ASTM D6773 Schulze Ring Shear Testing for Bulk Solids Flow Properties
ASTM D6773 test method determines the yield strength, internal friction, bulk density, and wall friction of bulk solids during the flow and rest phases. Flow properties of the bulk solids are measured and flow problems are dealt with. All the resulting values are expressed in SI units and are stated by strictly following the guidelines for significant digits.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM D6773 provides a test method for determining the flow properties of bulk solid materials using a Schulze ring shear tester. This method evaluates how powders and granular materials behave under different stress conditions, which is important for handling, storage, and processing.
The standard is widely used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, chemicals, and powders to assess flowability and prevent issues like clogging, arching, or ratholing in hoppers and silos.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D6773 focuses on measuring the shear strength and flow behavior of bulk solids under controlled normal and shear stresses. It helps in characterizing material flow properties.
The test evaluates:
- Flowability of bulk solids
- Shear strength under consolidation
- Cohesion and internal friction
- Bulk handling characteristics
- Suitability for storage and transport
Applications
- Powder and granular material handling
- Pharmaceutical powders
- Food and agricultural products
- Chemical and mineral processing
- Hopper and silo design
- Quality control in bulk solids processing
Benefits
- Prevents flow problems such as arching and ratholing
- Improves equipment design and efficiency
- Enhances material handling performance
- Supports process optimization
- Enables comparison of bulk materials
Test Process
Sample Preparation
Bulk solid sample is placed in the shear cell.
1Consolidation
Normal load is applied to consolidate the sample.
2Shear Testing
Shear force is applied until failure occurs.
3Data Recording & Evaluation
Shear strength and flow properties are calculated.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Bulk solids (powders and granules) |
| Test Method | Ring shear testing |
| Normal Stress Range | Typically 1 kPa to 50 kPa |
| Shear Rate | Approximately 0.1 to 10 mm/min |
| Test Temperature | Approximately 23°C ± 2°C |
| Measured Outputs | Cohesion (kPa), angle of internal friction (°), flow function |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Schulze ring shear tester
- Normal load application system
- Shear drive mechanism
- Load cells
- Sample preparation tools
- Data acquisition system
Results and Deliverables
- Flow function curve
- Cohesion and internal friction values
- Flowability classification
- Shear strength data
- Test condition summary
- ASTM compliance report
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D6773 is a standard test method used to determine flow properties of bulk solids using a Schulze ring shear tester, evaluating cohesion, internal friction, and flowability for storage and handling applications.
ASTM D6773 helps predict bulk material behavior in silos, hoppers, and conveyors, reducing flow issues like arching or rat-holing and improving efficiency in industrial material handling processes.
ASTM D6773 measures shear strength by applying normal load and rotational shear to a bulk solid sample, determining flow function and yield locus characteristics.
ASTM D6773 requires a Schulze ring shear tester, loading system, and data acquisition tools to measure shear stress and normal stress accurately during testing.
Results are reported as flow functions, cohesion, angle of internal friction, and yield locus data, providing detailed insight into bulk solid flow behavior and handling characteristics.
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