Rheometer Has New Powder Rheology Capabilities

Waters Corp. announces expanded powder rheology capabilities for its TA Instruments HR rheometers allowing scientists to make repeatable (to within 0.2% relative standard deviation) powder rheology measurements using innovative new tooling and software that enables simple and fast sample prep and analysis.

Powder rheology measurements help to ensure successful processing and optimize performance of granular materials used across industries such as pharmaceuticals, batteries, additive manufacturing, food, personal care, and coatings.

“Waters-TA customers rely on rheology measurements of complex fluids and solids to optimize processes and develop high performance products,” said Chris Bedi, senior director of strategic marketing & product solutions, Waters Corp. “Customers have told us that the powder rheology accessory is a welcome addition to our HR rheometer line that brings them a new level of convenience when seeking answers to questions about the properties of powders.”

The TA Instruments HR powder rheology accessory measures properties such as cohesion, stability, flowability energy, and compressibility under industrially relevant processing conditions and to help laboratories:

* Screen battery electrode coatings, both solvent-based slurries and solvent-free dry coatings, to prevent defects and reduce cell failure rates

* Mix, granulate, and compress solid-dose pharmaceutical tablets to prevent instabilities of API/excipient blends

* Optimize storage and transport of industrial powder materials and avoid supply chain disruptions

With innovative SmartSwap tooling, the HR rheometer is quickly converted from a solids or liquids toolset to receive powder rheology samples. A new powder rheology application for TA Instruments’ TRIOS software handles the data gathering duties and reports key performance indicators, enabling scientists to seamlessly switch between measuring critical material attributes of liquids, pastes, gels, solids, and now powders.

“For those making occasional powder rheology measurements, a dedicated powder rheometer may be an unwise investment. Our customers’ needs can change day-to-day, from routine viscosity testing one day to troubleshooting an urgent powder processing problem the next,” said Sarah Cotts, powder rheology product manager, Waters Corp. “The HR rheometer has the flexibility to accommodate whatever format the sample comes in - be it liquids, solids, or powders - and improve the agility and productivity of every lab.”

Waters Corp., Milford, MA 508-478-2000 www.waters.com