HOW BULK MATERIAL HANDLING PROBLEMS CREATE PROCESS NON-UNIFORMITY
Non-uniformities in processing can place an enormous burden on the manufacturing operation and downstream supply chain. These burdens can include problems such as:
Poor performance qualities of product
Lack of product consistency
Higher and variable operating and utility costs
More frequent and unscheduled maintenance
Safety risks
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Variable (typically lower) production rate
Poor on-stream reliability
Increased and variable manpower
Equipment failure
Environmental risks
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The costs almost always go well beyond the upfront capital cost of equipment that would have avoided such problems. During the concept engineering-to-process operation cycle, most decision makers would readily select designs and equipment that ensure a robust process with ample inherent tolerance built into the design - provided they are aware of the implications of their decisions.
Often, however, decision makers, and the design teams supporting them are unaware of the risks they are taking or the implicit assumptions being made when dealing with powder and bulk solids handling process and equipment design/selection. This is where Jenike & Johanson, Inc. can assist. Jenike & Johanson can provide the understanding of processing behavior with the ability to assess the implications of equipment choices, operating set points, and trade offs in the operating constraints and assumptions being set.
What causes a powder of bulk solids handling process to be non-uniform? There are many sources, one of the most common is a lack of accounting for flow properties of the material being handled over the range of operating conditions and thereby inadequately specifying, designing, or building:
Feeders
Transfer equipment
Chutes
Loading/Unloading
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Feeder/storage interfaces
Dust handling/collection
Reclaim systems
Packaging
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Storage vessels (silos, bins, hoppers)
Recycle loops
Sizing equipment
Blending/mixing equipment.
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Something so simple as a chute set at an angle too shallow to ensure reliable flow without buildup or material segregation, or as complex as the interactions of a material being degraded during conveying (attrited), then being exposed to temperatures or humidity conditions that alter its flowability and then being fed erratically into a downstream process.
Jenike & Johanson is prepared to assist you with solving or preventing a process non-uniformity problem. Our team of experienced consulting engineers and laboratory technicians have the knowledge, necessary skills, and state-of-the-art tools available for addressing your unique applications.
Jenike & Johanson can apply proven, practical technology to ensure success with your material and handling system. Act now to prevent costly mistakes that may occur later on. A powder or bulk solids process that is designed, built, and operated properly will have a long and reliable operating life with few process non-uniformities. Jenike & Johanson, Inc. can ensure this occurs.
