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Latest questions
Equipment for toasting soybeans?
What information do you have about toasting soybeans and suitable equipment? The aim is to lower the levels of urease and TIA in the soybean to make the product better adapted to poultry and pigs.
Minimum conveying velocities for various particle types
I am currently in the process of designing a dust collector. One of the first steps involves specifying the correct minimum conveying/pickup velocity at the inlet of the hood. It is to be used in the baking industry and can see anything from different flours, sugar, salt, seeds, whole buns, etc. After a couple hours of research I’ve realized it...
What Do Chutes And Hoppers Do In Pneumatic Conveying Systems?
A pneumatic conveying system can’t function without the combination of chutes and hoppers – they are integral and critical components that are inseparable because they act as a giant funnel that helps to get your material into your system.
What Is Saltation Velocity?
Saltation velocity is the speed below which particles being conveyed through a pneumatic conveying system lose suspension and begin to deposit at the bottom of horizontal pipelines.
Are All Moisture Sensors Equal?
When working with materials that can hold water, it is always important to know how much water is contained inside it. Depending on the size of the particles, storage method, temperature, and many other factors, some materials can hold more water than others.
Our experts
Gerard van Schoten is Managing Director at HETHON, a globally active specialist in powder dosing systems. With a strong technical background and hands-on experience throughout the company, Gerard combines strategic leadership with deep process knowledge in dry bulk handling.
He is widely regarded for his expertise in handling and dosing poorly flowing powders, particularly in industries requiring high precision and reliability under challenging conditions such as ATEX environments. Gerard works closely with international customers, engineers, and agents to translate complex process challenges into custom-engineered, long-term solutions.
Having grown within the company from a technical role into leadership, Gerard brings a unique combination of technical credibility and commercial insight. He remains actively involved in advising on system configurations, control integration, and customer-specific adaptations—ensuring that every solution HETHON delivers is both technically sound and practically applicable. Gerard regularly supports agents and customers worldwide and is a trusted point of contact for clients seeking high-performance dosing technology for demanding industrial applications.
Steve Massman received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Steve has been with General Kinematics for over 20 years, starting as a Design Engineer, holding several other titles before reaching his current title of Technical Director. Since his start at General Kinematics Steve has been a member of the General Kinematics R&D Committee since 2011, designed over 200 pieces of equipment, and has 9 assigned and pending patents. He is instrumental in the development of GK’s grinding technologies. When Steve is out of the office he spends his time with his family in the great outdoors; kayaking, windsurfing, and snorkeling.
Contact GK for more at info@generalkinematics.com
Karen Van Aelst, ing., is a seasoned professional with a rich background in sales and engineering, particularly within the dry bulk handling and process industry. Over the course of 12 years, she honed her expertise in selling installations tailored for these sectors. In 2010, Karen transitioned to StuvEx, where she embarked on a decade-long journey as a sales engineer specializing in explosion protection. Her role encompassed managing sales activities in both BeLux and Germany, showcasing her proficiency in navigating diverse markets and establishing strong client relationships. Since 2019, Karen has assumed the position of Product Manager at StuvEx, where she is entrusted with the vital responsibilities of overseeing the development and market realization of explosion protection products. Her extensive experience in sales, coupled with her engineering background,
positions her as a valuable asset in driving innovation and ensuring the safety of industrial environments. Karen’s dedication and expertise continue to play a pivotal role in the success of StuvEx in the field of explosion protection.
Doan Pendleton is the President of VAC-U-MAX, located in Belleville, New Jersey. With over 35 years of experience in the design, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing of bulk material transfer systems and industrial vacuum cleaning systems, Mr. Pendleton has developed extensive expertise across multiple industries, including food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, plastics, chemical, packaging, and additive manufacturing/3D printing. His technical acumen has driven innovation and operational efficiency, playing a key role in advancing bulk material handling technologies. Mr. Pendleton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Management from Suffolk University.
