The FT4 Powder Rheometer: A universal powder flow tester

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 accuratelyadjust 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 TesterPlay

Powder Flow Testing with the FT4 Powder Rheometer. Video Credit: Freeman Technology

FT4 Powder Rheometer Methodologies

The FT4 is a truly universalpowder 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.