Abstract: An apparatus for determining the properties of a compactible material in which the material is continuously conveyed through a measuring zone at substantially constant pressure is provided. The apparatus includes an auger type conveyor housed in a housing. The housing has an inlet, the measuring zone and an outlet. The conveyor removes the material from a container or pipe and conveys the material through the measuring zone. The apparatus includes a flow constrictor adjacent the measuring zone for increasing the pressure of and compacting the material in the measuring zone.