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Glossary of Terms in Powder & Bulk Technology

Foreword

Written by Lyn Bates edited by mhd on 16. Sep. 2022

Bulk solids play a vital role in human society, permeating almost all industrial activities and dominating many. Bulk technology embraces many disciplines, yet does not fall within the domain of a specific professional activity such as mechanical or chemical engineering. It has emerged comparatively recently as a coherent subject with tools for quantifying flow related properties and the behaviour of solids in handling and process plant. The lack of recognition of the subject as an established format with monumental industrial implications has impeded education in the subject. Minuscule coverage is offered within most university syllabuses. This situation is reinforced by the acceptance of empirical maturity in some industries and the paucity of quality textbooks available to address its enormous scope and range of application. Industrial performance therefore suffers. 

The British Materials Handling Board perceived the need for a Dictionary of Terms in Particle Technology as an introductory tool for non-specialists, newcomers and students in this subject. Co-incidentally, a draft of a Glossary of Terms in Particulate Solids was in compilation. This concept originated as a project of the Working Part for the Mechanics of Particulate Solids, in support of a web site initiative of the European Federation of Chemical Engineers. The Working Party decided to confine the glossary on the EFCE web site to terms relating to bulk storage, flow of loose solids and relevant powder testing. Lyn Bates, the UK industrial representative to the WPMPS leading this Glossary task force, decided to extend this work to cover broader aspects of particle and bulk technology and the BMHB arranged to publish this document as a contribution to the dissemination of information in this important field of industrial activity.

The value of the Glossary is seen as being particularly useful to newcomers to this broad subject. Explanations are provided for key terms in the various sections that merit a deeper appreciation than a strict basic definition. Suggestions are also included for preferred terms that eliminate ambiguity or misinterpretation. A universality of expressions for use in technical documents and publications is also an implicit aim. It is inevitable that within the wide range of terms included will be some that merit a more comprehensive or different description, and undoubtedly there are a formidable number of exclusions that would enhance the list. The publishers are not responsibility for any errors, omissions or statements made in this publication. The information is presented for information only and is not intended for action without independent substantiating investigation on the part of a potential user. The definitions are presented by the author as collated from wide sources and not necessarily endorsed by the British Materials Handling Board or its publishers.

The work is dedicated to C.K. Andrews, who lit the path of professionalism for the author.

Other books by Lyn Bates include: – ‘User guide to Segregation’, published by BMHB and ‘Guide to the Design, Selection and Application of Screw Feeders’ published by the I.Mech.E.

This Glossary was prepared by Lyn Bates for The British Materials Handling Board (BMHB ), which gave permission to reproduce this highly valuable material on The Powder/Bulk Portal. 

This publication is copyright to the BMHB under the Berne Convention and the International Copyright Convention. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patent Act, 1988, no part may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically, electrical, chemical, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owners. Unlicensed multiple copying of the contents of this publication is illegal. Enquiries should be addressed to: - The Secretary, British Materials Handling Board, 14 Moss Manor, The Avenue, Sale, Cheshire. M33.