After breaking ground on the project less than a year ago (see EBS News for week of 26 May 2014), the Kansas State University Bulk Solids Innovation Center celebrated its grand opening on 14th May. The two-storey, 13,000-square-foot facility is the only one of its kind in North America and will be used to study the science and methodology of handling bulk solids. The building houses six laboratories for university and industry-sponsored research; training and education, conference and lecture rooms; a material properties test laboratory, and a full-scale bulk solids test bay. Kansas State University is the key tenant in the complex, while two local companies, Coperion K-Tron Salina and Vortex Valves, supplement the facility by serving as anchor occupants.

"Bulk solids research is a somewhat under-represented field, so having a facility of this magnitude in our backyard specifically for our students' benefit is invaluable," said Kurt Barnhart, associate dean of research and engagement at K-State Salina. The Kansas State University Bulk Solids Innovation Center will also host a corporate open house on 24th June for industry partners and companies interested in collaborating with the facility and sponsoring research. To learn more about bulk solids education and the facility's research capabilities, contact Kurt Barnhart (tel: 785-826-2972, kurtb@k-state.edu).

The new Kansas State University Bulk Solids Innovation Center; (Below) ribbon cutting at the official opening ceremony (pictures courtesy of Tracie Horinek, K-State Salina marketing and communications)

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