Output details
15 - General Engineering
University of Greenwich
The Brookfield Powder Flowability Tester, a novel instrument making the scientific measurement of powder flow properties much more widespread in industry than ever before, for QA and Formulation Development.
Output of DEFRA project AFM 206 “Development of an Economical Powder Flowability Tester”: http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Menu=Menu&Module=More&Location=None&Completed=0&ProjectID=12508
Previous instruments for measuring powder flow behaviour scientifically were expensive (£50k+), needing great expertise to use and interpret the data. Cheaper instruments lacked scientific link between measurement results and powder behaviour in-plant. The authors and the manufacturers perceived need for an instrument that is:
• economical,
• automated,
• quick to use,
• could be used, and results interpreted, by non-powder-experts,
• with sound scientific foundation and objective link to how the powder will flow in a given plant,
for QA on powder raw materials and products, and formulation development.
Bradley and Berry provided intellectual (scientific and design) input. Brookfield provided manufacturing and software input. Cadbury, Kerry Ingredients, United Biscuits and GlaxoSmithKline provided case studies and prototype testing.
Significant scientific research was required to determine (i) the best measurement method to predict powder behaviour in the diverse processes in the operating plants, (ii) optimum test method (annular shear cell, principle known from previous practice), (iii) novel test protocols for most selective, robust, automated data generation and analysis across many powders with multiple dimensions of behaviours, and (iv) develop mechanical arrangements giving necessary accuracy and sensitivity, value engineered for low cost. Supporting evidence on USB.
The instrument fulfuls the technical goals, selling for £12k; highly successful - 200 in use by 140 companies in 24 countries (user list on USB) in 3 years. Most users never used powder flowability measurements previously. Annual sales $2M, but the value of the production protected by use of the instruments is several orders of magnitude higher.
Accolades: IMechE Innovation in Bulk Materials Handling Prize 2012, US R&D magazine top 100 Award 2011, 10/10 rating by DEFRA, Shortlisted for IChemE Innovation Awards 2010 and Times Higher Education Awards 2010 (evidence on USB)
