About this Event
SME SoCal Dinner Event: The History of the Science of Bulk Solids Handling
Come join us for a fascinating evening delving into the evolution of bulk solids handling! This in-person event will be held at Dave & Buster's, where we will explore the rich history of this essential science. Network with industry professionals, enjoy a delicious dinner, and gain valuable insights into the advancements that have shaped the field. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with like-minded individuals. Reserve your spot today!
The History of the Science of Bulk Solids Handling
Seventy years ago, engineers faced a silent problem they couldn’t explain: perfectly good hoppers, silos and transfer chutes that simply refused to flow. Millions of dollars were lost, and no equation in the textbooks could predict why. Ever wonder why most engineers can calculate how water flows through a pipe—but not how ore flows through a chute?
Mining depends heavily on the movement of bulk solids through complex handling systems. Yet, in most engineering programs, students learn far more about fluids than solids—Bernoulli’s equation is familiar, but for bulk solids, it’s useless. Solids don’t flow like water; they require their own set of principles.
That’s where the Jenike method comes in. Developed by Dr. Andrew Jenike, this groundbreaking approach introduced the first rigorous, scientific way to design hoppers and silos for reliable material flow. Instead of relying on trial and error, Jenike’s equations use measured material properties to predict and prevent common problems like arching and ratholing.
But where did this science come from? In this talk, we’ll travel back more than 70 years to explore Dr. Jenike’s pioneering work, uncover the challenges he faced, and see how his method revolutionized bulk solids handling design across industries worldwide.
About the speaker
Carrie Hartford, P.E., MBA, Director of Business Development, has been with Jenike and Johanson for nearly 2 decades designing bins, silos, feeders, and transfer chutes to solve challenging material handling problems for clients in all industries. She teaches courses, writes papers and gives technical presentations all over the world regarding the science of bulk solids handling and storage. She holds a Physics Engineering degree from Westmont College, a Mechanical Engineering degree from UC Santa Barbara, an MBA from Azusa Pacific University, and is a licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer in the State of California. Carrie is based out of San Luis Obispo, California – previously she established Jenike & Johanson’s office in Perth Australia.
She is also the vice-chair of the SME SoCal Committee!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dave & Buster's, 4821 Mills Circle, Ontario, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 49.87
