Powder Handling Short Courses
During the summer months we will continue to train industry on-line, helping to navigate through the difficulties of powder and particulate handling. Our short courses are all aimed at engineers involved in the day to day processing of bulk materials, and cover a wide range of topic areas from a wide range of industries. Some of the sectors we train include food and beverage, chemical, metal, plastics, recycling, renewable energy, equipment manufacturing, production of household goods, aggregates, minerals, pharmaceuticals; in fact any industry handling bulk solid materials can be accommodated. The next 2 courses focus on powder handling in particular: Caking and Lump Formation in Powders and Bulk Materials; a guide to issues relating to keeping powders and granules in a free-flowing, lump-free condition
29 and 30 June; 14:00 – 17:00 hrs
For many industries controlling or minimising unwanted caking/ agglomeration of powders and particulate materials is a significant challenge which, in worst case scenario, can result in a halt in production.
This course aims to explain how and why caking/ lump formation occurs and how to avoid or minimise the risk.
Over the 2 sessions you will learn about:
· Occurrences of caking in processes: A discussion of the methods that can be useful in predicting or trouble shooting unintended agglomeration of bulk materials in industry
· Types of caking and methods for laboratory evaluation: A review of the range of caking mechanisms that can occur in processes and options for quantifying the ‘strength’ of agglomerates.
· Common plant and operational issues: A session focussing on how various types of caking problems are created or exacerbated by using some types of standard equipment for handling bulk solids. Common design mistakes are highlighted, and the impact of these errors explored. Counter measures and design best practice is discussed.
Course leader Richard Farnish has over 20 years’ experience dealing with the problems of caking and lump formation in powders and bulk materials and will be available to discuss your own issues.
Powder Handling and Flow for Additive Manufacturing; a guide through the critical aspects of powder management for powder-based AM processing
12 – 16 July; 14:00 – 17:00 hrs
The course is aimed at operatives and management working in powder based additive manufacturing, particularly with metal or plastic powders. Experts from industry in the EU and UK will be on hand to lead delegates through the various potential pitfalls that might occur during the Additive Manufacturing process and to answer questions throughout the week.
Some of the topics covered include:
· Recycling and quality issues when dealing with powders in the AM process;
· Potential for contamination and oxidation;
· Standards for AM powders
· Key Health and Safety considerations;
· Introduction to handling processes; understand the principles for reliable flow, powder properties and pneumatic conveying operation issues.
· Quality considerations, such as sampling, electrostatics, powder evolution and quality loss.
The expert panel of presenters includes:
Dipl.-Ing Claus Aumund-Kopp, Group Leader for AM at the Fraunhofer IFAM Institute in Bremen, has worked with metal powders for AM powder bed fusion and AM binder jetting approaches for over fifteen years.
Dr Neil Harrison, Materials Development Manager at Carpenter Additive, has over 5 years of academic and industrial experience in metal powder AM, including work on alloy design, powder behaviour and powder evolution.
Richard Farnish, Senior Consultant Engineer at the Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology, University of Greenwich, has worked internationally on design and troubleshooting of bulk solids handling as a commercial consultant and research expert for over twenty years.
Full details of these and other courses on offer can be found here Contact the Wolfson Centre on 020 8331 8646 or email wolfson-enquiries@gre.ac.uk www.bulksolids.com
