Maschinenfabrik Gustav Eirich, Hardheim, Germany, points out that although many universities teach the basic theory of dynamic mixers (units with moving mixing elements and/or moving containers), they fail to cover practical aspects. In order to expand practical knowledge and know-how, Eirich offers seminar events for employees of industrial companies and for university staff, in which the company shows what can be done today when it comes to mixing, granulating, kneading, and dispersing. The seminars look at the modes of action and performance potential of all standard mixing systems. Without understanding the state of the art, it is not possible to critically assess the ‘optimum mixing qualities’ that are frequently offered or to appraise one’s own manufacturing processes. If required, improvements can then be introduced to increase the cost effectiveness of production and therefore contribute to a company’s success.

In industrial companies, the employees from production, quality assurance and development are addressed. The events are held in German and start with an evening meal on the night before. Information about the topics and content covered is available on the Eirich website, where it is now also possible again to register online. Each event usually attracts around 25 to 30 participants, often also from other German-speaking countries. Around half the participants come from the R&D sector.

The events cover many different industries and a wide range of regular, recurring topics. Here are just a few: abrasives, animal feed, batteries (from rechargeable lead acid batteries to lithium-ion rechargeable batteries), carbide, catalysts, colour pencil leads, compounds for dental ceramics, concrete, contaminated soils, dry mortar, fertilisers and soil improvers, foundry (bentonite-bonded moulding sand), friction linings, galvanic sludges, glass (including foam glass), graphite and carbon, grinding tools, inorganic pigments (such as titanium dioxide), magnetic materials, metallurgy (including sintering processes), molecular sieves, paper coating compounds, polymer concrete, pyrotechnics, recycling/residues and problem substances (incl. conditioning of ashes and dusts), refractory products, sand-lime bricks, secondary fuels, structural ceramics, technical ceramics, tiles, welding electrodes and zeolites.

At the event, after a joint introduction the participants come together in small groups in which industry-specific processes and problems are then addressed. There is an opportunity to discuss individual questions, and all the participants are introduced to experts whom they can contact after the event. In many cases the newly acquired knowledge can be used straight away after the information event to optimise processes during trials at the test centre. For example, it may be possible to combine three process steps previously performed in separate units into a single machine. Sometimes it takes slightly longer before the acquired knowledge can be translated into practical benefits, for example if there is a challenging new development task or production systems need to be optimised.

In 2021, events are currently planned in Hardheim for 24 June, 23 September, and 9 December 9. Registration for these events is via the website: www.eirich-seminare.de.

Eirich also offers in-house seminars in other countries, which are normally conducted in English. These are intended for both industrial companies as well as universities and research institutions. The content for each seminar is tailored to the specific interests of the participants. Depending on the depth of information required, these events usually last between two and eight hours. Readers interested in further information are invited to contact Thomas Lansdorf (thomas.lansdorf@eirich.de)
 

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