Running The Test - Teledyne Hanson Research FLODEX Operation Manual

Section 2 – Operation

Running the Test

A 50 g sample is standard, but enough powder should be used
to fill the cylinder to within 1 cm or so from the top.
Loading
Load carefully, tapping the bottom of the funnel lightly so that
the powder is introduced into the receptacle cylinder without
packing. Do not tap the funnel enough to disturb the cylinder.
Note: Though the ring stand is resilient and dampens the
vibration from tapping the funnel, it may be necessary to spoon-
in small amounts of powder with poor flow characteristics as an
alternative.
Operation
After loading, a minimum of 30 seconds should pass before
starting the test to allow any possible formation of flocculi. As
mentioned above, start with a 16 mm flow disk for powders not
previously tested.
Slowly turn the release lever until the closure drops open
without vibration. The test is positive when the open hole at the
bottom is visible when looking down from the top. Do not tap or
shake the Flodex instrument during this period of test time.
Evaluation
For positive results (hole visible), repeat with smaller and
smaller disk holes until the test is negative. For negative results,
increase the size of the disk hole until the test is positive.
The flowability index is the diameter of the smallest hole through
which the sample will pass for three successive tests. Free-
flowing powders will generally form an inverted cone with a
consistent plane.
Flodex Operation Manual—21-101-000 Rev. E—18 June 2019 14 of 17