Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for establishing and maintaining a uniform mass flow rate of particulate solids and gas mixture from a container to a receiving reactor. A preferred embodiment utilizes an aeration tube suspended in the particulate mixture and serving as a fluidic valve to maintain a uniform mass flow rate. A portion of the aeration gaseous fluid may be directed upward in aid of such flow.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for establishing and maintaining a uniform mass flow rate of particulate solids and gas mixture from a container to a receiving reactor. A preferred embodiment utilizes a plurality of porous inserts in the walls of the container through which a gaseous fluid is forced thereby contacting particulate solids within said container and enhancing the flow of said solids.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for solids-fluid separation (e.g. cracking catalyst/flue gas) is disclosed in which a housing encloses a first stage separation means which includes a feed inlet means which cooperate substantially tangentially with a hollow body having solids outlet means in its lower section. A fluid outlet means communicates with the hollow body with a plurality of annular inlet means of a second stage separation means. The annular inlet means are provided with swirl imparting means and are defined between the upper sections of a plurality of tubular elements and tubular fluid outlet means arranged such that the lower sections of the tubular fluid outlet means are substantially coaxial within the upper sections of the tubular members and the upper sections of the tubular fluid outlet means communicate with opening(s) in the upper section of the housing. Solids outlet means communicate with the lower sections of the tubular elements.