Page 102 - QRedition5.0 062021

Quality Requirements Edition 5.0 European Enamel Association

8.4.2 Testing of powder fluidity Fluidity meter (sketch)

The fluidity of a powder means the ability to get whirled up in a gas stream. This property is A – air flow regulation unit
essential for how the powder can be transported through the tubes and pipes of a powder B – control panel

installation. Also the output of the spray guns is depending on it. The fluidity can be mea- C – fluidizing cylinder with
measured by the SAMES fluidity meter type AS100 or comparable. perforated bottom
D – weighing container

In order to get reproducible results, the following parameters are essential: E – inlet pressurized air
F – fine regulator air flow

a. the regularity of the powder G – coarse regulator air flow
b. the temperature and humidity of the air stream H – switch button

c. the velocity of the air stream I – graduated air flow meter
d. the geometry of the fluidizing bottom and the powder outlet J – pressure indication
K – powder outlet

Test procedure:

250 g of powder is filled into the cylinder C with perforated bottom (see fig.). The powder is
to be fluidized with a well-defined air stream (rel. humidity < 5 % C, temp. 25 °C, airflow ca.
200 N1/h) and additionally stirred with a spatula for one minute. After the fluidized powder
has reached a maximum volume in the cylinder, the outlet K is opened and the powder
trickling out in a container D during 30 seconds is then weighed. The average value in
gram can be used as a direct indication for fluidity of the powder which will be expressed
as gram/30 s. Quite generally a minimum fluidity of 70 g/30 swill be required, the individual

values being dependent on the specific conditions in the powder booth.

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