Analysis of the density of a powder in the laboratory
You want to analyze the density of your powders?
What is the density of a product?
The density of bulk solids particles is the density of the powders including the space between the particles.
There are two types of density:
- Untapped density or aerated density: this is the density measurement without the powder being compacted
- Tapped density: this is the density measurement with the powder compacted
Therefore, the density of the same granulated material, measured with a densimeter, can vary depending on whether it is more or less compacted.
Why analyze the density of your materials?
Analyzing the density of your materials can offer numerous significant advantages. It not only ensures compliance with industrial and regulatory standards but also helps detect possible anomalies or contaminants.
In the fields of chemistry and engineering, a precise study of density can influence the durability, strength, and performance of the materials used.
Why perform a powder density measurement?
Densities, tapered and aerated, are critical properties of bulk powder that should not be confused when designing a plant.
Indeed, the density analysis allows to determine the size of the equipment of a process (size of the screens, silos…). An error on the density of your powder can lead to capacity limitations and an inadequacy of the equipment used.
Our technical resources for powder analysis
Pycnometry: this method uses a pycnometer, an instrument that measures the volume of a substance
Hall or Carney cone method: this measurement technique determines the flowability of metallic powders.
Tapped density method: this technique measures the density of a powder after it has been compacted by tapping.
Our complementary powder analysis
- Chemical composition analysis of metallic powders by ICP and C/H/O/N/S analysers
- Material analysis and characterisation by XRD (X-ray diffraction)
- Morphological control by SEM-FEG and optical microscopy
- Specific surface area measurement by the BET method
Our solutions: provide a wide range of diversified techniques for the density analysis of your powders
For more than 30 years, our FILAB laboratory has had the experience and the specific analytical equipment to assist industrial companies in the analysis of your powders, and particularly in density measurements.
The support of a laboratory of experts in powder analysis such as FILAB enables you to better understand the strategic issues and changes in your sector. Our specialized engineers will accompany you throughout the density measurement protocol on your powders in the laboratory.
Go further
Study of the morphology of a powder by SEM
Study of the granulometry of a powder by laser granulometry or X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
FAQ
Powder density measurement is a laboratory method used to determine how tightly particles are packed within a given volume. It provides essential information on a powder’s packing behaviour, flowability, and compaction properties, which are critical for quality control, process design, and product performance.
Bulk density (also called aerated density) is measured without compacting the powder, while tapped density is measured after the powder has been compacted by tapping.
Comparing both values helps determine the compressibility and flowability of the powder.
Understanding powder density helps optimise process design and prevent production issues such as poor flow, irregular dosing, or equipment clogging.
It also ensures compliance with industry standards, improves formulation accuracy, and enhances product consistency across batches.
FILAB performs several complementary techniques, including: Pycnometry (helium or liquid displacement), tapped and bulk density measurement, Hall or Carney cone tests for flowability. These methods are selected according to the powder type, its physical behaviour, and the customer’s objectives.
Powder density testing is widely used in pharmaceutical, chemical, cosmetic, metallurgical, and food industries.
It helps ensure product stability, uniformity, and performance, while supporting process optimisation and R&D development.
Absolutely. FILAB’s specialists not only provide accurate data but also help you interpret the results to understand their impact on your formulation, processing, or material performance.
