Results from a series of collaborative experiments show that dynamic powder properties measured with the FT4 device reliably detect and quantify the effect of changing compactor operating parameters. Dry compaction is used to produce uniform, free-flowing granules from fine, often cohesive powder blends to enhance the efficiency of downstream manufacturing steps. It involves compacting a powder between rollers and then milling the resulting ribbon. Widely used within the pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries, roller compaction is especially suitable for moisture sensitive materials. Experiments were carried out to investigate correlations between compaction force and roller gap, and the properties of the milled granules. Shear, bulk and dynamic properties were measured using the FT4 Powder Rheometer. Further information about this research is available on the Freeman Technology website. www.freemantech.co.uk; www.gerteis.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Data measured with the FT4 Powder Rheometer helps enhance powder roller compaction performance; the Gerteis stand at this year’s ACHEMA is pictured (right)