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Size & Volume Reduction

Size reduction of bulk solids is a very common and important unit operation found across the process industries. It is necessary for processing products, enhancing and improving the material’s performance properties, or meeting particular processing requirements.

Size enlargement is a process in which small particles are combined into larger masses but the individual particles can still be distinguished.

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There are numerous industries that depend on size reduction or comminution of bulk solids to improve performance or to meet specifications. There are many types of size-reduction equipment, which are often developed empirically to handle specific bulk materials and then are applied in other settings. Knowing the properties of the material to be processed is essential. Despite the availability of other particle production processes, size reduction remains today one of the workhorses for production of bulk solids with tailored particle properties.

Agglomeration or size enlargement processes transform small bulk solids or past materials to materials of larger sizes, with either random or controlled shapes – granules, briquettes, tablets, pellets, bricks, extrudates or compacts. Size enlargement is a process that has been used for centuries and in many ways, it still remains an art rather than an exact science. Perhaps this is due to the unpredictable behavior of bulk solids. Also in this process, determination of the required product properties is of utmost importance. This Technology Zone offers an insight into the latest innovations in size reduction and size enlargement techniques and equipment to assist you when handling dry bulk materials.

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Experts for Size & Volume Reduction

More than 30 years’ experience in development and realisation projects as a project manager for feed, aqua feed and petfood. Working at Dinnissen for 20 years as account manager in feed, aqua feed and petfood division. Specialist in developing major projects with added value focussing on pneumatic conveying, mixing, drying, grinding and coating with liquid and powder systems.
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Aristidis Melios is the General Manager at Vraykos & Associates Mechanical Ltd. He holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from National Technical University of Athens, and has more than 30 years of experience in design, engineering and manufacturing of bulk materials handling systems in food industry in Greece and Balkans area. Mr Melios is an expert in managing industrial projects that concern mechanical or pneumatic conveying, weighing & dosing, mixing, dedusting, screening and storaging of food bulk products. He has the experience needed to create a cost efficient turn-key solution for every bulk materials industry. The last years leads the Vraykos company engineering team with success, inserting new ideas and technologies in the field of bulk materials handling systems.
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Chris Nawalaniec is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Stedman Machine Company, the Aurora, Ind.-based manufacturer of size reduction equipment and systems, founded in 1834. Nawalaniec graduated from the University of Cincinnati (BSME, MBA) and has more than 30 years professional experience in size reduction and particle size separation. Nawalaniec oversees new machinery and system sales, as well as the full-service test plant that has been operating at Stedman for more than 90 years.
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Matthew Bailey – Technical Lead

Matthew is a mechanical engineer holding an honours degree from the Auckland University of Technology and has been responsible for BFM® Global’s product development, testing and compliance programme for almost 5 years. Matt’s experience is centered on the powder handling industry with a specific focus on flexible connectors, and all the compliance requirements around them. From food to pharmaceutical and all industries in between, Matt works with our Distributor partners, end users and OEMs from Europe, Asia and the Americas to solve application challenges. He regularly attends industry tradeshows around the world and understands the complex requirements of each different market.
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Chuck Johnson is the director of sales at National Bulk Equipment, located in Holland, Michigan. His professional experience includes over 25 years in the design, engineering, & sales of bulk material handling equipment & systems. Johnson holds a BS in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University.
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Kemutec B.V. was founded a few years ago, to enable dedicated service to Kemutec customers on the mainland of Europe. Johan Lucas, who is responsible for the Sales & Business Development of Kemutec in the Benelux, started his career 30 years ago as product manager of Kemutec. During these decades he created a long track record of projects and joint process developments in the Confectionary, Spices, Flavours, Dairy, Cereals and Bakery Ingredients. In addition to Beverages, Detergent, Pharmaceutical and the Chemical Industry with elements like feasibility studies, conceptual design, system integration, etcetera – delivering advice, components, systems or total solutions. Due to his cooperation with many leading suppliers, he developed expertise in Powder Process & Handling technologies such as sieving, classifying, breaking, crushing, milling, conveying, mixing/blending, feed/dosing & weighing. Johan’s specific knowledge in powder process applications includes crushing/de-agglomeration after dryers/spray towers, QA at filling & emptying – small/big bags, dry/wet cleaning – hygienic design, trouble-free feeding of liquid processes – dissolving & filtration. Johan enjoys a challenge to solve any kind of powder process problem. Contact him on +31 (0) 653 86 77 06, Johan.Lucas@schenckprocess.com
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As the Sales Manager at Foeth, Michel Terlouw possesses an enthusiasm for international trade and excels in identifying the perfect match for every customer. In a company like Foeth, individuals with a solid technical background are truly indispensable. Clients from across the globe visit to explore our extensive inventory of pre-owned machines, and it’s essential to collaborate closely with each customer to determine which machine best suits their intended application. Michel is impassioned by the collaborative process of discovering the ideal machine alongside the customer because it aligns with our mission. The pursuit of finding the perfect solution is not only gratifying but also contributes to advancing sustainability within the industry.
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Todd Allison is President of Progressive Products, Inc, where he spent 6 years being a sales engineer before moving into his current role. He is also a former adjunct professor in the Kansas Technology Center at Pittsburg State University, where he taught Innovation Engineering. Todd has spent most of his career in the pneumatic conveying industry and has almost 20 years of experience in industrial sales and product design. He is a graduate of SCAD design school and attended graduate school at the Kelce School of Business at Pittsburg State University. He serves on several advisory boards including the CEDBR Kansas Economic Outlook Team and the Mid America District Export Council.
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Sunny Nwadinma is the Senior Applications Engineer at Kason Corporation. He covers product lines of circular fluidized-bed dryers, coolers and moisturizers, circular vibratory and centrifugal sifters, and static sieve screeners. He studied Engineering Technology at Essex Community College and studied Mechanical Engineering and Science at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He holds certificates from the Dale Carnegie course on fluidized-bed technology from the University of Wisconsin, and the Effective Facilitator Course offered by the Leadership Strategies Institute.
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