Processing seminar a success for British Rema

Citation

(2002), "Processing seminar a success for British Rema", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 31 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2002.12931eab.004

Processing seminar a success for British Rema

Processing seminar a success for British Rema

British Rema has reported the success of its first powder processing seminar, held recently at its new technical centre (Plate 10).

The event brought together a host of specialists within the industry, including Brabender Technologie Ltd, Chilworth Technology Ltd, ROTEX Europe Ltd and AJAX Equipment Ltd.

Plate 10 The new technical centre at British Rema

Topics for discussion included classification and micronisation, on-line particle sizing, screening technology, feeder use for handling solids and powders and powder hazard assessment.

Managing director Chris Bird explains: "Our new technical centre gave us the perfect facility for holding a seminar of this nature and it was an excellent opportunity to bring together a wealth of different processing expertise".

Presentations were made by British Rema's fine powder specialist Scott Campbell, British Rema's UK sales manager Malcolm Cunningham, Phillip Cameron, managing director of feeder specialists Brabender Technologie, Pieter Zeeuwen, technical manager at process safety consultancy Chilworth Technology, Lyn Bates, managing director at Ajax equipment and Mike Birt, screening specialist at bulk handling equipment manufacturer ROTEX Europe (Plate 11).

Scott Campbell of British Rema gave an overview of the importance of powder characterisation to ensure consistency and quality in batch processing. This included a detailed description of the important physical bulk properties of a material and how they can affect processing.

Plate 11 Left to right: Lyn Bates of Ajax Equipment, Scott Campbell and Chris Bird of British Rema, Pieter Zeeuwen of Chilworth Technology, Malcolm Cunningham of British Rema, Philip Cameron of Brabender Technology and Mike Brit of Rotex Europe

Malcolm Cunningham's presentation involved a detailed outline of size reduction and classification of fine powders. The presentation focused on the increased demands from most industry sectors for consistently well-defined fine particle size distribution powders, an area in which air classification is extremely important.

Phillip Cameron of Brabender Technologie Ltd outlined the use of feeders for handling solids and powders, including a description of the company's Flexwall Feeder.

Pieter Zeewen of process safety consultants Chilworth Technology described dust explosion hazards in powder handling. His presentation examined how to ensure safe operation of any plant handling flammable materials to prevent explosions.

Lyn Bates of Ajax equipment introduced the fundamental nature of particulate solids and their relative requirements in terms of storage and handling. The presentation covered the characterisation of bulk solids, highlighting the practical aspects of evaluating powder behaviour in relation to varied scales and forms of industrial uses.

Mike Birt of ROTEX Europe described the screening capabilities of its range of ROTEX screeners, relevant to the processing of fine powders. Using actual examples across different sectors of the powder industry, he outlined how the company has created complete screening solutions tailored to suit fine powder applications.