Powder Flow Tester Research Articles

Design and development of high-dose bioactive oil-loaded transdermal patch with the aid of natural waste as an adsorbent- optimization with SeDeM-SLA tool

PurposeRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects joints significantly. Its prevalence varies globally, with more impact on females than males. Presently it is treated using NSAIDs which unfortunately show significant adverse effects on the liver and renal system after long-term use. Conventional topical use of bioactive oils like ginseng oil is one of the best natural options to treat RA, but poor retention time has limited its usefulness. By considering the involvement of ginseng oil in managing RA and the associated limitations, the proposed study investigated the impact of the transdermal patch prepared by ginseng oil loaded-natural biocompatible adsorbent in treating RA. MethodAt early stage of research, the flow property of ginseng oil-loaded adsorbent was optimized by using advanced technology, viz. Brookfield powder flow tester and SeDeM model. In the lateral stage, the transdermal patches of oil-loaded adsorbent were prepared by variable concentrations of HPMC and PEG using the solvent casting method. Prepared patches were evaluated for various parameters. ResultOptimized patch showed average thickness, average weight, folding endurance, tensile strength, and moisture content as 0.38 ± 0.10 mm, 0.215 ± 0.41 gm/ 2 sq. inch, 145 ± 0.20, 3.370 ± 0.16 MPA/mm and 3.770 ± 0.81 %, respectively, along with satisfactory skin adherence property. In vitro diffusion study showed increased ginseng oil release from the prepared patch at a specific interval of up to 10 h, and then release diminished. ConclusionAnti-inflammatory test and measurement of cytokines levels (IL-6 and TNF-α) on male Wistar rats showed a significant reduction in paw edema and notable control on the cytokines level compared to a conventional approach.

Comparative studies of powder flow predictions using milligrams of powder for identifying powder flow issues

Characterising powder flowability can be challenging when sample quantity is insufficient for a conventional shear cell test, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, where the cost of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) used is expensive at an early stage in the drug product development. A previous study demonstrated that powder flowability could be predicted based on powder physical properties and cohesiveness using a small quantity of powder samples (50 mg), but it remained an open question regarding the accuracy of the prediction compared to that measured using industry-standard shear cell testers and its potential to substitute the existing testers.In this study, 16 pharmaceutical powders were selected for a detailed comparative study of the predictive model. The flowability of the powders was predicted using a Bond number and given consolidation stresses, σ1, coupled with the model, where the Bond number represents powder cohesiveness. Compared to the measurements using a Powder Flow Tester (Brookfield) and an FT4 (Freeman Technology) Powder Rheometer shear cell tester, the results showed a good agreement between the predictions and the measurements (<22 % difference) from the two shear cell testers with different consolidation stresses, especially for cohesive materials. The model correctly predicts the class of flowability for 14 and 12 of the 16 powders for the PFT and the FT4, respectively. The study demonstrated that the prediction method of powder flowability using a small sample (50 mg) could substitute a standard shear cell test (>15 g) if the available amount of sample is small.

Development and exploration on flowability of solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of morin hydrate

• Solid SNEDDS of MH was prepared by physical adsorption method. • Flowability of solid SNEDDS was investigated by powder flow tester. • Solid state characterization confers transformation of crystalline to amorphous. • In vitro- In vivo studies revealed an improvement of dissolution & bioavailability. • The estimated shelf life of solid SNEDDS of MH was found to be 27.57 months. Morin hydrate (MH) is a promising flavonoid with diverse biological activities; unfortunately, it finds limited clinical application due to its low water solubility. Herein, we developed a liquid self nano-emulsifying drug delivery system ( l -SNEDDS) employing Labrafil M 1994 CS, Cremophor RH 40, and Transcutol HP. The l -SNEDDS has been solidified by physical adsorption using inert carriers, i.e., Neusilin US2 and Aerosil 200. The S-SNEDDS was thoroughly investigated for flow function (FF), effective angle of wall friction (EAWF), and effective angle of internal friction (EAIF) employing a powder flow tester (PFT). The solid-state characterizations of S-SNEDDS were performed using FTIR, DSC, PXRD, and SEM. Further, in vitro dissolution, in vivo pharmacokinetic, and shelf life estimation were performed on selected SOF-2 formulation. The SOF-2 reveals good emulsifying ability, particle size (52 ± 4.25 nm), and PDI (0.133 ± 0.06). The FF and Jenike’s classification suggests the “free-flowing” nature of S-SNEDDS prepared using Neusilin US2. Further, S-SNEDDS prepared using Neusilin US2 showed a low friction angle, i.e., EAWF and EAIF, than Aerosil 200, therefore, a better flowability. The solid-state characterization of SOF-2 demonstrated the transition of MH from crystalline to amorphous state and good compatibility between MH and Neusilin US2. Further, SOF-2 showed more dissolution than pure MH and subsequently 2.97-fold increments in its oral bioavailability. Moreover, the shelf life of SOF-2 was reported to be 27.57 months, suggesting its excellent physical and chemical stability. In brief, solidifying l -SNEDDS and investigating flow behaviors by PFT could find attention in the pharmaceutical and food industry for commercial purposes.

Flowability of spray‐dried sapodilla pulp powder

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the influence of maltodextrin, Arabic gum, and dextrin on phenolic compounds, morphology, and flowability of sapodilla pulp powder obtained in a spray dryer. Sapodilla pulp was characterized by its moisture and total polyphenols. The carriers were individually added to the pulp at a concentration of 20% (m/m), and the samples were dried in a spray dryer. The powders were analyzed for moisture, hygroscopicity, total polyphenols, and particle morphology, and their flowability was evaluated using the Powder Flow Tester (PFT). Total polyphenols of sapodilla pulp (average of 1055.30 mg GAE in 100 g of pulp solids) were more significant than in the powders (457.06 to 635.55 mg GAE in 100 g of pulp solids). The lowest moisture (1.16%) was obtained for maltodextrin. All carriers generated nonhygroscopic powders. The particles showed a rounded shape with greater roughness in samples containing Arabic gum. The powder with dextrin resulted in better flowability characteristics, with a higher flow index and lower compressibility index, Hausner ratio, and wall friction angle. Sapodilla pulp powder was classified as cohesive, with flow indices &lt; 3, compressibility index from 53.2 to 59.9, and Hausner ratio between 2.14 and 2.50. The carriers used influenced the characteristics of sapodilla pulp powders, the Arabic gum promoting greater protection of total polyphenols and dextrin resulting in better flowability characteristics.Practical ApplicationsThe consumption of tropical fruits has increased in recent years, especially fruits considered exotic. The sapodilla fruit has many health benefits potential, but it has a short shelf life and seasonal crop. This research provides information on the spray‐dried sapodilla pulp powder containing different drying carriers, in order to evaluate the powder flowability behavior. This evaluation was based on particle morphology, wall friction angle, and bulk and tapped densities. It is important to determine the influence of carriers on the powder in order to produce a good quality product.

Development and Optimization of Vitamin D3 Solid Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery System: Investigation of Flowability and Shelf Life.

We report herein the design of a solid self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) of vitamin D3 for augmentation of its solubility and dissolution. The studies employed a 32 full factorial design by employing JMP 13.2.1, software for preparation of liquid SMEDDS. Further, the prediction profiler was utilized to optimized liquid SMEDDS-Vit.D3 (OF) formulation. The solidification of liquid SMEDDS-Vit.D3 formulation was carried out by physical adsorption over Neusilin US2 and Aerosil 200 carriers. Solid-state evaluation of SMEDDS-Vit.D3 suggested the transformation of crystalline to amorphous form of Vit.D3 which is responsible for imparting more aqueous solubility and thus enhancement in dissolution behaviour. The investigation of flow behaviours viz. flow function (FF) and effective angle of wall friction (EAWF) of solid SMEDDS-Vit.D3 was performed using powder flow tester. Solid SMEDDS-Vit.D3 prepared using Neusilin US2 showed good flow behaviour and hence was developed into tablets. The tablets showed good quality control parameters as per pharmacopeial standards. The in vitro dissolution studies demonstrated more dissolution of Vit.D3 in SMEDDS (liquid, solid, and tablet) when compared to the unprocessed drug. The shelf life (T90) of tablets was reported to be 28.12 months suggesting excellent stability of Vit.D3 in solid SMEDDS. In nutshell, our research works explore the utilization of SMEDDS for the oral delivery of Vit.D3 to gain maximum health-related benefits.

Assessment of pharmaceutical powders flowability and comparative evaluation of lubricants on development of gastro retentive tablets: An application of powder flow tester

Lubricants have a small appearance but act as a giant frame in flow behavior during dosage form preparation. In the present study, different lubricants were evaluated and compared. Both traditional and advanced techniques were used to evaluate raw materials and prepared granules' flow properties. The powder was evaluated traditionally in terms of known and straight forward methods. Despite of that, the results like dissolution and content uniformity varied during the final dosage form preparation. Powder Flow Tester (PFT) was utilized to overcome these limitations and explore micromeretic properties. All the raw materials were found under the cohesive region in the flow function test except sodium bicarbonate. Agglomeration of powder into granules and the addition of lubricants improved the flow behavior. The hydrophilic sodium stearyl fumarate enhanced the nature of flow pattern and showed a synergistic impact on the evaluation of the final dosage form. It showed 35.6° hopper half-angle at 1.343 m outlet dimension-least value amongst all which specifies the flow pattern of granules in the hopper to die cavity at the time of manufacturing.

The impacts of method selectivity and binders on the properties of carbamazepine granules and their applications: A case study

Background: Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a BCS II class drug, having many challenges in solubility, flowability, and compactibility. The study focused on the improvement of solubility, flow behavior, and drug release of carbamazepine. Methods: Low shear granulation (LSG), extrusion spheronization (ES), high shear granulation (HSG), fluid bed granulation (FBG), and hot melt granulation (HMG) methods were employed to prepare CBZ granules. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K29/32, PVP K90, and Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) E5 were used as a binder. The drug to binder ratio was maintained in the proportion of 95:5. The nature of granules was analyzed by using X-ray Diffraction and Differential Scanning Calorimetry techniques. A powder flow tester was utilized to study the flow characteristics of the granules. Results: The HMG has successfully converted the crystalline structure of CBZ granules into an amorphous form. Dispersive and distributive mixing in the HMG has achieved better solid dispersion and fast drug release. The ES technique has reported the incompressible nature of the granules. PVP K90 and HPMC E5 were superior binders for imparting strength to the CBZ granules than PVP K29/32. The FBG has exhibited the free-flowing nature of granules due to their uniform and spherical shape. Conclusion: The HMG and FBG were the most effective methods that have remarkably improved drug release, flow properties, and compactibility of CBZ granules.

Measuring the Flow Functions of Pharmaceutical Powders Using the Brookfield Powder Flow Tester and Freeman FT4

This study examined the feasibility of combining data from different powder flow testers to determine the flow function characteristics of pharmaceutical powders. The Brookfield PFT and Freeman FT4 can measure flow function over different scales of consolidation load but were found to be most complementary with CRM limestone powder and lactose. The brittle behaviour of Easytab particles at higher loads made obtaining repeatable results with the FT4 challenging. By using the method of Wang et al., where the flow function coefficient ffc is plotted against the dimensionless cohesion C* (measured cohesion Ta divided by the initial compaction I), a plot was formed which could be used to predict the behaviour of other systems, which compared well with previous studies.

Starch flow behavior alone and under different glidants action using the shear cell method

The objective of this work was to analyze the flow behavior of a commonly used filler (pregelatinised starch) and the effect of two of the most used lubricants (talc and colloidal silicon dioxide). The studies were carried out according to the conventional methods (Angle of Repose, Bulk and Tapped densities and from these the Compressibility Index) and shear cell methods (Brookfield Powder Flow Tester apparatus) described in European Pharmacopeia (Ph. Eur.). The results showed some surprising and unexpected values for the flow behavior of this filler under influence of the methods and the used glidants. Regarding pure starch and mixtures containing talc, the flow behavior was similar between them and the Flow Index (ffc) values varied between 1.8 and 4 (very cohesive and cohesive) as consolidation stress (σ1) increased. In this case, the glidant effect was not observed. However, for the mixtures of starch with colloidal silicon dioxide this effect was observed providing Flow Index (ffc) values between 2.6 and 8.9 (cohesive and easy-flowing) as consolidation stress (σ1) increased. Other parameters that are also used to characterize flow properties, more specifically, within silos, chutes and hoppers, such as effective angle of internal friction (φe), effective angle of wall friction (φx), critical arching and critical rathole values, provided similar information. Based in the obtained results from all tests it can be said that the talc did not induce improvement on the starch flow behavior in the used conditions in opposition to the effect produced by colloidal silicon dioxide. Highlights Example 1. A good flowability of powders is needed in order to be compressed/filled; Example 2. The overcome the poor flow it is usual to use glidants; Example 3. CSD improved the pregelatinised starch (Starch 1500®) flow; Example 4. Talc do not have relevant effect in the pregelatinised starch (Starch 1500®) flow; Example 5. Powder FlowTester method showed more complete and consistent results.

Enhancing flowability of fine cohesive active pharmaceutical ingredients

Objective The effectiveness of pharmaceutical excipients and hydrophobic nano-silica as flow aid/regulator was studied and two active pharmaceutical ingredients, i.e. paracetamol and ibuprofen were used to gauge the effectiveness. Avicel PH-101 and Avicel PH-102 were chosen as pharmaceutical excipients and Aerosil R972 Pharma was used as hydrophobic nano-silica, the API’s and the excipients were micro-sized. Significance Fine powders lead to many operational difficulties in the pharmaceutical industry which need to be alleviated. The reliability and repeatability of the Powder Flow Tester need to be established. Methods Flow function, wall friction, and bulk density tests to gauge the said effect were conducted on Brookfield Powder Flow Tester. The samples for testing were prepared by blending (rigorous mixing) to ascertain the capability of inexpensive mixing in comparison to expensive blenders and machines. Results The study undertook shows that blending (rigorous mixing) was sufficient in improving the flow of active pharmaceutical ingredient powders. Blending with excipients Avicel PH-101 and Avicel PH-102 improved the flow substantially but the maximum improvement was seen in the nano blended samples. Conclusions The study conducted underlined the efficacy of the blending process by showing significant improvement in flow properties. The Powder Flow Tester confirmed the anticipated results of the powder blends indicative of its reliability. Moreover, repeatable results were obtained which established the repeatability of the instrument.

Characterization and flowability methods for metal powders

With the rise of additive technologies, the characterization of metal powders is increasingly required. There is a need to precisely match the properties of metal powders to a specific machine and to ensure highly consistent production. Therefore, the study aims at a detailed characterization of ten metal powders (Metal powder 316 L, Zn, Sn, Al, Cu, Mn, Fe, Bronze, Ti and Mo powder), for which the particle size distribution, morphology, static and dynamic angle of repose and the effective internal friction angle (AIFE) were determined. The AIFE parameter and flow index were determined from three commonly used rotary shear devices: The computer-controlled Ring Shear Tester RST-01. pc, the Brookfield PFT Powder Flow Tester and the FT4 Powder rheometer. The results showed that the values ​​for the device of one manufacturer did not fully correspond to the values ​​of another one. The flow characteristics of the metal powders were quantified from the particle size distribution data, static angle of repose, and AIFE data. According to the particle size distribution and angle of repose (AOR), 50% of the tested metal powders fell into the free-flowing mode. According to the evaluation of AIFE, 20% of the samples fell into the lower area. Based on the flow indexes calculated from the measurements of the shear devices used, 100% (RST-01.pc), 70% (PFT) and 50% (FT4) of the samples were included in the free-flowing category. When comparing the results, attention should be paid not only to the nature of the material, but also to the methodology and equipment used. A comparison of methodologies revealed similarities in the changing behavior of the different metal powders. A comparison of effective angles of AIFE and static AOR was shown, and a hypothesis of the conversion relation was derived.

Influence of the Glidant on Diluent Flow Characterization Using Shear Cell Method

The aim of this study was to compare the bulk lactose flow behavior with a defined fraction with smaller particles obtained by sieving from the bulk lactose and to evaluate the effect of a glidant addition on both samples. These powders showed, in a previous work, similar flow indexes (ffc) that motivated the addition of colloidal silicon dioxide in order to observe if there were any changes in their flow behaviors. To evaluate this effect on the diluent flow behavior, the methods described in the European Pharmacopeia were used. The results obtained from conventional methods and shear cell methods (using the Powder Flow Tester) were compared, and they showed evident differences in the bulk and tapped densities values and flow classifications. The lactose monohydrate (FTotal) and lactose with particles smaller than 63 μm (F < 63) analyzed in a previous study presented similar ffc. To these pure powders a glidant was added, in increasing proportion (0.25—1.00%). The results obtained for all powders with colloidal silicon dioxide showed an improvement in its flow behaviors in comparison with pure powders. All the parameters studied showed an evident effect of the glidant used. For the same amount of glidant, the F < 63 presented worse flow profiles than FTotal because its particles have a larger surface area. The FTotal + 0.25 flow profile was more similar to the F < 63 + 0.50 flow profile than F < 63 + 0.25 flow profile. For both powders, the maximum amount of glidant that produces effect was 1.00% for F < 63 and 0.75% for FTotal, respectively. In all powders, the occurrence of caking was not observed.

Effect of polymer flow aids on LD iron ore flowability

Numerous industries including detergent, food, mining, pharmaceutical and powder metallurgy have commonly encounted flow issues due to undesirable transform of readily free flowing solids to a coherent solid. In the present study, the flow properties of LD iron ore were studied in the presence of polymer flow aids such as superabsorbent polymers (SAP). The effect of moisture, clay content, SAP dosage and its retention time on flow properties of wet sticky iron ore were explored. Flow properties such as Hausner ratio (HR), Carr index (CR), flow function index, effective angle of internal friction and cohesion were measured using Powder flow tester. Results indicated that LD iron ore exhibited free flow at dry condition and very poor flow at 8%, 10% and 12% moistures. In the presence of SAP, LD iron ore has changed its flow behaviour to easy flow regime due to their high affinity for moisture absorption. Optimum dosages of SAP were found to be 1200 ppm, 1400 ppm and 1800 ppm for these wet sticky LD iron ores of 8%, 10% and 12% moistures respectively. Experimental data concluded that SAP dosage was based on moisture content, clay content and % of fines fraction in the ore.

Lactose monohydrate flow characterization using shear cell method

The flow properties of pharmaceutical powders have a great importance in the manufacturing of solid dosage forms. In order to ensure the performance in the production line this parameter must be determined. There are several methods described in European Pharmacopeia that are used to measure these properties. Some of them were used in this study and the results obtained from conventional methods (Conv) and shear cell using the powder flow tester (PFT) showed differences that were more evident in fractions with smaller particle size (F < 63) and for bulk powder (FTotal). The various powder behaviors showed to be related with the size of the particles. An increase of the ffc (Flow Index) was observed with the increase of the particle size. It was also found for the different fractions that the ffc always increases with increasing major principal consolidation stress (σ1). This study shown to be predictive because it also allowed the behavior profiles of other LactMN fractions to be known by interpolation of the median size (Dv50) or σ1 values ranged between the studied intervals. Furthermore, it was also observed that ffc of the FTotal was similar to the F < 63, showing the same behavior under σ1. The occurrence of caking was not observed.

Temperature and Time Consolidation Effect on the Bulk Flow Properties and Arching Tendency of a Detergent Powder

AbstractTime consolidation flow properties of a commercial detergent powder were measured at different elevated temperatures with the Brookfield powder flow tester (PFT). A substantial increase of powder cohesion was observed at higher temperature and after time consolidation. The Jenike method for silo design was applied to correlate the powder time consolidation flow properties at elevated temperature to the critical outlet slot to attain an arch‐free silo. The dependence of the critical diameter on temperature and time consolidation was successfully described by the model.

Flow and Thermal Properties of Stevia Powder

Abstract Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) has recently received a lot of attention as a sweetener due to its taste and low calorific value. Flow and thermal properties of foods play a significant role in the quantitative analysis of unit operations in the food industry. However, there are no published data available on flow and thermal properties of stevia powder. Powder Flow Tester and KD2 Pro Thermal Properties Analyzer were used to determine the flow and thermal properties of stevia powder, respectively, at different moisture contents (4.96%, 9.68%, 13.99%, 20.08%, and 25.79%, w.b.). Mean angle of internal friction of stevia powder ranged from 41.13° to 46.3°. The mean effective angle of internal friction ranged from 47.8° to 52.5° and the mean flow index ranged from 0.27 to 0.48. Mean thermal conductivity of stevia powder ranged from 0.091 W·m-2·K-1 to 0.115 W·m-2·K-1. Mean thermal diffusivity ranged from 0.103 mm2·s-1 to 0.121 mm2·s-1 and mean volumetric specific heat ranged from 0.865 MJ·m-3·K-1 to 1.019 MJ·m-3·K-1. Polynomial regression models were developed to predict flow and thermal properties of stevia powder using moisture content of stevia powder.

Effect of moisture on flowability of pulverized coal

Reliable feeding of pulverized coal into the gasifier is of great importance for the pressurized entrained-flow gasification process. Moisture and corresponding interparticle force can strongly affect the flowability of pulverized coal. In this paper, flow properties of pulverized coal were measured using a PT-X powder flow tester and a FT-4 powder flow rheometer. With respect to several flow indicators including angle of repose (AOR), Hausner ratio (HR), Carr’s flowability index (CFI), basic flow energy (BFE), cohesion (C), angle of internal friction (ϕ) and flow index (ffc), pulverized coal with different moisture contents was classified into different categories and the flow properties of each category were analyzed and compared. Secondly, a combination of a continuum approach and a particle–particle approach to describe the multi-scale nature of the mechanical properties of pulverized coal were carried out. The interparticle forces of pulverized coal with different moisture contents were predicted using a microscale approach with the Rumpf equation combined with the experimental results from the shear tester. The results were further compared with those calculated using a theoretical approach with the combination of the Kelvin equation and the Laplace–Young equation. Finally, the mechanism of moisture’s effect on flow was described by the relation between the bulk structure of wet particle systems and moisture. The results indicated that moisture had different effects before and after critical values, according to which four regimes including the “dry regime”, the “dispersed moisture regime”, the “consolidated moisture regime” and the “slurry regime” were defined with increasing moisture content.

Powder Flow Tester (PFT): a new tool to evaluate wheat flour dough behavior by measuring unconfined failure strength under variable consolidation stresses

In this study, Powder Flow Tester (PFT) was firstly used to determine and better understand the behavior of different dough samples. For this purpose, four different wheat flours with varying strengths in addition to flour samples having varied salt concentrations were tested using PFT and the data obtained were compared with the data obtained by extensograph and with the ones reported in previous studies. As a result, the dough samples tested exhibited different failure strenghts ranging from 0.5 to 3.5 kPa under applied consolidation stresses ranged from 0.5 to 5.5 kPa. The resistance (R50) values obtained from extensograph from strong to weak flour samples were noted as 453, 410, 312 and 149 BU. Same order of failure strength values were derived from PFT (around 1.75, 1.50, 1.25 and 1.00 kPa) while the extensibility properties differed. This study shows that, PFT seems to be an interesting piece of equipment to better understand dough’s responses to deformations and may offer a new insight into the characterization of the dough strength and quality which are important characteristics in dough processing in food industry.

An experimental investigation on the effect of particle size into the flowability of fly ash

In this paper, physical properties and flow properties of fly ash collected from seven fields of Electro-Static precipitator (ESP) hoppers of a coal fired thermal power plant have been investigated by using Powder Flow Tester operating based on Jenike's methodology. It was experimentally observed that the fly ash from different ESP hoppers have different flow properties. Various powder flow properties, such as cohesion, unconfined yield strength, angle of internal friction and wall friction angle were found to have power law variation with median particle size. Critical particle size, which caused a change in the flow properties of fly ash from cohesive to easy flowing, was experimentally evaluated and validated. Hopper half angle and critical outlet opening trends were determined for different fly ash samples to achieve mass flow condition for discharge. Additionally, two power law models were also developed for estimating hopper half angle and critical outlet openings using powder flow properties.

Bazı Model Toz Gıdaların Akışkanlığına ve Sıkıştırılabilirliğine Partikül Boyutunun Etkisinin PFT Toz Akışı Test Cihazı Kullanılarak Belirlenmesi

Toz gıdaların üretiminde akış davranışlarının belirlenmesi teknolojik uygulamalar açısından oldukça önemlidir. Toz akış davranışı verilerinin kullanıldığı bir uygulama, depo ünitesi dizaynıdır. Toz gıdaların akış davranışları partikül boyutu, dağılımı, parçacık şekli, parçacıkların kimyasal bileşimi, nem ve sıcaklık gibi parametrelere bağlı olduğundan bu parametrelerin belirlenmesi gereklidir. Bu amaçla kaya tuzu ve sofra şekeri tozlarının farklı partikül boyutlarındaki akış davranışları PFT Toz Akış Test Cihazı kullanılarak belirlenmiştir. Böylece tozların akış fonksiyonu, yığın kütle yoğunluğu ve sıkıştırılabilirlik özelliklerinin partikül boyutuna göre değişimi incelenmiştir. Kaya tuzu ve sofra şekeri örnekleri öğütme ve eleme işlemlerinden geçirilerek tuzdan 5 farklı fraksiyon, şekerden ise 7 farklı fraksiyon elde edilmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre partikül boyutu büyüdükçe akışkanlığın kolaylaştığı, yoğunluğun arttığı, sıkıştırılabilirliğin ise azaldığı tespit edilmiştir. Bu parametrelerin önemli derecede değişim gösterdiği eşik partikül boyut değerinin 100-200 µm boyut aralığı olduğu tespit edilmiştir.