GranuFlow: powder & granular material flowmeter

Principle

The mass flowrate is computed automatically from the slope of the mass temporal evolution measured by the weight scale.

The aperture size can be easily and rapidly adjusted using an innovative rotating plate. Software assistance is provided for both measurement and result analysis. The flowrate is measured across various aperture sizes to generate a flow curve. Subsequently, the complete flow curve is fitted with the well-known Beverloo theoretical model to determine the flowability index (Cb), which is related to powder flowability, and the minimum aperture size required for flow (Dmin).

The entire measurement process is carried out effortlessly, swiftly, and with precision.

Key Benefits

• The mass flow measurement through various holes takes only a few minutes and doesn’t require disassembly or cleaning of the instrument.
• The configuration of GranuFlow can be adapted to suit a diverse range of powders and applications unlike the HALL/CARNEY flow meter or flowdex
• The geometry serves as a reliable proxy for any small-scale gravity-fed system
• It is small and easy to carry
• Measurement is done in under 5 minutes for the complete range of 7 different holes
• Compatible with any powder that has an angle of repose below 58° (CFR application note)
• GranuFlow is an improved laboratory silo compared to the ancient Hall Flow Meter (ASTM B212, B213, ISO4490) and compared to the “Flow-Through An Orifice” method described in the Pharmacopeia (USP1174)

Differentiators

• The only automatic funnel flowmeter on the market
• Automated mass flow measurement supported by software
• Precision in measuring powder flowability through apertures, defaulting to a range of 1 mm to 28 mm and customizable as needed
• Automatic fitting of the flowability curve using the Beverloo model, enabling an estimation of the minimum aperture diameter and flowability index for the tested material.
• Customizable aperture range, allowing users to specify required sizes.
• Robust and easy to maintain
• Delivered with intuitive software that allows the comparison of results. All data are automatically collected and stored for post-processing. Easy data transfer and automatic report generation
• Accurate estimation of the minimum drain diameter of the tested material

Applications

• Measurement of powder flowability in a silo-funnel geometry
• Classification of powders flowability for galenic formulation
• Fast and accurate tests for the production line, detecting problematic samples before their introduction into the silo
• Prediction of mass flow rates for apertures of varying sizes
• Prediction of bag filling rates

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