Material Handling and Storage Systems

Material handling and storage systems ensure efficient transport, storage, and dispensing of powders across industries. From silos and hoppers to big bags and conveyors, these systems optimize flow, reduce waste, and enhance operational safety. Explore the tools and techniques that keep powder processes running smoothly and reliably.

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Featured Material Handling and Storage Systems articles

Powders and Coatings in Orthopedic Implants
Through the innovative use of Powders and Coatings in Orthopedic Implants, the landscape is changing in a great way. Orthopedic implants, used to replace damaged bones such as the femur, tibia, fibula, humerus, or acetabulum, rely on anatomically designed biomaterials and advanced surface engineering. These innovations ensure implants are durable, biocompatible, and capable [...]
Exploring the Microscopic World of Particle Surfaces using SEM
In this article, we will cover Surface morphology analysis using SEM. The potential to uncover hidden details at the microscopic level transforms a wide range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to aerospace. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) offers this capability, providing critical insights into surface morphology and material behavior. Importance of Surface [...]
Powder Packing Density: Assessing and Optimizing
Understanding how particles pack together is crucial across industries like pharmaceuticals and construction, as optimizing this process can significantly enhance product performance and processing efficiency. Powder packing density is a key parameter that influences the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of materials. Powder Packing Density Packing density refers to [...]
Lab-on-a-Chip Fabrication: Deposition Techniques (part 3)
In the second series of lab-on-a-chip, we learned about photolithography. This technique fabricates lab-on-a-chip devices by defining complex microscale features on the substrate. In the third installment, we will explore thin-film deposition techniques. This will deepen our understanding of lab-on-a-chip fabrication. Thin-film deposition enhances the functionality and performance of lab-on-a-chip devices. It enables [...]
The Power of Photolithography and Etching: Lab-on-a-Chip fabrication (part 2)
Photolithography and Etching In the first part of our series on lab-on-a-chip technology, we looked into various scientific disciplines, including microfluidics, materials science, chemistry, and engineering, that have led to the development of the lab-on-a-chip analytical approach. The article gave a perspective on how advancements in microfabrication techniques, particularly photolithography and thin-film [...]

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Material Handling and Storage Systems: Silo Storage

Silo storage is a cornerstone of efficient powder handling, providing safe and reliable containment for bulk materials. Proper silo design ensures optimal flow, prevents clogging, and minimizes issues like arching or ratholing. This section explores the techniques and innovations that make silo storage a key component in maintaining smooth operations across industries.

Featured Silo Storage Articles

Common Bulk Powders Used in Global Industry
Bulk Powders in Industry: An introduction Bulk powders are fundamental to many of the world’s largest industries. They serve as essential materials for sectors like construction, food production, chemicals, and manufacturing. Technological innovation, urbanization, and global trade have driven their increasing use. As societies expand, so does the need for these powders [...]
Storage of absorbents inside a silo
Some powders are sensitive to air (oxygen) or water (humidity), which can significantly affect their properties. For these samples, knowing the particle size of the produced powder is essential for quality control. However, many particle-size instruments struggle to measure these materials effectively. This limitation arises because they lack an inert measurement option, which is [...]
Achieving Homogeneous Mixtures
The Role of Homogeneous Mixtures in Nature and Industry Mixing powders is a common practice in both industry and daily life. This process not only ensures homogeneous mixtures but also plays a vital role in maintaining product quality and consistency. In industrial settings, mixing powders is essential, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals, [...]

Material Handling and Storage Systems: Hoppers

Granulation is a vital process in powder technology, transforming fine powders into larger, more cohesive granules. This improves flowability, reduces dustiness, and enhances handling properties. Techniques such as wet granulation, fluidized bed granulation, and melt granulation are tailored to specific material requirements and applications. Granules created through this process find extensive use in pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and food industries, where uniform size, density, and performance are critical. Proper control of parameters ensures consistent quality and optimizes downstream processes.

Featured Hopper articles

Expressions of Powder and Particle Conductivity
Energy appears in many forms: light, heat, chemical, fusion, fission, mechanical, and electrical. However, all forms involve electron and proton movements or atom splitting. The basic rules governing electrical forces are surprisingly simple. Conductive forces move electrons and protons between atoms, exchanging energy. This movement drives almost every chemical reaction essential to producing the [...]
Particulate Materials and Facility Stoppage
In today’s competitive market, improving manufacturing efficiency and product quality is critical. The global demand for innovation and high-quality products is increasing rapidly. To stay competitive, companies invest millions in facility upgrades and equipment to boost production, meet safety regulations, and cut costs. Facility stoppages, however, remain a costly problem, with studies showing [...]

Material Handling and Storage Systems: Conveying Systems

Conveying systems are essential for the efficient movement of powders and bulk materials within industrial processes. Whether using pneumatic, mechanical, or specialized conveyors, these systems ensure the safe and reliable transfer of materials while minimizing loss and contamination. Explore the innovations and techniques that optimize powder flow, enhance productivity, and meet the diverse needs of modern industries.

Featured Conveying Systems Articles

Powders and Particulate Material in Gases and Liquids
Powder and particulate material production involves more than traditional techniques like spray drying, precipitation, and crystallization. New technologies, such as microfluidics, now play a key role. These methods provide greater precision and control over particle formation and manipulation. Researchers can fine-tune the size, shape, and composition of powders with microfluidics. As a result, [...]
Designing Industrial Powder Processing Plants
Designing industrial powder processing plants is an intricate endeavor. It requires a deep understanding of both engineering and chemistry. Therefore, collaboration between engineers and chemists is vital for creating efficient and sustainable systems. This complex process involves several stages, including project assessment and feasibility studies. Additionally, equipment selection, safety, compliance, and automation must [...]
The Particle Magic of Christmas
Christmas blends centuries of pagan and Christian traditions with a touch of scientific wonder. This article embarks on a journey through the history of Christmas, exploring the particle science behind its magic. We examine Christmas through the lens of powder technology. The Christian church in Rome adopted December 25th as Christmas in 336 [...]

Big Bags (FIBCs)

Big Bags, also known as Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs), are a versatile and efficient solution for storing and transporting bulk powders and materials. Designed for durability and ease of handling, FIBCs are widely used in industries such as construction, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. This section explores innovative loading, unloading, and dispensing techniques that ensure safety, minimize material loss, and enhance operational efficiency.

More Big Bags (FIBCs) Articles

Featured Big Bags (FIBCs) articles

Powdered absorbers influenced by environmental conditions during storage
In this article, we will cover Powder storage solutions. A client in an emerging market recently asked us to simulate atmospheric conditions in their biogas plant. They specifically wanted to measure the impact of the factory’s environment on the powdery adsorbent they use for purification. This request focused solely on the atmospheric conditions, [...]
Powder Caking by Uni-axial compact strength testing
In this articles, we will cover Powder caking and Uni-axial compact strength testing. Storing powder materials in large quantities, such as in big bags, often alters their flow properties. When these big bags are stacked, powders can experience a phenomenon called caking, where a free-flowing material becomes lumpy and harder to handle. This [...]
Unconfined powder flow testing
Powder flow is critical in the bulk handling industry, as it directly impacts product quality and operational stability. Distinguishing between unconfined and confined powder flow helps optimize handling and prevent disruptions. Unconfined flow refers to powders moving freely without restrictions, typically observed in chutes and conveyors. In contrast, confined flow occurs within storage [...]