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
Panel Discussion: “Challenges in the Industry—and How We Can Support One Another”
Partner:
Deutscher Schüttgut Industrie Verband e.V.
Moderation and discussion leader:
Jochen Baumgartner, DSIV Vorstand
10.00 – 10.30 am
Interview: What strategies does the bulk materials and process industry need for the future?
Description
The mechanical and plant engineering sector—particularly for the bulk materials and process industries—is currently facing a difficult situation characterized by weak production, declining sales, and persistent cost pressures. An economic turnaround, either domestically or abroad, is not expected even looking ahead to 2026. For the DSIV and its member companies, this raises a central and challenging question: What strategies and solutions will guide us into the future?
We will discuss these perspectives and options for action on the panel with the association’s president, Tom Henning.
Interviewee:
Tom Henning
President of the DSIV (German Bulk Materials Industry Association), Managing Director of SHA Siegmund Henning Anlagentechnik GmbH
Moderator/Interviewer:
Jochen Baumgartner (DSIV Board Member)
10.30 – 11.00 am
Interview: Workflow Made Easy?
Description
Simple automation using tools like n8n gives small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, the opportunity to automate recurring workflows cost-effectively and without needing their own large IT department. This saves time, reduces errors, and allows processes to scale efficiently. At the same time, important questions arise in practice: What are the specific use cases? What hurdles exist during implementation and operation—for example, regarding setup, data protection, and understanding one’s own business processes?
Jan Winkel, a member of the DSIV’s young professionals group and an employee at ISF-Fördertechnik GmbH, will introduce this topic. He will be available on stage to answer the moderator’s questions and engage in a discussion with the audience.
Interviewee:
Jan Winkel
DSIV Ambassador for Young Professionals and employee at ISF-Fördertechnik GmbH
11.00 – 11.30 am
Interview: Digital Simulation Methods—The Future at the Intersection of Research and Industry
Description
The simulation of particle systems is emerging as a key interface between academia and industry. The discussion will focus on the demand for skilled professionals, modern curriculum content in the field of digital simulation methods, the appeal of engineering programs to young students, as well as future career opportunities in industry and the internationalization of education.
We are particularly pleased to welcome Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Zigan from the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau (WHZ) as a panelist. His research and teaching in the field of complex particle system simulation offer valuable insights into the connection between fundamental scientific research, industrial practice, and international education.
Interviewee:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan Zigan
Professor at WHZ West Saxon University of Applied Sciences in Zwickau
Moderator/Interviewer:
Jochen Baumgartner (DSIV Board Member)
Simulation of Bulk Materials – Understanding and Optimizing Processing and Transport
Partner:
IAB – Institute for Applied Construction Research Weimar, a non-profit limited liability company
Moderator and Discussion Facilitator:
Christoph Kratzsch, Head of the Simulation Division, IAB Weimar
Description
The Bulk Materials Simulation Panel provides a concise overview of current methods, models, and digital tools for realistically simulating granular materials. Experts from industry and research will discuss applications of DEM, CFD couplings, and AI-based approaches for optimizing conveying, mixing, and storage processes. The focus will be on practical examples, validation strategies, and opportunities for efficiency and sustainability throughout the entire process chain. The panel invites participants to engage in a professional exchange on trends, challenges, and future developments.
11.30 – 12.00 pm
Virtual Material Flow – Simulate, Understand, Optimize
Description
Whether it’s conveying, dosing, screening, mixing, or drying—bulk material processes remain hidden because their internal workings are not visible. Simulation makes these “black boxes” transparent: This creates digital twins that reveal interrelationships, predict material behavior, and thus lay the foundation for automation, greater energy efficiency, and more sustainable processes. This presentation demonstrates how modern simulation methods help improve existing plants and evaluate new concepts before the first prototype is built, thereby unlocking new potential in process engineering.
Speaker:
Dr. Jan-Philipp Fürstenau
Branch Manager, Hanover, CADFEM Germany
12.00 – 12.30 pm
Simulate bulk material processing—but do it right. Mixing, screening, conveying.
Description
Bulk material processing operations such as mixing, screening, and conveying place high demands on plant design and operation. Realistic simulation makes it possible to accurately model these processes as early as the planning phase, identify weak points at an early stage, and systematically leverage opportunities for optimization. This presentation will highlight what is essential for the proper 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, a non-profit limited liability company
lunch break
Dust release when handling powders, granulates, bulk materials
Partner:
Institute for Particle Technology at the University of Wuppertal
Moderation and discussion leader:
Dr.-Ing. Matthias Kaul
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.
14.00 - 14.30 pm
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
14.30 - 15.00pm
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
15.00 - 15.30pm
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
Partner:
Technische Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe
Moderation and discussion leader:
Prof. Rainer Barnekow, Food Processing Engineering, Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences
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
Food Processing
Engineering, 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
Partner:
Dortmund University of Technology, Faculty of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Solid Materials Process Engineering
Moderation and discussion leader:
Dr. Judith Winck, Academic Advisor, Technical University of Dortmund
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