Dust power dosage

Dustiness measurement measures the tendency of a powdery product to emit fine particles when handled, transported or transferred. This property, called 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 European level for the characterization of dust emissions from bulk materials.

Dust power: an indicator of safety and quality

Dustiness expresses the ability of a powder to release inhalable or respirable particles during mechanical agitation. These particles can represent a health risk (inhalation, irritation, cross-contamination) and affect the quality of the product (loss of active ingredient, particulate pollution, sensory alteration).

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

Dust power measurement is integrated into workplace safety studies, REACH and CLP files, as well as ATEX (explosive atmospheres) prevention approaches.

Objectives and interest of the dust power dosage

The dust power assessment aims to:

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

This analysis is particularly relevant for:

• agri-food powders ( flours, additives, premixes, compound feeds),
• 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 air flow 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 particle concentration in the air flow.

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.

EN 15051 standard defines three emission classes for fractions:

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

This approach allows a detailed evaluation of the behavior of powders under conditions representative of industrial use.

Industrial and regulatory applications

Dust power measurement is essential for many sectors subject to safety and quality control requirements:

• Animal nutrition : measuring the dustiness of premixes, additives or compound feeds makes it possible to assess the risk of operator exposure and improve the fluidity and stability of formulations.
• Food industry : in the production of food powders (milk, sugar, cocoa, flavorings), controlling dust reduces product losses and the risk of explosion.
• Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical : the characterization of active powders or excipients guarantees 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 granulometry

These additional analyses provide a global view of the mechanical and aeraulic behavior of the powders.

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

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

Tests are conducted under controlled temperature and humidity conditions, ensuring reproducibility of results. Depending on requirements, laboratories can also conduct comparative tests to evaluate the effect of dust-repellent treatments or additives.

Analyses are carried out in accordance with ISO 17025 and protocols recognized in the food, nutraceutical and chemical industries.

Thanks to its digital platform, YesWeLab simplifies trial management: requesting quotes, sending samples, monitoring progress and securely receiving 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
• Sectors of activity: Animal nutrition, agrifood, nutraceuticals, powdered materials
• Measured parameters: Inhalable, thoracic and respirable dusts
• 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 security obligations.