Author Archives: brandon002
Intro to Powder
An Introduction to Powder Processing
A first powder technology workshop introducing participants to the unique attributes of powders, contrasted to more well understood liquids, and the impact of these complexities on solids processing.
Topics include powder characterization (particle size, moisture sorption, surface area, surface chemistry, hardness, density); segregation & powder sampling; and an overview of key unit operations of mixing, grinding, agglomeration, classification, fluidization, and drying, as well as solids transport between unit operations.
It is valuable to anyone new to powder processing or current practitioners who have not had the opportunity to learn underlying principles of handling and characterizing powders.
Powder Flow I
Powder Flow I: Measuring Powder Flowability & Its Applications
– A Hands-On Design-Oriented Workshop
An intense 2-day powder flow & solids handling workshop, for those involved in industrial chemical, pharmaceutical or solids processing issues in which powder flow properties are critical, including material transfer/handling, segregation, fluidized powder handling, feeding and filling operations, encapsulation, roll pressing and tabletting.
This course lays the groundwork for understanding the unique nature of powder flow properties, and its impact on processing and compaction, through team design problems and first hand powder flow lab measurements by shear cell, permeability cell, fluidization and segregation testing.
The course is equally of interest to those involved in formulations, bulk drug production, or quality control, who wish to engineer or control powder flow properties to minimize handling problems or improve product quality
Typical participants include those from pharmaceutical processing, excipient and chemical manufacture, food and consumer product production, and a variety of advanced material processes.
Powder Flow II
Powder Flow II: Industrial Solids Handling & Mixing
– Plant Design Principles & Operation
By popular request, a new follow-on companion workshop treating industrial applications of the solids flow principles of Powder Flow I and solids mixing, which delves into commonly encountered design & operational issues of powder handling and blending systems.
Topics include unassisted mass/funnel flow discharge; flow promoting devices both active/passive such as inserts, aeration & vibration; handling difficult powders; feeders both volumetric/gravimetric & their control; mechanical & pneumatic conveying of powders; solutions to processing segregating blends; and solids blending & mixing, mixer selection and mixture quality.
This course is useful for anyone optimizing current or designing future solids mixing and handling systems, and includes practical design applications with attendee worked examples.
Typical participants include those from pharmaceutical processing, excipient and chemical manufacture, food and consumer product production, and a variety of advanced material processes.
Granulation & Compaction
Design & Optimization of Granulation & Compaction Processes
This granulation/compaction workshop is an intense course drawing heavily on the interaction between powder properties and unit-operations, covering a variety of granulation and compaction processes as well as formulation techniques (fluid-beds, mixers, pans, tabletting, roll pressing, and extrusion).
The course emphasizes the marriage between formulation properties, characterization techniques, and engineering scale-up in controlling granule/compact quality. It features scale-up sessions for mixer and fluid-bed granulation, and demonstrations of the impact of stress transmission & lubrication on tabletting and compaction.
The workshop should be of interest to those involved in powder and pharmaceutical processing or formulation efforts for which granule and compact properties are critical.
Typical participants include those from pharmaceutical processing, excipient and chemical manufacture, food and consumer product production, and a variety of advanced material processes.
Solids Mixing, Blending & Handling
Solids Mixing, Blending & Handling
An in-depth, two-day course focusing on the mixing, blending, and subsequent handling of powders and their blends. Offered upon sufficient request.
Topics include differences of mixing free-flowing powders versus cohesive powders; the impact of powder characteristics; ordered versus random mixes; main mixer types & their selection & scale-up; mixer performance based on mix variance; proper system design to enhance and maintain a quality mix; proper sampling techniques; segregation issues and fixes in transporting blends, as well as related topics in solids handling and reblending.