Anton Paar’s Powder Flow Cells and Powder Shear Cells provide:
- True powder rheology to examine bulk solids present in any state, from fluidized to consolidated powders
- A broad range of dedicated powder measurement techniques for R&D and quality control
- Precise powder analysis
Both cells for true powder rheology enable users to comprehend and characterize the powders. The availability of a broad range of dedicated powder measurement techniques puts the advantages of rheometers to use: rapid and easy-to-perform tests as well as detailed measurements for both R&D and quality control purposes.
The powder shear cell is exemplary for identifying the flow behavior of consolidated powders and their time-dependent behavior. The presence of additional accessories offers complete control over humidity and temperature.
The powder flow cell is an innovative and scientific approach for powder characterization providing a broad range of test methods. Powder behavior can be determined in different realistic conditions like simulating, optimizing and adjusting — for instance, manufacturing processes.
Key Features
Two Cells to Cover all Needs
The entire powder rheology setup along with the powder flow cell and powder shear cell provides users with all the possibilities needed for the characterization of granular media and powders. The combination of a rheometer with a system to characterize the behavior of powders assures the greatest sensitivity and absolute results.
Image Credit: Anton Paar GmbH
Robust Software for Incomparable Control
The presence of an intuitive user interface in the RheoCompass™ software enables users to run completely automatized measurements with just two clicks while, at the same time, maintaining complete autonomy over all measurement parameters.
All measurements can be adapted to suit the users' needs, and the system is compliant with QM requirements, including 21 CFR Part 11 for the pharmaceutical industry.
Image Credit: Anton Paar GmbH
The Only Powder Shear Cell with Temperature and Humidity Control
The impact of temperature on the powders can be determined and controlled using this system. Heating chambers for an extreme temperature range from −160 °C to 600 °C can be provided in an MCR rheometer.
Humidity also heavily changes powder behavior at the time of storage, handling and processing. Humidity can be controlled in the range of 5–95 %rH with a dedicated humidity kit.
Image Credit: Anton Paar GmbH
Designed for Sensitivity and Reproducibility
Reproducible measurements for both the powder shear cell and the powder flow cell are anticipated. The MCR’s sensitivity helps distinguish between alike powders and identify even minor changes within the samples.
A sample preparation bench is incorporated in the powder shear cell setup, which assures identical preparation of the samples, considerably decreasing operator influence and thereby increasing reproducibility.
The powder flow cell employs automated sample preparation modes for an unparalleled reproducibility of up to 0.5%.
Image Credit: Anton Paar GmbH
Patented Dust Protection for the Powder Flow Cell
The one-of-its-kind patented dust protection system (EP 3067684) allows safe and clean sample handling. The air seal technology of the powder flow cell is dustproof and avoids any friction on the measurement axis, thus sustaining the MCR rheometer’s extraordinary resolution and accuracy down to 10 nNm and below.
The fourfold sealing concept safeguards the operator and the instrument from fine and possibly hazardous powder even when it is completely fluidized.
Image Credit: Anton Paar GmbH
The Most Versatile Powder Characterization with the Powder Flow Cell
Thanks to its greater versatility, the powder flow cell can be employed for extensive powder characterization or as a user-friendly quality control tool. One can use it to manage the quality of the products with rapid tests, and at the same time, taking advantage of the precision of Anton Paar’s MCR rheometers.
One of the various measurement methods can be employed to characterize the powder during storage, processing and handling.
Image Credit: Anton Paar GmbH
Technical Specifications
Table 1. Source: Anton Paar GmbH
| |
Powder shear cell |
Powder flow cell |
| Sample volume |
4.3 mL and 18.9 mL |
60 mL to 120 mL |
| Torque range |
1 nNm to 300 mNm (device-dependent) |
10 nNm to 300 mNm (device-dependent) |
| Normal stress range |
While shearing: up to 30 kPa
While compacting: up to 110 kPa
(sample- and cell-dependent) |
up to 22 kPa |
Dust
protection |
Not necessary |
d ≥5 µm: 100% dustproof 5 µm ≥ d >1 µm: 90% to 95% dustproof |
| Fluidization options |
Not necessary |
Scientific option: choice of 3 mass flow controllers for volumetric flow from 0.05 L/min up to 80 L/min, with pressure sensor
Quality control option: proportional valve |
| Temperature options |
-20 °C to 180 °C with CTD 180 HR
-160 °C to 600 °C with CTD 600 MDR
Customized up to 1000 °C |
Customizable on request |
Humidity
option |
5% rH to 95% rH from 5 °C to 120 °C with CTD 180 HR and humidity option |
Customizable on request |
| Measurement systems |
Included in the setup:
- Small shear system (4.3 mL)
- Large shear system (18.9 mL)
- Wall friction system with exchangeable discs (stainless steel, aluminum, PTFE, further materials on request)
|
- Two-blade stirrer
- Warren-Springs geometry
- Powder Preparation Set with exchangeable discs (stainless steel, air-permeable, PTFE, further materials
- on request)
- Cylinder
- Profiled cylinder
|
| Accessories |
Included in the setup:
- Sample preparation / time consolidation bench
- Weight base for small and
large shear cell
Weights for small and large shear cell
(up to 12 kPa in 1 kPa steps) |
Additional accessories:
- Uncoated / FTO-coated / steel measuring tube
- HD Webcam
|
MCR Rheometer Specifications
Table 2. Source: Anton Paar GmbH
| . |
. |
| Bearing design |
Air |
| Motor design |
Electronically Commutated (EC) - Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Rotation mode |
✔ |
| Oscillation mode |
✔ |
Toolmaster™ (measuring geometries and accessories, storing of zero-gap)
(US Pat. 7275419, 2004) |
✔ |
QuickConnect Coupling for measuring systems
(one-hand operation, screwless) |
✔ |
| Virtually gradient-free (horizontal, vertical) temperature control |
✔ |
| T-Ready™ |
o |
| TruRate™ |
o |
| TruStrain™ |
o |
| RheoCompass™ software |
| Test Designer |
✔ |
| Report Designer |
✔ |
| Managed lab, multiple clients and server |
o |
| Fully automatic temperature calibration |
✔ |