Bulk Solids Handling

"Bulk Solids Handling: Equipment Selection and Operation provides an overview of the major technologies involved in the storage and handling of particulate materials from large grains to fine cohesive materials. - Topics covered include characterisation of individual particles and bulk particulate materials, silo design for strength and flow, pneumatic conveying systems, mechanical conveying, and small scale operations. - Guidance is given on appropriate equipment choices depending on the type of material to be handled, and applications and limitations of current bulk solids handling equipment are discussed."--Jacket.

An understanding ofthe properties and the handling characteristics of liquids and gases has long been regarded as an essential requirement for most practising engineers. It is therefore not surprising that, over the years, there has been a regular appearance of books dealing with the fundamentals of fluid mechanics, fluid flow, hydraulics and related topics. What is surprising is that there has been no parallel development of the related discipline of Bulk Solids Handling, despite its increasing importance in modern industry across the world. It is only very recently that a structured approach to the teaching, and learning, of the subject has begun to evolve. A reason for the slow emergence of Bulk Solids Handling as an accepted topic of study in academic courses on mechanical, agricultural, chemical, mining and civil engineering is perhaps that the practice is so often taken for granted. Certainly the variety of materials being handled in bulk is almost endless, ranging in size from fine dust to rocks, in value from refuse to gold, and in temperature from deep-frozen peas to near-molten metal.

Handling of Bulk Solids provides a comprehensive discussion of the field of solids flow and handling in the process industries. Presentation of the subject follows classical lines of separate discussions for each topic, so each chapter is self-contained and can be read on its own. Topics discussed include bulk solids flow and handling properties; pressure profiles in bulk solids storage vessels; the design of storage silos for reliable discharge of bulk materials; gravity flow of particulate materials from storage vessels; pneumatic transportation of bulk solids; and the hazards of solid-materials handling and processing along with their prevention. Worked-out examples are included at the end of each chapter to familiarize the reader with the numerical manipulations and orders of magnitude of various parameters which occur in the subject of bulk solids handling. Because of the complicated form of most of the design equations involved, the computer is an ideal vehicle for the solution of many design problems in bulk solids handling. This book is suitable for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate levels as well as for practitioners in industry.

This book presents some key points in the instrumentation of powder handling processes and provides readers with sufficient knowledge of instrumentation to act as a base for the development of new instruments. It is helpful for instrumentation engineers in powder and bulk solid processes.

The book concentrates on powder flow properties, their measurement and applications. These topics are explained starting from the interactions between individual particles up to the design of silos. A wide range of problems are discussed – such as flow obstructions, segregation, and vibrations. The goal is to provide a deeper understanding of the powder flow, and to show practical solutions.

Handling of powders and bulk solids is a critical industrial technology across a broad spectrum of industries, from minerals processing to bulk and fine chemicals, and the food and pharmaceutical industries, yet is rarely found in the curricula of engineering or chemistry departments. With contributions from leading authors in their respective fields, Characterisation of Bulk Solids provides the reader with a sound understanding of the techniques, importance and application of particulate materials characterisation. It covers the fundamental characteristics of individual particles and bulk particulate materials, and includes discussion of a wide range of measurement techniques, and the use of material characteristics in design and industrial practice. The reader will then be in a better position to diagnose solids handling and processing problems in industry, and to deal with experts and equipment suppliers from an informed standpoint. Written for post-graduate engineers, chemical scientists and technologists at all stages of their industrial career, the book will also serve as an ideal primer in any of the specialist areas to inform further study.

Tens of thousands of mechanical engineers are engaged in the design, building, upgrading, and optimization of various material handling facilities. The peculiarity of material handling is that there are numerous technical solutions to any problem. The engineer’s personal selection of the optimal solution is as critical as the technical component. Michael Rivkin, Ph.D., draws on his decades of experience in design, construction, upgrading, optimization, troubleshooting, and maintenance throughout the world, to highlight topics such as: • physical principles of various material handling systems; • considerations in selecting technically efficient and environmentally friendly equipment; • best practices in upgrading and optimizing existing bulk material handling facilities; • strategies to select proper equipment in the early phases of a new project. Filled with graphs, charts, and case studies, the book also includes bulleted summaries to help mechanical engineers without a special background in material handling find optimal solutions to everyday problems.