Bulk Materials Handling Fundamentals

This course provides participants with a thorough review of basic principles and practices for selection of bulk material equipment and handling systems.

The course starts with an overview of bulk material handling considerations, including the important discussion of key material properties required for effective equipment/system selection and design. An emphasis is made upon mining and mineral materials, such as coal, iron ore, bauxite, and ores that are routinely handled in Australia. A review of bulk material flow fundamentals will be presented, including common flow problems, types of flow patterns in storage equipment, including silos, bins, and stockpiles. Feeder selection is discussed, with an emphasis on applications involving high tonnage rates and abrasive bulk materials.

System selection criteria, such as site location, topography, environmental considerations, and fixed equipment vs mobile or semi-mobile requirements, are reviewed. Equipment sizing based on throughput needs, buffering and surge capacity, and material flow properties is also analysed. Equipment operational requirements for maintenance and strategies that can be utilised to avoid premature failure or reduced system performance are presented throughout the course.

The field of bulk material handling is often considered a “black art”; however, with the knowledge gained in this course, effective decisions can be made for selection of appropriate equipment for challenging bulk materials. The course notes are supplemented with many practical examples to illustrate important concepts.