Freeman Technology Points The Way To Powder And Process Compatibility At ACHEMA

At ACHEMA 2009 (11–15 May; Frankfurt, Germany) - Freeman Technology will highlight the company's complete offering for powder processors. Freeman's FT4 powder tester, backed by a unique process-focused approach to powder characterization, delivers the critical insight into powder behaviour that companies need in order to understand their powders, achieve compatibility between powder and plant, and enable process optimization.

Managing director Reg Freeman is a firm believer that, "When it comes to powders, new technology for understanding powder behaviour, combined with hard-earned processing experience, can deliver step changes in powder processing efficiency. Consistent, efficient operation requires powder properties to be those which suit the processing step and understanding why some powders process well while others do not is critical."

The FT4 performs a range of methodologies, measuring shear, bulk and dynamic properties in a short time, using relatively small amounts of material. Freeman's approach to interpreting the data makes extensive use of the company's know-how, as well as the processor's own experience. The results often indicate why on a particular production line some powders are ‘easy' to process and others are not. This knowledge is the foundation of efficient processing and informs the development of materials that will process well, with the required performance characteristics.

In addition, it is possible to define, in terms of easily measurable parameters, the characteristics of materials that will be optimal for a given piece of plant - a hopper or die filling system, for example. Developing formulations that meet this specification ensures compatibility between the plant and powder, building quality into the manufacturing process from the outset.

About Freeman Technology
Freeman Technology is a specialist company pioneering the measurement and understanding of powders and their flow properties. Founded in 1989, the company developed the novel, patented technology that forms the core of its Powder Rheometer system at its design and manufacturing centre in Worcestershire, UK where all manufacturing takes place in an ISO 9001:2000 accredited environment. The FT4 Powder Rheometer is a universal powder tester that provides three complementary approaches in a single instrument: measurement of bulk properties including permeability, bulk density and compressability; shear property determination with automated shear cells; and dynamic flowability using patented methodology. In April 2007 the company received the Queen's Award for Enterprise in Innovation.

Freeman systems are installed around the world in a diverse range of industries. Applications range from optimising new formulations and improving the efficiency of manufacturing processes to the establishment of QC criteria for raw materials, intermediates and final product.

SOURCE: Freeman Technology Ltd