Abstract: A silo has more than one discharge passage, and each passage has the ability to increase or decrease its respective flow rates. The silo and each portion of the silo that feeds into each individual discharge passage can measure a feature of the solid being dispensed, such as its moisture content or its temperature. A computer controller is then used to take this feedback and adjust the rate of flow from each discharge passage so that the flows from each passage are kept the same despite the variation in moisture, temperature or any other characteristic of the flowing solid. A method to utilize this device is also taught.

Abstract: It is known that poorly-flowing solid materials can lead to an inhomogeneous mass flow of the solid across the discharge cross-section of a silo. If the solid in the silo is also heated or cooled the uneven mass flow can lead, for example, to local variations in temperature and/or hence to varying product properties. According to the invention, the above problem may be resolved, whereby a method and a discharge device for a solids silo and a solids silo are disclosed, permitting a controllable solids discharge evenly across the cross-section of the silo. The cross-section of the silo discharge is divided into several, preferably equivalent, partial cross-sections to which a continuously controllable discharge device is connected. The solid flow discharged from the controllable discharge devices can be collected on a continuous conveyor arranged therebelow and removed.

Abstract: A device for preparing moulding sand. The device includes a mixer configured to operate under at least a partial vacuum and at least one feeder to introduce components to be mixed. An inlet in the mixer is of sufficient size to allow rapid introduction of the components into the mixer from the feeder. The combination of large inlet opening and a pressure differential between the mixer and the feeder significantly reduces the time required to fill the mixer. In addition, the presence of the pressure differential made possible by the vacuum in the mixer reduces the likelihood that airborne contaminants resident in the mixer will migrate outside the mixer. Optional moveable conveyor chutes minimize contact of airborne contaminants with adjacent equipment, while optional mixing tools facilitate the introduction of powdered additives into the mixer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of foundry sand by means of a mixing process which is carried out in a mixer (1), said preparation occurring at least partially in a vacuum. In order to provide a method and device for the preparation of low-cost foundry sand which can be used in an efficient manner, whereby said foundry sand has a uniform temperature and homogeneous quality in addition to being able to be charged more quickly and therefore economically in comparison with other mixers, the foundry sand is added, at least intermittently, in the form of a volume flow of at least 100 l/s through an opening in the mixer which has a cross-sectional area of at least 0.25 m2, preferably at least 0.4 m2, more preferably at least 0.5 m2.

Abstract: A device and a method for closing a discharge aperture arranged in the base of a container is provided and includes a sealing cover arranged on a pivoting arm via a carrying arm. A mechanism for regulating the positioning of the sealing cover in relation to the discharge aperture is provided, so that the lifting movement of the cover, when entering into the discharge aperture, takes place substantially translatory and substantially parallel to a central axis of the sealing cover, by means of the sealing device. The device is simple to construct and install, yet provides good pressure or vacuum even in long-term use.