Freeman Technology

Powder Rheometer Software Version 5
Powder Rheometer Software Version 5 has several new features and capabilities to support the FT4 Powder Rheometer for optimization of powder-handling processes. The FT4 measures the density, compressibility, and permeability of bulk solids to quantify powder properties in terms of flow and processability. Software Version 5 has an intuitive graphic interface that displays real-time test information, and provides step-by-step guidance to assist new users during test selection and execution.

FT4 powder rheometer
The FT4 powder rheometer features a new graphical user interface (GUI) that is flexible and intuitive and has an enhanced real-time display. The FT4 combines shear, bulk, dynamic, and axial powder testing methodologies for comprehensive powder characterization. The new GUI enables all FT4 users, whether new to the system or experienced, to fully exploit its multifunctionality. For the novice, the GUI provides step-by-step guidance on preparing samples and running tests. Experienced operators can take advantage of the device’s flexibility to create, manage, and run user-specific protocols. The rheometer’s characterization mode directs the user to a combination of tests that provide a complete profile of a powder’s behavior, while application modes offer test methods that support a particular process or unit operation. The updated software is supplied with all new instruments and is offered as a free upgrade to existing customers.

Aeration Control Module
The new version of the Aeration Control Module for the FT4 universal powder tester extends the operating range down to a low air velocity of 0.02 mm/s. Ideal for applications that are sensitive to the addition of small quantities of air, such as those involving the production of powder coatings, this controller allows fine control of air flow through a powder under test, enabling fully automated measurement of flow properties as a function of increasing levels of aeration. It can determine the flow properties specification needed to optimize production and achieve the required product quality.

FT4 universal powder tester
The FT4 state-of-the-art universal powder tester offers automated bulk, shear and dynamic property measurement. The data generated correlate directly with various aspects of processing behavior making the instrument ideal for formulation and process optimization, as well as effective quality control. With this unit, powders are tested in a consolidated, conditioned and aerated state to fully characterize behavior and the factors influencing it. This facilitates the rapid identification of properties with a critical impact on performance. The FT4’s patented dynamic methodology and unique conditioning step, coupled with automated test programs that eliminate operator-to-operator variability, deliver precise, repeatable and reproducible results. Testing is quick; a test program is typically completed in around 5 min, while the latest software delivers rapid data analysis, remote from the laboratory where necessary.

FT4 Powder Rheometer
The FT4, a universal powder rheometer that is used to perform powder flowability tests, now comes with a fully automated, small-volume shear cell that can be used to measure volumes down to 3 mL or less, depending on the characteristics of the powder. This new accessory enables users to extend the range of shear-testing applications on the FT4 to include those for which only very small amounts of sample are available. This encompasses many pharmaceutical actives, and materials, such as early stage formulations, where a wide range of tests must be carried out on limited supplies.