The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

Overview: This intensive course looks at system components, design techniques, operation and control of blow tank systems, explosion hazards and operational problems, as well as the important but often neglected area of interfacing storage bins with conveying systems. Subjects covered: * Techniques for reducing product degradation during conveying * Ways to reduce maintenance, repair and unplanned stoppages to pneumatic conveying equipment * Methods of reducing energy consumption * How to troubleshoot problematic systems * How to eliminate blockages in pneumatic pipelines * Explosion Hazards including ATEX Directives * Operation and control of blow tanks * System selection and operation * Interfacing storage bins to conveying systems * Relevant case studies from industry Course fee: from £915. Discounted are offered for returning delegates and 2 or more registrations from one company.

Advanced Course: Pneumatic Conveying System Design An in-depth exploration of detailed calculations and design for pneumatic pipelines. This course is aimed at practitioners already familiar with the basics of pneumatic conveying. Course fees are £915, discounted for returning delegates from other courses, and 2 or more registrations from one company This is also available as an In-Company course. This course is delivered in English.

Course Overview This course focuses specifically on COSHH issues associated with bulk solid materials, including powders, particulates, granules, and dust. Drawing on The Wolfson Centre's expertise in powder handling and dust control, it relates COSHH requirements to the practical realities of bulk solids handling operations. The aim is to enable delegates to understand the requirements, discharge their responsibilities, and achieve compliance efficiently and effectively, moving beyond a paperwork or tick-box approach. Common misunderstandings and mistakes in COSHH application are highlighted and discussed. Format An interactive course combining in-depth instruction and presenter-led worked examples with participatory sessions. Delegates will actively apply the COSHH assessment process in small groups, completing an assessment of a realistic bulk solids handling operation with guidance from presenters. Case studies illustrate practical application, supported by discussion periods for delegates to raise questions and explore specific problems. Key Topics Purpose of a COSHH Assessment; Dust Generation and Control in Powder Handling; COSHH Statutory Framework and DSEAR; Carrying Out a COSHH Assessment; Inhalable and Respirable Dust Fractions; High-Hazard Dusts; Reading and Using Safety Data Sheets; Identifying Routes of Exposure; Grouping Materials and Streamlining Assessments; Building a COSHH Assessment – Practical Exercise; COSHH vs Equipment Risk Assessments; Reviewing and Maintaining Assessments. Who Should Attend This course is recommended for maintenance, management, operatives, Health and Safety professionals, commissioning engineers, and plant designers – essentially anyone involved in handling bulk solid materials who needs to understand their health and safety responsibilities.

Process technologies have advanced enormously the past decades. But flow problems have persisted. This article will discuss some of the more common causes. by R.J. Farnish The movement and storage of bulk materials within processes has been a fundamental activity for many plants since the event of the industrial revolution in the 18th century. Process technologies have advanced enormously in their sophistication and efficiency over the intervening period to the current day. If it were possible to bring an engineer from the early days of industrialisation to see what is available today they almost certainly would not believe their eyes at the sheer diversity of plant equipment tailored for specific process requirements and end products. Sadly, what they probably would be able to relate to are the silos, bunkers and hoppers that function poorly and are often on the receiving end of the not so tender attentions of plant operators. This article will discuss some of the more common causes of processing/flow problems that have persisted over the decades. Fundamentals The discharge problems that are experienced when handling bulk…

A series of short courses on pneumatic conveying systems has been announced for engineers. The training covers basic operation, system design, practical troubleshooting, and commissioning. Basic Training in Bulk Conveying The basic training course takes place on 17-18 November 2026 in Nether Langwith, Nottinghamshire. It covers the identification of pneumatic conveying system components, system selection, and design techniques for engineers new to the industry. Advanced System Design Course For engineers involved in system design, an advanced course will be held on 1-2 December 2026 in Chatham, Kent. This module provides an in-depth exploration of detailed calculations for designing pneumatic pipelines and specifying plant equipment. Practical Workshop and Troubleshooting A one-day practical workshop showcasing specialised equipment in an onsite pilot plant in Chatham takes place on 3 December 2026. Following this, a hands-on course on troubleshooting and commissioning pneumatic conveying systems will run on 23-24 February 2027 in Chatham.

Register for a 2-day course (Nov 17-18, UK) on bulk material pneumatic conveying. Learn system design, troubleshooting, energy reduction, and ATEX compliance for feeders, conveyors, and storage silos from experts. Early Bird ends July 31. Early Bird registration is open until 31 July 2026 On 17 – 18 November we are delivering the short course Pneumatic Conveying of Bulk Materials at The Park, Nether Langwith, Nottinghamshire, UK. This 2 day course will cover identification of components of pneumatic conveying systems, system selection and design techniques. On this course you will learn: Techniques for reducing product degradation during conveying Ways to reduce maintenance, repair and unplanned stoppages to pneumatic conveying equipment Methods of reducing energy consumption How to troubleshoot problematic systems How to eliminate blockages in pneumatic pipelines Explosion Hazards including ATEX Directives Operation and control of blow tanks System selection and operation Interfacing storage bins to conveying systems Relevant case studies from industry Experts Prof Mike Bradley and Dr Atul Sharma will discuss the following topics: Introduction to pneumatic conveying Troubleshooting Designing out potential…

2 day short course designed to give delegates an overview of various methods for determining the bulk behaviour of powder and granular particulates. This course is designed to give delegates an overview of various methods for determining the bulk behaviour of powder and granular particulates. The range of measurement techniques covered by the presenters will: * Introduce relevance to real-world industrial scenarios * Describe how the particular technique works and where it would be most useful. You will learn about a chosen selection of the following topics: * Particle size measurement techniques * Particle Density (solid and bulk) * Flow property measurements * Moisture uptake * Propensity for Segregation/de-blending * Degradation/friability of bulk through handling systems * Caking/agglomeration of bulk materials in storage * Explosability * Pneumatic conveying properties * Dustiness testing * Mechanical Surface Energy Testing There will be demonstrations of some of the techniques. Register before 30 June to receive a discounted fee.

2 day in-depth short course for Engineers involved in the design or troubleshooting of pneumatic conveying systems If you are tasked with designing Pneumatic Conveying systems, this course is designed for you. An advanced in-depth exploration of detailed calculations for design of pneumatic pipelines and specifying plant. The course will cover: * Lean versus dense phase – relative advantages in practical application, and applicability to different materials; * A detailed look at obtaining conveying information for the material to be handled, and how to scale this up for pipeline design; * Different equations for predicting pipeline pressure drop and throughput; * Stepped bore pipelines – how they enhance system performance and reduce problems, and how to design them; * Differences in powder behaviour; * A detailed look at bends; radius, pressure drop, wear, particle damage and material build-up; * Air humidity effects – psychrometry and moisture calculations, and controlling interaction or airborne moisture with the powder; * Practical details – choice…

A properly designed storage or handling system keeps plant safe, reliable and reduces downtime as well as extending the life of equipment. All too often facilities are designed without knowledge of the flow characteristics of the material to be stored. This intensive 3 day course has been specifically designed to help solve problems like these, covering the operation, design and specifications of hoppers and silos for reliable discharge. * Basics of hopper and silo design and function * Dealing with potential problems * Discharge aids and interfacing to feeders We’ll cover the basics in operation, design and specification including an introduction to the storage and flow of bulk solid materials in hoppers, silos, bins and bunkers, feeders and feeding, hopper discharge aids and the prediction of discharge rates. We will also look closely at ways to determine the correct design for reliable discharge, including determining flow properties of bulk solids, hopper geometry and practical design considerations. The third day, an optional session in the onsite laboratories, allows delegates the…

Join our series of workshops to gain first-hand experience of different test processes available with equipment in our on-site pilot plant At the Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology, we use many different processes and pieces of specialist equipment to characterise and test powders and particulates to identify why issues occur in their handling, storage and flow. Testing of particle strength, size, wear, flowability, dustiness, to name a few, can all be undertaken in our pilot plant. Some of this equipment is not available anywhere else in the world. Our experts will be on hand to demonstrate and guide attendees through the various sessions so that, by the end of each workshop, delegates will be armed with the knowledge to identify ways in which to prevent flow and handling issues occurring. Each workshop can be attended as a stand-alone session and runs from 10am to 4pm each day. Monday 16 March: Pneumatic Conveying Sessions covered: System Design Methods, Conveying Trials using an Industry Scale Test Rig, System Design - A Worked Example, Troubleshooting and System Optimisation …