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Bulk density Bulk density measurement

 

The bulk density ρsolid is easy to calculate:

ρsolid ​= m/V​

ρsolid: bulk density of a powder
𝑚: mass
𝑉: volume

 

There are numerous methods for measuring bulk density. A practical method for determining bulk density requires the following components:

  • A balance with a weighing accuracy of 0.01 g.
  • A cylindrical measuring cup with DIN-compliant dimensions.
  • A funnel with DIN-compliant dimensions, the opening of which corresponds exactly to the cylindrical diameter of the measuring cup. The bottom of the funnel is fitted with a plate that closes the funnel. This plate is fitted with a vertical hinge. The plate is pushed to the side by hand.
  • Spatula or large ruler.

 

Procedure:

  1. About 200 to 300 ml of the powder to be measured is poured into the funnel. This is located at a defined height just above the measuring cylinder.
  2. The plate is quickly pushed to the side, revealing the entire cross-section of the funnel.
  3. The measuring cup is at rest.
  4. Use the ruler/spatula to push the slope cone to one side. The excess powder falls next to the measuring cup.
  5. The spatula/ruler is held exactly vertically, the spatula/ruler rests on the edge of the measuring cup during the pushing movement.
  6. The measuring cup and its contents are weighed.
  7. The weight of the measuring cup must be deducted.
  8. The above formula is applied

The bulk density is usually given in kilograms per litre [kg/litre]. The numerical value is identical to kilogram per cubic decimetre [kg/dm³] or tonne per cubic metre [t/m³] or gram per millilitre [g/ml].

Steps 1 to 8 must be carried out five times with the same powder. The powder must be taken from different locations each time. The arithmetic mean must be calculated. The lower the dispersion of the measured values, the more reliable the determined value.