Non-flowability

Non-flowability refers to the property of a substance or material that resists or inhibits the ability to move or change shape smoothly and continuously under applied forces, such as gravity or pressure. This characteristic often indicates a high degree of internal friction, cohesiveness, or rigidity within the material's structure. The lack of flowability can be attributed to various factors, including particle size and shape, moisture content, and the presence of binding agents. Assessing non-flowability is crucial in numerous applications, including powder processing, the handling of granular materials, and the design of equipment that relies on material movement.

Non-flowability meaning with examples

• In the pharmaceutical industry, the non-flowability of a powdered drug formulation caused significant problems with tablet manufacturing. The powder repeatedly clogged the feeding mechanism, resulting in inconsistent dosage and production delays. Improving the powder's flow characteristics through granulation was essential for reliable tablet production.
• The construction company encountered major difficulties during the silo filling process because of the non-flowability of the wet cement mixture. The mixture formed solid clumps that blocked the chute, preventing efficient material distribution. The lack of proper flow significantly hampered the construction schedule and increased costs.
• During the testing of various types of sand for use in sandblasting applications, it became obvious that some sands displayed poor flow-ability and, thus, the non-flowability made efficient cleaning difficult. The clumping of these sand types rendered them unfit for use in such specific applications. This lack of flow hampered operational efficiency.
• A food processing plant struggled to efficiently convey a sticky powder through its processing lines, leading to frequent stoppages due to its non-flowability. The powder adhered to the internal surfaces of the equipment, creating blockages and contaminating the final product. Modifications to the processing line were necessary.
• The non-flowability of a newly synthesized polymer proved to be a challenge in extrusion processes. The material's resistance to flow resulted in uneven profiles and structural defects. Scientists looked for methods of increasing the flow properties or redesigning the extrusion head.