Powder Flow Testing with the FT4 Powder Rheometer. Video Credit: Freeman Technology
FT4 Powder Rheometer Methodologies
The FT4 is a truly universal powder flow tester with four methodologies: Bulk, Dynamic Flow, Shear (ASTM D7981), and Process.
Image Credit: Freeman Technology
Proven Applications
The FT4 is used in all powder processing sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, food, cosmetics, toners, metals, ceramics, plastics, powder coatings, cement, and additive manufacturing. Its uses extend to:
- Die / Capsule Filling
- Tablet Compression
- Hopper Flow
- Wet Granulation End Point & Scale Up
- Flow Additive Selection & Optimisation
- Humidity Effects
- Electrostatic Charge
- Mixing / Blending
- Feeding
- Segregation
- Attrition
- Dry Powder Inhalers
- Caking
- Milling
- Conveying
- Wall Friction & Adhesion
- Hopper Design
- Compact Hardness & Payoff
- Vacuum Filling
- Agglomeration
Whether the goal is to ensure the quality of raw materials or intermediates, predict in-process performance, optimize a formulation in a development environment, or comprehend batch variations, the FT4 will offer useful and distinctive information to assist the user in resolving the powder flow issues.