Pharma IQ Glossary: Bulk Handling

Bulk Handling is defined as the transferring of flammable or combustible liquids from tanks or drums into smaller containers for distribution. Solid, free-flowing materials are said to be in bulk. The handling of these materials requires that the machinery both support their weight and confine them either to a desired path of travel for continuous conveyance or within a container for handling in discrete loads. Wet or sticky materials may also be handled successfully by some of the same machines used for bulk materials. Characteristics of materials that affect the selection of equipment for bulk handling include (1) the size of component particles, (2) flowability, (3) abrasiveness, (4) corrosiveness, (5) sensitivity to contamination, and (6) general conditions such as dampness, structure, or the presence of dust or noxious fumes.