Aerated Powder Test

What is Aerated Powder Test

The Aerated Powder Test simulates drying operations where bulk powder (up to one ton) is exposed to a hot air stream flowing through the material. This test helps determine the self-heating and ignition risks of powders under conditions similar to those in through-circulation band dryers and fluid bed dryers.

In this test, we use a glass test cell identical to the one in the Bulk Powder Test. Unlike the Bulk Powder Test, we pass a continuous hot air stream—matching the oven temperature—through the sample at a controlled rate of 0.6 L/min throughout the test cycle. We measure temperatures at multiple points in the powder to identify exothermic activity and determine the onset temperature.

Testing Principle and Methodology

A glass cylinder (80 mm high × 50 mm diameter) with a sintered glass base is filled with the test powder and placed inside a uniform temperature oven.

• Air Flow: Hot air passes through the powder via a copper tube into the glass cylinder.

• Temperature Monitoring: K-type thermocouples record the temperature at four different heights within the powder and in the oven air.

• Controlled Heating: The oven temperature—and therefore the air temperature—is precisely regulated for consistent test conditions.

Screening Test

• Oven air temperature increases at 0.5 °C/min until reaching 400 °C.

Isothermal Test

• Conducted at various temperatures based on the onset self-heating temperature from the screening test.

• Repeated until results are within 2–10 °C accuracy.

• Each run lasts 8–24 hours.

Applicable Standard

This test follows the procedure outlined by John Abbot in Preventing Fires and Explosions in Dryers.

Data Interpretation

If the difference between the onset self-heating temperature of the powder and the oven temperature is greater than 30–50 °C, significant exothermic activity is unlikely, and the test may be stopped.

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Any questions or concerns? To learn more about our services, please call +1 (346) 462-3838 /+1 (346) 462-3816 or email info@primeprocesssafety.com.

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When to Perform the Aerated Powder Test

Use this test to replicate conditions where hot air passes directly through bulk powders, such as in:

• Through-circulation band dryers

• Fluid bed dryers

The results are critical for determining safe operating temperatures to prevent ignition and thermal runaway in drying operations.

Why Choose Prime Process Safety Center

At Prime Process Safety Center, we specialize in aerated powder testing and have extensive experience in process safety evaluations. Our approach ensures results that are accurate, reliable, and defensible for both industry and regulatory needs.

Our Advantages:

• Expertise: Highly experienced laboratory personnel who understand powder behavior under heated, aerated conditions.

• Advanced Equipment: State-of-the-art aerated powder testing systems that deliver precise, sensitive measurements.

• Strict Protocols: Rigorous testing procedures and quality control for consistent, trustworthy results.

• In-Depth Analysis: Expert interpretation of test data with actionable recommendations for your specific application or process.

We are committed to delivering the highest quality data so you can confidently assess the thermal safety of your powders and prevent costly process hazards.

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