1. Applications
- Determining bulk density of powders and granular materials in quality control
- Material characterization for tablet formulation, capsule filling, mixing
- Evaluation of packing and packing behavior in production and storage
- Raw material inspection in chemical, food, mineral, agricultural industries
- Research & development in material science and formulation studies
- Process monitoring in manufacturing to optimize flow and packing
- Compliance testing as part of incoming material inspection in labs
2. Compliance Standards
Bulk density measurement instruments and procedures align with internationally recognised test methods and standards such as:
- ASTM D1895 – Standard Test Methods for Apparent Density, Bulk Factor, and Pourability of Powders and Granules (Method A/B)
- ISO Method R60 – Determination of Apparent Density of Powders (ISO R60)
- Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines for test documentation and traceability
3. Product Description
A Bulk Density Meter is a laboratory instrument used to measure the bulk density of powders, granules, pellets, and other loose materials by determining the mass of a sample relative to the volume it occupies. It provides consistent and repeatable results that help evaluate material characteristics such as packing, flowability, and storage behavior. These meters are widely used in pharmaceutical, chemical, food, plastics, agriculture, and material science laboratories.
4. Technical Specifications (Typical)
|
Feature |
Typical Specification |
|
Measurement Type |
Bulk Density (mass/volume) |
|
Display |
4-digit LED/LCD (digital models) |
|
Stroke/Drop Mechanism |
Programmable stroke count (up to ~9999) |
|
Cylinder Capacity |
2 cylinders (50 ml & 100 ml typical) |
|
Drop Height |
~25–55 mm (adjustable) |
|
Power Supply |
AC 230 V ±10%, 50 Hz |
|
Control |
Soft touch membrane keys |
|
Indicators |
LED status indicators |
|
Automation |
Auto stop at set count, audible alarm |
|
Housing |
Stainless steel / powder-coated metal |
|
Accuracy |
High precision per standard methods |
|
Safety |
Stable bench setup with non-slide feet |
5. Apparatus is Supplied
Standard items supplied with a typical bulk density meter include:
- Main bulk density meter unit with digital display
- Cylinders — usually 2 fixed cylinders (e.g., 50 ml and 100 ml)
- Instruction Manual & Calibration Guide
- Dust Cover or Protective Top (on some models)
- Power Cable
6. Optional Accessories
- Additional density cylinders (multiple volumes)
- Spare cushion holders / cylinder holders
- Calibration standards or certified weights
- Data export interface (for digital models)
- Protective carry case
- Anti-vibration mat for bench setup
- Service & maintenance kits
7. Common Capacities Available
Bulk density meters are often classified by the volume of cylinders available and automation level:
|
Type |
Typical Use |
|
Small Digital Models (e.g., 50/100 ml cylinders) |
Laboratory powder testing |
|
Standard Bench Models (programmable strokes) |
Quality control in pharma & chemicals |
|
Manual / Analog Units |
Basic educational/field use |
|
Automated / High-Throughput Units |
Production QA and R&D labs |
Examples of physical products include:
- 60 Hz Bulk Density Apparatus Digital – Digital bulk density tester
- KE Bulk Density Apparatus Digital Display – Compact digital model
- Electronics India 951 Bulk Density Apparatus – High-end programmable tester with 50/100 ml cylinders
- NS Northern Scientifics – Analog Bulk Density Meter – Analog bulk density instrument
- Analog Bulk Density Apparatus – 100/250 mL – Manual version with larger volume holders
- Others across capacities (Bulk Density Apparatus (Industrial), Bulk Density Apparatus – Grey, etc.)
8. Dimensions and Weight (Approx)
|
Parameter |
Typical Range |
|
Unit Size (L×W×H) |
~600 × 450 × 200 mm (digital bench type) |
|
Weight |
~10–14 kg (varies by construction & model) |
|
Cylinder Sizes |
50 ml / 100 ml typical for lab units |