Granutools - Model GranuCharge AL -Real-time Electrostatic Charge Analyzer
The GranuCharge AL is a sophisticated electrostatic charge analyzer designed to measure the charge per mass of powder during flow in real-time. It employs the triboelectric effect, which is a charge exchange occurring at the contact between two solids, to analyze electrostatic charging. This compact, portable solution allows for seamless monitoring of electrostatic charges directly at the production line. The system is equipped with a load cell that facilitates immediate access to charge per mass data, enabling the evaluation of powder interactions with various materials under real process conditions. Its at-line capability allows for rapid testing and informed decision-making, optimizing material handling processes, reducing electrostatic-related issues, and enhancing process reliability without disrupting production. Utilizing a Faraday cup and electrometer arrangement, the GranuCharge AL affords precise, automated measurements of the electrostatic charges, providing high repeatability and minimal setup effort, making it ideal for applications in electrostatic troubleshooting, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and additive manufacturing.
Electrostatic charges naturally appear in powders during flow, primarily due to the triboelectric effect — a charge exchange occurring at the contact between two solids. In industrial processes, this effect takes place both between powder particles and between the particles and the surfaces of equipment such as mixers, silos, or conveyors.
The GranuCharge AT LINE (AL) offers a compact and portable solution to monitor electrostatic charging in real time, directly at the production line. Equipped with a load cell, it provides immediate access to the charge per mass, allowing you to evaluate how powders interact with different materials under real process conditions.
This at-line approach enables rapid testing and faster decision-making, helping you optimize materials, reduce electrostatic-related issues, and improve process reliability, without interrupting production.
GranuCharge AL automatically and precisely measures the electrostatic charges generated by a powder during flow. After the powder is conveyed through the production line, it falls into a Faraday cup connected to an electrometer, which records the charge acquired by the powder during its flow. Simultaneously, the powder mass flow rate is measured thanks to the integrated load cell, enabling direct calculation of the charge per mass.
Designed for at line applications, the GranuCharge AL provides real-time monitoring of electrostatic charging behavior under process-relevant conditions, with high repeatability and minimal setup.
- Ideal for use directly at the production line - compact and portable design.
- Real-time electrostatic charge monitoring during powder flow.
- Immediate charge per mass readout thanks to the integrated load cell.
- High precision (0.05 nC per gram) and high repeatability, even in at line conditions.
- Fully automated and intuitive operation, minimizing user intervention.
- Fast testing cycles for quick decision-making during production.
- Software-assisted analysis with secure user profiles and full data export.
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs) ensure consistent and repeatable testing.
- Compatible with a wide range of powder types and flow properties.
- Easy-to-clean parts for maximum usability.
- Designed to maximize uptime — optimized for robustness in industrial environments.
- Only compact instrument capable of real-time electrostatic charge measurement under production conditions.
- Instant charge-per-gram readout thanks to the integrated load cell.
- Compact design, optimized for use close to the production line.
- Decoupled sensor design allows easy and ergonomic implementation directly on the process line
Electrostatic Troubleshooting & Optimization
- Identification of electrostatic-related process issues without stopping production.
- Real-time assessment of charge buildup from specific contact surfaces.
- Powder electrostatic charge sampling at different stages of the process.
Pharmaceutical Continuous Manufacturing
- Evaluation of the influence of process equipment (hoppers, feeders, blenders…) on charge accumulation.
- Support for material selection and design improvements.
Additive Manufacturing & Metal Powders
- Monitoring the impact of electrostatic charging on powder spreadability.
- Analysis of powder distributors and flow behavior in powder bed fusion systems.
- Evaluation of charging during flow through nozzles (e.g., DED systems).
- Optimization of powder handling with virgin/recycled blends.