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Methods of Analysis
Methods of Analysis
Determination of Powder Bulk Density
v 2.0 | Effective 10/30/2023
#012a: "Loose" or "Poured" Bulk Density
#012b: "Packed" or "Tapped" Bulk Density
1.0 Purpose
This Analytical Method defines the ADPIAmerican Dairy Products Institute standard operating procedures for determining the bulk densityAn indication of compactness or concentration of a material. Density is given as a mass (weight) per unit volume. Mathematically density is mass divided by volume with units such as kg/m3 , g/cm3 , pounds/ft3 , etc. of a dairy powder.
2.0 Scope
This SOP is applicable to the determination of bulk densityAn indication of compactness or concentration of a material. Density is given as a mass (weight) per unit volume. Mathematically density is mass divided by volume with units such as kg/m3 , g/cm3 , pounds/ft3 , etc. for any dairy powder.
3.0 Definitions
| 3.1 | Density is the mass of a substance per unit volume. Density for dairy powders is most often expressed in units of grams per cubic centimeter or grams per milliliter, though any equivalent units can be achieved via the application of standard conversion factors. |
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| 3.2 | Loose or poured bulk density is the apparent density of a powder as determined without employing any means of settling or compaction to increase the mass of powder that is contained in a given volume. |
| 3.3 | Packed or tapped bulk density is the apparent density of a powder as determined after causing the settling or compaction of the powder via mechanical means under consistent conditions, to increase the mass of powder that is contained in a given volume. |
4.0 Principle
DensityAn indication of compactness or concentration of a material. Density is given as a mass (weight) per unit volume. Mathematically density is mass divided by volume with units such as kg/m3 , g/cm3 , pounds/ft3 , etc. is a basic physical characteristic of a material, and for powder ingredients it can have implications such as for handling, packaging, transportation, and shelf life. Dairy powder densityAn indication of compactness or concentration of a material. Density is given as a mass (weight) per unit volume. Mathematically density is mass divided by volume with units such as kg/m3 , g/cm3 , pounds/ft3 , etc. is most often expressed in either loose or poured bulk densityAn indication of compactness or concentration of a material. Density is given as a mass (weight) per unit volume. Mathematically density is mass divided by volume with units such as kg/m3 , g/cm3 , pounds/ft3 , etc., where no compaction means are employed; or packed or tapped bulk densityAn indication of compactness or concentration of a material. Density is given as a mass (weight) per unit volume. Mathematically density is mass divided by volume with units such as kg/m3 , g/cm3 , pounds/ft3 , etc., where deliberate mechanical action is utilized to increase the densityAn indication of compactness or concentration of a material. Density is given as a mass (weight) per unit volume. Mathematically density is mass divided by volume with units such as kg/m3 , g/cm3 , pounds/ft3 , etc. by causing settling and compaction. The application of controlled conditions for either determination improves the consistency of the measurements.
5.0 Reagents and Materials
| 5.1 | Laboratory balance, with adequate capacity for typical weights of dairy powders over the testing volume, with sensitivity of 0.1 g or better; |
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| 5.2 | Bulk density tester (method #012b only), “stamp” or “jolting” type, compatible with the testing cylinder and capable of programming up to 100 cylinder taps; |
| 5.3 | Testing cylinder, 100 cc, or equivalent, compatible with the bulk density tester; |
| 5.4 | Spoon, or equivalent, suitable for gently transferring dairy powder to the testing cylinder; |
| 5.5 | Straightedge, or equivalent, suitable to level the powder with the rim of the testing cylinder. |
6.0 Personal Safety Precautions
| 6.1 | Milk (dairy) is globally classified as an allergen and should be properly handled with personal safety needs in mind. |
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| 6.2 | Read and understand all precautions for safe handling and disposal shown in the various reagents’ Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), including use of any prescribed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). |
| 6.3 | Dairy ingredients are foods and as such are exempt from U.S. requirements regarding Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), where ingredient-specific safe handling instructions would be provided. Despite this exemption, many dairy ingredients are manufactured and marketed in powder form, and powders should be recognized as potential physical irritants, such as to the eyes, nose, and if inhaled. |
| 6.4 | Inspect any fragile apparatus such as the powder cylinder before use and replace any items which are compromised. |
| 6.5 | Tester noise may be considerable. Consult the user’s manual; locate the tester appropriately, such as in an unoccupied room, and wear hearing protection if still warranted. |
7.0 General Considerations
Use of a mechanical apparatus for bulk densityAn indication of compactness or concentration of a material. Density is given as a mass (weight) per unit volume. Mathematically density is mass divided by volume with units such as kg/m3 , g/cm3 , pounds/ft3 , etc. can improve consistency while reducing the time commitment, monotony, and physical stress on the analyst. However, reasonable results can be achieved without the use of a lab instrument by substituting readily available, basic lab apparatus such as volumetric containers along with an analytical balance.
8.0 Method #012a: Loose or Poured Bulk Density
| 8.1 | Accurately record the weight of the empty testing cylinder. |
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| 8.2 | Gently fill the cylinder to its full capacity with powder using a spoon or similar implement. Take care not to permit voids, filling the cylinder completely and evenly while avoiding mechanical disruption that would cause settling or compaction. |
| 8.3 | Scrape any excess powder away, leveling the powder to the filled mark. |
| 8.4 | Accurately record the weight of the filled cylinder. |
| 8.5 | The difference between the weight of the filled cylinder and the tare weight, divided by 100 cc, equals the loose or poured bulk density of the powder in units of g/cc or g/mL. |
9.0 Method #012b: Packed or Tapped Bulk Density
| 9.1 | Begin as described in 8.1 through 8.4 above, accurately recording the tare weight of the testing cylinder and the weight of the cylinder loosely filled with powder. |
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| 9.2 | Start the density tester cycle, tapping 100 times. |
| 9.3 | When the tapping cycle is complete, read the final volume of the compacted powder in units of cc or mL. |
| 9.4 | The difference between the weight of the filled cylinder and the tare weight, divided by the final volume of the compacted powder in units of cc or mL, equals the packed or tapped bulk density of the powder in units of g/cc or g/mL. |
10.0 External References
No external references are cited.
11.0 ADPI Document Linkages
In no event shall ADPIAmerican Dairy Products Institute be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to: the need to procure substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon any standard, even if advised of the possibility of such damage and regardless of whether such damage was foreseeable.
