Mass testing system

performanceflowuniformity

Overview
Copley supplies the Powder Testing Workstation™ PTW, a configurable multi-method system for assessing powder flowability and bulk/tapped density across pharmaceutical and related industries (cosmetics, food, additive manufacturing). The PTW integrates interchangeable modules and supports both quantitative and intrinsic flow assessments. The Powder Testing Assistant™ PTA 100i is available to guide users through methods, automate calculations and store results for audit-ready data integrity.

Supported test methods

• Angle of Repose
• Flow Through an Orifice via Cylinder
• Flow Through an Orifice via Funnel
• Bulk Density via Scott Volumeter and Shear Cell
• Metal powder flow (Hall, Gustavsson and Carney Flowmeter methods)

Flow-Through an Orifice via Cylinder (module details)
Each cylinder module comprises a pharmaceutical-grade stainless-steel cylinder (76 mm × 57 mm; nominal capacity ≈ 200 mL) supplied with 20 interchangeable stainless-steel disks with precision orifices from 4 mm to 36 mm. Tests can be configured for quantitative mass/time protocols or comparative intrinsic flow indices to characterise uniformity and material behaviour.

• Quantitative flow: fixed-mass or fixed-time measurements for repeatable mass vs time analysis
• Intrinsic assessment: Flowability Index and comparative metrics for material characterisation

Compliance & accessories (summary)
Pharmacopoeial compliance: Ph. Eur. 2.9.36 and 2.9.16 — USP <1174>. Typical PTW items: Powder Testing Workstation PTW Stand and Shutter (Catalogue 1670) — Cylinder Attachment (Catalogue 1671) — Timer Attachment (Catalogue 1678) — Anti-static Grounding Kit (Catalogue 1677). Powder Testing Assistant PTA 100i (Catalogue 1680). Balance options referenced: Kern (up to 10 000 g), Kern (400 g), Ohaus (440 g).

Additional module summaries
Angle of Repose
Simple method to assess frictional and piling behaviour. Includes 100 mm diameter test platform and digital height gauge (measures powder pile heights up to 145 mm). Angle computed from height/50 tangent and converted to degrees.

Flow-Through an Orifice via Funnel
Funnel module with quick-change nozzles (typical apertures: 5, 7, 10, 15, 25 mm) manufactured in pharmaceutical-grade 316 stainless steel. User-friendly shutter and optional Balance/Timer attachments for mass vs time testing.

Bulk Density via Scott Volumeter
Scott Volumeter method compliant with compendial standards for bulk and tapped density; supports calculation of Carr’s Index and Hausner Ratio to inform handling and storage decisions.

Metal Powder Flow
Module supports Hall, Gustavsson and Carney Flowmeter methods to assess flow properties of metal powders relevant to filling, spreading and compaction in powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing.

Technical specifications

• Product: Powder Testing Workstation™ PTW (configurable multi-method powder tester)
• Compatible assistant: Powder Testing Assistant™ PTA 100i (automates measurements, calculations and records)
• Cylinder module dimensions: 76 mm × 57 mm; capacity ≈ 200 mL
• Interchangeable orifice disks: 20 stainless-steel disks; orifices 4 mm–36 mm
• Funnel nozzles: typical quick-change apertures 5, 7, 10, 15, 25 mm; funnel in 316 stainless steel
• Angle of Repose: 100 mm platform; digital height gauge; pile heights up to 145 mm
• Bulk density: Scott Volumeter compliant with Ph. Eur. 2.9.34 and USP <616> (tapped and bulk density, Carr’s Index, Hausner Ratio)
• Metal powder standards: ISO 3923, ISO 4490, ISO 13517 and applicable ASTM standards (e.g. ASTM B213, B417, B964, B329)
• Pharmacopoeial flowability compliance: Ph. Eur. 2.9.36 / 2.9.16 and USP <1174>
• Attachments/options: Stand and Shutter (1670), Cylinder Attachment (1671), Funnel Attachment (1672), Timer Attachment (1678), Anti-static Grounding Kit (1677), PTA 100i (1680)
• Balance support: Kern and Ohaus models (examples: 10 000 g, 400 g, 440 g)
• Construction: stainless-steel powder-contact components for pharmaceutical-grade cleaning and maintenance