Powder Flow Tester Video

Brookfield’s Web site, www.brookfieldengineering.com, now hosts an informative video on powder flow behavior in gravity discharge from hoppers. The challenge for powder processing companies is to predict flow behavior before problems occur. Meeting this challenge is Brookfield’s new powder flow tester that uses “shear cell technology” to perform established scientific tests on flowability. The video answers basic questions on how to measure powders.
   
The video depicts basic flow behavior patterns known as “mass flow” and “core flow”. Typical problems that impede powder flow, such as arching and ratholing formation, are reviewed. Reasons for use of shear cell testing to characterize flow are compared to simpler methods like flow cups and angle of repose. Reasons to consider Brookfield’s PFT relate to ease of use, quickness of test, and data output that gives a clear indication on whether the powder will flow.
   
Potential customers include formulators in R&D, incoming inspection for raw ingredients, QC for sign off on finished product, and process engineers responsible for solving flow problems. Universities with food and chemical engineering departments and equipment manufacturers are also likely candidates.
   
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