Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/370117
Accurately and safely dispensing toxic or highly reactive powders with an automatic loss-in-weight feeder Sharon Nowak This article explains how an automated loss-in-weight feeder can accurately and safely dispense toxic or highly reactive chemical and pharmaceutical powders in continuous feeding and batching applications. Nanotechnology Keep up to date on nanotechnology news, research, and resources. April — Drying Eight tips for improving your conveyor dryer's operating ef- ficiency Brian Roh Follow the tips outlined here to reduce common conveyor dryer problems and improve your dryer's efficiency. Case history: Kitty litter manufacturer searches for drying solution A company implements a circular vibratory fluid-bed dryer to dry cat litter made from fly ash. Suppliers' tips Equipment suppliers suggest what to consider when determin- ing whether to use convection or conduction drying. Industry perspective: ASTM needs you! John W. Carson The chair of ASTM subcommittee D18.24 Characterization and Handling of Powders and Bulk Solids discusses the committee's work and puts out a call for new members. Mixing Mechanics Fernando J. Muzzio The author discusses how and why segregation occurs inside the blender, during blender discharging, and during sampling. May — Bagging and Packaging Balancing the bagging triangle to maximize your packaging efficiency Markus Lackmann This article explains how balancing the three sides of the "bag- ging triangle" — your material, bag, and bagging equipment — can maximize your packaging efficiency. Case history: Upgrade to automated bulk bag discharger with gravimetric controls improves winemaking process A winery makes the change from manual bag handling to an au- tomated bulk bag discharger for a safer, more efficient process. Suppliers' tips Discover ways to control dust in your bagging operation. Industry perspective: Innovation in bulk solids handling — it takes two to tango! Richard J. Farnish The author asserts that collaboration between business and acad- emia is necessary to drive innovation and advancement in the bulk solids industry. Dust Doctor John A. Constance The columnist discusses industrial ventilation methods, includ- ing dilution and displacement ventilation and local exhaust ven- tilation. Test center: Test center helps seasoning company improve granular product conveying problem A test center's complimentary material and equipment testing ca- pabilities help a company select mechanical conveying equipment. EnviroPlant Learn how bulk solids plants are changing their operations to be more environmentally friendly. June — Size Reduction Hammermill maintenance for top grinding performance at a lower operating cost Mark Heimann This article explains what routine and long-term maintenance steps you can take to keep your hammermill performing at peak levels while operating at lower cost. Suppliers' tips Equipment suppliers recommend criteria for selecting a mill to handle extremely abrasive material. Industry perspective: Your PBE editors Terry O'Neill Meet the editors of Powder and Bulk Engineering. Agglomeration Advisor Rachel Smith The columnist explains how the mechanisms behind granulation can affect final granule properties. Screen deck maintenance for your gyrating sifter Derek J. Williams This article describes how a gyrating sifter operates and then ex- plains the proper installation methods and the monthly and yearly maintenance steps that will keep your sifter's screen decks in peak condition. Case history: Pigment manufacturer is happy with classify- ing solution An air classifier separates fine from coarse iron oxide particles to produce richer red pigments. Nanotechnology Find out how nanotechnology is affecting the bulk solids industry. July — Mechanical Conveying Belt and vibrating-trough conveyors: Some guidelines for selection Paul Cichanowski This article provides practical advice for selecting a belt or vi- brating-trough conveyor that will meet your needs and operate economically over the long term. Suppliers' tips Equipment suppliers give advice on conveyors suited for trans- ferring hot, friable material after it discharges from a dryer. Industry perspective: Recycling: Keeping up the flow Richard J. Farnish The author discusses the challenges associated with handling and processing bulk recyclables. Pneumatic points to ponder… Jack D. Hilbert and Paul E. Solt The columnists answer several questions from PBE readers. What you need to know about technical training workshops Steve Culpepper Six leading industry professionals offer tips on how to get the most out of your next training session. 8 PBE August 2014