TUNRA Bulk Solids

TUNRA Bulk Solids Handling Research Associates (TBSHRA) is a division of Newcastle Innovation Ltd. Newcastle Innovation is the commercial arm of the University of Newcastle, Australia which was established in 1969 to promote the expertise within the University to commerce and industry both nationally and internationally.

TBSHRA was established in 1975 as a vehicle to facilitate industrial consulting activities of a group of researchers in the Mechanical Engineering Department of the University in the field of bulk materials handling. Since establishment, TBSHRA has completed over 2000 major projects for more than 600 Australian and International companies. Currently, approximately 100 projects are completed each year for mining, minerals and chemical processing, bulk transport, food production and pharmaceutical companies.

As well as industrial consulting, TBSHRA through its association with the Centre for Bulk Solids & Particulate Technologies (CBSPT) undertakes research projects in bulk materials handling. The Centre was established in 1995 by the Australian Research Council as one of a prestigious handful of national Key Centres of Teaching and Research.

Comprehensive laboratory test facilities have been established to aid the research and consulting activities which encompass storage, flow and handling, instrumentation and control, belt conveying and mechanical handling and industrial fluid mechanics.