Powder Rheometer leverages uniaxial testing accessory.
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Press Release Summary:
When equipped with uniaxial powder tester, FT4 Powder Rheometer measures properties that directly correlate with powder's in-process behavior. Uniaxial testing specifically complements existing test methodologies for shear, bulk, and dynamic powder measurement. Integration of accessory and main unit results in production of homogeneous, uniform powder column for testing. Measuring normal stress required to fracture column directly identifies unconfined yield strength.
Original Press Release:
New Uniaxial Tester Adds Extra Capability to Freeman Technology Powder Rheometer
Welland, UK: Freeman Technology has added a uniaxial powder tester to the FT4 Powder Rheometer, extending the system's ability to efficiently and reproducibly measure properties that directly correlate with a powder's in-process behaviour. Uniaxial testing complements the FT4's existing test methodologies for shear, bulk and dynamic powder measurement.
Uniaxial testing involves measuring the force needed to break or fracture a column of consolidated powder. It is probably the most simple and direct method of measuring unconfined yield strength, a parameter related to cohesivity. In the past, use of the technique has been inhibited by the difficulties inherent in repeatably producing a uniformly packed and consolidated powder column for testing. As a result, unconfined yield strength data are routinely derived from shear testing, a less direct but practical alternative.
Freeman Technology has developed a new accessory that, in combination with a well-defined consolidation methodology, produces a homogeneous, uniform powder column for testing. Measuring the normal stress required to fracture the column directly identifies the unconfined yield strength. Comparative tests show that the new solution produces data closely comparable to those derived from shear test data, but offers improved repeatability.
Uniaxial testing is not suitable for powders with very low cohesive strength, but is a quick and intuitive method for measuring unconfined yield strength of more cohesive materials. It complements rotational shear testing which in contrast requires less sample, can be used for less cohesive materials and is essential for measuring wall friction data in support of material of construction choice.
An application note describing this new solution for uniaxial testing can be downloaded from the Freeman Technology website at www.freemantech.co.uk
Visit the Freeman Technology booth # 418 at the AAPS Annual Meeting & Exposition.
About Freeman Technology
Freeman Technology specialises in providing systems for the measurement of powder flow properties and has over a decade of experience in powder flow and powder characterisation. With a significant commitment to R&D and applications development, the company delivers extensive know-how alongside its universal powder tester, the FT4 Powder Rheometer. An expert team guides and supports users in addressing their individual powder challenges, the process relevance of powder characterisation data being a key focus. The result is world-leading solutions for understanding powder behaviour, whether in development, scale-up, processing, quality control, or wherever powders have a role. In April 2007 the company received the Queen's Award for Enterprise in Innovation.
Freeman systems are installed around the world in a diverse range of industries -chemical, pharmaceutical, toners, foods, powder coatings, metals, ceramics, cosmetics and many others. Correlating the powder data they supply with processing performance enables clients to quantify and exploit operational experience to optimise their processes. www.freemantech.co.uk
