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About
Why the course Powders and Granules :
Processing and Unit Operations?
The course Powders and Granules – Processing and Unit Operations deals with the processing of powders and granules, also called bulk solids technology. This course is organized in close connection with the other course from the Powders and Granules series that focuses on Powder Characteristics and Behaviour. Both courses can be followed independently but due to the complementary nature we strongly advise a combination of the two. We also offer a special rate for persons that are interested in attending both courses!
Powder processing is of great importance for various branches of industry, such as the chemical, pharmaceutical, coating, food and feed, and battery industry. Depending on the sector, the degree of solids involved can vary from 30-80% of the total product flow. In each of these processes parameters such as particle size distribution, morphology, density, porosity etc. of the powders and granular material will greatly affect the quality of the product. Bottom-up or top down approaches can lead to vastly different types of particles.
The processing of powders and granules is still mainly an empirical matter, although the theoretical and practical knowledge on this subject is increasing steadily. Also more and more techniques become available to mimic powder processes on a laboratory scale.
This course examines various unit operations that exist to produce and handle powders and granules. Each unit operation will have a distinct effect on product quality and adaption of the processing conditions cannot only improve product quality, but it can also be relevant for energy consumption, health, safety and environment. Milling is typically a highly energy-intensive operation to down-size larger larger specimen into smaller ones; this can be in the mm size range but can also go down to the sub-micrometer size range. Granulation and agglomeration are processes, in contrast to milling, to increase particle dimensions and in that way create extra functionality. The same applies to particle coating and tableting. Powder mixing is used to obtain uniform blends but can be very challenging when cohesive materials need to be blended but also when mixtures with varying particle properties and morphologies must be mixed. Storage in big bags or silos requires proper knowledge of the product and the storage medium to achieve adequate flow, smooth discharge and prevent blockage from the hopper outlet or e.g. suppress caking in storage bags. Likewise, pneumatic transport can cause blockage or wear and potential formation of undesired dust when conditions do not properly match the product properties.
This course teaches you how to make a proper selection for the equipment used in the various unit operations and make the connection with powder processing and anticipated product properties.
For whom?
You are a process engineer, mechanical engineer, food technologist or chemist with a bachelor or academic background and you are working in an industry where solids are processed or manufactured (powders, granules, etc.). Also as operator, analyst, or otherwise interested in these topics, one can greatly benefit from this course.
Content
Program
Powder processing can be divided into four themes: production, powder flow and storage, handling, and physical transport. The course is structured according to these themes, and gives practical meaning to it. A strong link will be made between theory and practice. Below is a list of subjects that will be discussed and questions that will be answered:
The couse processing and unit operations will be divided into eight themes: Storage, how to make…, mixing, transport, milling, particle separation, fluidisation and drying . The course is structured according to these themes, and gives practical meaning to it. A strong link will be made between theory and practice. Below is a list of subjects that will be discussed and questions that will be answered:
- Storage, designing a hopper for mass flow, aids for preventing arching, and feeder used with hoppers.
- How to make: Powders, granules, tablets and coatings.
- Mixing: Mixing of powders, different types of mixers, sampling of powder, and segregation.
- Pneumatic transport: advantages/disadvantages of dilute and dense fase pneumatic transport and design considerations.
- Milling: what is milling, mechanisms, and different types of equipment.
- Particle separation: controlling particle size via different separation methods.
- Drying and fluidisation methods: fluid bed equipment and spray drying.
Methodology
The course will be given on the location of Delft Solids Solutions in Wateringen (near Delft), where also equipment can be demonstrated.
Among various readings there are short demonstrations. Some of the experimental methodologies discussed can be seen in operation.
Duration
The course consists of two successive days of 8 hours each.
Objectives
End result
After the course you understand the basic concepts of processes and unit operations in which powders and granules are formed and or modified. You will be able to design or modify a process in such a way that it is optimally adapted to produce products with the desired properties. On the basis of the many examples, you develop a comprehensive understanding of how powder and granulate properties can be decisive for the final application and how to adapt these.
Certificate
Upon completion of the course you’ll receive a certificate of participation.
Other info
Location and dates
This course is held at the premises of Delft Solids Solutions, Molenweer 2B, 2291 NR Wateringen, The Netherlands.
The course is scheduled for 26 and 27 November 2025.
The closely-related course Powders & Granules – Characteristics and Powder Behaviour will be organized on 11 and 12 March 2026 also at the premises of Delft Solids Solutions and both can be followed as a package deal.
Financial investment
The investment in this 2-day course amounts to € 1.725,- ex. VAT.
When participation in this course and the connected course Powders & Granules – Characteristics and Powder Behaviour is combined (in total four days) the total course fee amounts to € 3.250,- ex. VAT.
Contact
For more information on this course, you can reach us at +31 174 271 460.
Or send an email to info@solids-solutions.com
Subscribe
Please follow this link to participate in and subscribe for the course that will be held on 26 and 27 November 2025. The registration form will open in a new window.
If you are planning to attend the course with at least 3 persons, or if you plan to attend both courses, please contact us for those options or send us an e-mail at info@solids-solutions.com.
Brochure
Click here to download the brochure in pdf.