The Problematic Powder Matter

As a leading materials test laboratory in Ireland, we are called to examine a vast variety of materials in different forms. The physical and chemical analysis of powders is one of the speciality types of analysis which our chemists carry out for clients all over Ireland. Our powder testing and analysis is used by a variety of companies in the industrial sector including the agrochemical, manufacturing, automotive and aeronautical sectors.

Our extensive suite of powder testing equipment allows us to carry out a range of both destructive and non-destructive testing he following types of testing such as

• Particle shape and size.
• Particle size distribution.
• Particle free rise density
• Particle tapped (compacted) density
• Particle flow.
• Moisture Content
• Sieve residue analysis

The analysis showed that whereas the water content of the powder should be below 5%, when measured it was found to average 8.6%.

Equipment used to measure the particle size distribution of a powder.

Earlier this year, we were contacted by a company who purchase a flame retardant in dry powder form. The product was being purchased in twenty ton shipments, packed in 1,000 bags. Recently a shipment was delivered and it was found that the dry flame retardant powder had compacted and almost solidified into a solid block!

Our materials chemist visited the clients facility and removed three samples from each bag, taken from the top, middle and bottom of the bag.

When the sample reached our laboratories, we measured the water content of the powder using our Karl Fischer titrator. We also measured the free rise and compacted density and examined the powder using Scanning Electron Microscopy.

Powder as received in our Forensic Laboratory.

The analysis showed that whereas the water content of the powder should be below 5%, when measured it was found to average 8.6%.

As to the cause, since compaction was worse on the top 200 mm of powder, we suspected that some of bags of powder when manufactured, were not sealed correctly.

In this case, we provided our client with comprehensive report with validated scientific results. Contact us today, to see how we can help resolve your powder issues.