Masscarrying

Masscarrying is the process of transporting mass from one location to another, typically involving the movement of large quantities of material or cargo. The term is not a formal discipline on its own but is used in industry and some academic discussions to describe systems and practices that move substantial amounts of mass efficiently and safely.

Applications of masscarrying span manufacturing, mining, agriculture, logistics, and energy production. Examples include belt conveyors moving ore in a mine, pipelines transporting liquids and slurries, freight trains and cargo ships handling bulk commodities, and automated material-handling systems in factories. In space and aerospace contexts, masscarrying can refer to transferring propellant or structural mass between tanks or stages during operations.

Key concepts associated with masscarrying include mass flow rate, the amount of mass passing a point per unit time, and throughput, which measures overall capacity. Other considerations include energy efficiency, cost, reliability, and safety. Environmental and regulatory compliance are also important in many applications, particularly for hazardous or sensitive materials.

Common methods of masscarrying are mechanical conveyance (belt, screw, and chain conveyors), pneumatic and hydraulic systems for powders and slurries, liquid and gas pipelines, rail and road transport, and automated handling with robotics. Design aims focus on minimizing energy use, reducing material loss, and maximizing uptime.

Related terms include mass transport in physics and economics, bulk material handling, and logistics. While often overlapping with general material transport, masscarrying emphasizes scaling and systems integration to move mass effectively in industrial contexts.