Discover how Delft Solids Solutions is the powder specialist

In the world of solids, powders and granulates, small structures can cause big problems: from flow issues to unwanted clumping. The Dutch company Delft Solids Solutions (DSS) has been active in this field for many years and offers solutions for all kinds of powder-related challenges. In this article, we put the company in the spotlight, look at the application of a powder flow analyser and delve into the phenomenon of powder clumping.

Who is Delft Solids Solutions?

Delft Solids Solutions is a contract research organisation (CRO) that specialises in the physical characterisation of solid matter — often in the form of powders and granules — as used in industry. 
With over 40 years of experience in the behaviour of (bulk) powders, porosity, particle size and shape, and chemical composition, DSS offers a wide range of services: from material development, test methods and equipment to advice, consultancy and training. 
The company supports various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, building materials and foodstuffs. 

Thanks to this expertise, Delft Solids Solutions is the ideal partner when you are faced with powder processing problems, for example in the supply, storage or processing of powder materials.

What is a powder flow analyser and why is it important?

A powder flow analyser is an instrument or test method used to measure and analyse the behaviour of powders in motion, for example through a hopper, pipeline or silo. At DSS, this application is used in what is known as “unconfined powder flow testing”, which examines the flow and transition from static to dynamic states. 
These measurements provide insight into issues such as the flowability of the powder, the risk of blockages, the effects of air intake, cohesion and transitions to a fluid state. A good powder flow analyser helps production and process engineers to:

• predict whether a powder can flow smoothly through a hopper, pipe or dosing valve;
• minimise the risk of blockages, bridging or hanging zones in silos;
• ensure batch consistency and quality by monitoring flow properties;
• optimise processes by understanding the physical properties of powders.

The value of a powder flow analyser is often underestimated, but in many industries, powder flow is the bottleneck. Thanks to DSS methods, companies can quickly determine whether their powder behaviour meets requirements — or where improvement is needed.

Powder caking: cause, effect and approach

Powder caking — or the clumping of powder particles into larger structures — is a common problem in powder processing. It is often caused by factors such as moisture, temperature, static charge, mechanical damage or a combination of these.
When powder caking occurs, the consequences can be significant: flowability is reduced, dosing or mixing processes are disrupted, lumps can form, leading to quality loss or blockages, and final processing becomes unreliable.
In practice, this means that powder caking is not an isolation problem, but a symptom of broader process challenges. DSS approaches this from their broad powder expertise — through characterisation, measuring cohesion and compressibility, and by recommending measures such as adjusting drying/storage conditions, anti-agglomeration agents or powder redesign.

By anticipating powder caking in good time, companies can prevent malfunctions, improve the quality of the powder product and increase the reliability of the processing installation.

Why choose DSS: your powder partner

Delft Solids Solutions distinguishes itself through its thorough scientific approach, comprehensive laboratory facilities and extensive experience in powder and particle characterisation. 
Whether it concerns analysing particle size and shape, measuring porosity or specific surface area, investigating storage behaviour or preventing powder agglomeration — DSS offers customised solutions.
This is a huge advantage for companies with powder processes: you not only receive data, but also interpretation, practical advice and an approach focused on process improvement.

In short: if you work with powders, want them to flow well (using a powder flow analyser) and want to prevent them from clumping (by controlling powder agglomeration), then DSS is the partner that makes the difference.