Originally Broadcast on June 1, 2023. Now Available On-Demand.
Sponsor: B&P Littleford
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Summary
Todd Smith and Kevin Solofra from Kansas State University’s Bulk Solids Innovation Center will moderate a discussion with experts from leading equipment suppliers about the types of mixing and blending equipment typically used for bulk solids applications, common challenges processors face when mixing powders and bulk solid materials, and ways to optimize mixing and blending processes.
A large portion of the discussion will be dedicated to answering audience questions and providing recommendations. So, if you have questions about mixing and blending, bring them to this webinar!
Speakers
Shawn Hearn | Global Product Manager | B&P Littleford
Shawn Hearn has been involved with the specifying, buying, and selling of industrial mixers into the powder, fine chemical, plastic, composite, mineral, food, and pharmaceutical industries for over 40 years.He originally got his start in the field as a Project Manager for SMC Corp., where he supplied mixing systems to the plastics/composite industry. In the early 80s, Shawn made his move to Littleford Bros. as a Sales Territory Manager. He’d go on to work for Lodige Process Technology before finding his way back to the then-named Littleford-Day Inc. Littleford-Day merged with B&P Process Equipment to form B&P Littleford, where he currently serves as a Global Product Manager, specializing in Mixing Systems.
Shawn is an expert in the field of mixing technology and has extensive knowledge of horizontal and vertical batch mixer designs, continuous plow mixers, and single screw kneaders and compounders. He uses this experience to consult with clients on how to address their processing needs.
Ken Langhorn - Vice President of Sales | Charles Ross & Son Company
Ken Langhorn, Vice President of Sales at Charles Ross & Son Company brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his role. A graduate of Stony Brook University with 25 years of experience at ROSS, Ken specializes in customer applications and innovations in mixing. Formerly the Technical Director at ROSS, he holds patents for innovations in ultra-high shear mixing and high-viscosity mixing devices. His knowledge and passion for the subject have also been showcased through numerous published articles on mixing and blending technology. Ken oversees the company’s Test & Development Center, and is closely involved with visiting clients, conducting mixer demonstrations and assisting with process optimization.
Moderators
Todd Smith | Business and Strategy Manager | Kansas State University - Bulk Solids Innovation Center
Todd Smith is Business and Strategy Manager of Kansas State University’s Bulk Solids Innovation Center. KSU-BSIC, a partnership of industry, university, and government, is the only university-based Bulk Solids research center in the Americas. Todd spent 35 years in the bulk solids industry, first at DuPont, then as Engineering Manager at MAC Equipment (now Schenck Process) and then General Manager of Coperion K-Tron Salina and vice president of the company’s Global Systems Group. He has a Mechanical Engineering degree from Kansas State University and earned his M.B.A in 1998. He hasauthored one book, as well as many magazine articles and technical papers. Todd’s Board of Director experience includes president of the KSU Dean’s Advisory Council, Process Equipment Manufacturer’s Association, Salina Area Technical College, Salina Chamber of Commerce, Salina Regional Health Foundation, Salina Municipal Band, and Salina Soccer Club.
Kevin Solofra BSIC Lab Manager | Kansas State University - Bulk Solids Innovation Center
Kevin Solofra earned his BS and MS in Ceramic Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla — now Missouri S&T. Kevin has a background ranging from research engineering with product scale-up through process/production management in various industries. His experience started in the realm of electro-ceramics for appliances, followed by low wear ceramics and body armor, and most recently the glass industry for architectural, automotive and glass insulation. From a process point of view, Kevin has dealt with all aspects from spec’ing raw materials, through conveying materials, and all the way to finished part quality analysis. All of this has led a strong blend of technical expertise combined with a manufacturing/business viewpoint to approaching, understanding, and working through industrial opportunities.
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