Bulk solids handling is a cornerstone of industrial production, with nearly half of all goods passing through a particulate phase during processing. The way these materials are stored, discharged, conveyed, and processed has a direct impact on operational efficiency and product quality. This also applies to heterogeneous mixtures such as municipal and industrial solid waste, including plastic, paper, construction debris, and mining residues, which require mechanical treatment for effective recycling.

The complex flow behavior of particulate materials is influenced by particle and bulk properties, environmental conditions, and process history. Understanding and controlling these behaviors under real process conditions demands in-depth knowledge of flow dynamics, consolidation, and storage mechanisms. 

Our research focuses on the behavior of bulk solids across various processes. Core research topics include:

• Experimental and CFD-DEM analysis of powder flow, mixing, and segregation

• Influence of consolidation time, air impairment, moisture content, and temperature (−40 °C to +150 °C) on flow behavior

• Design of silos and hoppers based on measured material properties

• Development of transport and dosing systems for granular materials

Experimental studies will be conducted in a state-of-the-art powder mechanics laboratory.