GranuCharge At Line: Real-time electrostatic charges analyzer

Principle

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.

Key Benefits

• 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.

Differentiators

• 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

Applications

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.