Bulk Material Handling Systems Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Khanindra Pathak
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 41 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Metallurgy and Material science & Mining Engineering, Sustainable Surface Mining Engineering |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Backbone of Industry: A Deep Dive into Bulk Material Handling Systems
From the coal that powers our cities to the grains that feed nations, the efficient movement of loose, unpacked materials—known as bulk materials—is the silent engine of global industry. Bulk Material Transport and Handling Systems form the critical link between raw material extraction and final product delivery across mining, metallurgy, agriculture, construction, and food processing.
Understanding these complex systems is no longer a niche skill but a fundamental requirement for engineers aiming to optimize productivity, ensure safety, and drive sustainability in material-intensive sectors. We are proud to present a comprehensive 12-week course designed to provide this essential knowledge, led by one of India's foremost experts in the field.
Learn from an Industry Luminary: Prof. Khanindra Pathak
This course is meticulously crafted and delivered by Prof. Khanindra Pathak, whose distinguished career blends academic excellence with unparalleled industry experience.
- Academic Pedigree: B.Tech in Mining Machinery and M.Tech in Surface Mining from IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, and a PhD from Imperial College London.
- Leadership Roles: Former Director of Coal India Limited (CIL), Former Head of Department at IIT Kharagpur, and Professor in the Department of Mining Engineering.
- Accolades: Recipient of the prestigious National Mineral Award (2016) among other honors.
- Industry Tenure: Hands-on experience at major organizations like Neyveli Lignite Corporation, CMPDIL, and Coal India Limited.
Prof. Pathak's unique perspective, bridging theoretical depth with real-world application, ensures that the course content is both rigorous and immediately relevant to industrial challenges.
Who Should Enroll in This Course?
This course is specifically designed for:
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate students of Mining, Metallurgical, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, and Systems Engineering.
- Professionals in agriculture, construction, and process industries involved in material logistics.
- Engineers seeking to specialize in the design, operation, or optimization of bulk handling systems.
Prerequisites: A basic understanding of Engineering Mechanics, Mechanics of Solids, and Introduction to Electrical Engineering is recommended.
Course Overview: What You Will Learn
Spanning 12 intensive weeks, the course curriculum is structured to take you from fundamental concepts to advanced applications, including the latest technological innovations.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Core Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Introduction to mining systems, bulk material properties, autonomous vehicles, and belt conveyor components & design trends. |
| Week 3-4 | Conveyor design calculations, hydraulic & pneumatic conveying principles, and an introduction to stackers/reclaimers. |
| Week 5-6 | System layout, bin/silo design based on flow properties, feeder selection, and crusher classification. |
| Week 7-8 | Screening, gravity concentration, froth flotation, magnetic separation, and case studies in coal washeries & in-pit crushing. |
| Week 9-10 | Surface mine transport (haul trucks, hybrid systems, RopeCon) and underground mine machinery (rope haulage, locomotives). |
| Week 11-12 | Cage & skip winding, safety maintenance, and the culmination with automation & online monitoring of handling systems. |
Key Skills and Industry Applications
Upon completion, participants will be equipped to:
- Select and design components (conveyors, feeders, crushers) for optimal system performance.
- Apply bulk solid flow principles to solve operational problems like segregation and improve stockpile design.
- Evaluate and integrate advanced technologies like GPS, RFID tracking, and automation.
- Use operational research and management theories to optimize entire bulk material handling chains.
Industry Support: This course's relevance is endorsed by major industry players including Coal India Limited (CIL), SAIL, NTPC, NALCO, L&T, JSW, and BEML, ensuring the curriculum aligns with current industrial needs and practices.
Essential Reference Materials
To supplement the video lectures and assignments, the course references authoritative texts in the field:
- Bulk Materials Handling Handbook by Jacob Fruchtbaum (Springer)
- Bulk Solids Handling: Equipment Selection and Operation edited by Don McGlinchey
- Bulk Material Handling: Practical Guidance for Mechanical Engineers by Michael Rivkin
Why This Course is Essential for Modern Engineers
Bulk material handling is at an inflection point. With industries pushing for greater efficiency, lower downtime, and enhanced safety, the ability to design and manage intelligent, integrated handling systems is a highly sought-after skill. This course doesn't just teach you about machinery; it teaches you a systematic thinking approach to solve complex logistical challenges, making you a valuable asset in the evolving landscape of mining and industrial engineering.
Enroll today to build your expertise in the systems that move the world, guided by one of the most respected minds in the industry.
Enroll Now →