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WHY A TRUE HELICAL BLADE IS VITAL
Stable Micro Systems Patented Helical Blade:
Non-helical blade used on other powder measuring instruments:
From an engineering perspective:
The patented blade is a true helix and can be mathematically described, unlike the blades fitted to other powder measuring devices on the market. The helical blade naturally cuts through the column of powder being tested and negates the need for complex torque measuring systems. Repeatably manufactured by CNC machining, it allows Stable Micro Systems to achieve very reproducible, and highly discriminating results from a reliable, simple and lost cost accessory.
Commenting on the patent, Jim Walker, technical director at Stable Micro Systems, said: "The design of the blade is the single most important factor in achieving repeatable powder flow measurements. The non-helical blade used on other instruments is bent from a flat sheet and presents a large flat central area to the powder being tested. It effectively compresses a column of powder beneath the blade during its travel path through the sample. As a consequence, any axial force readings being taken are corrupted and these instruments are forced to rely on torque measurements because of the inadequacies of blade design."
TTC adds that a blade with a flat section absolutely prevents the ability to move through a powder column without disturbing it's condition. So if a powder is compacted for a caking study, for example, simply coming out of the powder to compact it a second time will disturb and undo the impact of the original compaction. Likewise you could not instruct the blade to slip to the bottom of a powder column and then lift up, because the probe would distrub the powder sample on the downward path.
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