MCR Rheometer Setups For:
Powder Rheometry

Model:

Suitable for measurements from -160 °C to +980 °C (and combinable with humidity control)
Characterization of powders under low to high loads and their time-dependent behavior
Shear, compressibility, and wall friction tests

Key features
Specifications
Standards
Compatible instruments
Complementary products

The two cells for true powder rheology help you comprehensively characterize and understand your powders. A wide range of dedicated powder measurement methods are available, including not only fast tests but also elaborate measurements for both quality control and R&D purposes. The powder shear cell is ideal for determining the flow behavior of consolidated powders and their time-dependent behavior. Additional accessories provide full control over temperature and humidity. The powder flow cell is an innovative and scientific approach to powder characterization offering a wide range of test methods. Powder behavior can be characterized under various processing conditions: simulating, adjusting, and optimizing (e.g., for manufacturing processes).

Key features

Two cells to cover all your needs

The complete powder rheology setup with the powder shear cell and the powder flow cell gives you all the possibilities you need for the characterization of powders and granular media. The combination of a rheometer with a system to determine the behavior of powders guarantees the highest sensitivity.

Versatile powder characterization with the powder flow cell

Due to its high versatility, the powder flow cell can be used for in-depth powder characterization or as a quality control tool. It enables quick testing while leveraging the precision of Anton Paar’s MCR rheometers. Use one of the many measurement methods available – such as basic flowability energy, cohesion strength, pressure drop, or deaeration time – to characterize your powder during processing, handling, and storage. Envelope density can also be determined using the powder flow cell with a dedicated measuring geometry and displacement powder.

The only powder shear cell with temperature and humidity control

Control the temperature and observe how it impacts your powders. MCR rheometers can be equipped with heating chambers that cover an extreme temperature range from -160 °C to +980 °C. Humidity – which is known to significantly influence powder behavior during storage, handling, and processing – can be controlled between 5 % RH and 95 % RH with a dedicated humidity kit. Temperature and humidity control are also available for the powder flow cell on request as a customized solution.

Powerful software for incomparable control

The intuitive user interface of the rheometer software enables fully automated powder rheometry measurements with only two clicks, while maintaining full control over all measurement parameters. Each measurement can be adapted to your needs. The system complies with QM requirements, including 21 CFR Part 11 for the pharmaceutical industry.

Patented dust protection for the powder flow cell

The unique, patented dust protection system (EP 3067684) enables clean and safe sample handling. A fourfold sealing concept protects the operator and the instrument from fine, potentially hazardous powder even when it is fully fluidized. The powder flow cell’s air seal technology is dustproof and operates without any friction on the measurement axis, maintaining the MCR rheometer’s extraordinary accuracy and resolution down to 10 nNm and below.

Designed for sensitivity and reproducibility

Expect reproducible powder rheometry measurements with both the powder shear cell and the powder flow cell. The MCR’s sensitivity helps to differentiate between even very similar powders and detect small changes within your samples. The powder shear cell setup includes a sample preparation bench to ensure consistency, significantly reducing operator influence and increasing reproducibility. The powder flow cell features automated sample preparation modes for unrivalled reproducibility of up to 0.5 %.

Specifications

	Powder shear cell	PFC 30	PFC 20	PFC 10
Sample volume	4.3 mL and 18.9 mL	60 mL to 120 mL		21 mL
Torque range	1 nNm to 300 mNm	10 nNm to 300 mNm
Normal stress	While shearing: up to 30 kPa While compacting: up to 110 kPa (sample- and cell-dependent)	22 kPa		-
Temperature option	-20 °C to +180 °C with CTD 180 HR -150 °C to +450 °C with CTD 450 TDR -160 °C to +600 °C with CTD 600 MDR Customized up to +980 °C	-15 °C to +80 °C Possible on request		-20 °C to +180 °C with CTD 180 HR -150 °C to +450 °C with CTD 450 TDR -160 °C to + 600 °C with CTD 600 MDR
Humidity option	5 %RH to 95 %RH	Customizable on request		5 %RH to 95 %RH
Measurement systems compatible	Included in the setup: Small shear system (4.3 mL) Large shear system (18.9 mL) Wall friction system with exchangeable discs	Two-blade stirrer Helical two-blade stirrer Warren Springs geometry Powder preparation set with exchangeable discs Cylinder systems Envelope density set		Included in the setup: Small helical two-blade stirrer
Measurement method	For low-load to high load condtions Shear measurements Time consolidation Wall fricton and adhesion Compressibility (bulk density, Carr index, Hausner ratio)	For fluidized, aerated, and low-load conditions Pressure Drop Air retention Cohesion strength Segregation Permeability Fluidized bed viscosity all PFC 20 methods	For non-fluidized, aerated and low-load conditions Compressibility (bulk density, Carr index, Hausner ratio) Wall friction and adhesion Warren Spring cohesion and caking Tensile strength Basic flowability energy (BFE) Specific energy (SE) Envelope density	For non-fluidized, aerated conditions Basic flowability energy (BFE) Specific energy (SE)
Dust protection	Not necessary	Patented dust protection hood (US10031067) for 100% filtration of particles d ≥ 5 µm; 90-95% for 5 µm ≥ d > 1 µm	-	-
Fluidization option	Not necessary	Choice of three mass flow controllers for volumetric flow from 0.05 L/min up to 80 L/min.	-	-
Accessories	Included in the setup: Sample preparation/time consolidation bench Weight base for small and large shear cell Weights for small and large shear cell (up to 12 kPa in 1 kPa step)	Included in the setup: Uncoated glass measuring tube (Optional: FTO-coated glass/steel tube)		-