AIChE to offer 3-day Flow of Solids/Pneumatic Conveying combo course in April
The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) will host a three-day, in-person course April 21–23, 2026 in Houston, Texas, focused on preventing common storage and conveying failures in manufacturing operations. Instructors from global bulk material handling engineering and testing firm Jenike & Johanson will teach the course.
The program addresses recurring issues such as flow stoppages, ratholing, caking, segregation, and erratic discharge in bins, hoppers, feeders, and pneumatic conveying systems. According to the course description, these problems are typically the result of design and operating decisions rather than random events.
The training combines two courses: Flow of Solids, scheduled for April 21–22, 2026, and Pneumatic Conveying, scheduled for April 23, 2026.
Participants will learn how to apply measured bulk solids flow properties and first-principles engineering methods to:
• Diagnose and prevent arching, ratholing, and discharge problems
• Design hoppers and feeders to achieve reliable mass flow
• Configure pneumatic conveying systems to reduce plugging, attrition, and material buildup
The course also covers bulk solids flow patterns, flow properties testing, and step-by-step design of silos, bins, and feeders using established methodologies.
Organizers state that attendees will leave with practical tools they can apply immediately to troubleshooting existing systems and designing new storage and conveying equipment. The training is intended to help manufacturing engineers, plant managers, and operations leaders improve reliability, safety, and overall operational efficiency.