In most solids processing plants, more attention is placed on designing the process and controls than on the bulk solids handling equipment. Yet, bulk solids handling problems are often the major cause of costly downtime for many plants, especially during startup! This was documented in a six year study conducted in the 1980s by the Rand Corporation of 40 solids processing plants in the U.S. and Canada. The study's findings revealed that 80% of these plants experienced solids handling problems. Additionally, this study found that these plants were slow in coming up-to-speed, with an average startup time for some of the plants approaching 18 months. Once startup began, poor performance continued to plague these operations with performance between only 40% to 50% of design. In an update article in 2000, the author reiterated the clear relationship between increased solids processing difficulties and plant startup times.

Fortunately, Jenike & Johanson has developed proven ways to design handling equipment to promote the smooth, unrestricted flow of bulk solids.

BULK SOLIDS: SCIENCE

Determining your material's handling characteristics enables us to accurately predict what is needed to ensure reliable handling. We don't guess material properties, we measure them. Jenike & Johanson has conducted more flow properties tests than any other firm (Dr. Jenike actually developed the testing techniques). We also continue to further develop the theories for analyzing bulk solids behavior. Our research focuses on providing the tools for solving real world bulk solids handling problems.

BULK SOLIDS: ENGINEERING

This is where the experience of our engineers comes in. Jenike & Johanson combines test data and experience, which provides the best solution in terms of reliability, cost-effectiveness, and practicality.

Your handling problems may appear to be a small percentage of your overall system, but is it still small if your entire system shuts down because of a handling problem? Can you afford the downtime?

BULK SOLIDS: DESIGN

Every bulk solid is unique and so are your handling requirements. Following the testing and engineering, we offer detailed design of custom equipment. This ensures that our recommendations are followed exactly so no seemingly minor, but critical detail is overlooked.

This attention to detail, as it relates to material flow, is also critical in the fabrication of bulk solids handling equipment. For this reason, Jenike & Johanson has also developed an expertise in equipment fabrication with custom equipment.

Every step of our work is built on the previous step, from testing, to engineering, to detailed design and equipment supply. This fundamentally sound approach and combination of expertise is unmatched by any other firm.