Measuring bulk density

Bulk density is also commonly referred to as bulk weight. Bulk density is the ratio of the mass of a bulk material to the volume it occupies in a loose state, including all voids. To determine this, the bulk material is fed through a standardised funnel into a measuring cylinder or beaker of a specified volume, in accordance with the relevant standard (e.g. DIN ISO 697, EN ISO 60). Once the material has settled, the vessel is weighed and the bulk density is calculated from the mass and volume.

ρ_(Sch) = m / V

• M is the mass of the sample added 
• V is the known volume of the measuring vessel

In practice, a reproducible filling method (e.g. the rain-fill method, a defined drop height, a standardised funnel) is crucial to ensure that bulk densities from different batches or formulations can be compared and, for example, the fill levels of amixon® mixers can be correctly calculated.