Funke Gerber STAV II Tap Density Tester
| Origin | Germany |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | STAV II |
| Detection Parameter | Milk Powder Tap Density |
| Automation Level | Fully Automatic |
| Tapping Rate | 250 min⁻¹ ± 15 |
| Measurement Range | 0–15% (v/v or g/mL context-dependent) |
| Repeatability | ±1% |
| Accuracy | ±1% |
| Tap Height | 3 mm ± 0.1 mm |
| Tapper Mass | 675 g ± 45 g |
| Compliance | ISO 3953, ISO 787-11, ASTM B527-93 |
| Noise Level | 58 dB(A) with damping viewport / 80 dB(A) without |
| Motor Power | 50 W |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 290 × 330 × 180 mm |
| Net Weight | 9 kg |
| Standard Cylinder | 250 mL |
| Optional Cylinders | 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 mL |
Overview
The Funke Gerber STAV II Tap Density Tester is a precision-engineered instrument designed for the reliable determination of tap (or tapped) density of free-flowing powders—particularly milk powder, infant formula, dairy-based functional ingredients, and other food-grade particulates. Based on the standardized principle of controlled mechanical tapping, the STAV II subjects a known mass of sample to repetitive vertical impacts under defined amplitude and frequency, enabling progressive particle rearrangement until volume stabilization. This process yields the minimum attainable bulk volume, from which tap density (g/mL or g/cm³) is calculated as mass divided by final tapped volume. The instrument operates in strict accordance with internationally recognized methodologies—including ISO 3953 (Determination of tap density of metal powders), ISO 787-11 (Pigments and extenders—General methods of test—Part 11: Determination of tap density), and ASTM B527-93 (Standard Test Method for Tap Density of Metal Powders)—making it suitable for quality control laboratories operating under GMP, HACCP, or ISO 22000 frameworks.
Key Features
- Fully automatic operation with single-phase AC motor drive and analog speed control for stable, repeatable tapping at 250 ± 15 taps per minute
- Precision-machined tapper assembly delivering consistent 3.0 ± 0.1 mm drop height and 675 ± 45 g impact mass
- Damping acoustic viewport reduces operational noise to ≤58 dB(A), meeting DIN 45635 requirements for laboratory environments
- Modular cylinder system supporting optional volumes from 10 mL to 1000 mL—enabling method flexibility across low-mass R&D samples and high-throughput QC batches
- Robust aluminum alloy chassis with compact footprint (290 × 330 × 180 mm) and low power consumption (50 W)
- Compliance-ready design: traceable calibration paths, mechanical stability verification protocols, and documentation support for internal audit and regulatory review
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The STAV II is optimized for dry, granular, and agglomerated food powders including skim milk powder, whole milk powder, whey protein isolates, lactose, caseinates, and fortified infant formula blends. Its mechanical tapping mechanism avoids electrostatic interference or thermal effects associated with vibratory or rotational densitometers, ensuring high reproducibility across hygroscopic or cohesive materials. All testing procedures align with EU Pharmacopoeia Chapter 2.9.34 (Bulk and Tapped Density), USP , and ICH Q5C guidelines for physical characterization of biopharmaceutical excipients—rendering the STAV II equally applicable in dairy ingredient certification, contract manufacturing QA, and regulatory submission dossier preparation. Instrument validation documentation supports IQ/OQ protocols per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when integrated into electronic lab notebook (ELN) workflows.
Software & Data Management
As a stand-alone mechanical tester, the STAV II does not incorporate embedded microprocessor control or digital data logging. However, its deterministic mechanical design ensures full traceability: all operational parameters—including tap count, cylinder volume, sample mass, and final tapped volume—are manually recorded in accordance with GLP-compliant laboratory notebooks or LIMS-integrated templates. Users may integrate external weighing systems (e.g., METTLER TOLEDO XP series) and calibrated volumetric cylinders certified to ISO/IEC 17025 standards to maintain metrological integrity throughout the measurement chain. Full technical documentation—including dimensional drawings, torque specifications, and material certificates—is provided in English and German to facilitate equipment qualification and periodic revalidation.
Applications
- Quality assurance of milk powder density specifications during production release and shelf-life monitoring
- Process development support for spray drying, agglomeration, and fluid bed granulation optimization
- Raw material supplier qualification against contractual density tolerances (e.g., ≥0.45 g/mL for instantized skim milk powder)
- Stability assessment of fortified dairy powders containing vitamins, probiotics, or mineral premixes
- Comparative analysis of flow behavior and compaction response between different fat/protein ratios or carrier systems
- Supporting regulatory filings requiring physical characterization data per Codex Alimentarius STAN 206-1999 (Milk Powders)
FAQ
What standards does the STAV II comply with?
ISO 3953, ISO 787-11, ASTM B527-93, EU Ph. Eur. 2.9.34, and USP .
Can the STAV II be used for non-dairy powders?
Yes—it is validated for pharmaceutical excipients, ceramic precursors, and polymer granules where tap density correlates with compressibility and die-filling performance.
Is calibration required before each use?
No routine recalibration is needed; however, daily verification of tap height (3.0 ± 0.1 mm) and tapper mass (675 ± 45 g) using certified gauges is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025.
Does the instrument include data export functionality?
The STAV II is a mechanical-only system; data recording follows manual entry into LIMS or ELN platforms compliant with 21 CFR Part 11.
What cylinder sizes are available?
Standard delivery includes a 250 mL graduated cylinder; optional calibrated cylinders range from 10 mL to 1000 mL (all traceable to national standards).
