The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology help solve skill shortage in manufacturing

The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology at The University of Greenwich has been chosen to help solve a shortage of skilled young people entering the manufacturing industry in Europe.

The Wolfson Centre, part of the university's School of Engineering, is taking a leading role in an EU funded project to address the problem. The Centre, which is based at the Medway Campus, will recruit one of 15 researchers who will working towards their PhD's and are at the early stage of their careers.

Richard Farnish, Senior Research Fellow at the Wolfson Centre, is supervising the researcher. He says: "Greenwich is the only university in the country taking part in the project and will be one of the few partners to host a conference relating to it."

The Greenwich researcher will seek to improve the flow rate of very fine powders, the quantities of which are difficult to accurately maintain with standard industrial equipment. The project is worth £250,000 to the University of Greenwich.

The title of the overall EU project is Integrating research in particle and powder technology to deliver efficient products with high functionality.

The lead partner for the project, which is funded by Seventh Framework Programme, is the Swedish Institute for Food & Biotechnology. Other universities taking part are from the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Hungary, Ireland and Belgium, together with industrial partners including GlaxoSmithKline.

The Wolfson Centre is currently undertaking research into all types of handling and storage for around 30 clients, including energy companies and food and drink manufacturers. Typical problems include the build-up of materials at bends in pipes, which cause expensive delays to production when they have to be removed.

The Centre has strong European links. Four engineering students from Rouen in France have recently completed work placements there and another two French students have just joined. Another student, from Gran Canaria, is there as part of the Leonardo Programme, which supports education and training links between EU countries.