Flow test system PTW

for research and developmentlaboratoryfor the cosmetics industry

Overview
The Copley Powder Testing Workstation™ PTW provides an integrated solution for powder flowability and bulk density testing. It is configurable to perform six established methods: Angle of Repose; Flow-Through an Orifice via Cylinder and via Funnel; Bulk Density via Scott Volumeter and Shear Cell; and Metal Powder Flow (Hall, Gustavsson, Carney). The system is designed for pharmacopoeial assessments and for industries including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food production and additive manufacturing.

Flow-Through an Orifice via Funnel
Designed in accordance with USP <1174> and Ph. Eur. Chapters 2.9.36 and 2.9.16 for flowability. The module uses a pharmaceutical-grade 316 stainless-steel funnel with quick-change nozzles to simulate hopper discharge and similar production equipment. Supplied nozzles: 5 mm, 7 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm and 25 mm. Tests use a simple shutter system to enable repeatable mass vs time and fixed-mass / fixed-time measurements. Optional balance and timer attachments simplify mass vs time testing.

Flow-Through an Orifice via Cylinder
Each stainless-steel cylinder module measures 76 mm x 57 mm with a 200 mL capacity. Modules include 20 interchangeable disks with precision orifices from 4 mm to 36 mm. Cylinder tests are used for:

• Quantitative flowability assessments based on fixed mass or fixed time to evaluate uniformity and consistency of powder flow
• Comparative intrinsic flow property assessments using a Flowability Index

Angle of Repose
The Angle of Repose module assesses frictional characteristics and gravitational flow. It comprises a 100 mm diameter circular test platform and a digital height gauge for powder heights up to 145 mm. Angle (θ) is calculated from the tangent (height/50) with the arctan returned in degrees.

Bulk Density via Scott Volumeter
The Scott Volumeter is provided for bulk/tapped density measurement (per USP and Ph. Eur.). Comparison of bulk and tapped density supports calculation of Carr's Index and Hausner Ratio to inform handling and storage decisions.

Metal Powder Flow
A dedicated Metal Powder module supports Hall, Gustavsson and Carney Flowmeter methods for flowability and bulk density of metal powders, providing data relevant to filling, spreading, compaction and other additive manufacturing/metal processes.

Accessories & Attachments
The PTW supports multiple attachments and options including timer attachments, balance attachments, anti-static grounding kit, stirrer, funnel and cylinder racks, and the Powder Testing Assistant PTA 100i for guided testing and automated calculations.

Technical specifications

• Methods supported: Angle of Repose; Flow-Through an Orifice via Cylinder; Flow-Through an Orifice via Funnel; Bulk Density via Scott Volumeter; Shear Cell; Metal Powder Flow (Hall, Gustavsson, Carney)
• Funnel material: pharmaceutical-grade 316 stainless steel
• Funnel nozzles supplied: 5 mm, 7 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 25 mm (quick-change)
• Cylinder dimensions: 76 mm x 57 mm, capacity 200 mL
• Cylinder disks: 20 interchangeable stainless-steel disks, orifice range 4 mm–36 mm
• Optional attachments: Timer Attachment; Balance attachments; Anti-static Grounding Kit; Stirrer Attachment; Funnel and Cylinder storage racks
• Balance options / catalogue references: example catalogue numbers include 1673, 1664, 1665
• Catalogue / accessory references (examples): 1670 (PTW Stand and Shutter), 1671 (Cylinder Attachment), 1672 (Funnel Attachment), 1674 (Angle of Repose Attachment), 1676 (Stirrer Attachment), 1677 (Anti-static Grounding Kit), 1678 (Timer Attachment), 1680 (Powder Testing Assistant™ PTA 100i), 1681 (Metal Powder Testing Apparatus), 6310 (Scott Volumeter & PTW)
• Pharmacopoeial / standards compliance: Ph. Eur. 2.9.36 and 2.9.16; USP <1174> (Flowability); Ph. Eur. 2.9.34 and USP <616> for bulk density (Scott Volumeter); ISO-3923-2, ISO 3923-1 and relevant ISO/ASTM standards for metal powders (e.g. ISO 3923:2018, ISO 4490:2018, ISO 13517:2020, ASTM B213-20, ASTM B417-22, ASTM B964-23, ASTM B329-20)
• Engineered for easy cleaning and durable construction
• Compatibility: integrates with Powder Testing Assistant™ PTA 100i for guided methods, automated calculations and result recording