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Bulk Materials

Effect of Particle Physical Properties on Their Interactions

Assessment of the effects of particle size, shape, moisture content and other properties on interparticle interactions and the resulting material behaviour.

Mechanics and Flow Behaviour of Bulk Materials

Study of the behaviour of bulk materials during flow, storage and handling, with a focus on flowability, friction and stability.

Processes for Filling, Discharging and Dosing Materials

Research focused on optimising the handling of bulk materials during filling, discharge, storage and precise dosing.

Transport Using Various Types of Conveyors, Including Screw Conveyors

Study of material transport processes and optimisation of conveying systems with regard to reliability, performance and the properties of the transported material.

Pelletisation, Granulation and Biomass Processing Technologies

Development and optimisation of mechanical processing methods for biomass and other materials to improve their storage, transport and subsequent utilisation.

Numerical Simulation and Modelling of Particle Systems

Use of numerical methods to simulate the movement, interactions and technological processing of particulate and bulk material systems.

Energy and Environmental Aspects of Material Processing

Assessment of energy consumption, process efficiency and environmental impacts associated with material handling, transport and processing.

Research Group Description

The Bulk Materials Research Group, part of the ENET Centre at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, focuses on research and innovative solutions in the handling of powders and bulk materials. Our activities cover processes such as sorting, crushing, homogenisation, compaction and forming, storage, and transport. Using specialised methods, we are able to accurately assess the mechanical and physical properties of these materials, enabling us to develop effective solutions for industrial customers as well as for academic applications.

One of our main areas of expertise is the research and measurement of bulk material properties. These data are essential for advanced numerical approaches such as the Finite Element Method (FEM), Discrete Element Method (DEM), and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Based on the results, we also design conveying and storage systems that meet high standards of efficiency and reliability.

We specialise in mathematical modelling of bulk material flow dynamics using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). This enables detailed analysis of material behaviour and optimisation of equipment operation to maximise functionality and eliminate critical points. Our research group also develops and optimises equipment for the conditioning, processing, transport, and storage of bulk materials. We are able to design tailor-made solutions for specific requirements.

The main objective of our work is to ensure the reliable and safe operation of equipment and the overall functionality of material handling and processing routes. We seek optimal solutions that combine material properties, design requirements, and process characteristics.

By combining scientific expertise with practical experience, we provide our industrial and academic partners with effective solutions to challenges associated with bulk materials and powders.

Keywords

# bulk materials
# powders
# processing
# DEM simulations
# transport

Objectives and Focus

The strategic direction of the group is based on advancing knowledge in the field of bulk material mechanics and translating this knowledge into practical applications. Our research focuses on:

  • designing and improving technologies for material handling, storage and transport,
  • increasing the reliability of technological processes and minimising operational problems,
  • developing methods for biomass processing and its use in energy applications,
  • improving numerical models for a more accurate description of particulate system behaviour,
  • publishing research results and sharing them within the international scientific community,
  • building long-term partnerships with industry.

An important objective is also to contribute to the sustainable use of resources, for example through more efficient utilisation of waste materials or by reducing the energy intensity of technological processes.

Current research focuses on specific challenges with a direct impact on industrial practice:

  • analysis of material flow in hoppers, silos and conveying systems,
  • identification of factors affecting flow stability and the occurrence of operational problems, such as blockages,
  • optimisation of pelletisation processes with regard to pellet strength, density and homogeneity,
  • use of numerical simulations for the design and testing of technological modifications,
  • improving equipment efficiency while maintaining operational reliability.
doc. Ing. Lucie Jezerská, Ph.D.

doc. Ing. Lucie Jezerská, Ph.D.

Research Group Leader


E-mail: lucie.jezerska@vsb.cz
Phone: +420 596 999 430

Research Activities and Projects

NATIONAL CENTRE FOR ENERGY II (NCE II)

  • Project No. TN02000025
  • Funding provider: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic
  • Project duration: 2023–2028
  • Principal Investigator: prof. Ing. Stanislav Mišák, Ph.D.
  • The mission of NCE II is to foster long-term cooperation between leading research organisations and key industry stakeholders in the energy sector. NCE II brings together leading research organisations, universities and innovation leaders in the field of modern energy.

foodCircus - Circular Solutions for Keeping Food Waste Out of Central Europe´s Schools

  • Project duration: 2024–2026
  • Funding provider: Ministry for Regional Development of the Czech Republic
  • Principal Investigator: doc. Ing. Lucie Jezerská, Ph.D.
  • An international project focused on preventing food waste in schools and promoting its circular utilisation. The group is primarily involved in research on the anaerobic digestion of food waste, biogas production, digestate quality assessment, and the optimisation of biological processes for the energy recovery of biowaste.

Process research involving biopellets production

  • Project No. SS07020061
  • Funding provider: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic
  • Project duration: 2024–2026
  • Principal Investigator: doc. Ing. Lucie Jezerská, Ph.D.
  • Research into suitable combinations of natural raw materials is currently extremely time-consuming. As interest in pellet heating continues to grow, so does demand for alternative pellets produced from renewable natural resources. The project therefore focuses on developing a prototype technological line designed to accelerate research into the potential use of renewable natural energy resources.

Waste as an alternative source of energy

  • EH Project – Johannes Amos Comenius Operational Programme (2021–2027)
  • Funding provider: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic
  • Project duration: 2025–2029
  • Principal Investigator: prof. Ing. Helena Raclavská, CSc.
  • The objectives of the project “Waste as an Alternative Energy Source” include establishing and implementing cooperation between research organisations and the application sector. The project involves a research partner – the University of Ostrava – as well as partners from industry, international universities, organisations supporting business development and innovation, and public administration.

Methodology

Experimental Research:

  • laboratory testing of mechanical and flow properties
  • measurement of the effects of moisture, temperature and pressure
  • experiments focused on pelletisation and granulation processes
  • monitoring material behaviour in both model-scale and real-world equipment

Numerical Modelling:

  • simulations using the Discrete Element Method (DEM)
  • detailed analysis of particle–particle interactions
  • simulation of technological equipment operation
  • design and optimisation of engineering solutions

Services

  • Measurement of the mechanical and physical properties of bulk materials
  • Mathematical modelling using the Discrete Element Method (DEM)
  • Coupled DEM, FEM and CFD modelling
  • Design of conveying and storage systems
  • Diagnosis of material flow problems
  • Structural strength calculations for hoppers and silos
  • Diagnostics of hoppers, silos and engineering structures
  • Experimental testing and pilot-scale validation
  • Optimisation of conveying and material processing operations
  • Advisory and consultancy services

Results and Applications

The research results are applied across a wide range of areas:

  • improving the efficiency of industrial processes,
  • reducing operating costs and energy consumption,
  • preventing problems such as uneven material flow or arching,
  • improving the quality of final products, such as pellets,
  • supporting the use of renewable energy sources.

Another significant benefit is the improved operational safety of technological equipment.

Selected Publications

Thermomechanical Treatment of SRF for Enhanced Fuel Propertie

PROKEŠ, Rostislav; DIVIŠ, Jan; RYŠAVÝ, Jiří; JEZERSKÁ, Lucie; NIEDŹWIECKI, Łukasz; VILAS, David Patiño; MOŚCICKI, Krzysztof; MLONKA-MĘDRALA, Agata; YAN, Wei-Mon; ŽUROVEC, David a ČESPIVA, Jakub.

Fire

2025, roč. 8, č. 2, s. 57

ISSN 2571-6255

Contact Information

Ing. Derbenev Aleksandr

Internal Doctoral Student (361)
Employee (9373)

aleksandr.derbenev@vsb.cz
+420 596 999 429

doc. Ing. Jezerská Lucie, Ph.D.

Head of Department (9373)
Main-time employee (9373)

lucie.jezerska@vsb.cz
+420 596 999 430

Ing. Prokeš Rostislav

Main-time employee (9373)

rostislav.prokes@vsb.cz
+420 596 999 372
RI304, 17. listopadu 2172/15 (map)
708 00 Ostrava - Poruba

Ing. Sýkorová Veronika

Main-time employee (9373)

veronika.sykorova@vsb.cz
+420 596 999 361

Ing. Tabáčková Jana

Main-time employee (9373)

jana.tabackova@vsb.cz
+420 596 999 361

Ing. Žídek Martin, Ph.D.

Main-time employee (9373)

martin.zidek@vsb.cz
+420 596 999 371