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
Moderation and discussion leader:
Dr.-Ing. Knut Krenzer, Head of Simulation, Process Technology Research Division, IAB Weimar
Partner:
IAB – INSTITUTE FOR APPLIED CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH WEIMAR GmbH
11.30 – 12.00 pm
Virtual material flow – simulate, understand, optimize
Description
Whether conveying, dosing, screening, mixing, or drying—bulk material processes remain hidden because their internal workings are not visible. Simulation makes these “black boxes” transparent, creating digital twins that reveal correlations, predict material behavior, and thus lay the foundation for automation, higher energy efficiency, and more sustainable processes. The presentation shows how modern simulation methods help to improve existing plants and shed light on new concepts before the first prototype is built, thereby unlocking new potential in process engineering.
Speaker:
Jan-Phillip Fürstenau
Branch Manager, CADFEM Hanover
12.00 – 12.30 pm
Simulate bulk material processing, but do it right. Mixing, screening, transporting.
Description
Bulk material processing operations such as mixing, screening, and transporting place high demands on plant design and operation. Realistic simulation makes it possible to accurately map these processes as early as the planning phase, identify weak points at an early stage, and make targeted use of optimization potential. The presentation shows what is important for the correct simulation of bulk material processes and how well-founded models lead to better decisions in development and operation.
Speaker:
Dr. Christoph Kratzsch
Simulation Engineer / Research Associate, IAB – Institute for Applied Construction Research Weimar, non-profit limited liability company
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
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.
"Wir mischen mit“ - Solid mixing as the key to stable packaging processes
Description
Mixing powder correctly is much more than just a process step—it is the basis for reliable and fast packaging lines. The presentation shows which mechanisms are at work in solid mixing and how mixing processes can be optimized in a targeted manner. This turns a good mixture into a stable overall process.
Speaker:
Prof. Rainer Barnekow
Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences
10.30 – 11.00 am
„Wir mischen mit“ - New approaches to industrial powder mixing
Description
A novel, innovative mixing concept for powders and bulk solids is being presented, combining particularly gentle product handling with high homogeneity. The technology enables efficient mixing even with large batches and sensitive recipes, while also meeting the highest standards of hygiene and process integration. This opens up new possibilities for flexible and sustainable production processes in the food industry.
Sprecher:
Klaus Meyer
Senior Sales Engineer, amixon GmbH
11.00 – 11.30 am
From powder to the perfect product
Description
Functional mixing goes far beyond simple homogenization: modern processes combine mixing with process steps such as coating, granulation, and dedusting in an integrated system. This allows particle properties to be specifically adjusted, surfaces to be functionalized, and stable granulates to be produced. The result is reproducible product quality and more efficient, compact process chains in powder processing.
Speaker:
Bianca Steinkamp
Ma. Sc., Life Science Technology, Gebr. Lödige GmbH
11.30 – 12.00 pm
From mixing to a safe overall process
Description
It shows how well-designed bulk material and powder processes bridge the gap between mixing, handling, and packaging. The focus is on functional process steps such as conditioning, dedusting, and safe conveying in order to specifically improve product quality, plant availability, and process reliability. Practical concepts illustrate how integrated solutions lead to stable, hygienic, and efficient overall processes.
Speaker:
Dipl.- Ing. Reiner Lemperle
Team Manager Business Development, HECHT Technologie GmbH
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 - 13:03 pm
Introduction
Speaker:
Dr. Judith Winck
Academic Advisor, Technical University of Dortmund
13.03 – 13.16 pm
A novel process for solid production with challenging crystallization behavior
Speaker:
Dr. Judith Winck
Academic Advisor, Technical University of Dortmund
13.16 – 13.29 pm
Systematic design of continuous encapsulation for liquid formulations
Speaker:
Tim Sharifsoltani
Doctoral candidate, Technical University of Dortmund
13.29 – 13.42 pm
Influence of water content on temperature prediction in melt extrusion processes
Speaker:
Steven Meyer
Doctoral candidate, Technical University of Dortmund
13.42 – 13.55 pm
Systematic design of continuous granulation I
Speaker:
Dr.-Ing. Jens Bartsch
Academic Advisor, Technical University of Dortmund
13.55 – 14.08 pm
Systematic design of continuous granulation II
Speaker:
Nadine Kubina
Doctoral candidate, Technical University of Dortmund
14.08 – 14.21 pm
Mechanical processing of fiber materials from annual plant fibers using twin-screw extruders
Speaker:
Yunwen Liu
Doctoral candidate, Technical University of Dortmund
14.21 – 14.34 pm
Components for autonomous operation in tableting
Speaker:
Ermiya Özaslan
Doctoral candidate, Technical University of Dortmund
14.34 – 14.47 pm
Model-based stability prediction of solid dosage forms – For sustainable blister solutions with unchanged quality
Description
In the development of pharmaceutical blister packaging, more sustainable material concepts are increasingly coming into focus. At the same time, it must be ensured that the quality of medicines is maintained throughout the entire storage period. Moisture is a significant factor influencing the stability of many active ingredients. Model-based prediction of moisture ingress, moisture absorption by the tablet, and active ingredient content over the storage period provides targeted support in selecting the optimal packaging material. This approach thus supports sustainable blister solutions without compromising quality.
Sprecher:
Jan Pech
Doktorand, Technische Universität Dortmund
14.47 – 15.00 pm
Filtration kinetics in depth filters
Speaker:
Lukas Wischemann
Doctoral candidate, Technical University of Dortmund