We spoke with Eric Maynard of Jenike and Johanson about his educational sessions at the International Powder & Bulk Solids Conference and Exhibition taking place in less than two weeks.

Kristen Kazarian, Managing Editor

April 12, 2023

3 Min Read
Eric Maynard presents at Powder Show 2023
Eric Maynard, a vice president at Jenike and Johanson, is a conference presenter at the International Powder and Bulk Solids Conference and Exhibition April 25-27 in Rosemont, IL. Image courtesy of Jenike and Johanson

Eric Maynard, a vice president of Jenike and Johanson, will be presenting four educational sessions at this year's Powder Show (April 25-27, Rosemont, IL). 

Maynard has been with Jenike and Johanson since 1996 and has published over 75 articles on the storage, flow, and pneumatic transport of bulk solids. He is responsible for internal training of engineers at Jenike & Johanson and the principal instructor for the “Flow of solids in bins, hoppers, chutes, and feeders” and “Pneumatic conveying of bulk solids” courses sponsored by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Continuing Education Program.

The sessions are: 

  • Basics of Storage and Flow of Powders and Bulk Solids

  • Processing & Quality: Selecting a Mixer/Blender for Your Powders and Bulk

  • Processing & Quality: Segregation and Sampling of Solids

  • Processing & Quality: Selecting Size Reduction and Screening Equipment

We asked Maynard to give us a short description on each, along with a few other related questions. Here are his answers:


Fundamentals: Basics of Storage and Flow of Powders and Bulk Solids

(Tuesday, April 25, 9:30  – 11 a.m.)

Q. What can you tell us about this session? 

In the first session (the basics class), I will review important differences between solids and liquids, and how bulk material flow challenges can occur in common handling equipment. This session is meant for coverage of fundamental concepts in powder and solids handling, and provides the attendees with a springboard for more advanced topics throughout the conference. 
 

Processing & Quality: Selecting a Mixer/Blender for Your Powders and Bulk

(Tuesday, April 25, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.)

Q. What can you tell us about this session? 

In the second session (mixing/blending class), I will review key concepts on what it takes to mix or blend powders and bulk solids. An overview of mixing mechanisms and types of blending technologies will be covered, along with important tips on do’s and don’ts. 


Processing & Quality: Segregation & Sampling of Solids

(Wednesday, April 26, 9:30 – 11 a.m.)

Q. What can you tell us about this session? 

In the third session (segregation class), I will cover common mechanisms of particle separation, called segregation. Sampling will also be presented to highlight effective practices to ensure effectiveness in quality measurements. Practical solutions will be provided to help an attendee reduce or eliminate segregation problems. 


Processing & Quality: Selecting Size Reduction and Screening Equipment

(Wednesday, April 26, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.)

Q. What can you tell us about this session? 

In the last of my sessions (size reduction class), I will review what technologies are available for reducing particle size, as well as classifying material by size or shape. Key tips will be covered to help the attendee to avoid mistakes in size reduction equipment selection. 


Additional questions:

Q. Is the Basics course for newbies in the industry, or are they all for both new and experienced processing professionals?

The basics course is really meant for new professionals to the powder and bulk solids industry; however, there is always an opportunity to learn new things in this field, so even a seasoned professional can gain helpful pointers in this session. 


Q. What are some trends that you have seen regarding powders & solids, say since the last Show, two years ago?

Two key trends I see in the powder & bulk solids industry are increased automation to reduce reliance on human labor and to increase efficiency, and improved awareness of risks for combustible dust and toxicological/environmental hazards during material handling. 


Q. What are some things to watch for in the near future?

I believe focus on renewables and recyclables, as well as support in manufacturing for electric vehicles or all types (e.g., cars, trucks, transportation).  Additionally, focus will be on the environment with carbon capture, increased yield and reduced waste from food production, and pivot towards chemical manufacture that is sustainable and safer than currently produced “forever chemicals.” 
 

Jenike and Johanson is the world's leading company in powder and bulk solids handling, processing, and storage technology. 

About the Author(s)

Kristen Kazarian

Managing Editor

Kristen Kazarian has been a writer and editor for more than three decades. She has worked at several consumer magazines and B2B publications in the fields of food and beverage, packaging, processing, women's interest, local news, health and nutrition, fashion and beauty, automotive, and computers.

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