Freeman Technology and Particle Technology Labs’ collaboration takes powder characterization service to new levels

A specialist team of analysts has been introduced to manage the growing workload generated by increased uptake of the powder characterization service offered by Particle Technology Labs Ltd (PTL) (Chicago, US). The service, which is built around the use of the Freeman Technology FT4 Powder Rheometer, was introduced at Pittcon in 2005.

It has been fully operational for more than two years and demand has increased significantly this year. Since the inception of the service a wide range of industrial powders has been tested, including ceramics, cement and pharmaceutical materials.

PTL is an established laboratory that is highly experienced in the characterization of fine particles. The powder characterization service was established in response to a growing demand from clients who wanted more information about the flow properties of their powders.

Bill Kopesky, Laboratory Manager at PTL confirmed the benefits that their clients are seeing. “Using the FT4 we undertake a series of flowability studies with the dynamic testing regimes available on the instrument. We also use it for shear testing where required. If two powders behave differently, or a powder’s behaviour changes, then we can really start to examine the differences,” he said. “Clients have, for example, been able to use the data we generate to allow them to change a formulation, and clearly monitor the results. People tend to be very impressed at the degree of sensitivity that can be achieved in showing differences between powders.”

The lab also acts as a reference site in North America for the FT4 and operates the powder characterization service in close conjunction with Freeman Technology. The powder processing experience and expertise of the Freeman team provides additional support on data interpretation and in relating results back to real-world processing situations.