Jim Davis, P.E.

Jim solves difficult powder processing problems and optimizes complex powder systems for efficient operation. During his 26 years at Procter & Gamble (P&G)—15 years in powder processing alone—Jim honed his extensive leadership and project management skills. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a professional engineer’s license in the State of Ohio.

Particle Technology Skills

• Powder system analysis and reduction in system variability
• Powder flow analysis
• Segregation testing
• Moisture adsorption testing
• Powder mixing evaluation
• Mechanical and pneumatic conveying systems
• Grinding systems assessment
• Low cost systems concepts
• Particle technology training

Career Highlights

System Optimization / Consulting

• Co-authored a 27-point improvement plan for the Baddi, India, detergent plant
• Stopped the purchase of a poorly designed powder handling system at the Duracell plant in Aarschot, Belgium, saving the plant $1.5 million
• Developed a multi-component pneumatic conveying plan for Iams pet foods
• Patented a system to introduce a controlled rate of powder into a liquid stream while limiting air retention (U.S. Patent 6712496; Int.’l patent WO/2003/009931)
• Designed a powder unloading and delivery system for a baby care lotion upgrade

Problem Solving

• Solved a segregation problem with blends of carbon powders for PūR filters
• Demonstrated the advantages of compaction shear mixing as the primary mixing mode for cosmetics, which helped P&G’s cosmetics group select the ideal mixer.
• Developed a 3-day, rapid stability test to assess caking problems in detergent boxes
• Solved a potato flour overpressure problem in a Pringles silo

Startup / Commissioning

• Guided the on-time vertical startup of the new PūR carbon filter production plant in Naucalpan, Mexico, saving $1.25 million per month by avoiding delays
• Led the startup of a low-cost detergent prototype bought from Chinese suppliers and installed in the U.S. and subsequently assisted a Chinese team to start a detergent plant in Beijing
• Started the building mechanical systems for a 48,000 sq. ft active-containment, biological test facility with active air-pressure controls and complete backup systems

Low-cost Solutions

• Developed a low-cost, modular, agglomeration prototype plant for installation in low income markets that produces 150,000 tons of detergent a year
• Identified Chinese equipment manufacturers for the project, designed a system for them, guided their efforts to meet U.S. standards, and led the installation of the prototype in Cincinnati
• Designed and built in collaboration with Chinese engineers a modular, 10-million ton detergent agglomeration unit for a Beijing plant (to be rolled out globally by P&G)

Training

• Developed a wide variety of training modules delivered globally
• Developed overview courses for new chemical engineers, simplified courses for plant operators, and detailed courses in powder mixing, pneumatic conveying, and grinding

Professional Contributions & Titles

• Secretary of the Executive Committee of the International Fine Particle Research Institute
• Chair and vice chair of the ASTM subcommittee on Powder and Bulk Systems
• Chair of the Powder Handling subcommittee of the Particle Technology Forum in AIChE
• Industrial advisory board member for the trade journal Powder and Bulk Engineering