Solids Solutions – Expertise in particles, powders and catalysts

Solids Solutions, known in practice as Delft Solids Solutions, is a leading contract research organisation (CRO) that focuses on the physical characterisation of solids, especially powders and granules. Thanks to their in-depth knowledge and high-quality laboratory facilities, they help companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical, materials and catalysis industries to better understand and optimise their products and processes. In this article, we take a closer look at how Solids Solutions works, with a particular focus on the fluidity of powder and the characterisation of catalysts — two key areas in which the company excels.

What does Solids Solutions do?

Solids Solutions was founded as a spin-off from Delft University of Technology in 2002 and has since grown into an independent research institute with international ambitions. Their core activities include:

• Characterisation of powders and granules: properties such as particle size, porosity, surface area, density and chemical composition. 
• Bulk and bulk material characterisation: flow behaviour, segregation (separation based on particle size), attrition, dust formation and other bulk properties. 
• Consultancy, laboratory services and education (courses, workshops) in the field of particle and powder technology. 
• Collaborating on projects in close cooperation with clients, whereby the experimental conditions correspond as closely as possible to the intended application (the Delft Solids Solutions Method). 

Thanks to this approach, Solids Solutions can provide practical, applicable insights rather than just fundamental data.

Flowability of powder: why it matters

Flowability of powder (also known as flowability or flow capacity) is a crucial factor in the processing of powders and solids. It describes how easily a powder transitions from a stationary state to a flowing state when an external force is applied (e.g. via gravity, air flow or mechanical pressure). 

Why is this relevant? In industrial processes such as dosing, transport, storage and supply, a powder that flows poorly can lead to blockages, uneven dosing or wastage. Solids Solutions analyses these properties using advanced measurement methods to provide insight into:

• How consistently a powder flows under different conditions
• At what pressure, slope or force impact it begins to flow
• How additional factors such as humidity, fineness or composition influence flow

By accurately characterising the fluidity of powder, process engineers can take measures (such as adding lubricants, changing particle size distribution, anti-caking) to ensure stable and predictable flow in their production lines.

Characterisation of catalysts: approach and challenges

Catalysts play a central role in many chemical processes, from petrochemicals to fine chemicals and sustainable technologies. To optimise their performance, a thorough characterisation of catalysts is essential. This involves mapping their physical, chemical and structural properties under realistic conditions of use.

At Solids Solutions, the following aspects can be addressed in the context of catalyst characterisation:

• Porosity and porous structure (micropores, mesopores, macropores)
• Specific surface area and dispersion of active components
• Particle size and morphology of catalytic particles
• Chemical composition, oxidation state and elemental analysis
• Thermal stability, mechanical strength and wear (attrition)
• Bulk behaviour (e.g. structure and flow of catalyst beds)

The aim is to establish links between the characteristics of the catalyst and its actual performance (such as activity, selectivity and service life). Thanks to their expertise in particle and powder analysis, Solids Solutions can characterise the catalyst not only “at rest”, but also under conditions that closely resemble the actual process environment — which is essential for reliable translation to industrial scale.

Why choose Solids Solutions?

Solids Solutions stands out thanks to its combination of in-depth scientific expertise, high-quality facilities and a practical approach. Some distinguishing factors:

1. Applied focus – Research is conducted as much as possible in conditions similar to the real process environment, so that the data obtained is practically usable. 
2. Wide range of measurements – From surface measurements to bulk flow and catalyst analysis.
3. Consultancy and customisation – Collaboration with customers to understand the questions behind the data and translate solutions into process improvements.
4. Education & training – Solids Solutions organises courses and workshops for companies that want to brush up their employees’ knowledge of powder and particle technology.