Here you will find the lecture program for the SOLIDS InnovationCenter in Hall 4! The InnovationCenter is the stage for a series of high-caliber lectures by renowned experts. Trade visitors can gain the latest insights into research, development, and future trends in the industry.
Wednesday, 18.03.2026
SOLIDS InnovationCentre, Hall 4
Morning program to follow shortly
10.00 - 10.30 a.m.
Potential of a spark extinguishing system through intelligent sensor technology
The combination of spark detectors and automatic extinguishing systems has been used successfully for five decades for the safe detection and efficient elimination of highly mobile ignition sources, for example in pneumatic conveying, and has since protected countless industrial plants and human lives from fire and explosion incidents. Combustible dusts or bulk materials are produced in many branches of industry, such as wood processing, the recycling industry, food and animal feed production, plastics or metal processing. During processing, for example, potentially dangerous ignition sources can arise due to frictional heat. During pneumatic transport, these ignition sources are transported to other production areas, where they can cause fires or even explosions. In the meantime, the potential of very early detection of ignition initiation by means of a spark extinguishing system has become established in numerous large industrial applications as property protection, not least due to increasingly intelligent sensor technology. This presentation is therefore not only intended to demonstrate an understanding of how a spark extinguishing system works, but also to show the versatility and possible applications of the new technological developments in the field of sensor technology using practical examples. In addition, the presentation teaches how to recognise sources of danger in the bulk materials and recycling industry and shows in a practical way how simple protective measures can be taken that pay for themselves in the blink of an eye.
Speaker:
Robin Lenz
Product management, GreCon Brandschutz
10.30 - 11.00 a.m.
Explosion protection and saving money - how do they go together?
Explosion protection is expensive and does not increase output!
This makes it all the more important to consider not only the investment sum, but also the follow-up costs.
Especially in terms of sustainability. This is because costs are often associated with the replacement of components or spare parts and therefore the consumption of raw materials.
There are opportunities here to reduce costs or, in the case of existing explosion protection systems, even to save money!
Explosion protection and savings – a perfect match!
Speaker:
Guido Kammerer
Head of Sales, Quality Management, ATEX Explosionsschutz GmbH
11.00 - 11.30 a.m.
How to carry out a risk assessment for dust explosions
A dust explosion can occur in processes where flammable solids are handled, stored or transported if enough fine powder particles are dispersed in the air and ignition occurs with sufficient energy. The consequences of a dust explosion can be devastating, as the rapid combustion of well-mixed fine powders and air can quickly generate pressures of up to 10 bar or more, and the combustion zone can spread to other process areas if dust is present and is whirled up by the pressure wave in front of the combustion zone. In order to manage the risk and hazard of an industrial dust explosion, a risk assessment must first be carried out. The aim of this assessment is to determine process areas where sufficient dust can mix with air, identify the potential ignition sources in these areas and define the probability of an explosive dust cloud occurring together with the effective ignition sources, taking into account normal and abnormal operating conditions and the potential consequences of an explosion occurring. The second step of the risk assessment is to determine preventive and protective measures, where appropriate, to ensure that the explosion risk remains below the minimum level required by ATEX legislation or other lower levels prescribed by national, sectoral or plant operator regulations.
This session will provide guidance and examples of how to carry out a dust explosion risk assessment in practice.
Speaker:
Jim Vingerhoets
Explosion Safety Consultant
Fike Europe
11.30 - 12.00 a.m.
Safety under pressure - between theory and practice in explosion venting of dust-carrying systems
Countless applications of pressure relief devices in dust-carrying systems protect companies and personnel from far-reaching hazards – or should they and couldn’t in the event of an incident?
Deviations in theory within the framework of the normative specifications compared to the real application are sometimes frightening and devastating. For an insight into such lurking dangers and learning effects, we cordially invite you to the lecture With safety under pressure – between theory and practice in the explosion pressure relief of dust-carrying systems.
Speaker:
Andre Häger
Sales Executive Explosion Safety
REMBE® GmbH Safety+Control
lunch break
Dust release when handling powders, granulates, bulk materials
Moderation and discussion leader:
Dr.-Ing. Matthias Kaul
Partner:
Institute for Particle Technology at the University of Wuppertal
Description
Any handling of bulk materials inevitably involves dust emissions, which can pose a risk to people, the environment, and production equipment, as well as resulting in material losses.
This presentation panel will focus on characterization in close connection with innovative ways of preventing and reducing these emissions.
afternoon program
Understanding and preventing dust release during conveyor belt discharge – Presentation of experimental investigations into electrostatically assisted wet dust removal
Description
Dust is generated when bulk materials are discharged from conveyor belts. It has been shown that, for the same material, simply changing the particle size causes dust to be generated in a different place and in a different way. The type and location of dust generation play a decisive role in dust treatment. If dust detaches from larger particles, e.g., when impacting the bulk material, this can be avoided by pre-wetting, which saves water. For bulk materials that exist as agglomerates of fine primary particles, dust suppression was not possible. However, it has been shown that subsequent separation of airborne dust using water mist enables a significant increase in efficiency due to the electrostatic charge of the droplets.
Speaker:
Marcus Weidemann
M.Sc. Research assistant / doctoral candidate at the University of Wuppertal, Institute for Particle Technology
afternoon programm
Determination of interparticle adhesive forces by quantifying the tendency to clump – a theoretical consideration
Description
The tendency of bulk solids to form dust depends, among other things, on the adhesive forces acting between the particles of the bulk solid in question. Quantitatively determining these adhesive forces is therefore useful and relevant for predicting the tendency of a bulk solid to form dust. However, determining these adhesive forces by direct measurement is complex and not trivial. A combination of direct measurement and quantitative determination of the dusting tendency of a particle collective offers an alternative method for determining the adhesive forces. The presentation outlines the concept of this alternative determination.
Speaker:
Felix Belter
M.Sc. Research Assistant
University of Wuppertal, Institute for Particle Technology
afternoon programm
Assessment of the dusting behavior of powders and bulk solids – limitations and new approaches
Description
Assessing the dusting behavior of powders and bulk materials is an essential part of the approval process for handling dusty goods. In addition to DIN-standardized laboratory-scale procedures, there is a growing need for solutions for large-volume goods such as track ballast or construction waste. The presentation will therefore introduce new approaches in addition to established procedures.
Speaker:
Dr. Matthias Kaul
Research Associate
University of Wuppertal, Institute for Particle Technology
1.35 - 1.50 pm
Prediction of process parameters in the extrusion of pharmaceutical formulations
Speaker:
Steven Meyer
Research Associate Technical University of Dortmund
1.50 - 2.05 pm
Process design of continuous melt granulation
Speaker:
Dr.-Ing. Jens Bartsch
Academic Councillor
Dortmund University of Technology
14.05 - 14.20
Production of fibre material by moisture extrusion using twin-screw extruders
Speaker:
Yunwen Liu
Research assistant at Dortmund University of Technology
14.20 - 14.35
Modelling of drug stability as a function of temperature and moisture content
Speaker:
Jan Pech
Research Associate Technical University of Dortmund
Invite GmbH
14.35 - 14.50
1D simulation of particle separation in the depth filter
Speaker:
Lukas Wischemann
Research Associate Technical University of Dortmund
Thursday, 19.03.2026
SOLIDS InnovationCentre, Hall 4
We're getting involved!
Innovative mixing processes for powders in the food industry
Moderation and discussion leader:
Prof Rainer Barnekow, Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Partner:
Technische Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe
Description
Powder processes in food production today are caught between the conflicting demands of efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Under the motto “We’re mixing it up!”, we show how modern mixing technologies are setting new standards – from hygienic design to fully integrated process concepts.
Zero-waste strategies, multifunctional systems, and flexible production systems enable resource-saving and adaptable powder processing, in which mixing, conveying, and dosing are seamlessly integrated. At the same time, food safety and hygienic design are becoming increasingly important in order to ensure the high quality standards of the food industry.
The use of artificial intelligence is opening up new avenues in recipe and process optimization: Data-driven systems monitor and control mixing processes in real time, increase process stability, and support the development of innovative, sustainable products.
10.00 - 10.30 a.m.
Basics of modern solids mixing
Solid mixing is an essential process in many industries, such as the pharmaceutical and food industries. The aim of this process is to produce a homogeneous mixture of different solid components.
This presentation will look at the basics of mixing, the different mixing processes, relevant influencing factors and the different types of solid mixers. In addition, the challenges, in particular segregation and scale-up, will be discussed as important aspects.
Speaker:
Prof Rainer Barnekow
Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences and Arts
10.30 - 11.00 a.m.
What you should consider when choosing a solid mixer
The selection of a suitable solids mixer is crucial to the success of the desired mixing process. Several factors must be taken into account in order to achieve optimum results.
This presentation will discuss the most important criteria for selecting a solids mixer. Other considerations include the capacity of the mixer, cleaning and maintenance, energy efficiency and the adaptability of the equipment to different production conditions. Finally, potential challenges such as the risk of segregation and the scalability of the mixing process will also be addressed.
Speaker:
Johannes Strunz
Sales, Technical Consulting
Amixon GmbH
11.00 - 11.30 a.m.
Fat coating of sugar using a solid mixer
Fat coating of sugar is a process that is primarily used in the food and confectionery industry. The aim is to evenly coat sugar crystals with a layer of fat in order to improve their properties, such as moisture resistance and processability.
This presentation will cover the basics of fat coating, the use of solid mixers for this process, the relevant influencing factors and the different types of mixers that are suitable for coating. The challenges of grease coating, in particular the homogeneity of the coating and the scalability of the process, will also be discussed.
Speaker:
Elisa Finck
Food technologist
Glass GmbH & Co. KG
11.30 - 12.00 a.m.
Avoidance of dust and breakage when mixing solids
Speaker:
Prof Rainer Barnekow
Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences and Arts
lunch break
Innovative process and product design: Current projects in solid materials engineering at TU Dortmund University
Moderation and discussion leader:
Dr. Judith Winck, Academic Advisor, Technical University of Dortmund
Partner:
Dortmund University of Technology, Faculty of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Solid Materials Process Engineering
Description
How can solid processing processes be fully digitized and operated continuously in the future? The Chair of Solid Process Engineering at TU Dortmund University is investigating this question with the help of state-of-the-art measurement technology and innovative modeling methods. A particular focus is on the processing of powders and particles for pharmaceutical applications. The panel discussion will present current projects ranging from solids production and processing to product characterization.
13.00 - 13.30
The experimental-numerical approach to the development of dust release formulae for the stressing of bulk materials
Speaker:
Nadja Woschny
Research associate at the Institute for Particle Technology
University of Wuppertal
1.30 - 2.00 pm
Dust separation with electrostatically supported two-substance nozzles
Dust release during belt discharge – presentation of experimental investigations in the wind tunnel
Speaker:
Marcus Weidemann
Research associate at the Institute for Particle Technology
University of Wuppertal
14.00 - 14.30
Upscaling of a rotating apparatus for measuring the dusting of large-volume bulk materials
Speaker:
Dr.-Ing. Matthias Kaul
Research associate at the Institute for Particle Technology
University of Wuppertal