The materials handled in this industry, such as soils, tailings, and sludge materials, often have high cohesive strength, leading to arching (bridging) and ratholing. Bulk solids that are shaped like flakes or fibers, such as ground plastic, shredded tires, or wood chips, can interlock to form arches, resulting in large masses of non-flowing material. Flow problems such as these can result in high cost and wasted time. The key to success in designing reliable equipment for these difficult-to-handle materials is determining the flow properties of the materials and using these properties as the equipment design basis.

Jenike & Johanson helps plants keep bulk solids flowing reliably while complying with regulatory requirements. We also give companies a significant competitive advantage by modifying their bulk solids handling methods to increase process efficiency and substantially reduce operating costs.

KEY ENGINEERING SERVICES

• Plant visit for troubleshooting and process auditing
• Flow properties testing of bulk solids
• Pneumatic conveying testing and system design
• Functional design of silos, hoppers, chutes and feeders
  • Storing and feeding ground tire rubber powder
  • Increasing feed rates of flow rate limited materials
  • Conveying and feeding of contaminated soils
• Physical modeling of handling operation
• Structural engineering for silos and hoppers
• Detailed design engineering 

If your plant is currently experiencing handling difficulties or implementing a new plant, contact Jenike & Johanson to help you prevent and solve handling problems.