Getting Powder Out Of The Hopper

By Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc.

Tanks and vessels come in all shapes and sizes. Those used for processing powders have one inevitable issue for powders that are compressible. Core flow behavior is a given and the powder may eventually hang up when discharging. The consequence is unwanted interruption to work and possible segregation issue that affect the mix of final product.

The traditional methods used to measure powder flow behavior the flow cup test and the angle of repose measurement do not give the user any clear indication that the above problem will occur. A more scientific method is needed which assess which the internal friction of the powder particles against one another. The shear cell offers a proven technique for performing this type of measurement. The data output includes an objective assessment of powder flowability in the flow function and a prediction of the powder's ability to form blockages during discharge (arching over the hopper outlet or rathole formation in the tank).