Brookfield PFT Powder Flow Tester User manual

BROOKFIELD POWDER FLOW TESTER
Operating Instructions
Manual No. M09-1200-F1016
Instrumentation & Specialty Controls Division
11 Commerce Boulevard, Middleboro, MA 02302 USA
Tel: [phone] or 800-628-8139 (USA excluding MA)
Fax: [phone] Internet http://www.brookfieldengineering.com

Table of Contents
I. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................5
I.1 Components......................................................................................................................................... 6
I.2 Utilities.................................................................................................................................................................7
I.3 Specications .......................................................................................................................................................7
I.4 Dimensions ..........................................................................................................................................................9
I.5 Safety Symbols and Precautions........................................................................................................................10
I.6 Back Panel ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
I.7 Key Functions ....................................................................................................................................................12
I.8 Test Stop - Reset ................................................................................................................................................12
I.9 Installation..........................................................................................................................................................13
I.10 Cleaning .............................................................................................................................................................14
II. QUICK START PROCEDURE................................................................................................................. 15
III. SAMPLE PREPARATION AND HANDLING .......................................................................................... 19
III.1 Sample Issues................................................................................................................................................... 19
III.2 Sample Trough .................................................................................................................................................20
III.3 Lid Selection ....................................................................................................................................................21
III.4 Outer Catch Tray..............................................................................................................................................22
III.5 Inner Catch Tray with Shaping Blade ..............................................................................................................22
III.6 Loading the Trough with Sample.....................................................................................................................23
III.7 Placement of the Trough and Lid on the Instrument........................................................................................23
III.8 Removal of Trough and Lid from Instrument ..................................................................................................24
III.9 Clean-up ...........................................................................................................................................................24
IV. POWDER FLOW PRO SOFTWARE........................................................................................................ 25
IV.1 Main Screen and Setup Tab.............................................................................................................................. 25
IV.2 Sample Information..........................................................................................................................................26
IV.3 Standard Test Method....................................................................................................................................... 27
IV.4 Custom Test Method ........................................................................................................................................28
IV.5 Test Execution.................................................................................................................................................. 29
IV.6 How to Stop the Test ........................................................................................................................................34
IV.7 Analysis Section...............................................................................................................................................35
IV.7.1 How to Save Data..............................................................................................................................35
IV.7.2 Choices for Data Display ..................................................................................................................35
IV.7.3 How to Create a Data Report ............................................................................................................44
IV.7.4 How to Compare Data.......................................................................................................................45
IV.8 Statistics Page...................................................................................................................................................47
IV.9 Custom Page.....................................................................................................................................................49
IV.10 Importing and Exporting Data .........................................................................................................................50
IV.11 Help Files .........................................................................................................................................................50
Appendix A: Overview of Powder Flow Properties ........................................................................................ 51
Appendix B:BCR-LimestoneTestProcedureforCalibrationCheckonBrookeldPowderFlowTester ..... 59
Appendix C: Glossary...................................................................................................................................... 61
Appendix D: PFT Packing to Ship for Repair and Service.............................................................................. 64
Appendix E: Warranty Repair and Service ...................................................................................................... 73

AMETEK Brookeld Page 5 Manual No. M09-1200-F1016
I. INTRODUCTION
Thereisaneedthroughoutindustrytocharacterizepowderowpropertiesandowbehavior.
TheBrookeldPowderFlowTester(PFT)isaprecisioninstrumentofrobustdesignthatsatises
thisneedandcanbeusedtomeasure,displayandprintoutowresultsatspeciedcompaction
loads. Potential users include R&D Departments, QC laboratories, Incoming Inspection for raw
materials, and government/university organizations.
The principal of operation of the PFT is to drive a compression lid vertically downward into a
powdersamplecontainedinanannularshearcell.Thepowdersamplehasadenedvolume
and the weight of the sample is measured before the start of the test. A calibrated beam load
cell is used to control the compaction stress applied to the powder. The annular shear cell is
thenrotatedatadenedspeedandthetorqueresistanceofthepowderintheshearcellmoving
againstthepowderinthestationarylidismeasuredbyacalibratedreactiontorquesensor.The
geometries of the lid, shear cell, rotational speed of the cell, and the compressive loads applied
tothepowderallcontributetothecalculationswhichdeterminethe“owability”ofthepowder.
The intended uses for the PFT include:
• Pass/failteststocertifymaterialqualitypriortoshipment
• Providingmeaningfulnumbersthatguidehowpowderwillowinsilos,hoppers,feeders,
llingmachinesandsimilarequipment
• Benchmarkingfordailyproductionlotsorforcomparingowbehaviorofnew
formulations against existing product
• Creating databases for choice of production lines, sourcing, formulation and second source
suppliers
• Producingquantitativeresultsthatcanbeusedfordesignofprocessingplantsand
equipment
ThereareseveralpowderowpropertieswhichthePFTmeasurestocategorizeowability.
Note that these properties, which may vary with changes in temperature and humidity, include:
• Unconnedfailurestrength
• Major Principal Consolidating Stress
• Time Consolidation
• Angle of internal friction
• Angle of wall friction
• Cohesive strength
• Bulk density
Themostrecognizedindicationofpowderowabilityistheunconnedfailurestrengthwhen
viewedasafunctionoftheconsolidatingstress,knownastheowfunction.Wallfriction,internal
friction,andbulk densityarealso commonlyusedto relatemeasurementsto owbehavior.
Appendix Aprovides a more detailed explanation of these properties and how they are measured.

AMETEK Brookeld Page 6 Manual No. M09-1200-F1016
I.1 Components
DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER
The following items are included with your instrument:
Powder Flow Tester
Powder Flow Tester 115VAC or PFT3115
Powder Flow Tester 230VAC PFT3230
Powder Flow Pro Software with USB cable PFT-609
Power Cord 115 Volt or DVP-65
Power Cord 230 Volt DVP-66
Standard Accessory Kit PFT-610
Includes the following items:
• SampleTroughAluminum(230cc,6-in.dia.) PFT-400
• VaneLid304S/S(34cc,6-in.dia.) PFT-500 
• WallLid304S/S,2Bnish(6-in.dia.) PFT-507 
• Catch Trays & Shaping Blade PFT-600
• Powder Scoop PFT-611
• Cleaning Brush PFT-612
• 3/8”Wrench[forlevelingtheinstrument] CP-23
• Shipping Foam PFT-101
• Operator Manual M09-1200
Optional Items for Standard Accessory Kit
Wall Lid, Tivar 88, 6-in. dia. PFT-512
Wall Lid, Mild Steel, 6-in. dia. PFT-513
Portable Carrying Case RK-PFTCCKIT
Optional Small Volume Shear Cell Kit
Includes the following items: PFT-620
• SmallTrough(38cc,5-in.dia.) PFT-405
• SmallVaneLid,304S/S(5cc,5-in.dia.) PFT-515
• SmallWallLid,304S/S,2BFinish(5-in.dia.) PFT-516
• Catch Trays & Shaping Blade PFT-618
• Powder Scoop PFT-611
• Cleaning Brush PFT-612
• Wrench[forlevelingtheinstrument] CP-23
• Shipping Foam PFT-106
Optional Accessory Items for Small Volume Kit
Wall Lid, Tivar 88, 5-in. dia. PFT-520
Wall Lid, Mild Steel, 5-in. dia. PFT-522
Optional Accessory items that can be ordered for use with the Powder Flow Tester
include the following:
Humidity Sensor with interface cable PFT-607Y
RTD Temperature Sensor with interface cable DVP-94Y
SampleTroughAluminum(230cc,6-in.dia.)   PFT-400
SampleTroughAluminum(230cc,5-in.dia.)   PFT-405

AMETEK Brookeld Page 7 Manual No. M09-1200-F1016
PerforatedScreen(230cc,6-in.dia.) PFT-440 
PerforatedScreen(230cc,5-in.dia.) PFT-442
InnerCatchTraywithShapingBlade(230cc,6-in.dia.) PFT-6Y 
InnerCatchTraywithShapingBlade(230cc,5-in.dia.) PFT-5Y
OuterCatchTray(230cc,6-in.dia.) PFT-8  
OuterCatchTray(230cc,5-in.dia.) PFT-7
Sieve Kits
PFT Sieve Kit for Standard Cell PFT-626
• Adapter, 6-in. PFT-622
• Sieve, 850 micro-meters PFT-623
• Cone PFT-621
• Brush, 7/8 rd. all metal, 302 S/S PFT-628
PFT Sieve Kit for Small Cell PFT-627
• Adapter, 5-in. PFT-624
• Sieve, 425 micro-meters PFT-625
• Cone PFT-621
• Brush, 7/8 rd. all metal, 302 S/S PFT-628
I.2 Utilities
Input Voltage: 90-265 VAC
InputFrequency: 47-63HZ
Power consumption: 150VAC
Fuse: Two 2 AMP, 5 x 20mm, FAST-ACTING
Power Cord Color Code: United States Outside United States
Hot(live) Black Brown
Neutral White Blue
Ground(earth) Green Green/Yellow
I.3 Specications
Load for vertical
axis compression: 7 kg Accuracy: +/-0.6% of full scale range
Torque:   +/-7.0N•m Accuracy:+/-1.2%offullscalerange
Distance: Accuracy +/- 0.3 mm
Torsionalspeed:  1revolutionperhour(RPH)upto5RPHwith0.1RPHincrements.
Default setting 1RPH
When using Keypad: 10 RPH
Axial speeds: 0.1 mm/sec up to 5 mm/sec with 0.1 mm/sec increments. Default
setting 1 mm/sec
When using Keypad: 5 mm/sec

AMETEK Brookeld Page 8 Manual No. M09-1200-F1016
Temperature:  Requiresoptionaltemperatureprobe(PartNo.DVP-94Y).
-20°C to 120°C. Accuracy +/- 1.0°C.
HumiditySensing:  Requiresoptionalhumiditysensor(PartNo.PFT-607Y).
  10%to95%RHAccuracy+/-3%(35-75%RH),
  +/-5%(<35%RH,>75%RH)
Output: USB Port or RS-232 compatible Serial Port
Particle Size: The maximum particle size for the Standard Volume Shear Cell
is 1 mm, assuming a relatively monosized material. A small size
fraction at 2 mm with 90% below 1 mm is acceptable.
For the Small Volume Shear Cell, the maximum particle size is
250 micron, assuming a monosized material. A small size fraction
at 500 micron with 90% below 250 micron is acceptable.
Environmental Conditions: 0°Cto40°Ctemperaturerange(32°Fto104°F)
20%-80% relative humidity, non condensing atmosphere
Use: Intended for indoor use only. Altitude up to 2000 meters
Dimensions:   36.2cm(141/4”)Wx39.7cm(155/8”)Dx67.6cm(265/8”)H
     (SeeFigureI-1)
Weight:   34kg(75lb)
Minimum System Requirements for the Powder Flow Pro software:
Microprocessor: 2GHz processor
Memory: 512 MB of RAM
Hard Drive Space: 30 MB available
Video: 1024 x 768 resolution, 128 MB of graphics memory
Operating System: Windows XP or above
Communications Port: One USB or RS-232 port

AMETEK Brookeld Page 9 Manual No. M09-1200-F1016
I.4 Dimensions
14 1/4"
[36.2 cm]
15 5/8"
[39.7 cm]
26 5/8"
[67.6 cm]
14 1/4"
[36.2 cm]
15 5/8"
[39.7 cm]
Figure I-1: PFT Dimensions

AMETEK Brookeld Page 10 Manual No. M09-1200-F1016
I.5 Safety Symbols and Precautions
Safety Symbols
 Refertothemanualforspecicwarningorcautioninformationtoavoidpersonalinjury
or damage to the instrument.
 Keephands,ngers andotherbody parts clearofmoving partswhenoperating
instrument.
Functional Earth Terminal Main power entry module must have an earth conductor, to
ensure against electronic failure.
Precautions
 Ifthisinstrumentisusedinamannernotspeciedbythemanufacturer,theprotection
provided by the instrument may be impaired.
This instrument is not intended for use in a potentially hazardous environment.
In case of emergency, turn off the instrument and then disconnect the electrical cord from
the wall outlet.
The user should ensure that the substances placed under test do not release poisonous,
toxic,orammablegasesatthetemperaturewhichtheyaresubjectedtoduringthetest.
 Thetorquereactionsensorwillbedamagedifmorethan150%oftheFSRtorque(+/-7.0
N•m)isapplied.

AMETEK Brookeld Page 11 Manual No. M09-1200-F1016
I.6 Back Panel
 


j
k
l
m
n
RS232 USB
TEMP HUMIDPOWER
%RH
1. KEEP ALL PACKAGING MATERIAL
for future transit. The PFT must be
shipped via FREIGHT!
2. The Trough, Trough Shipping Foam and
Vane Lid must be installed into the PFT
prior to shipment. (Refer to the manual
for details.)
3. Contact Brookfield Engineering for
replacement packaging.

Figure I-2: Back Panel
1. USB Type B port
Use with USB Cable P/N DVP-202 to connect instrument to a computer. Cable USB 2.0
A Male to B Male.
2. RS-232 Serial Port
Use with RS-232 Cable P/N DVP-80 to connect instrument to a computer.
3. Temperature Probe Plug
4-Pin plug. Use with Temperature Probe P/N DVP-94Y.
4. Humidity Sensor Plug
3-Pin plug. Use with P/N PFT-607Y.
5. Power entry module:
ON/OFFswitch-fused(seeUtilitiessection)Voltage90-265VAC.
6. Hand Hold locations for handling instrument. Recommend two people for movement
of instrument due to heavy weight.
7. Label with the instructions for shipment of unit by freight carrier.

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I.7 Key Functions
Bubble Level
Access Door.
Lift ap to view
Bubble Level
Test Stop
Button
POWER
Figure I-3: Control keys for standalone mode
The control keys are used only for manual positioning of the compression lid assembly and the
sample trough drive. Powder Flow Pro™Softwareisrequiredforallotheroperations.
Keypad
This key is used to move the compression plate assembly UP away from the sample trough
drive assembly. It is also commonly used for general purposes.
This key is used to move the compression plate assembly DOWN towards the sample trough
drive assembly.
PThis key is used to rotate the sample trough drive assembly clockwise.
Note: This key is also used during calibration.
QThis key is used to rotate the sample trough drive assembly counter-clockwise.
Note: This key is also used during calibration.
I.8 Test Stop - Reset
This button is used in case of an emergency situation. When this button is depressed, all
software control is blocked and movement halts. Note that the manual control buttons on the
instrument can still be used to reposition the lid and trough as necessary. Once the emergency
situation is cleared, this button must be rotated to reset. After using the Test Stop button, both
the instrument and the software should be restarted to ensure that normal communications have
been reestablished.

AMETEK Brookeld Page 13 Manual No. M09-1200-F1016
I.9 Installation
Please follow the instructions listed below to unpack the PFT. This instrument is a sensitive
load measuring device. It should be installed on a clean, solid, level bench surface which is free
from external vibrations.
1. UnpackthePowderFlowTester(PFT)fromtheshippingcontainer.Todothis,cutthestraps
from the box and pallet.
Note: PLEASE RETAIN ALL PACKAGING MATERIALS FOR FUTURE USE.
Refer to Appendix C for packing the PFT for shipment.
2. Cut the packaging tape on the box top.
3. Open the box top and remove the accessory box.
4. Remove the top foam piece.
5. Remove the outer box by lifting it up.
6. Open the plastic bag top and slide it down to the bottom of the PFT.
7. HandHoldlocationsarelocatedonthebottomandthebackofthePFT.(SeeFigureI-4)
Lift Here Lift Here
Lift Here Lift Here
Figure I-4: Back View of Hand Hold locations
8. Lift the PFT out of the packaging by using the Hand Holds. Lift the PFT from the bottom
Hand Hold and guide the PFT with the back Hand Hold.
ThePFTweighs34kg(75lb).Usecautionwhenliftingtheunitoutofthepackaging.
9. Place the PFT on a clean, sturdy and level surface.

AMETEK Brookeld Page 14 Manual No. M09-1200-F1016
10. SAVE ALL PACKING MATERIALS, INCLUDING THE TROUGH FOAM INSERTS.
11. Position the instrument so the AC power switch is easily accessible.
TheACinputvoltageandfrequencymustbewithintheappropriaterangeasshown 
 onthemodelandserialtagoftheinstrument(locatedonthebackofthePFT).
12. Make sure the AC power switch located in the back of the instrument is in the off position.
Connect the power cord to the socket on the instrument and plug it into the appropriate AC
line. Turn the power switch on.
13. Removethehorseshoeshapedfoamcollar(PFT-104)fromtheareadirectlyabovethe
Compression Plate.
Horseshoe Shaped
Foam Collar
Figure I-5: Removal of foam collar
14. Press the Up arrow key to raise the Compression Plate.
15. Remove the Sample Trough by lifting it up off of the Drive Disc on the instrument.
16. Remove the foam piece in the Trough.
17. Remove any additional components from the shipping package. Save the shipping container
and packaging for future use.
18. Connect the USB cable to the slot designated for the USB in the back of the instrument. If
RS-232 is used instead of USB, connect the cable to the RS-232 slot.
19. Connect the other end of the USB or RS-232 cable to a computer.
20. The PFT must be leveled. Open the bubble level access door. Adjust the four feet until the
bubble is centered within the circle of the bubble level; also check to ensure the instrument is
stable.Usea3/8"wrench(suppliedintheStandardAccessorykit)ortilttheinstrumentto
adjust the feet by hand.

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I.10 Cleaning
Instrument and Keypad:
Clean with a dry, nonabrasive cloth. Do not use solvents or cleaners.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove excess powder sample.
Do not use compressed air to clean the PFT.
Troughs/Lids/Catch trays:
Theseaccessoriesaremadefromavarietyofmaterialsrangingfrommetals(stainlesssteel,
Aluminum)toplastics(Tivar88,Teon).Cleanwithanonabrasiveclothusingsolventsthat
are appropriate for both the sample material and the material of the accessory.
Do not apply excessive force to the compression lid assembly or the sample trough drive
assembly on the instrument. Damage may occur to the components.
Some of the accessories have sharp edges.

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II. QUICK START PROCEDURE
1. Level the instrument.
2. Turn on the power to the instrument. The switch is on the back side.
3. Open Powder Flow Pro software application on PC. Go to the setup tab. Establish communication
withtheinstrumentbypushingthesearchbutton.Thecommunicationor“COM”portwill
automaticallybeselectedandidentied.
4. RecordtheweightoftheTrough(e.g.702.34grams).
Pin in Trough
Figure II-1: Trough
5. Attach the Outer Catch Tray outside the trough. Insert the Inner Catch Tray with Shaping
Blade inside the Trough. The Inner catch tray locks into place with slight rotation. The pin in
the Trough engages with one of the multiple pinholes in the bottom of the Inner Catch Tray.
Inner
Catch
Tray
Outer
Catch
Tray
Figure II-2: Inner and Outer Catch Tray
6. Fill the Trough with powder and level with the Shaping Blade; use the Shaping Blade with a
curvedprolefortestusingaVaneLid;usetheShapingBladewithaatprolefortestusing
a Wall Lid.
Figure II-3: Shaping Blade with curved prole Figure II-4: Shaping Blade with at prole

AMETEK Brookeld Page 17 Manual No. M09-1200-F1016
7. Remove both catch trays.
8. Record the weight of the powder and the trough. Subtract the weight of the trough to determine
the weight of the sample.
9. Install the trough onto the instrument. Rotate the Trough by hand until the pinhole on the
bottom of the Trough engages the pin on the PFT turntable. The Outer Catch Tray can be
installed on the trough to catch spillage during the test.
II-5: Powder Flow Tester
10. Attach the appropriate Lid to the instrument. Use Vane Lid for the Flow Function test and
Time Consolidated Flow Function test. Use the Wall Friction Lid for the Wall Friction test
and the Bulk Density test.
Figure II-6: Vane Lid Figure II-7: Wall Friction Lid
11. Go to the Powder Flow Pro software application. Enter the sample information and the weight
of the powder sample under the tests tab. This information cannot be changed once the test
has started.

AMETEK Brookeld Page 18 Manual No. M09-1200-F1016
Figure II-8: Sample Identication and Test Selection
12. Select the desired test method, e.g. Standard Flow Function. The default settings for the
numberofConsolidationStresses(5)andnumberofOverConsolidationStresses(3)will
automatically appear. "Geometric Spacing" for the Consolidation Stresses is the default setting
for Standard Flow Function.
Push DISPLAY TEST STRESSES button for a detailed list of the test steps.
Test Stresses
Appear Here
Display Test
Stress Button
Figure II-9: Flow Function Test
13. Start the test by pushing the RUN TEST button. The lid will move downward to the position
above, but not touching the sample. The instrument performs an automatic check on position
andlead/torquesensorcondition.Duringthisself-checkprocedure,thelidwillbounceup
and down for several seconds. When completed, the lid will move downward to make contact
with the powder sample.
14. The Analysis Tab becomes active during the test. The real time display shows the axial load
applied to the powder used to calculate the consolidation stress, and the torsional torque
measured used to calculate the failure strength of the powder. The test runs automatically to

AMETEK Brookeld Page 19 Manual No. M09-1200-F1016
completion.Savethetestresultsunderthelenamewhichyouselectedwhenenteringthe
test sample information.
15. After the completion of the test, the lid will automatically lift off of the sample. Use the manual
controlonthefaceoftheinstrumenttoraisetheLid(UPARROW)tofurtherraisetheLidto
the top of its range. Remove Lid from instrument. Remove the Trough from the instrument.
Clean off the excess powder on the instrument.
16. Clean the trough and lid.

AMETEK Brookeld Page 20 Manual No. M09-1200-F1016
III. SAMPLE PREPARATION AND HANDLING
Accurateandrepeatabletestresultsrequireattentiontoconditionofthesamplepriortotesting
and the use of proper laboratory procedures during sample preparation. This section explains
the details.
III.1 Sample Issues
TheFlowFunctionandTimeConsolidatedFlowFunctionTestsrequireslightlyover260cc
of sample material. Allowing for spillage during sample preparation and testing, best practice
suggests that you start with at least 300 cc of sample material. If repeated tests will be performed
on the same sample, then 500 cc or more are recommended.
Note the condition of the sample prior to testing. Storage in a bag or sealed container will offer
protection, whereas leaving the sample on the counter in an open bag or container will expose the
sampletotheenvironmentalconditionsinthetestarea.Ifthesamplehas“lumps”or“clumps”
ofmaterial,spreadthematerialoutinaatpanandgentlybreakthelumps/clumpsupsothat
the powder is more uniform in nature. Use a spatula, spoon or scoop to accomplish the “breaking
up”action.Alternately,usethePFTSieveKittoremovelumps/clumps.SeeFigureIII-1.
Sieve
- For Standard Volume Shear Cell
PFT-623 (850 microns)
- For Small Volume Shear Cell
PFT-625 (425 microns)
Adapter
- For Standard Volume Shear Cell
PFT-622 (6-in. dia.)
- For Small Volume Shear Cell
PFT-624 (5-in. dia.)
Cone
- For Standard Volume Shear Cell
PFT-621
- For Small Volume Shear Cell
PFT-621
Trough
- For Standard Volume Shear Cell
PFT-400 (6-in. dia.)
- For Small Volume Shear Cell
PFT-405 (5-in. dia.)
Figure III-1: Sieve Kit (separated)
Use PFT-626 with the Standard Volume Shear Cell and PFT-627 with the Small Volume Shear
Cell.