Industry plays a major role in developing innovations in the powder and bulk solids industry, but there are a number of research centers affiliated with academic institutions that are working to create new materials and processes and make improvements to processing and handling technology.

For professionals working in the powder and bulk solids industry, these research centers offer the opportunity to receive focused training, test materials or processes, or consulting services to solve operational issues.

Here are a few of the world’s top powder and bulk solids research centers gathered by the editors of Powder & Bulk Solids:  

The Bulk Solids Innovation Center
Kansas State University
Salina, KS

K-State’s Bulk Solids Innovation Center works to improve powder and bulk solids handling technology and knowledge through research and offers a variety of services to industry, including material properties testing, education and consulting services.

Center for Particulate Products and Processes (CP3)
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN

CP3’s stated mission is to “create new functionality, improve quality, and reduce the costs of particulate-based products.” The center’s particulate materials research has applications across several industries, like pharmaceutical, food, agricultural and consumer products.

TUNRA Bulk Solids
The University of Newcastle
Shortland, NSW, Australia

TUNRA Bulk Solids has existed since the mid-1970s as a provider of consulting services and laboratory testing of particulate materials. Since its launch, the organization has worked on more than 4,000 projects for over 1,000 companies.

The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology
University of Greenwich
Kent, UK

Based in the UK, the Wolfson Centre conducts research on powder and bulk solids materials handling and serves as a provider of education and consulting services.

The Centre for Bulk Solids & Particulate Technologies (CBSPT)
University of Wollongong Australia/University of Newcastle
Newcastle, NSW, Australia

Launched by the Australian Research Council (ARC) in 1995, CBSPT offers specialized courses for undergraduates studying engineering at the Universities of Wollongong and Newcastle and a Master of Engineering Practice (Bulk Solids Handling) degree. The organization contributes knowledge to industry through its applied research and development program and professional development offerings.

Engineering Research Center for Structured Organic Particulate Systems (C-SOPS)
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ

A team of engineers and scientists  develop structured organic particle-based products and associated manufacturing processes at C-SOPS, according to the National Science Foundation (NSF). The center works closely with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make improvements to pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and also focuses on creating new dosage forms.

Centre for Industrial Bulk Solids Handling
Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow, Scotland

Led by Prof. Don McGlinchey, the Centre for Industrial Bulk Solids Handling in Glasgow conducts research and provides education on particulate solids handling. The center has a major focus on pneumatic conveying technology. Consulting services are offered to industry to solve bulk solids handling challenges.

The Particle Technology Research Centre (PTRC)
Western University
London, ON

PTRC is engaged in a wide range of particle-related research, including advanced materials, crystallization, environmental remediation technologies, gas-solid fluidization, green energy and biofuel technologies, multi-phase particulate systems, nanotechnology, and powder processing and handling technologies.

Center of Excellence in Particle and Material Processing Technology (CEPT)
Chulalongkorn University
Bangkok, Thailand

Established by Chulalongkorn University’s Department of Chemical Engineering, CEPT specializes in particle technology, materials synthesis and materials processing. The center’s research has applications in the chemical, agricultural, food, pharmaceutical and energy industries.

Institute of Solids Process Engineering and Particle Technology
University of Technology Hamburg
Hamburg, Germany

Focused on fluidized bed technology and its applications, this Germany-based research institute investigates physical and chemical processes like particle formation and conducts experimental research on new measurement methods.

Particle Engineering Research Center (PERC)
University of Florida – Gainesville
Gainesville, FL

Established in 1994 with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), PERC has four research clusters: Particles in Industry, Particles in Medicine, Particles in the Environment, and Particles in Emerging Areas. Some of the center’s research has investigated powder flow issues.

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