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Short course

Processing and Handling of Bulk Solid Materials

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Feb. 24-25, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Unboxing Bulk Solids: Practical Insights for a Specialized Industry

Processing and handling of powders and other bulk solid materials is common, but proper operation and system design are a challenge. There are many different approaches and learning can be difficult because there are so many variations to the systems and little training. This course is designed to give you a clear understanding of various bulk solid processes and handling methods.

 

Key takeaways

  • Overview of processing operations involving bulk materials, with a focus on practical applications
  • Common challenges in handling bulk materials, including segregation, dust management and flow inconsistencies
  • Methods for transporting bulk materials, such as pneumatic and mechanical conveying, with a discussion of advantages and disadvantages
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Registration

The fee for this course is $1,300

Registration will close Feb. 10, 2026 11:59 p.m. CT

 

Questions

Please reach out to Jaclyn Wolf at jaclyn14@ksu.edu with any questions.

 

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Instructor

Jonathan McPherson

Headshot photo of Jonathan McPhersonJonathan McPherson is the director of K-State's Advanced Manufacturing and Bulk Solids Technology Center. Jonathan comes from industry having spent 11 years designing and commissioning material handling projects as a project engineer and developing business relationships in the markets of performance materials, battery and general industry as an account executive. His project backgrounds include plastics, PVC, paint, lead-acid battery, food and confectionary.

Learn more about Jonathan

List of topics

  • Gravity flow and storage, including bin and hopper design, mass flow, funnel flow and segregation concerns
  • Flow aid devices
  • Size reduction, grinding and milling
  • Particle enlargement through agglomeration and granulation
  • Sifting and screening processes
  • Level and inventory measurement of solids
  • Mixing equipment and techniques
  • Pneumatic conveying: dilute phase and dense phase
  • Mechanical conveying: screw conveyors, belts, bucket elevators, flexible screws, tubular
    drag conveyors, vibratory conveyors and drag conveyors
  • Dust collection and particulate air filtration
  • Dust explosion hazard and mitigation
  • Valves: rotary airlocks, slide gates, butterfly valves
  • Weighing and dosing, volumetric and gravimetric feeding devices
  • Receiving materials in bags, drums, bulk bags, trucks, and railcars

Who is it intended for?

Engineers, technicians, maintenance and operations personnel who work with bulk solids or the transportation of these materials.

Participants are encouraged to bring their specific questions and issues for discussion.

Format

This is a two-day in-person course held at K-State Olathe, which is located at 22201 W. Innovation Drive, Olathe, KS 66061.

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