UK-based powder flow testing firm Freeman Technology has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Lenterra, based in New Jersey, US, a specialist in the provision of optical technology for inline real-time flow measurement. Freeman now has global distribution rights for Lenterra products.
Freeman says its application expertise, in combination with Lenterra’s technology, offers new opportunities for comprehensive powder characterisation and process optimisation.
'Moving into inline monitoring of both batch and continuous processes is a logical step for us as we strengthen and diversify our offering to meet industrial requirements,' said Tim Freeman, Managing Director of Freeman Technology.
'Lenterra’s focus on process analytical technology for the powder processing industries and the strength of their engineering expertise makes them an excellent partner. Understanding the evolution of granules during a wet granulation process or blend homogeneity during mixing, in real time offers new opportunities for process control and optimisation. We’re delighted to be able to offer those benefits to our customers through the introduction of this new technology.'
Lenterra’s focus on process analytical technology for the powder processing industries and the strength of their engineering expertise makes them an excellent partner
Lenterra’s flagship products are the Drag Force Flow (DFF) sensor and the Real Shear wall shear stress sensor. They both use micro-optical technology to measure the forces in powders and multiphase flows, and are either immersed in the body of the vessel or mounted flush to the vessel wall respectively. Fibre-optic sensing, a stainless steel construction and high measurement frequency combine to deliver a robust process instrument that provides sensitive, continuous measurement. Early research indicates that the resulting data can be correlated with measurements of offline powder flow, using Freeman's FT4 Powder Rheometer, allowing customers to apply insight developed in the laboratory to enhance process monitoring, the firm said.
'Freeman Technology’s knowledge of how to test powders so as to optimise processing performance is second-to-none,' said Dr Valery Sheverev, President and CEO at Lenterra. 'The FT4 Powder Rheometer is a powerful tool for giving a thorough understanding of powder properties. With Lenterra’s flow measurement technology we can employ similar measurements inline in order to continuously monitor material properties in process. The potential benefits include improved compliance, enhanced quality assurance, reduced cycle times and costs, faster scale up and improved equipment utilisation. These can add up to a considerable economic gain.'