Bulk Solids Handling - Towards the 21st Century

摘要

This paper presents a brief historical overview of the subject of Bulk Solids Handling from the 1880's to the present. The early silo research commenced in the 1880's and spanned some 25 years. The work in powder mechanics and soil mechanics that characterised the contributions over the first half of this century is indicated with the major thrust coming in the 1950's through the fundamental work of Jenike. The work of Jenike laid the foundations for a wide range significant research developments that have occurred over the past 40 years. The work has covered such topics as flow property testing, theories of flow, modelling of particle systems by continuum theory and discrete elements, vibrations of powders, blending and mixing and wall loads under initial filling, flow and pulsing conditions. The importance of industrial orientated research is strongly emphasised. It is shown that in many areas of industrial operations, the range and complexity of the problems multiply at a faster rate than the research outcomes. Industrial interaction is essential in identifying research areas and associated professional development activities.