Powder properties matter in many industries, including pharmaceuticals, building materials and petrochemicals. Understanding physical properties helps optimize performance and product quality. PCT Ultimate 1S is a powder characterization tester designed to make this work faster, simpler and more accurate.
Overview
PCT Ultimate 1S provides 14 measurement and calculation options in one compact instrument. It combines Wi-Fi control, image processing, electromagnetic vibration and rotating Packed Bulk Density measurement to give fast, accurate and repeatable results.
Main features
Imaging for angle measurement
PCT Ultimate 1S uses a high-definition CCD camera to photograph the powder heap. Its image processing is used to determine Angle of Repose, Angle of Fall and Angle of Spatula with good repeatability.
Measurement and calculation
PCT Ultimate 1S is designed to measure nine items: Angle of Repose, Angle of Fall, Angle of Spatula, Loose Bulk Density, Packed Bulk Density, Cohesion, Dispersibility, Voidage and Sieve Analysis, and to calculate five further items: Angle of Difference, Compressibility, Uniformity, Flowability Index and Floodability Index.
Control and data
Users can run the instrument from the built-in 7-inch touch screen. It can also connect to an electronic balance so the control system can capture weight data for processing and calculation.
Data output
PCT Ultimate 1S uses an external wireless printer to print measurement data.
Standards
PCT Ultimate 1S is intended for use with:
- ASTM D6393-08/D6393-14
- ISO 3953:1993
- USP32-NF27<616>
- EP7.0 07/2010:20934E
Applications
- Pharmaceuticals
- Building materials
- Ceramics
- Battery materials
- Metal and non-metal materials
- Soil and sediment
- Coatings
- Powder detergents
- Petrochemicals
Measurement notes
Loose Bulk Density and Packed Bulk Density
Loose Bulk Density is the mass per unit volume when powder is freely filled into a standard container under specified conditions, without applying extra force. Packed Bulk Density is the mass per unit volume after tapping under specified conditions. PCT Ultimate 1S measures both.
Flowability Index and Floodability Index
Flowability Index is calculated from Angle of Repose, Angle of Spatula, Compressibility, and Uniformity or Cohesion. Floodability Index is calculated from Flowability Index, Angle of Fall, Angle of Difference and Dispersibility. PCT Ultimate 1S provides both evaluations.
Angle of Repose, Angle of Fall and Angle of Spatula
Angle of Repose is the maximum angle formed between the free surface of the powder accumulation layer and the horizontal plane. Angle of Fall is measured on the same powder cone after an external force is applied and the surface collapses. Angle of Spatula is obtained by image measurement of the powder on the spatula, before and after a shock. PCT Ultimate 1S measures all three.
Calculated items
Angle of Difference
The difference between the Angle of Repose and the Angle of Fall is called the Angle of Difference.
Compressibility
Compressibility = (Packed Bulk Density − Loose Bulk Density) × 100 / Packed Bulk Density.
Uniformity
Uniformity is the ratio of D60 to D10 in the particle size distribution. D60 is the particle size corresponding to 60% of the cumulative distribution; D10 is the particle size corresponding to 10%.
ParticleX Standard
ParticleX Standard is the desktop software used with the instrument for powder characterization, measurement, calculation and reporting.
Summary
PCT Ultimate 1S combines imaging, a 7-inch touch screen and up to 14 powder characterization items. ParticleX Standard is used with the instrument.