FT4 Powder Rheometer®: Universal Powder Flow Tester

The FT4 Powder Rheometer^® is a universal powder flow tester that provides sensitive, dependable, and process-relevant analysis.

Simulate powder processing conditions to guaranteeprocess-relevant data

Multi-faceted powder characterization—evaluate dynamic flow, and bulk and shear characteristics

Unrivaled sensitivity

Fully automated data analysis and test programs

FT4 Powder Rheometer System.Image Credit: Micromeritics Instrument Corporation

Description

The FT4 Powder Rheometer^® is a universal powder tester that can be used to measure powder behavior and powder flow properties.

The FT4 was created to characterize the rheology (or flow qualities) of powders. This is still its main function,but the instrument, accessories, and techniques have evolved to the point that the FT4 is now called a universal powder flow tester.

Four testing procedures are combined in a single instrument:

Unique Dynamic Flow

Fully Automated Shear Cell (per ASTM Standard D7891)

Bulk Properties

Process Variables

Technology

The FT4 usesadvanced technology to measure the resistance of the powder to flow while the powder is in motion. To create an accurateflow pattern, a precision “blade” is rotated and transferred downwards through the powder. Many thousands of particles interact or flow relative to one another as a result of this, and the resistance experienced by the blade representsthe difficulty of this relative particle movement or the bulk flow characteristics.

The blade moves precisely and reliably, resulting in excellent reproducibility. The FT4’s advanced control systems precisely setthevertical and rotational speeds of the blade, defining the Helix Angle and Tip Speed.

Image Credit: Micromeritics Instrument Corporation

Why Are Powders Complex?

Powders are extremely complicated materials. They are often regarded as merely a collection of particles, but they are a complex combination of solids, liquids, and gases. They comprise solids in the form of particles; water, either within the structure of a particle or on its surface; and gas, typically in the form of air between the particles. The behavior of these unique materials is hard to modeland predictfrom fundamental principles.

Image Credit: Micromeritics Instrument Corporation

Powders demonstrate numerousbehavioral characteristics that influence how they operate during processing and in the final application. These qualities are frequently independent of one another, thus understanding and measuring the effect of each is critical if a powder is to be fully characterized.

The nature of all processing environments means that numerous conditions are unavoidable,and the powder being processed will be handled under various stress regimens. To completely predict thein-process performance of the powder, it is necessary to test and quantify how it responds to each of these external factors.

Dynamic Methodology

The FT4 is auniversal powder tester,with four methodology categories:Bulk, Dynamic Flow, Shear, and Process.

Image Credit: Micromeritics Instrument Corporation

Specification

System

The FT4 Powder Rheometer is designed forlaboratory use. It measures the rheological characteristics of powders, pastes, and semi-solids, and complies with the EMC requirements and ASTM International standards listed below:

EN61000-3-2:2001

EN61000-3-3: 1995

EN61326: 1997 + A2:2001

ASTM D7891

Performance

Force

±50 N maximum

0.0001 N resolution

±900m Nm resolution

Torque

900 mNm maximum

0.002 mNm resolution

Vertical travel

185 mm

Rotor speed

120 rpm maximum

Axial speed

30 mm/sec maximum

Residual energy level in the air

<2 mJ

Construction

Working force

316 stainless steel

Contact parts

316 stainless steel

Borosilicate glass

Delrin and Peek plastics

Dimensions

Main instrument

306 × 306 × 760 mm high

Weights

Main instrument: 22 kg net

Power Requirements

Supply voltage range: 90 to 264 VAC

Input current range: 1.6A at 120 VAC; 0.8A at 230 VAC

Input frequency range: 47Hz to 63 Hz

Minimum fault protection limit: 30 mA

Environmental Conditions

Humidity range 20-80 % non-condensing

Temperature range (operating) 10 ˚C to 40 ˚C

Temperature range (storage) 0 ˚C to 50 ˚C

Vessels

Precision bore, borosilicate glass tube.

Standard sized:

25 mm × 10 ml Split Vessel

25 mm × 25 ml Split Vessel

25 mm × 35 ml Vessel

50 mm × 85 ml Split Vessel

50 mm × 160 ml Split Vessel

50 mm × 260 ml Vessel

62 mm × 137 ml Split Vessel

62 mm × 240 ml Split Vessel

62 mm × 400 ml Vessel

Blades

Hardened stainless steel.

Standard sizes:

23.5 mm diameter × 6 mm wide

48.0 mm diameter × 10 mm wide

60.0 mm diameter × 10 mm wide

Calibration Kit

Torque,force,height, spindle speed, and carriage velocity are configured for calibration

The calibration kitincludes calibration fixtures, weights, and height gauges

A calibration log of the current and prior calibrations is automatically preserved

Accessories

25 mm Accessories Kit

50 mm Accessories Kit

62 mm Accessories Kit

Aeration Control Kit

24 mm Shear Cell

48 mm Shear Cell

24 mm Wall Friction Kit

48 mm Wall Friction Kit

1 ml Shear Cell

Accessories

Unique Blade Technology

Image Credit: Micromeritics Instrument Corporation

The FT4 measures the resistance that a powder exerts ona twisted blade as it passes through a sample. This resistance is expressed as “Flow Energy,” determined using direct torque and force measurements.

Range of Vessel Sizes

Image Credit: Micromeritics Instrument Corporation

In addition to a 1 ml Shear Cell kit for testing valuable, scarce, or hazardouspowders, there are vessel kits in 25 mm, 50 mm, and 62 mm sizes to suit the materials being assessed.

Aeration Control Unit

Image Credit: Micromeritics Instrument Corporation

The base of the vessel containing the powder receives an accurately controlledair flow from the Aeration Control Unit. The unit can deliver a widerange of air velocities, making it suitable for a variety of materials, andis completely automated and software-controlled.

Shear Cell and Wall Friction

Image Credit: Micromeritics Instrument Corporation

Wall Friction and Shear Cell Kits can be attached to the FT4 to determine the wall friction angle associated with a given construction material, and the shear properties of a powder, including flow function and unconfined yield strength, perASTM D7891.The Hopper Design function in the FT4 Data Analysis software can be utilized to determineimportanthopper geometries using shear and wall friction parameters.

Vented Piston

Image Credit: Micromeritics Instrument Corporation

To quantify properties likecompressibility and permeability,a vented piston is utilized to apply consolidating stress to a powder sample. This is done tocomprehend the impact of handling and storage.

Supplies and Consumables

Source:Micromeritics Instrument Corporation

Part Number	Description
C112	FT4 Powder Rheometer (without LCD monitor, keyboard, and mouse)
C612	Aeration Control Kit
C260	50 mm Accessories Kit
C460	25 mm Accessories Kit
C800	Shear Cell Kit - 48 mm Diameter
C815	Shear Cell Kit - 24 mm Diameter
C275	Wall Friction Kit - 48 mm Diameter
C475	Wall Friction Kit - 24 mm Diameter
C820	Shear Cell Kit - 1 ml
C180	FT4 Calibration Kit
C200	50 mm x 260 ml Vessel Kit
C203	50 mm x 160 ml Split Vessel Kit
C205	50 mm x 85 ml Split Vessel Kit
C210	48 mm Blade Assembly in Case
C240	50 mm Accessories Case
C250	48 mm Compaction Piston Kit
C257	48 mm Compaction Piston, Manual
C280	Funnel for 50 mm Vessel
C2001	50 mm x 260 ml Vessel
C2002	50 mm Base Assembly
C2003	50 mm Clamp Ring Assembly
C2004	O ring seal for 50 mm vessel (pack of 5 seals)
C2008	50 mm Levelling Assembly
C2031	50 mm x 160 ml Split Vessel
C2032	50 mm x 85 ml Vessel
C300	62 mm x 400 ml Vessel Kit
C303	62 mm x 240 ml Split Vessel Kit
C310	60 mm Blade Assembly in Case
C340	62 mm Accessories Case
C350	60 mm Compaction Piston Kit
C360	62 mm Accessories Kit
C380	Funnel for 62 mm Vessel
C400	25 mm x 35 ml Vessel Kit
C403	25 mm x 25 ml Split Vessel Kit
C404	25 mm x 10 ml Split Vessel Kit
C415	23.5 mm Blade Assembly in Case
C440	25 mm Accessories Case
C450	24 mm Compaction Piston Kit
C457	24 mm Compaction Piston, Manual
C480	Funnel for 25 mm Vessel
C4001	25 mm x 35 ml Vessel
C4002	25 mm Base Assembly
C4003	25 mm Clamp Ring Assembly
C4004	O ring seal for 25 ml vessel (pack of 5 silicone seals)
C4008	25 mm Levelling Assembly
C4031	25 mm x 25 ml Split Vessel
C4032	25 mm x 25 ml Extension Vessel
C4041	25 mm x 10 ml Split Vessel
C4042	25 mm x 10 ml Extension Vessel
C620	50 mm Aeration Base Assembly
C630	62 mm Aeration Base Assembly
C640	25 mm Aeration Base Assembly
C2005	50 mm & 62 mm Vessel Clamping Assembly
C4005	25 mm Vessel Clamping Assembly
C5001	4 mm Ball End Driver
C5002	3 mm Ball End Driver
C5003	Screw Driver - 5 mm
C5004	Nut Spinner - 7 mm
C5005	Cleaning Brush
C844	Cosmetic Compact Testing Kit
C840	Punch Kit
C841	Vacuum System
C842	Compact Adapter Kit
C843	Applicator Head

Applications

Powder processing sectors such as pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, food, cosmetics, toners, metals, ceramics, plastics, powder coatings, cement, and additive manufacturing could all profit from the use of the FT4.

Applications include:

Caking

Compact Hardness & Payoff

Wet Granulation End Point & Scale Up

Feeding

Milling

Vacuum Filling

Flow Additive Selection & Optimization

Segregation

Conveying

Agglomeration

Die / Capsule Filling

Humidity Effects

Attrition

Wall Friction & Adhesion

Tablet Compression

Electrostatic Charge

Dry Powder Inhalers

Hopper Design

Hopper Flow

Mixing / Blending

FT4 Powder Rheometer - a Universal Powder Flow TesterPlay

Video Credit:Micromeritics Instrument Corporation