Research

The Centre for Industrial Bulk Solids Handling has a tremendous breadth of research activity.  The staff members have been active in research in pneumatic conveying, instrumentation for particulate solids handling and the characterisation of particulate solids, with the first two subjects being the focus in recent years.

Leading the expert team at Glasgow Caledonian University’s Centre for Industrial Bulk Solids Handling, Professor Don McGlinchey is active in consultancy, research and education in particulate solids handling. His research interests are the characterisation of particulate solids, gas-solids flow, segregation of particulate materials, and the effects of vibration on powder beds. Recent research into the determination of solids’ mass flow measurement by thermal methods, based on experimentation and CFD modelling led to a successful Proof of Concept award from Scottish Enterprise for the development of a solids’ mass rate measurement device.

Professor McGlinchey has carried out major research projects with international collaboration and lectured in Europe and America. His work has been published in journals and he has presented research papers at international conferences. Working with colleagues researching Process Efficiency and Optimisation, Professor McGlinchey has an excellent record of establishing links with business clients, including Ajax Equipment, Stable Micro Systems, Doosan Babcock and Scottish Power. He is a Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institute of Physics and the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

Professor McGlinchey is backed by an academic team with a range of experience and expertise, from research in characterisation and pneumatic conveying, to instrumentation for particulate solids handling plant and health and safety. All of these staff have published in internationally recognised journals, presented at international conferences, all of which informs the development of the MSc Particulate Solids Handling programme. Professor John Pugh is an academic of international standing in the particulate solids handling community, particular in the area of weighing instrumentation and instrumentation for particulate solids handling applications. Dr Ray Ansell provides the Centre with invaluable expertise in the health and safety aspects of particulate solids handling. Andrew Cowell is currently working on a PhD part-time on the measurement of impact forces in pneumatic conveying systems, whilst also carrying out the Programme Leader role for the MSc Particulate Solids Handling. The Centre is also supported by an excellent technical team with 20 years experience in the construction and maintenance of solids handling test facilities, predominantly for use in pneumatic conveying systems. Furthermore there is a healthy research environment with a dynamic research team of post-doctoral and post-graduate students.