Flowability analysis

What is sinkability?

Flowability (or ease of flow) 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 mixtures.

Good flowability ensures stable and continuous production processes: homogeneous mold filling, smooth flow in silos, precise dosing in formulations, and transport without clumping or obstruction. Conversely, poor flowability can lead to line stoppages, material losses, or non-conformities.

Why analyze sinkability?

Flowability analysis is crucial for:

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

This test is often part of a battery of rheological tests for powders, in addition to compressibility, apparent density or moisture content.

Which matrices are involved?

Flowability measurement applies to a wide range of powdered or granular products, in various sectors:

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

Flowability analysis methods

Several methods exist to quantify the flowability of a sample, based on its particle size, shape, density, or moisture content:

• Angle of repose: a measure 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 end use and the requirements of the customer specifications.

Expert support with YesWeLab

At YesWeLab , we simplify your flowability analyses by connecting you to a network of specialized laboratories, certified to ISO 17025 and, when required, accredited by COFRAC. Our experts identify the most relevant method based on your matrices and guide you through the interpretation of the results.

Our goal: to help you guarantee the functional quality of your powders, to anticipate flow problems from the R&D stage, and to validate your formulations before 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 sinkability analysis?

Are you an industrialist, formulator, packager or engineering firm looking to evaluate or improve the flowability of your powders or granules? Entrust your samples to YesWeLab for a reliable, standardized flowability test tailored to your industrial constraints.

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