Tapped Density Tester | Tap Density Analyzer for Powder RT-100

RT-100 Tap Density Tester

Single, Double and Three-Station Models for Powder Tapped Density Testing

Product Overview

The RT-100 series tap density tester is designed to determine the tapped density of powders and granular materials. It uses a motor-driven mechanical tapping mechanism to move a graduated cylinder vertically according to preset tapping parameters.

When the preset tapping count or test time is reached, the instrument stops automatically. The final powder volume is then read, and the tapped density is calculated from the sample mass and final volume.

The RT-100 series is suitable for powder testing in pharmaceutical, chemical, food, battery material, abrasive, powder metallurgy and research laboratory applications.

Single-station, double-station and three-station models are available to meet different laboratory testing requirements.

Key Features

• Multiple Station Options: Single-station, double-station and three-station configurations are available to suit different testing workloads.
• Adjustable Tapping Stroke: Integer adjustment from 1 to 14 mm.
• Continuously Adjustable Tapping Frequency: Adjustable from 0 to 300 taps per minute.
• Two Test Control Modes: Select testing by preset tapping count or by test time.
• Automatic Calculation: Calculates tapped density based on sample mass and final powder volume.
• Built-in Printer: Prints test information, including date and time, sample mass, volume, tapped density, average value and test number.
• Data Storage and Average Calculation: Supports data storage and average-value calculation for routine laboratory testing.
• Password Protection: Password setting is available for instrument operation.
• Optional Volumetric Method: An optional stainless-steel composite cylinder assembly is available for suitable fine powders that tend to adhere to the cylinder wall.
• Optional Automatic Cylinder Rotation: Selected configurations can be upgraded with a slow horizontal cylinder rotation mechanism to help reduce powder adhesion during tapping.

Working Principle

A measured powder sample is placed in a graduated cylinder, which is mounted on the instrument’s mechanical tapping mechanism. The motor drives the cylinder vertically through a controlled tapping motion.

The operator sets the required tapping count or test duration. When the preset endpoint is reached, the instrument stops automatically. The final powder volume is then read, and the tapped density is calculated using the sample mass and final volume.

Tapped Density = Sample Mass ÷ Final Powder Volume

The result is expressed in g/cm³.

Test Methods

1. Gravimetric Method — Standard Configuration

The standard gravimetric method uses glass graduated cylinders. The powder sample is weighed, placed in the cylinder and subjected to the specified tapping procedure. The final powder volume is used with the sample mass to calculate tapped density.

This method is suitable for powder samples that do not adhere excessively to the cylinder wall under the selected test conditions.

2. Volumetric Method — Optional Configuration

An optional stainless-steel composite cylinder assembly is available for suitable fine powders that tend to adhere to the measuring cylinder.

The optional assembly includes 25 ml and 100 ml cylinder configurations. A 10 ml stainless-steel cylinder can be ordered separately.

The appropriate method and cylinder should be selected according to the sample characteristics and applicable test procedure.

3. Optional Automatic Cylinder Rotation

An optional automatic horizontal cylinder rotation mechanism is available for selected configurations.

During the tapping process, the measuring cylinder rotates slowly to help reduce powder adhesion to the cylinder wall, particularly for powders prone to sticking or caking. This feature may help improve the consistency of parallel test results, depending on the sample characteristics and test conditions.

The automatic cylinder rotation mechanism is an optional upgrade and is not included in the standard configuration. Please specify this requirement when requesting a quotation.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	RT-100	RT-100B	RT-100E
Test stations	1	2	3
Tapping stroke	1–14 mm, integer adjustable	1–14 mm, integer adjustable	1–14 mm, integer adjustable
Tapping frequency	0–300 taps/min, continuously adjustable	0–300 taps/min, continuously adjustable	0–300 taps/min, continuously adjustable
Test control modes	Tapping count / test time	Tapping count / test time	Tapping count / test time
Density calculation and display range	0–9.9999 g/cm³	0–9.9999 g/cm³	0–9.9999 g/cm³
Repeatability deviation	≤1%*	≤1%*	≤1%*
Accuracy deviation	≤1%*	≤1%*	≤1%*
Standard measuring cylinders	25, 50, 100 and 250 ml glass cylinders, one of each per station	25, 50, 100 and 250 ml glass cylinders, one of each per station	25, 50, 100 and 250 ml glass cylinders, one of each per station
Test methods	Gravimetric method standard; volumetric method optional	Gravimetric method standard; volumetric method optional	Gravimetric method standard; volumetric method optional
Automatic cylinder rotation	Optional upgrade	Optional upgrade	Optional upgrade
Data processing	Automatic calculation and average calculation	Automatic calculation and average calculation	Automatic calculation and average calculation
Printer	Built-in	Built-in	Built-in
Power supply	220 V, 50 Hz	220 V, 50 Hz	220 V, 50 Hz
Power consumption	40 W	40 W	40 W

The manufacturer specifies repeatability and accuracy deviations of ≤1%, supported by internal testing using reference powders. Test reports can be provided. Please refer to the applicable test conditions and reports for details.

Notes:

• The density range refers to the instrument’s calculation and display range; it is not a claim of independently verified measurement accuracy throughout the entire range.
• Automatic cylinder rotation is an optional upgrade and is not included in the standard configuration.
• The standard configuration includes one glass cylinder each of 25, 50, 100 and 250 ml per station.

Applicable Standards

The RT-100 series is designed to meet the apparatus requirements for tap density testing referenced in USP <616>, Ch.P. 0993, EP 2.9.34, BP, ISO 3953 and GB/T 5162.

The applicable test procedure, tapping parameters and cylinder configuration should be selected according to the relevant standard and test method. This statement concerns apparatus requirements and does not imply certification by a pharmacopoeia or standards organization.

Applications

Pharmaceutical Industry

Tap density testing of pharmaceutical powders and excipients for routine quality control, formulation development and laboratory evaluation.

Food Industry

Testing of powdered food ingredients, including milk powder, instant coffee, food additives and seasoning powders.

Chemical and Pigment Industry

Evaluation of tapped density for chemical powders, pigments and other fine particulate materials.

Battery Materials

Tapped density testing of suitable electrode powders and other battery-related powder materials.

Metal Powder and Powder Metallurgy

Evaluation of tapped density for metal powders and powder metallurgy materials according to the applicable test procedure.

Research and Education

Laboratory testing, material characterization and powder-related research.

Optional Accessories

The following accessories and services can be selected according to laboratory requirements:

• Stainless-steel composite cylinder assembly: 25 ml and 100 ml
• Additional 10 ml stainless-steel cylinder
• Automatic horizontal cylinder rotation mechanism for selected configurations
• Sound-insulation enclosure
• External communication weighing balance
• Moisture meter
• Powder true density meter
• Bulk density tester
• 3Q verification documentation
• Third-party calibration service, subject to confirmation

Please confirm the required accessories and documentation when requesting a quotation.

RT-100 Tapped Density Tester Operation Guide

Watch the video for standard testing steps: sample filling, parameter setup, tapping run and data reading. The optional rotary cylinder operation is also covered. Compliant with USP<616> and ISO 3953.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between bulk density and tapped density?

Bulk density generally refers to the density of a powder in its loose, untapped state. Tapped density is determined after a powder sample has undergone a specified tapping procedure. The two values describe different powder conditions and should not be used interchangeably.

2. How do I choose between the RT-100, RT-100B and RT-100E?

The RT-100 is the single-station model, the RT-100B is the double-station model, and the RT-100E is the three-station model. Select the configuration according to the number of samples that need to be processed and the laboratory’s testing workload.

3. Is the stainless-steel cylinder included?

No. The standard configuration includes glass measuring cylinders. The stainless-steel composite cylinder assembly is optional and includes 25 ml and 100 ml configurations. The 10 ml stainless-steel cylinder is available separately.

4. Is automatic cylinder rotation included as standard?

No. Automatic horizontal cylinder rotation is an optional upgrade available on selected configurations. It is intended to help reduce powder adhesion to the cylinder wall for suitable samples. Please specify this requirement when requesting a quotation.

5. Can the tester calculate the Hausner ratio and compressibility index?

These values can be calculated when the required loose bulk density and tapped density data are available. The loose bulk density must be obtained separately or entered by the operator, and the applicable calculation method should be followed.

6. Can the instrument provide test records?

The built-in printer can print test information, including date and time, sample mass, volume, tapped density, average value and test number. Please contact us to confirm any additional data communication requirements.

7. Can the instrument be used for pharmacopoeia-related testing?

The RT-100 series is designed with reference to the apparatus requirements cited in the applicable pharmacopoeial methods. Users should confirm that the selected instrument configuration and operating procedure meet the requirements of the specific method being applied.

Request a Quote for the RT-100 Tap Density Tester

Looking for a tap density tester for your laboratory or production quality control?

Contact RIGHT Instrument to discuss your powder characteristics, required test method, station configuration and optional accessories. We can help you select a suitable configuration for your application.