This work is in the form of a monograph and is an advanced introduction to all the functions of process engineering that are to do with the handling and treatment of particulate matter and bulk solids. The physical and theoretical foundations of the subject are emphasized and it is hoped that a simply empirical approach to the subject has been avoided. As technology has progressed the science of mechanical processes has concerned itself with the systematic understanding and design of processes and equipment and, at the same time, with the concept of unit operations whereby the whole field is divided into a larger number of basic processes that are defined according to their purposes. The principal groups into which these processes fall are those of separating and mixing without any intentional changes in particle size, and those where the particle size is altered. In addition, there are also the procedures of conveying, dumping and feeding and these classifications are followed in the survey of these processes given in this monograph. This work is not intended to be a textbook, but aims to meet the requirements of a handbook. It presents the fundamentals of the subject, the main questions are addressed and their theory is presented in sufficient detail to enable the methodology to be grasped and understanding of the subject to be pursued. In many cases the derivation of formulae has been dispensed with, since it is possible to obtain an insight into the questions arising in mechanical process technology and its scientific interpretation without requiring their actual mathematical presentation.

Table of Contents:
Part 1 Introduction: the definition of mechanical process technology; the purpose of mechanical process technology. Part 2 Characteristics of systems and changes of state: disperse systems; representing the characteristics of particle assemblies; the separating of disperse systems; mixing of disperse systems; packing of granular solids. Part 3 Fundamental physical processes and particle metrology: the motion of particles in a flowing medium; flow through packings; the mechanics of the fluidized bed; the continuum mechanics of packings - powder mechanics; deformation and fracture of solids; adhesion; particle metrology. Part 4 Processes: separation processes; mixing processes; agglomerating and coagulating processes; comminution processes; conveying, storing and feeding of bulk solids.