Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the segregation of particulate materials includes a shear cell having a top, side, and bottom walls. The shear cell is between two stationary walls in a frame and includes a cam pin which rides on top of a cam connected to a rotating motor. A collection tray, including load cells, is placed beneath the perforated bottom wall of the shear cell. Large particles are placed in the shear cell and data collection is begun. Small particles are placed on top of the larger particles and the shear cell is closed. The motor is then turned on, applying strain at a certain strain rate to the particles within the shear cell. The smaller particles percolate through the larger particles and through the perforated bottom wall into the collection tray. Load cells in the collection tray transmit data to a computer for analysis.

Abstract: The present invention is a real-time spatial particulate mass deposition tester. The tester is based on the principle that an anisotropic fill density distribution would result in an uneven particulate vertical pressure distribution on the inside face of the bottom surface of the die. Further, this uneven particulate vertical pressure distribution can be detected by placing multiple, sufficiently sensitive load cells on the inside surface at the bottom of the die, and analyzing the output signals acquired from the load cells using any suitable data acquisition system.

Abstract: A computer controlled shear cell (CCSC) tester for bulk solids, especially powders, that allows the determination of a Yield Locus curve from a single test procedure. The principle of the CCSC is that yield states can be maintained in a test cell over a range of normal and shear stresses in the same test. This leads directly to a Yield Locus curve. With its flexible design, the CCSC can also be used as a Jenike shear cell or a direct shear cell. Use of the CCSC allows the testing time and amount of material needed for testing to be reduced as compared to current testing methods.