Advanced Manufacturing and Bulk Solids Technology Center

Contact:

Jonathan McPherson
Phone: (913) 307-7314
Email: jmcpherson@k-state.edu

22201 W. Innovation Drive
Olathe, KS 66061

 

Background:

Kansas State University's Advanced Manufacturing and Bulk Solids Technology Center, or BSTC, supports industry by improving technology and knowledge related to powder and bulk solid handling, and the manufacturing process. The center specializes in powder and bulk solids materials testing, education and research on powders and dry bulk materials.

The Bulk Solids Technology Center is the only university-centered facility in North America dedicated to improving technology and knowledge of powder and bulk solids handling.

Community Impact:

Bulk solids make up more than 80 percent of items transported around the world, yet formal education and research about the science of these materials is not completely understood; how they transport and behave during processing requires further examination. The BSTC is a valuable resource to companies that design and utilize systems for bulk solids, studying and gaining understanding of how to handle these materials to enhance efficiency and productivity in those businesses' operations. The BSTC provides professional development courses to further industry and employee education. The research and testing center has also produced several publications for industry use.

Comunity and Institutional Partners:

K-State's Advanced Manufacturing and Bulk Solids Technology Center is part of the Kansas State University Olathe campus, located in a suburb of Kansas City. The Center is a collaborative partnership of university and industry to provide training, research and services to industry. The center is building on the training, research and service in bulk solids and expanding to other areas of manufacturing and supply chain.

The center is made possible with a collaboration of K-State, industry support and funding from the Johnson County (Kansas) Education Research Triangle for the initial construction. More than two dozen industrial companies are donating equipment, instruction and other support.

Institutional Impact:

The Bulk Solids Technology Center is the only university-centered facility and staff in North America dedicated to powder and bulk solids. As such, it provides independent and credible testing services and recommendations for industrial clients in process industries such as food, pet and animal food, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, minerals and mining, and construction.

The center has the experience and systems to support industry with powder and bulk solid processing needs, material and process improvement, equipment and product testing, troubleshooting, equipment design and scale-up.

Website:

https://olathe.k-state.edu/research/advanced-manufacturing-bulk-solids-technology-center/