Abstract: Particulate material is conveyed in a dense phase in either a batch mode of conveyance or a continuous mode. In either mode, during the conveyance cycle, the flow rate of compressed gas to the transporter vessel is adjusted to control material conveyance. During start-up the flow rate is decreased to allow material to build in the vessel, then the rate is increased to a normal conveyance value. At the end of the cycle, the flow rate is again decreased to avoid surges and high velocity flow. During the normal conveyance cycle, the flow rate is decreased if the material level in the vessel falls below a minimum value and increased if it rises above a maximum value. The flow rate is adjusted by opening and closing the throat in a venturi tube in an adjustable valve in the gas flow line connected to the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for blending particulate materials comprising means defining an upper chamber for holding a supply of material to be blended, the material holding means having at least one wall, the wall of the material holding means having at least two outlet ports spaced vertically and about a perimeter of the material holding means for reeiving therethrough particulate material from the upper chamber by gravity flow, means defining a lower chamber for blending particulate material, the material blending means having at least one wall, the wall of the material blending means having at least two inlet ports, means intercommunicating each of the outlet ports with one of the inlet ports for guiding material from the upper chamber to the lower chamber, flow diverting means disposed in the lower chamber, the flow diverting means having means positioned to intercept the flow of material through each of the inlet ports for dividing the flow of material into separate streams, each of the material flow intercepting mea

Abstract: A single-pass blending apparatus for blending particulate solids including a blending bin having a bin wall, an upper bin end, a lower bin end, a first bin opening passing through the bin wall, and a second bin opening passing through the bin wall and spaced vertically and horizontally from the first bin opening. The bin wall defines a bin chamber. A plurality of flow openings pass through the lower bin end. A blending chamber is positioned beneath the bin chamber and communicates with the bin chamber through the flow openings. A first external blending tube is positioned outside of the blending bin and has an upper tube end communicating with the first bin opening and a lower tube end external of the bin chamber and communicating with the blending chamber. A second external blending tube is positioned outside of the blending bin and has an upper tube end communicating with the second bin opening and a lower tube end external of the bin chamber and communicating with the blending chamber.