Flowability analysis

What is flowability?

Flowability refers to the ability of a powdered or granular material to flow freely under the influence of gravity. This physical parameter is fundamental in industries handling bulk products, particularly in the form of powders, granules or dry mixes.

Good flowability ensures stable and continuous production processes: homogeneous filling of molds, smooth flow in silos, precise dosage in formulation, or even transport without agglomeration or obstruction. Conversely, poor flowability can lead to line stoppages, material losses or non-conformities.

Why analyze flowability?

Flowability analysis is crucial for:

• Optimize bulk industrial processes (formulation, mixing, granulation)
• Guarantee the stability of the packaging process (bags, capsules, containers)
• Prevent the phenomena of settlement, bridging or segregation
• Validate raw materials according to their flow properties
• Control the reproducibility of finished products in powder form

This test is often integrated into a battery of rheological tests for powders, in addition to compressibility, apparent density or humidity level.

Which matrices are affected?

Flowability measurement concerns a wide range of powdery or granular products, in various sectors:

• Food powders (milk powder, cocoa, flavorings, flours, etc.)
• Technical additives (fillers, silicas, pigments, micronized waxes)
• Clays, earths, mineral powders
• Pharmaceutical tablets and granules
• Powdered cosmetic ingredients
• Fine chemicals or fertilizers

Methods of flowability analysis

There are several methods for quantifying the ease of flow of a sample, depending on its particle size, shape, density or humidity:

• Angle of repose: measurement of the angle naturally formed by a pile of powder after free flow
• Cone (or funnel) test: measurement of flow rate through a standardized orifice
• Hall test (ASTM B213, ISO 4490): determination of the flow time of a standard volume of metal powder
• Flow time and fluidity index, with or without mechanical vibration

The choice of method depends on the nature of the powder, its cohesion, its final use and the requirements of the customer specifications.

Expert support with YesWeLab

At YesWeLab , we make it easier to carry out your flowability analyses by connecting you to a network of specialized laboratories, ISO 17025 certified and, where required, COFRAC accredited. Our experts identify the most relevant method according to your matrices and assist you in interpreting the results.

Our goal: to help you guarantee the functional quality of your powders, anticipate flow problems from R&D onwards, and validate your formulations before going into production.

Thanks to our intuitive digital platform, you can centralize your test requests, track your projects in real time, access your analysis reports and manage your results securely.

Need a flowability analysis?

Are you a manufacturer, formulator, packager, or design office looking to assess or improve the flow of your powders or granules? Entrust your samples to YesWeLab for a reliable, standardized flowability test tailored to your industrial requirements.

Contact our team today to get a personalized quote or discuss your specific needs.