Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/558599
April — Drying Preventing thermal particle damage in your continuous convection dryer Becky Long This article describes the causes of thermal particle damage in high-capacity continuous convection dryers and explains how to prevent it. Case history: Dust collection upgrades help drying plant clear the air A California rice drying company installs compact, efficient bin vents to meet more stringent emissions standards. Suppliers' tips Equipment suppliers suggest what safety-monitoring equipment and controls to look for on a dryer. Industry perspective: Is recycling just a rubbish idea? Richard Farnish The author discusses the difficulties associated with handling bulk recyclable materials. Mixing Mechanics Fernando J. Muzzio The author discusses the advantages and disadvantages of continuous versus batch blending. Double-flapgate airlock valve: A solution for tough applications Mike Doorey This article explains how a double-flapgate airlock valve works and discusses appropriate applications for its use. May — Bagging and Packaging Case history: Farmer reaps big rewards from automated bulk bag filling system Converting to automatic bulk bag fillers helps a peanut company keep up with demand. Suppliers' tips Equipment suppliers talk about the best type of bag filler and packaging material to use for lightweight powders. Industry perspective: Growing recognition of the importance of bulk solids John W. Carson The author discusses the industry's increased awareness and consideration of bulk solids flow properties. Dust Doctor John A. Constance The columnist discusses how to make sure your dust collection system is still doing the job it was intended to do. Pneumatically conveying fragile materials without particle degradation John M. Bell This article explains the different pneumatic conveying phases and how to optimize a pneumatic conveying system to gently convey a fragile material. Case history: New paddle blender provides faster, better blending A food manufacturer buys fluidizing paddle blenders to increase production capacity and gets reduced blend time and improved blend quality, as well. EnviroPlant Learn how bulk solids plants are changing their operations to be more environmentally friendly. June — Size Reduction Energy consumption in common fine grinding mills Gary Liu This article briefly discusses size-reduction mechanisms and then describes the most common fine grinding mills with respect to their energy consumption. Suppliers' tips Equipment suppliers recommend the best type of mill for a slightly oily material and discuss what you can learn from material grinding tests in a manufacturer's test equipment. Industry perspective: Closing the solids processing skills gap Schuyler K. Marsh The author discusses the importance of developing and nurturing experience-based solids processing skills. Agglomeration Advisor Brian Young The columnist discusses the best binders for effectively briquetting carbonaceous materials and steel wastes. Case history: Pneumatic conveyor triples production throughput A vacuum pneumatic conveying system reduces a pool coating company's lead times and makes blender loading and unloading a breeze. Understanding degradation fundamentals Kerry Johanson This article describes how to use breakage analysis to determine how to modify particles to minimize degradation. Nanotechnology Find out how nanotechnology is affecting the bulk solids industry. July — Mechanical Conveying How to prevent or mitigate a dust explosion in your bucket elevator Bill Stevenson This article discusses material testing and explosion prevention and mitigation measures you can take to protect your bucket elevator. Choosing the optimal screw conveyor Mike Zeluff This article discusses what to consider when choosing a flexible screw conveyor for your application. Suppliers' tips Equipment suppliers discuss the best type of mechanical conveyor for a fragile material. Industry perspective: Predicting and designing wet granulation processes Rachel Smith The author discusses computational methods for studying granulation processes. Pneumatic points to ponder… Jack D. Hilbert The columnist explains what to consider when selecting a pneumatic conveying system feeding device. Case history: Taking the guesswork out of inventory management A food manufacturer installs load cells on an existing silo to monitor inventory. Air Pollution Control Keep up-to-date on air pollution control news, products, and equipment. 8 PBE August 2015