Powder flow from an intermediate bulk container – Discharge predictions and experimental evaluation

•The flow behavior of excipients was characterized using several techniques.•Flowability was predicted using, e.g., Jenike’s hopper design methodology.•The results were experimentally validated using IBC discharge measurements.•The Erweka flow test provided the best prediction of the IBC discharge rate.•A simple model predicted the IBC discharge rate of the five excipients.