Drick DRK-D82 Bulk Density Tester for Powders

Overview

The Drick DRK-D82 Bulk Density Tester is a precision-engineered laboratory benchtop instrument designed to determine the bulk density of dry, granular, and powdered materials using the standardized gravimetric volumetric method. It operates on the principle of measuring the mass of a representative powder sample as it freely settles into a calibrated, fixed-volume cylinder under controlled conditions—without vibration, tamping, or external compaction. This method aligns with internationally recognized standards including ASTM D1895 (Type A), ISO 697 (Method A), USP for pharmaceutical excipients and APIs, and Chinese national standard GB/T 21354–2008. The DRK-D82 delivers repeatable, operator-independent results essential for quality control in R&D, production release testing, and regulatory submissions across industries such as pharmaceuticals, food additives, metal powders, ceramics, and battery electrode materials.

Key Features

• Benchtop modular architecture with stable aluminum alloy base and ergonomic acrylic enclosure for dust containment and operator safety.
• Pre-calibrated stainless-steel volumetric cylinder (25 mL, 100 mL, and optional 200 mL) traceable to NIST-certified mass standards.
• Integrated high-resolution analytical balance (0.001 g readability, ±0.005 g repeatability) mounted on anti-vibration damping platform.
• Manual funnel assembly with standardized orifice diameter (Ø12 mm per ASTM D1895) and adjustable height to ensure consistent powder flow trajectory.
• No moving parts or motorized mechanisms—eliminates mechanical wear, calibration drift, and maintenance downtime.
• Compliance-ready design: Supports 21 CFR Part 11–compatible data logging when paired with validated third-party software; full audit trail capability for GLP/GMP environments.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DRK-D82 accommodates a broad range of dry, non-hygroscopic, non-friable, and non-reactive particulate solids—including lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, titanium dioxide, alumina, silicon carbide, and graphite powders. It is unsuitable for wet, sticky, fibrous, or electrostatically charged materials unless preconditioned per SOP. All test procedures adhere strictly to the “free pour” methodology defined in ASTM D1895 Type A, ensuring comparability across global laboratories. Instrument validation documentation—including Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) templates—is provided upon request to support regulatory audits under FDA, EMA, or NMPA frameworks.

Software & Data Management

While the DRK-D82 operates as a standalone hardware system without embedded firmware or touchscreen interface, it is fully compatible with industry-standard laboratory data systems. Mass readings from the integrated balance can be transmitted via RS232 or USB serial output to LIMS, ELN, or custom Excel-based templates. Drick provides a validated CSV export protocol and raw data formatting guide compliant with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available). For regulated users, optional IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages include calibration certificates, uncertainty budgets, and procedural SOPs aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical: Bulk density assessment of excipients and active ingredients for capsule fill weight prediction and tablet compression process development.
• Materials Science: Characterization of metal injection molding (MIM) feedstocks and additive manufacturing (AM) powders prior to sintering.
• Food & Agriculture: Quality control of flour, starch, powdered milk, and fertilizer granules for flowability and packaging volume estimation.
• Battery Industry: Evaluation of cathode/anode powder packing behavior to correlate with electrode coating uniformity and energy density.
• Research Laboratories: Method development and inter-laboratory comparison studies requiring traceable, reproducible bulk density data.

FAQ

What standards does the DRK-D82 comply with?
It conforms to ASTM D1895 (Type A), ISO 697 (Method A), USP , and GB/T 21354–2008 for bulk density determination of powders.
Can the instrument measure tapped density?
No—the DRK-D82 is specifically configured for *loose* (untapped) bulk density. Tapped density requires a separate tapping apparatus per ASTM D1895 Type B or USP Section 3.
Is calibration service available outside China?
Yes—Drick partners with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration providers in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia; local service agreements can be arranged upon order.
Does the system support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
The hardware itself is Part 11–neutral; full compliance is achieved through integration with validated third-party software that enforces electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control.
What is the recommended maintenance schedule?
Annual verification of cylinder volume and balance calibration is advised; no routine lubrication or component replacement is required due to the passive mechanical design.