Abstract: A bin blender for mixing particulate solid materials, comprises a closable bin for containing the materials and having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, mounted for rotation of the bin about an axis extending across the interior of the bin, and an internal baffle extending within the bin at an angle of less than about 45° to the axis of rotation of the bin.

Abstract: A method for assessing the particle size of a bulk particulate material (1), such as powdered or granular material includes transmitting sound energy (as herein defined) through the particulate material (1) from a source (2) to a detector (3), and assessing the particle size from the time taken to pass through the material from the source (2) to detector (3) or signal velocity, through the material (1). Typically the signal is a frequency or frequencies in the range about 20 Hz to 20 kHz (but higher frequencies are envisaged), and the particulate material may be in a moving production stream of the particulate material (1). Apparatus is also claimed.

Abstract: A bin blender for mixing particulate solid materials, comprises a closable bin for containing the materials and having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, means mounting the bin for rotation of the bin about an axis extending across the interior of the bin, and an internal baffle extending within the bin at an angle of less than about 45° to the axis of rotation of the bin.

Abstract: Determining a characteristic or characteristics of a particular material such as the type, constitution, surface characteristics, or general flowability of the material. The material flows through a measuring cell (1) of constant volume so as to maintain a substantially constant volume of flowing material in the measuring cell. The weight of material in the measuring cell is continuously monitored and oscillations in the weight of the contents of the measuring cell as the material flows through the measuring cell are compared with stored comparative information to determine the material.