Developments in bulk material elevation technology

Existing methods of bulk material elevation, such as dilute-phase pneumatic conveying, screw conveying and bucket elevators, can experience a wide range of problems and hazards. A new type of elevator, called the Olds Elevator, has been developed recently to overcome many of these problems. This paper describes and reviews this new technology and demonstrates some its unique features and advantages via industrial case studies. It also describes a new research facility to investigate particular design and operating issues and the future potential of this new technology.