Wolfson Centre

Caking and Lump Formation in Powders and Bulk Solids

Course overview

This course is designed to deal with issues relating to keeping powders and granules in a free-flowing, lump-free condition. A large percentage of work undertaken at the Wolfson Centre relates directly to the spoiling and/or solidifying of powders and particulates during handling, storage and discharge. In order to pass on this knowledge and expertise, the course on Caking and Lump Formation in Powders and Bulk Solids has been developed to provide process engineers with the information they need to predict and avoid this problem that can cost the company  valuable time and money in re-work, lost customer confidence and reduced business.

Subjects covered

  • Understanding the forces between particles and how they relate to chemistry, the environment and physical processes;
  • Methods for determining caking tendencies of powders and granules;
  • Practical advice on changes to the product and the handling and storage conditions to reduce this problem;
  • Advice on selection of the solution and practical implementation;
  • Extensive case studies of caking problems and their solutions across the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, mineral and other industries.

Format

This course is designed with an emphasis on the practical aspects of technology. We begin with a comprehensive introduction to give a basic understanding of materials handling, before moving on to more detailed work.

We'll use case studies throughout to illustrate the presentations, with plenty of discussion periods so that we can analyse any specific problems experienced by attendees.

Is this for me?

The course is aimed at Produce Managers, Development Chemists/Formulators, Quality Assurance Officers and Plant Designers/Managers.

Operational staff or senior management will also benefit through a better understanding of what can go wrong and how to make your plant as efficient and trouble-free as possible. The course is ideal for those new to materials handling, those who require an update on the subject, or those who need a working knowledge of the behaviour of powdered/granular materials.

Course team

The course leader is Dr Vivek Garg, whose interests lie in powder flowability;

Contributions may also be made from the rest of the Team, including
Dr Baldeep Kaur, whose interests lie in characterisation and transportation of bulk materials;
Dr Atul Sharma, whose interests lie in pneumatic conveying systems.

Please note that The Wolfson Centre reserves the right to substitute leaders of equal quality should this be dictated by circumstances beyond their control.

In-Company course

This course can be delivered as an In-Company course on line at a time to suit operational requirements.

These are proving to be a popular option for companies who have a number of personnel who would benefit from education in the subject area, for 3 main reasons:

  1. Cost: It is more economic for us to bring the course to you, than for you to send several staff out to us;
  2. Relevance: We can tailor the course programme to suit the operations you have in your plant, hence reducing the amount of material which is not directly relevant;
  3. Convenience: We can run the course when it suits you, even over several separate days rather than in a block if it is better for you.

If you are interested in discussing your requirements, please contact us.