Course Dates
20 April 2026
Course Fee
£625 full fee per delegate. Discounted rate £575 per delegate.
Discounts are available for group bookings and returning delegates.
Registration
Registration and payment is available via the on-line shop.
Online registration closes on 9 April 2027 at 5pm
Course overview
The true cost of powder and bulk solids handling equipment is determined not simply by the purchase price, but by how well the plant performs throughout its working life. An apparently economical equipment choice can become expensive if the material does not behave as expected, the equipment is poorly matched to the characteristics and behaviour of the bulk solid, important design uncertainties have not been resolved, or problems only become apparent during commissioning and operation.
The consequences can extend far beyond the original equipment cost. Inadequate throughput, unreliable operation, product-quality problems, excessive energy consumption, additional labour, repeated maintenance, downtime, remedial modifications and lost production can all increase the overall cost of ownership. The wider commercial impact may include delayed production, demurrage, failure to achieve guaranteed performance, contractual disputes, missed business opportunities and loss of revenue.
This course examines how better technical and commercial decisions can be made when specifying, purchasing, operating and maintaining bulk solids handling equipment. Drawing on real industrial examples, it explores how understanding the bulk material being handled, reducing uncertainty at the design and procurement stages, selecting equipment that is fit for the intended duty, and considering whole-life performance can help avoid costly problems and deliver reliable, maintainable plant. The aim is to help both buyers and suppliers make well-informed decisions and reduce the risk of problems arising after installation.
Format
The course uses real industrial case studies and practical examples to illustrate how problems in bulk solids handling can arise and how their technical and commercial consequences can develop. These examples are used to explore the decisions made during equipment selection, specification, procurement, design, commissioning and operation, and to identify where different approaches could have reduced risk or cost.
Discussion periods are included throughout the course, giving delegates the opportunity to consider the lessons from the case studies and, where appropriate, relate them to problems or experiences from their own plants and projects.
Subjects covered
- True cost of ownership – looking beyond purchase price to whole-life cost and performance.
- Hall of Shame – real industrial examples of uncontrolled cost growth in bulk solids handling.
- Bulk-solid behaviour and its influence on equipment and plant performance.
- Material characterisation – identifying relevant properties and reducing design uncertainty.
- Fit-for-purpose equipment and technology selection.
- Specification and procurement – defining requirements and avoiding common pitfalls.
- Performance, warranties and contractual responsibility.
- Containing cost growth through appropriate design, reliability, maintainability and consideration of operating costs.
- Good practice in bulk solids handling project procurement – risk identification, technical evaluation and evidence-based decision-making.
Is it for me?
This course is aimed at buyers, users and suppliers of powder and bulk solids handling equipment, as well as those involved in engineering, procurement, operation and maintenance.
It will help delegates understand the questions to ask, the evidence to seek and the factors to consider when specifying or selecting equipment. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding bulk-solid behaviour, assessing technical proposals and matching equipment to the material, process and operating duty.
The course is particularly useful for those looking to reduce technical and commercial risk, improve plant reliability and avoid costly problems after installation.
Venue
The Bristol Port Company, Safety & Training Centre, St Andrews House, St Andrews Rd, Avonmouth, Bristol BS11 9SJ
Course team
The course leader is
Dr Atul Sharma, whose interests lie in the design and troubleshooting of bulk solids handling systems
Contributions may also be made from the rest of the Team, including:
Mike Bradley, Professor of Bulk and Particulate Technologies and Director of The Wolfson Centre. He has worked internationally on design and troubleshooting of bulk solids handling as a commercial consultant and research expert for over twenty years;
Dr Baldeep Kaur, whose interests lie in characterisation and transportation of bulk materials;
Dr Vivek Garg, whose interests lie in powder flowability;.
Dr Hamed Johnny Sarnavi, whose interest lie in classification and drying techniques.
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. 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:
- Cost: It is more economic for us to bring the course to you, than for you to send several staff out to us;
- 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;
- 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.
