Handling Assistance

At a time when automation, rationalization, environmental directives and industrial hygiene is becoming more and more important, the handling of AEROSIL^® fumed silica and other fumed metal oxides is an issue of increasing significance. For over 10 years now, Degussa has been continually developing its activities around this issue, in accordance with the increasing relevance of this topic.

In order to plan dust-free, and automated handling plants for AEROSIL^® fumed silica, fundamental product knowledge together with a corresponding level of experience in process technology is necessary. Because it can not be taken for granted that the suppliers of the machines and equipment in question provide this combination, we offer this type of support to our customers. Our main focus here is to assist our customers with the handling of AEROSIL^® fumed silica and other metal oxides in their storage and production facilities. Because of the complexity of AEROSIL^® fumed silica handling, support is particularly critical.

The term "handling" describes the techniques needed to move these products at the customer's site. The following issues are of particular importance:

• Emptying the containers
• Filling storage silos
• In-plant conveying and transport
• Metered feeding
• Introducing the material into the customer's processing machines

Besides these items, the overall term "handling" also includes items needed for carrying out the above steps:

• Filter technology
• Level measuring technology
• Weighing technology
• Delivery technology
• others

Available for customer basic information or orientation are the Technical Bulletin Pigments, Number 28, "Handling of synthetic Silicas and Silicates" and Technical Information (TI) on various current issues. Another option is personal consultation for the customer by the experts of our handling technology team,which is part of our comprehensive technical service. This can be provided either to customers visiting our Wolfgang site or at the customer's own site. Which of the two procedures is more efficient can be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Also available, in addition to theoretical consultation, is the option of conducting material handling tests with the customer.

For AEROSIL^® fumed silica , precipitated silicas and silicates, and ACEMATT, there is also the option to conduct these tests in the materials handling pilot plant specially built for this purpose in the Wolfgang industrial park. This pilot plant with its equipment is also available to our customers for demonstrations. Most of the above-listed handling steps can be demonstrated here. Another option is to conduct testing (e.g., on pneumatic dense phase conveying) in external pilot plants (e.g., at the plants of equipment manufacturers). We have good contacts at these companies. In many cases, tests can be monitored right in the customer' plant.

The above-described services are provided worldwide free of charge, provided the business connections exist. The service for each project must be individually adjusted to the scope of the project.

Essentially we strive to be available to our customers whenever they need us for materials handling issues or for planning new plants.

Contact between customers and Degussa handling technology should be made through the appropriate sales representative.

For further information, contact our applications technology support service at the following address:

Evonik Degussa GmbH
AS-FA-AE/A
Postfach 1345
D-63403 Hanau
Tel: +49-61 81-59 39 36
Fax: +49-61 81-59 44 89
E-mail: technical.service.aerosil@evonik.com