Dust power dosage

Dust power measurement allows us to assess the tendency of a powdered product to emit fine particles when handled, transported, or transferred. This property, known as dust-generating power , is a key parameter for operator safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance regarding occupational exposure.

The analysis is carried out according to the Stauber-Heubach , standardized by the EN 15051 standard , recognized at the European level for the characterization of dust emissions from bulk materials.

Dust capacity: an indicator of safety and quality

Dust power refers to a powder's ability to release inhalable or respirable particles during mechanical agitation. These particles can pose a health risk (inhalation, irritation, cross-contamination) and affect product quality (loss of active ingredient, particulate pollution, sensory alteration).

This parameter is essential in assessing occupational exposure risks, particularly in the animal nutrition, agri-food, nutraceutical and powdered materials sectors.

Dust power measurement is integrated into occupational safety studies, REACH and CLP dossiers, as well as ATEX prevention procedures (explosive atmospheres).

Objectives and benefits of dust power measurement

The assessment of dust capacity aims to:

• quantify the amount of dust generated by a dry product,
• classify powders according to their particle emission capacity,
• assess the risk of exposure for operators in industrial conditions,
• determine the preventive measures to be put in place (ventilation, containment, PPE),
• optimize the formulation or particle size to reduce dusting.

This analysis is particularly relevant for:

• agri-food powders ( flours, additives, premixes, compound foods),
• nutraceutical and pharmaceutical powders ( supplements, dry extracts, active ingredients),
• mineral and industrial powders ( fillers, pigments, polymeric materials).

Stauber-Heubach method (EN 15051)

Stauber-Heubach method involves subjecting a powder sample to standardized agitation in a rotating cylinder through which an airflow passes. The emitted particles are collected on a filter and then quantified by:

• gravimetric measurement , by weighing the mass of dust collected,
• optical measurement , by analyzing the concentration of particles in the airflow.

The result is expressed in mg of dust per kilogram of product (mg/kg) , allowing an objective classification of the emission capacity of the material.

The EN 15051 defines three emission classes for fractions:

• inhalables,
• thoracic,
• breathable ,
  depending on their size and penetration into the respiratory tract.

This approach allows for a detailed evaluation of powder behavior under conditions representative of industrial use.

Industrial and regulatory applications

Controlling dust power is essential for many sectors subject to safety and quality control requirements:

• Animal nutrition : measuring the dust power of premixes, additives or compound feeds makes it possible to assess the risk of exposure of operators and to improve the fluidity and stability of formulations.
• Food processing : in the production of food powders (milk, sugar, cocoa, flavorings), controlling dusting reduces product losses and the risk of explosion.
• Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical : characterization of active powders or excipients ensures safety during weighing, mixing and encapsulation operations.
• Materials industry : polymeric, mineral or metallic powders require dust release control to prevent ATEX and environmental risks.

The analysis can be combined with other rheology and powder characterization tests available in the YesWeLab catalog, including:

• Analysis of powder cohesion,
• Measurement of the angle of repose,
• Compressibility and aeration index (Carr, Hausner),
• Laser particle size analysis

These additional analyses provide a comprehensive view of the mechanical and aerodynamic behavior of the powders.

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab entrusts the measurement of dust power to partner laboratories specializing in rheology and powder physics, with equipment conforming to the EN 15051 Stauber-Heubach methods .

The tests are carried out under controlled temperature and humidity conditions, ensuring the reproducibility of the results. Depending on the needs, the laboratories can also perform comparative tests to evaluate the effect of dust-suppressing treatments or additives.

ISO 17025 requirements and protocols recognized in the food, nutraceutical and chemical industries.

Thanks to its digital platform, YesWeLab simplifies the management of tests: request for quotes, sending of samples, progress tracking and secure receipt of analysis reports.

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting powder manufacturers and formulators in their compliance, workplace safety and product optimization efforts.

Technical data

• Method: Stauber-Heubach, standard EN 15051
• Expertise: Rheology, physical chemistry
• Business sectors: Animal nutrition, agri-food, nutraceuticals, powdered materials
• Measured parameters: Inhalable, thoracic and respirable dust
• Normative references: EN 15051, ISO 17025

For any specific request, contact our team to obtain a personalized quote and analytical advice tailored to your product and your safety obligations.