FLO-GARD™ Series: Food-Grade Flow Aid Silica - Comprehensive Summary

1. One-Sentence Summary

PPG, a global leader in synthetic precipitated silica, offers the FLO-GARD™ series of food-grade flow aid silica with over 30 years of application history. These odorless, tasteless, and pH-neutral synthetic amorphous products core functions are anti-caking and optimizing powder flowability, adapting to various food applications from large to ultra-fine particles through multiple mechanisms. The series includes 7 models with differentiated parameters such as particle size and oil absorption value, strictly complying with FDA 21 CFR relevant standards. Packaging options cover small bags and bulk bags; storage requires a dry and clean environment, with moisture re-testing needed after 1 year of storage. PPG also provides professional technical and customer service support.

2. Mind Map

3. Detailed Summary

I. Brand & Product Positioning

Brand Background: PPG is a pioneer in synthetic precipitated silica (first introduced in the 1930s) and now a global leader in the field, focusing on providing customized flow aid and anti-caking solutions for the food industry.

Product Positioning: The FLO-GARD™ series is a flow conditioning silica specifically designed for the food industry. Its core value lies in solving food powder caking issues, optimizing flowability, and enhancing product performance and production efficiency, with over 30 years of application history.

II. Core Product Characteristics & Mechanism of Action

Basic Characteristics:
◦Substance Type: Synthetic amorphous precipitated silica
◦Sensory & Chemical Properties: Odorless and tasteless, with a neutral pH (6.9-7.0), suitable for various food formulations

Mechanism of Action (5 Pathways to Improve Powder Flowability):
◦Separates irregularly shaped particles to reduce interparticle entanglement
◦Absorbs moisture on particle surfaces to lower viscosity
◦Coats (dusters) surfaces of sticky particles to prevent adhesion
◦Acts as a dry lubricant to reduce interparticle friction
◦Stabilizes electrostatic charge fluctuations to avoid electrostatic adsorption and caking

III. Product Series Details (Key Parameters Summary Table)

Product Model	Median Particle Size (μm)	Bulk Density (g/L)	Sodium Sulfate Residue (%)	DOA Oil Absorption (mL/100g)	Core Application Scenarios
Flo-Gard LPC	6.9	250	12.0	195	Medium to large particle food applications
Flo-Gard SP	45	275	11.0	175	Medium particle foods requiring high oil/fat absorption
Flo-Gard AB/AB-D	40	310	8.0	130	Medium particle foods with water-containing ingredients
Flo-Gard FF/FF-D	20	215/240	8.0	130	Fine particle foods requiring high oil absorption
Flo-Gard 915	10	265	5.0	80	Fine to ultra-fine particle foods with low residue requirements
Flo-Gard T-700	4	275	2.5	40	Ultra-fine particle food applications
Flo-Gard T-800	2.5	270	2.0	30	Demanding ultra-fine particle food scenarios

IV. Application Scenarios & Compliance Requirements

6.Main Application Fields:
Covers cocoa powder, dried egg yolk/egg powder, garlic salt/onion salt, instant coffee/tea, ground herbs and spices, lemon/lime/orange powder, malt emulsifier powder, non-dairy creamers, pancake/cake mixes, paprika, powdered beverages, milk powder, powdered sugar, granulated salt/sugar, grated cheese, tableting aids, salt/sugar substitutes, etc.

7.Compliance Standards:
◦General Standard: Complies with FDA 21 CFR 172.480, with a maximum addition level not exceeding 2% of the finished food weight
◦Specific Standards: For dried egg yolk/egg powder, complies with 21 CFR 160.185/160.105 (maximum addition ≤1%); for grated cheese, complies with 21 CFR 133.146 (maximum addition ≤2%)

V. Packaging, Storage & Safety

8.Packaging Specifications:
◦Standard Packaging: Small bags, flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs). Small bags are unitized for transport via pallet wrapping; FIBCs are double-stacked on wooden pallets.
◦Custom Options: Custom packaging sizes and bulk transport available (consult customer service or sales representatives)

9.Storage Requirements:
◦Environment: Dry and clean, avoiding contact with other substances
◦Shelf Life: No definite limit; however, if stored for more than 1 year (from the production date), moisture content must be re-tested
◦Precautions: Pallets shall not be double-stacked

10.Safety Notes:
◦Read product labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and other documents in advance to understand usage precautions
◦Improper use may cause hazards; keep out of reach of children

VI. Service Support

11.Customer Service:
◦US: Tel +1-800-243-6745, Email silicacustserv@ppg.com
◦Europe: Tel +31-596-676710, Email csdelfzijl@ppg.com

12.Technical Support:
◦US: Tel +1-800-764-7369
◦Europe: Tel +31-596-676710
◦Service Content: Provides product selection guidance (based on food particle characteristics, process conditions, etc.)

13.Sample Requests: Free product samples available via customer service

4. Key Questions

Question 1: What are the core functions of the FLO-GARD™ series food-grade silica, and how are these functions achieved?
Answer: The core functions are preventing food powder caking and optimizing its flowability, thereby improving product performance and production efficiency. These functions are achieved through 5 mechanisms:

① Separating irregularly shaped particles;

② Absorbing moisture on particle surfaces;

③ Coating the surfaces of sticky particles (dusting);

④ Acting as a dry lubricant;

⑤ Stabilizing electrostatic charge fluctuations to avoid electrostatic adsorption.

Question 2: What are the main models of the FLO-GARD™ series, and what are the core differentiated parameters and applicable scenarios of different models?
Answer: The series includes 7 core models. The key differentiated parameters are median particle size, oil absorption value, and sodium sulfate residue content. Applicable scenarios are divided by particle size and performance requirements:

① Flo-Gard LPC (6.9μm): Medium to large particle foods;

② Flo-Gard SP (45μm): Medium particles + high oil absorption;

③ Flo-Gard AB/AB-D (40μm): Medium particles + water-containing ingredients;

④ Flo-Gard FF/FF-D (20μm): Fine particles + high oil absorption;

⑤ Flo-Gard 915 (10μm): Fine to ultra-fine particles + low residue;

⑥ Flo-Gard T-700 (4μm): Ultra-fine particles;

⑦ Flo-Gard T-800 (2.5μm): Demanding ultra-fine particle scenarios.

Question 3: What compliance requirements must be followed when using the FLO-GARD™ series products, and what should be noted during storage?
Answer: Compliance Requirements:

① General addition level ≤2% of the finished food weight (complies with FDA 21 CFR 172.480);

② Addition level for dried egg yolk/egg powder ≤1% (21 CFR 160.185/160.105);

③ Addition level for grated cheese ≤2% (21 CFR 133.146).

Storage Precautions:

① Store in a dry and clean environment, avoiding contact with other substances;

② Re-test moisture content if stored for more than 1 year;

③ Pallets shall not be double-stacked, and there is no definite shelf life under standard packaging and compliant storage conditions.

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