Page 105 - 20250602 EEA QM Edition 6.0

Quality Requirements Edition 6.0 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
A – air flow regulation unit
property is essential for how the powder can be transported through the tubes and
B – control panel
pipes of a powder installation. Also, the output of the spray guns is depending on it.
C – fluidizing cylinder with
The fluidity can be measured by the SAMES fluidity meter type AS100 or
perforated bottom
comparable.
D – weighing container

E – inlet pressurized air
In order to get reproducible results, the following parameters are essential: F – fine regulator air flow
G – coarse regulator air flow
a. the regularity of the powder H – switch button
b. the temperature and humidity of the air stream I – graduated air flow meter
J – pressure indication
c. the velocity of the air stream
K – powder outlet
d. the geometry of the fluidizing bottom and the 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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