Types Of Bulk Material Handling Equipment

Conveyor Belts Conveyor Systems

What Is Bulk Material?

Bulk materials play a central role in process manufacturing. Regardless of what you’re making, all products start out as unrefined bulk materials. From granules and powders to flakes and pellets, from minerals and ores to gravel and sand, a wide variety of materials are supplied and delivered in their bulk form, ready for manufacturing. Bulk materials are sourced from multiple suppliers around the world on a regular basis, and different materials have vastly different handling and processing needs.

According to Future Market Insights, revenue from the bulk material handling system market is expected to reach US$5.1 billion in 2021, thanks in part to growth in housing and infrastructure development. 

Bulk materials are used by countless industry sectors, from food and beverage producers to manufacturing, textiles, and agricultural operations. Let’s take a detailed look at bulk material handling, from unloading and transporting materials to solutions and equipment options. 

What is bulk material handling?

Bulk material handling is central to many industrial and commercial applications. This field is mostly concerned with engineering, particularly the design and operation of mechanical equipment for the handling and processing of bulk materials. In practice, bulk material handling can involve screw conveyors, bucket conveyors, hoists, bulk bag frames, and other handling systems. 

Unloading and transporting bulk materials

Unloading bulk materials is a big job that requires specialized handling systems. The equipment used depends on the nature of the materials, with examples including conveyors, hoists, and cranes. Some handling systems are used for loading and unloading materials, and others are used to transport materials from A to B. When managing bulk materials on-site, it’s important to address material quantity, density, form, packaging, and flow characteristics, among other considerations.

The characteristics of each product dictate how you should handle it, from the timing of the delivery to the storage and loading requirements. Processing plants typically store their materials in bulk before transporting and unloading them at various stages of their processing. Mechanical bulk material handling equipment is needed to discharge material from bulk bags – this process is called bulk bag unloading.

Space restrictions and storage needs also have to be addressed by plant managers, not just for the bulk materials themselves but also for the bulk bag frames and unloading equipment. Custom unloading, transporting, and storage options are often needed to meet operational needs. For example, some applications require a hoist to enable vertical movements above the bulk bag system framework. It’s important to install a system that fits in your space and gives you free access to your production line and unloading area.

Solutions for bulk material handling

When you’re dealing with bulk materials, it’s essential to have a proficient handling system. Handling Solutions leads from the front, with our team working with you to create the perfect operating environment. We have more than 50 years in operation, so you can rely on proven solutions that meet the demands of your production line and industry sector. We can improve efficiency throughout your space and streamline every aspect of material handling and movement. 

At Handling Solutions, we have a huge range of equipment options to satisfy your operational needs, including conveyor systems, bucket elevators, cranes, hoists, workstations, and storage solutions. From conception to completion, our solutions are designed to meet your handling needs. We understand that no plant is identical, and we know how to create innovative solutions that make the best possible use of your space.Bulk materials play a vital role in numerous industry sectors. In order to receive, unload, transport, store, and manage bulk materials effectively, you need to have the right infrastructure in place. If you would like to learn more about our products or request a quote, please contact our team today.

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With the highest quality products from top-rated vendor partners and over 50 years of experience in the industry, we create handling systems for any product, in any space.