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    • Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist

    Thumbnail Tom Blackwood
    Contributing Editor

    Tom Blackwood, a veteran engineer who has dealt extensively with solids over the course of his career, contributes regularly to Chemical Processing and serves as the Solid Advice columnist.

    Solids Processing: All Models Are Wrong but Useful

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Feb. 5, 2024
    In the future, artificial intelligence may develop unbiased models for intricate processes.

    Solids Handling: Six Factors That Improve Agglomerates

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Jan. 10, 2024
    The secret to superior flowability is understanding factors that control agglomeration and clumping.

    Four Tips To Avoid Solids Processes Upsets

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Nov. 14, 2023
    There are hundreds of rules to help keep solids processing equipment operating. These four areas are most important.

    Solids Processing: Unleashing Innovative Strategies Beyond the Norm

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Sept. 13, 2023
    Innovative thinking in solids processing unveils exceptions, challenges and untapped possibilities. Here are five properties to keep in mind when looking for alternate processing...

    Powder Handling: Solve Problems Predicting Particulates

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    July 14, 2023
    Why is the behavior of particulate solids so hard to predict? There’s a saying that sums up working with solids: In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice;...

    Powder Handling: Tips To Troubleshoot Solids

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    May 12, 2023
    Expect unexpected characteristics of solids to alter process outcomes dramatically.

    Vital Data for Solids Scale-Up

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    March 8, 2023
    Solids are the most common form of product manufactured, primarily because they are easy to store and transport. However, they have unexpected physical characteristics. This roadmap...

    Solids Handling: Don’t Overlook Orphaned Physical Properties

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Jan. 13, 2023
    Finding hidden properties will solve emission problems

    Mind Materials-Handling Mischief Makers

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Nov. 16, 2022
    Pay close attention to attrition and agglomeration and how to handle these challenges when moving and delivering product.

    Solids Processing: Understand How Drying And Dust Interact

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Aug. 30, 2022
    This can provide insights on dust-control and attrition issues

    Dry Your Solids Properly

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    June 13, 2022
    Focus on the characteristics essential to the final product

    Powder/Fluid Handling: Don’t Stint On Separator Selection

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    April 13, 2022
    Choosing solid/liquid separation equipment demands care

    Powder Handling: Crystallization Is Easy

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Feb. 18, 2022
    This unit operation can add much more flexibility to a process design

    Solidify Your Solids Processing

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Dec. 10, 2021
    Understanding the potential interactions of key technologies is crucial

    Why Doesn’t Your Mill Work Well?

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Oct. 20, 2021
    Figuring out how to get the most from your equipment can be a grind

    Powder & Solids: Probe Particle Size Distribution

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Aug. 17, 2021
    Lack of uniformity in a material can complicate processing and handling

    Solids Handling: Start With The Right Equipment

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    June 22, 2021
    Having good physical properties will improve selection

    Solids Processing: Don’t Fall for Flowability Myths

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    April 20, 2021
    Some widely accepted ideas aren’t supported by real-world performance

    Profit From Your Bad Experiences

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Feb. 15, 2021
    Flops and flubs frequently can foster future successes

    Powder Handling: Successfully Change Particle Size

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Dec. 9, 2020
    Sometimes you can modify crystals without starting over

    6 Key Factors — Should You Go Batch or Continuous?

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Oct. 7, 2020
    The choice isn’t always clear for particulate solids

    Bolster Your Solids Processing Toolbox

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Aug. 10, 2020
    Take advantage of various types of software when changing or improving a process

    Solids Processing: Get The Right Data In The Right Order

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    June 10, 2020
    Do this first instead of rushing to hire a consultant

    Equipment Design: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    April 7, 2020
    Don’t discount making improvements to an existing device

    Emissions: Rethink Gas Cleaning

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Feb. 11, 2020
    Consider alternative ways to control particulate emissions

    Fend Off Fine Particle Frustrations

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Oct. 7, 2019
    Several options can minimize issues about fines in products

    Powder Handling: Bulk Bags Can Change Your Life

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    April 12, 2019
    Before converting to them you should ask yourself four key questions.

    Solid Advice: Run a Pneumatic Conveyor Test

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    June 28, 2017
    Use a vendor’s facility to get information on a number of important parameters

    Solids Processing: Put STEAM into Your Efforts

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Jan. 9, 2017
    An effective solution often depends on art as well as basic science.

    Powder Handling: Beware of Blending Myths

    Tom Blackwood, Solids Advice columnist
    Oct. 14, 2016
    But first determine if blending really is required