Bulk Material Testing - Segregation

Overview

Why Segregation Testing?

Segregation is a result of particles separating due to differences in their size, shape, or density. Bulk solids can be separated by segregation mechanisms such as sifting, fluidization, and dusting.

The key to avoiding segregation is to determine the segregation behavior of a material and understand how it will transfer through your process in bins, hoppers, chutes, or conveyors. Knowing this behavior will allow equipment designers to either prevent particle segregation or recombine the separated material to maintain product quality.

Material sparing fluidization-segregation tester.

Sketch of the fluidization-segregation tester.

Sketch of the sifting segregation tester.

Approach

Segregation Tests

Sifting segregation: side-to-side mechanism of segregation where the fine particles concentrate under the point of impact in a pile, while the coarse particles roll off the pile and locate at the periphery
Fluidization segregation: top-to-bottom mechanism of segregation where fine particles in an aerated powder accumulate at the top of a powder bed, while the coarse particles deaerate quickly and settle to the bottom of the powder bed
Sieve cut potency: powder separated by sieving for assay at each size cut

Sifting and fluidization segregation tendencies can be measured via bench-scale tests. Samples subjected to the segregation tests will be analyzed for particle size distribution by us, and if required, will be returned to your laboratory for analysis (e.g., assay via HPLC, pH, reactivity).

We also have the unique capability to perform sifting and fluidization segregation tests with our material sparing segregation testers. It is common in the pharmaceutical industry to have limited sample quantity for analysis, thus, we have developed the material sparing segregation testers to measure particle segregation mechanisms with sample volumes of 10 ml and 50 ml for fluidization and sifting, respectively.

Results

Segregation Test Results

The segregation test results are presented in a detailed report including:

Graphical and tabular presentation of the data
Description of the test methods
Key conclusions for the material’s segregation behavior(s)

One of our engineers will also review the test results with you and answer questions you may have regarding the segregation report conclusions, and their possible implications.

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