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Solids Handling

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Using Inserts to Address Solids Flow Problems

Storage of bulk materials in hoppers, bins and silos is ubiquitous in the chemical process industries (CPI), and so are the challenges that go along with it. Flow stoppage (bridging or arching), variability in mixture composition (de-mixing or segregation), erratic…

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A cross-section of insert patents

This table supports the article Using Inserts to Address Solids Flow Problems, CE, July 2010, pp. 32–37. U. S. Patents       Patent # Date Title Inventors 1,731,675 Oct. 15, 1929 Sawdust Feeder McCoy, John C. 2,843,274 Jul. 15,…

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Agglomeration Technology: Equipment Selection

A virtually endless number of process options are available for agglomerating powders in the chemical process industries (CPI). These processes can be divided into two main categories: agitation and compression. Agglomeration by agitation includes granulation processes, such as fluidized-bed, disc,…

Ask the Experts: Cake Prevention

Question:  What can we do to prevent caking? When our powders are packaged into bags at our plant, they appear to be free of agglomerates.  However, our customers report that when the bags are opened at their facilities, they observe…

Particle Sizing Across the CPI

This survey of modern particle-measurement technologies demonstrates how selection criteria vary by application Particulate systems are everywhere; they are responsible for bright red sunsets, the texture of chocolate and the rate of drug delivery in the human body. Particulate processing…

Polysilicon Production

A rapid and ongoing expansion of polysilicon production capacity will likely generate an oversupply for the next several years, driving polysilicon manufacturers to further innovate processes and reduce operating costs in preparation for an impending wave of new demand. Drastic…

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Agglomeration Technology: Mechanisms

Powder agglomeration is used in a wide variety of the chemical process industries (CPI), and a virtually endless number of process options are available. Selection requires engineers to make a substantial number of design decisions, such as the choice between…

Focus on Weighing

This weigh belt helps minimize material build up Thayer Scale- Hyer Industries The Model SI Ultra-Sanitary Insertion weigh belt (photo) is designed to enable effective and efficient cleaning for sanitary applications in food processing. The weigh belt features a trough…

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A ‘Sound’ Solution to Material Flow Problems

Particulate buildup and other material flow problems are common hurdles wherever dry materials find application in the chemical process industries (CPI). Since manual intervention is costly in terms of downtime, and can be quite hazardous for the personnel involved, dedicated…

A vacuum conveyor that is GMP-compliant

  Piab Vacuum Conveyors The UC Series of vacuum conveyors (photo) comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, and are suitable for pharmaceutical processing applications, including loading and unloading coating pans, manufacturing tablet cores and handling or transferring pharmaceutical powders.…