Understanding a material’s flow properties is vital for identifying issues like poor flow, powder flooding, rate limitations, segregation, and product non-uniformity. These tests are essential when designing pneumatic conveying systems, mechanical conveyors, silos, bins, hoppers, feeders, chutes, and other handling equipment. Problems can escalate if flow properties are not measured accurately or if the data is not representative.
Bulk Solids Testing Services
At Rieco Industries, we understand that the success of your powder or bulk solids handling project hinges on precise material testing. Without accurate data on bulk material flow properties, the design of equipment and systems is risky. We refuse to compromise your project's success by relying on limited material data or questionable assumptions. Instead, our approach is grounded in comprehensive material testing to ensure your powder and bulk solids handling plant meets the mark.
Our commitment to reliability extends to our specialized Characterization and Testing Laboratory, where we conduct a range of tests essential for Bulk Material Handling and Processing. From powder characterization and pneumatic conveying testing to grinding and material classification, our fully equipped facilities enable us to provide solutions backed by thorough analysis. By basing equipment and system designs on relevant material characteristics measured under representative conditions, we guarantee optimal performance and efficiency for your operations.
Enquire NowBulk Material Tests
Common tests performed by Rieco Powder Testing Facility include:
- Physical Characterization
- Bulk Density Testing
- Tapped Density Testing
- Angle of Repose
- Particle Size Distribution
Rieco addresses this challenge by maintaining low velocities in pneumatic conveying systems and utilizing wear-resistant materials or applying protective coatings to extend equipment lifespan and reduce maintenance costs.
- Sieve Analysis
- Flow Properties
- Pneumatic conveying
- Particle properties
Wide particle size distribution can result in segregation and inconsistent flow
Rieco tackles this issue by designing the equipment after analysing its flow properties using shear tester to ensure smooth material flow. With mixing application, the equipment design is adjusted to maintain uniform distribution for consistent output.
Flow Properties Tests
Key bulk material flow properties that should be measured for troubleshooting issues, evaluating powder flowability, or designing a bulk material handling system include:
- Cohesive strength: Ensures powder flowability through hoppers
- Wall friction: Determines hopper angles necessary for mass flow
- Internal friction: Relates to static and kinematic angles of internal friction
- Compressibility: Measures bulk density as a function of major consolidating pressure
- Permeability: Assesses gas/solids interactions, impacting discharge rates from hoppers
- Angle of repose: Indicates the angle of a material pile at rest
- Loose/tap density: Compares bulk density before and after vibration
- Chute design: Specifies chute angles needed to maintain flow after impact
- When testing bulk material flow properties, it is essential to replicate actual or expected process conditions
Detailed report of the flow properties containing an executive summary of results will be share by Rieco Powder Testing Lab. Our powder experts will review the report with you to ensure understanding of the test results and their common use in bulk material handling applications.
Pneumatic Conveying Tests
Common challenges in conveying bulk materials in a gas stream (typically air or nitrogen) through a pipeline.
- Capacity Limitations: The system struggles to achieve the necessary solids handling capacity
- Chocking or Plugging: Deposits in the pipeline lead to blockages and flow restrictions
- Particle breakage creating fines while conveying
- Wear out in Pipeline: Abrasive materials cause wear and tear on elbows and bends
We conduct Pneumatic Conveying Tests to get following outcomes-
- Conveying Behaviour & Minimum Velocity: Material is transported across different line conditions, ranging from full suspension to a moving bed state
- Particle Breakage: Material is conveyed at various gas velocities to assess any damage or degradation compared to its original state
- Pipeline Material Accumulation: Material is conveyed through the pipeline to evaluate the extent of buildup related to conveying speed
- Powder Fluidization Tests
To closely simulate your handling conditions, we can convey the material using either vacuum or positive pressure modes. We also offer the option to transport with heated or cooled gases and can conduct closed-loop tests with inert gases.
Powder particle properties
Particle properties such as size, shape, porosity, and true density can affect powder flowability, reactivity, caking, friability, absorption or adsorption, segregation behaviour, and overall system performance.
Particle Properties Tests
Various tests can be conducted in Rieco Powder Characterization Lab to evaluate particle characteristics such as size, shape, moisture content, and strength.
- Particle Size Distribution: Determined through methods like sieve analysis or laser light scattering
- Particle Density: Measurement of the true solid density of particles, distinct from bulk density
- Morphology: Provides magnified images to analyse particle shape
- Saturation Moisture Content: Determines the maximum moisture a material can retain before it turns into a slurry, essential for handling wet materials or designing stockpiles
- Moisture Sorption/Desorption: Evaluates a powder's tendency to absorb or release moisture at a constant temperature, crucial for understanding caking behaviour
At Rieco, we are dedicated to ensuring your powder and bulk solids handling systems are designed and operated based on precise and comprehensive testing, leading to superior performance and efficiency.
Our Bulk Solids Handling Solutions
Dense Phase Conveyors Pneumatic Systems
Lean/Dilute Phase Pneumatic Conveying Systems
Tanker Unloading & Loading Systems
Dry Sorbent/Lime Injection System
Closed Loop Pneumatic Conveyors
Ash Handling System
Silo/Bulk Storage Systems and Discharge Systems
Weighing and Batching
Foundry Material Handling Equipment
Rotary Airlock Valves
Diverter Valves
Dome Valve
Bucket Elevators
Screw Conveyor
Air Slide
POWTRAN®
ACM
Hammer Mill
Sifter
Micron Separator
Air Jet Mill
Bag Filter