Abstract: A continuous vacuum transport system and method transport cuttings from a filtration system to a collection location. The filtration system discharges cuttings into a discharge manifold. The cuttings travel though a vacuum conduit into a vacuum hub. A control system controls holding tanks in the vacuum hub to fill one of the holding tanks while emptying one of the holding tanks. The cuttings flow from the vacuum hub through a transport conduit to a discharge end. The discharge end feeds into the connection location.

Abstract: A transfer terminal is shown for off-loading dry, flowable, granular material from large transportation vehicles such as trucks or barges to smaller transport trucks. A pouch within a tank is provided for receiving the material, which material is distributed to storage silos. A single elevator is used to load the pouch and all storage silos. By aeration of the materials, a very low angle of repose is created for the material, which allows the material to flow at a very low angle, both to and from the various silos. Material being loaded into a transport truck flows through the pouch.

Abstract: An accumulator assembly for a pump system at a well site is arranged to fluidically connect to a flow line between a blender and a fracturing pump of the pump system. The accumulator assembly includes a pressurizable tank configured to contain pressurized fluid; and, a control valve fluidically connected between a discharge end of the tank and the flow line. The control valve opens and fluidically connects the tank to the flow line when a pressure on the flow line is less than a target pressure, and the control valve closes and fluidically blocks communication between the tank and the flow line when the pressure on the flow line is greater than or substantially same as the target pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for feeding fine-grained matter to a concentrate or matte burner (1) of a suspension smelting furnace (2). The arrangement includes a screw conveyor (3) comprising a tube means (4) having an inlet opening (6), an downward-facing outlet opening (7), and a helical screw (8) for moving fine-grained matter from the inlet opening (6) to the downward-facing outlet opening (7). The downward-facing outlet opening (7) is provided with a distribution means (10). The distribution means (10) has a free end (11) configured for feeding fine-grained matter into the downward-facing outlet opening (7). The helical screw (8) of the screw conveyor (3) extends from the direction of the inlet opening (6) at least partly over the downward-facing outlet opening (7).

Abstract: An improved modulated particulate metering system is provided. The system includes a plurality of particulate storage areas, each having a separate type of particulate. The system can include varied configurations of a plurality of cartridges in communication with one of the particulate storage containers. The system can further include varied configurations of a plurality of gearboxes operably connected to the cartridges. The gearboxes can be adapted to be inverted and operably controlled by one or more drive shafts. The system can still further include varied configurations of a plurality of particulate accelerators in fluid communication with an air flow path having one inlet. The system permits a user to efficiently alternate between desired configurations based on the needs of the application.

Abstract: A system including a frac system with a rotary isobaric pressure exchanger configured to exchange pressures between a first fluid and a second fluid, and a lubrication system configured to lubricate the rotary isobaric pressure exchanger.

Abstract: A bulk cargo blending hopper has a hollow interior volume that is selectively communicated with a source of vacuum pressure. A first conduit has a first end that is connected to the housing of the hopper and communicates with the interior volume of the housing of the hopper. An opposite second end of the first conduit is configured for communication with a source of bulk cargo that is separate from the hopper. A second conduit has a first end that is also connected to a portion of the housing of the hopper and communicates with the interior portion of the housing. A second end of the second conduit is also connected to a portion of the housing of the hopper and communicates with the interior volume of the housing of the hopper.

Abstract: A system including a frac system with a hydraulic energy transfer system configured to exchange pressures between a first fluid and a second fluid, and a flush system configured remove particulate out of the hydraulic energy transfer system.

Abstract: A manner by which to form a thermal barrier upon a surface, utilizes a pneumatic blower to form a layer of thermal insulation material and a layer of radiant barrier material. The pneumatic blower is first charged with the thermal insulation material, and the thermal insulation material is metered upon the surface. Then, the pneumatic blower is charged with the radiant barrier material, and the radiant barrier material is metered upon the thermal insulation material.

Abstract: The invention provides a powder conveying device including: a pump body (1), a powder sucking plunger (4), a powder suction conduit (2), a powder discharge conduit (3), a powder suction valve (5), and a powder discharge valve (6), wherein the pump body (1) comprising a transfer chamber (13) that is configured with a powder inlet (11) connected to the powder suction conduit (2) and a powder outlet (12) connected the powder discharge conduit (3); and a powder sucking plunger (4) configured in the upper part of the transfer chamber (13) and movable up and down inside the transfer chamber (13). When the powder sucking plunger (4) moves upward, the powder suction conduit (2) is opened by the powder suction valve (5) and the powder discharge conduit (3) is closed by the powder discharge valve (6) so that the powder is sucked into the transfer chamber (13) through the powder suction conduit (2).

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit includes a bin for storing at least one of the catalyst and/or additives, and a loading unit in fluid communication with the storage bin and the fluidized catalytic cracking unit on a selective basis. The loading unit is capable of being evacuated so that a resulting vacuum within the loading unit draws the catalyst and/or additive from the bin. The loading unit is also capable of being pressurized so that the catalyst and/or additive is transferred from the loading unit to the fluidized catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: A pneumatic sample feedway that is embeddable into a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The feedway includes: a plurality of capsules enclosing a biological tissue sample; and a conductor pipe connected to a source of a compressed fluid. The pipe receives a train of the capsules and pneumatically forwards the train into the MRI device. The pipe has a proximal terminal that loads the train of capsules into the pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising an implement for extracting charges of uniform size of articles from a mass of the articles and delivering the charges to a receiver. The implement has a chamber for receiving the articles to form the charge. The chamber has a mouth through which articles are drawn into the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber. The implement then delivers and deposits the charge by releasing the vacuum. The chamber has a vent with an air permeable article barrier for access to a vacuum generator.

Abstract: A method for the filling and optionally emptying transport containers with plastics granular materials is disclosed. A flexible plastics inliner is inserted into a transport container. A front side of the inliner includes at least one receiving flexible hose connection for filling the inliner with plastics granular material, at least one discharge hose connection for discharging blown in conveying air from the inliner, and at least one emptying hose connection for emptying plastics granular material from the inliner. The front side of the inliner also includes a protective liner. The cabin and the transport container are positioned at a decanting station, the cabin being adapted to transfer plastics granular material from the decanting station and decant the transferred plastics granular material into the transport container through the receiving hose connection. The transport container is then filled with plastics granular material utilizing the cabin.

Abstract: An apparatus for pumping free-flowing materials, having a receptacle coupled to a vacuum pipe and a pumping gas pipe, at least one filter, at least one supply pipe, and at least one drainage pipe for a material being associated with the receptacle. The apparatus includes a vertically extending cylindrical pump chamber configured to pneumatically pump liquids, powder, suspensions and pastes. Further, a device is mounted in an upper region of the pump chamber configured to separate liquid and powder. The device further includes a filter element and a float member. The float member is configured as a sealing element above, and a lower region of the pump chamber is coupled to the at least one supply pipe and the at least one drainage pipe for at least one of a liquid, a powder, a suspension, and a paste.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising an implement for extracting charges of uniform size of articles from a mass of the articles and delivering the charges to a receiver. The implement has a chamber for receiving the articles to form the charge. The chamber has a mouth through which articles are drawn into the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber. The implement then delivers and deposits the charge by releasing the vacuum. The chamber has a vent with an air permeable article barrier for access to a vacuum generator.

Abstract: A bulk bag unloading system generally consisting of a support means; a hopper mounted on the support means; filtering means mounted on the support means at a level above the hopper; means intercommunicating the interior of the hopper and an inlet of the filtering means; a means for suspending the bulk bag on the support means wherein a spout of the bulk bag communicates with an inlet of the hopper.

Abstract: A device for conveying powders through pipelines including at least one pumping device which in turn includes a suction inlet and a delivery outlet and a tubular chamber with opposite ends connected respectively to the suction inlet through an input valve and to the delivery outlet through an output valve. A vacuum source and a pressure source are connected upon command to the chamber in axially distanced positions to create a vacuum respectively and alternatively in the chamber in relation to the environment upstream of the device and a pressure in relation to the environment downstream of the device.

Abstract: A steam cap for use in cleaning out a tank, such as a railroad tank car, is described herein. The steam cap of the invention is preferably affixed to a tank outlet, such as a tanker outlet leg. The steam cap includes a body, preferably made of a drain cup and a line cuff, wherein the body is adapted to be secured to the tank. A delivery pipe extends into an interior space defined by the body. The drain cup defines an annular space around the delivery pipe. A condensate drain line communicates with the annular space. The condensate drain line extends outwardly from the drain cup. In use, steam or other material, delivered to the tank through the delivery pipe condenses on the tank walls and collects at a bottom of the tank. The condensate drains out of the tank outlet into the annular space in the drain cup. Condensate is then drained out of the annular region of the interior space through the condensate drain line or through a perforation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an Installation for feeding a plurality of loads, e.g. cells of aluminum melting furnaces, with a bulk material such as pulverized aluminum oxide. The installation includes a silo for the bulk material. The silo includes a pressure vessel or pump delivering machinery which is connected with a conveying line. A plurality of receiving vessels are connected with the conveying line via valves in the vicinity of the furnace loads. The receiving vessels are connected to the plurality of loads of the furnaces by at least one pneumatic conveying chute or pneumatic pipe channel. Each conveying chute or pipe channel includes at least one discharge per load.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus for connection to and covering an airlock material outlet. The discharge apparatus includes an air inlet for at least substantially directing an airstream through an airlock material outlet and toward an interior area defined by an airlock. The discharge apparatus further includes a material directing trough for receiving an airstream and bulk material entrained therein from the airlock. The discharge apparatus also includes an extension member adapted to at least partially define a path of an airstream.

Abstract: A fluid pumping assembly for pumping particulate material includes a pump housing defining a pump cavity including a pumping chamber for handling particulate material, a motive fluid chamber, and a moveable diaphragm. The fluid pumping assembly also includes devices for loading particulate material into the pumping chamber, and for injecting a high pressure, high volume purging fluid into the pumping chamber. Further, the fluid pumping assembly includes a control system having a control valve for shutting off flow of high pressure, high volume purging fluid into the pumping chamber when particulate material is being loaded into the pumping chamber, thus enabling dense phase loading of particulate material, and thereby optimizing a particulate material pumping capacity of the fluid pumping assembly.

Abstract: A pneumatic mail delivery system includes a carrier having first and second open ends and corresponding hinged covers for selectably covering the open ends. The system includes first and second carrier terminals each having front openings selectively covered by hinged doors. The terminals may be positioned at a mail deposit location and a residential location. A pneumatic conduit connects the terminals through which the carrier may be guided therebetween. The conduit is connected to a blower for conveying the carrier. Spring-biased buttons attached to respective terminals are electrically connected to the blower for actuating the blower upon detecting a closure of a respective door. A photoelectric light sensor is attached to each terminal and is electrically connected to a light source mounted on the front of each terminal. Respective lights are energized when a respective light sensor detects mail in the carrier.

Abstract: A gas conveying system capable of conveying a solids material without pushing or compressing the solids material. The system comprising: at least one conduit assembly comprising a conduit, a lance assembly disposed about a first end of the conduit which is capable of removing the solids material from a holding device, and a first eductor which is capable of entraining the solids material in a gas stream and moving the solids material through the conduit; a cyclone disposed about a second end of the conduit, the cyclone being capable of separating the solids material from the gas stream; and a second eductor disposed to receive the solids material from the cyclone, the second eductor being capable of entraining the solids material in a second gas stream which has a solid-material-to-gas mass ratio which is greater than that of the first eductor. The second stage eductor transports the particles further downstream for storage, additional transport or for further treatment, such as burning in an incinerator.

Abstract: A system for applying particulate materials comprising a supply source of pressurized gas, a chamber with first and second opposed side walls, at least one pressurized gas entrance conduit for transporting pressurized gas to the chamber, at least one material hopper for depositing particulate material into the chamber, and at least one pressurized gas exit conduit for transporting particulate material away from the chamber. The wand is flexible and is manually controlled so that the user can control the exact direction in which the particulate material is to be focused. The wand includes a switch which sends a signal to a signal-actuated valve which is coupled to the entrance conduit. Upon receiving the appropriate signal, the signal-actuated valve adjusts so as to alter the flow of particulate material.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supplying solder balls to a receptacle. The apparatus includes a reservoir for storing the solder balls and a flow path. The flow path includes a first end connected to and in fluid communication with the reservoir and a second end for supplying the solder balls to the receptacle. The apparatus includes a flow actuator in fluid communication with the flow path to actuate the flow of the solder balls from the reservoir through the flow path to the receptacle. A trap is disposed in the flow path for trapping the solder balls and stopping the flow of the solder balls to the receptacle when the flow actuator is not actuated. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A particulate material accelerator conveyor includes a housing having a wall with openings therein for an air inlet, a particular material inlet, and a mixture outlet; a feed auger rotatably mounted in the housing and in fluid communication with the particulate material inlet so as to convey particulate material from the inlet into an acceleration chamber within the housing; and a fan rotatably mounted in the housing in fluid communication with the air inlet and the acceleration chamber. The fan includes a plurality of fan blades for accelerating air from the air inlet toward the housing wall and thereby providing a flow of accelerated air along the inside of the wall and toward the particulate material and move therewith toward the mixture outlet. The positioning of the fan in the housing and the resulting air flow therefrom prevents particulate material from contacting the fan blades and thereby damaging the particulate material.

Abstract: Apparatus for spacing consecutive capsules of solid material traveling as a capsule train in a pipeline in which the capsules are carried by a fluid flowing through the pipeline includes a separation system interposed between upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline for receiving the train of capsules. The separation system passes consecutively separated capsules within the capsule train to the downstream portion. The separation system is constructed for increasing the spacing between consecutive capsules within the capsule train in the downstream portion of the pipeline after passing through the separation system. The volume of fluid flowing from an outlet location of the separation system is substantially the same as the volume of fluid flowing into an inlet location of the separation system.

Abstract: An arrangement for sorting a first category of fibers having a first set of properties into at least a second category of fibers having a second set of properties and a third category of fibers having a third set of properties. The arrangement comprises a sorting channel including at least one travelling teeth laden carrier surface driven in a first direction within the sorting channel. The sorting channel further includes at least a first inlet and at least first and second outlets. A first energy field flows through the sorting channel in a second direction. The first category of fibers are plied to the travelling teeth carried on the driven carrier surface and the first energy field causes at least the longer fibers from the first category to be held latched onto the travelling teeth as it washes and strips away shorter fibers and impurities producing the second category of fibers.

Abstract: A gas conveying system capable of conveying a solid material without pushing or compressing the solid material. The system comprising: at least one conduit assembly comprising a conduit, a lance assembly disposed about a first end of the conduit which is capable of removing the solid material from a holding device, and a first eductor which is capable of entraining the solid material in a gas stream and moving the solid material through the conduit; a cyclone disposed about a second end of the conduit, the cyclone being capable of separating the solid material from the gas stream; and a second eductor disposed to receive the solid material from the cyclone, the second eductor being capable of entraining the solid material in a second gas stream which has a solid-material-to gas mass ratio which is greater than that of the first eductor. The second stage eductor transports the particles further downstream for storage, additional transport, or for further treatment, such as burning in an incinerator.

Abstract: A system for recovering waste fiber and reusing it with a loose-fill blown-in-place insulation system includes a fiber collector device mounted above the feed hopper, which collector receives the waste (i.e. recovered) insulation for recycling into the blowing operation. The collector includes a unique set of angled baffles which serve to thoroughly redistribute the recovered waste fibers back into the feed hopper for more even and uniform mixing with the new, virgin fibers being added. To accomplish this distribution the baffles are located so as to increase in surface area as a function of increased distance from the inlet.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method blow or spray loose-fill insulation (e.g., fiberglass) into wall cavities and the like. The system includes a fiber recovery or recycling subsystem that vacuums up overspray or waste fibers and forwards them back toward the hopper. A fiber collector device having a fiber inlet and outlet is mounted above the hopper, and receives the recovered waste fibers and redistributes them back into the hopper so that they mix with virgin fibers therein. The mix of recovered and virgin fibers is then blown through the blow hose toward a wall cavity or the like to be insulated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pumping a constant volume of powder to a powder spray gun includes a powder pump which meters the powder into a stream of air so that a constant volume of the air entrained powder is distributed to the spray gun. The invention also discloses a pressure equalizing system that prevents powder leakage across a powder metering system that meters powder from a reservoir into an outlet tube carrying the constant velocity stream of air. A control system is disclosed which adjusts the rate at which powder is metered into the outlet tube so that the mass flow of powder exiting the outlet tube remains constant.

Abstract: A powder feeding device for feeding powder at a constant rate has a container for storing a powdered material and a discharge device mounted in the container at a lower portion thereof for discharging the powdered material from the container at a constant rate. A vibrator is mounted on the container or on a wire net mounted in the container to separate air from the powder. The powder may be supplied from a powder tank to the powder container.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing loose materials, such as insulation or fireproofing in worksite areas, may be used for depositing a single or premixed loose material. Alternatively, the apparatus may be used both for combining two constituent loose materials to form a composite loose material and for depositing the composite loose material in a worksite area. The apparatus includes a separate hopper or bin for each of the constituent loose materials. Each hopper is operatively connected to a single loose material combining channel for supplying their respective constituent loose material for forming the composite loose material immediately before it is deposited in the worksite area. A single motor is used for supplying both constituent loose materials to the combining channel. The ratio of constituent loose materials in the composite loose material may be changed by replacing an easily accessible gear used in driving an auger for extracting the constituent loose material from one of the hoppers.

Abstract: A system for transporting particulate material uses a combination of nonmechanical valves and pneumatic and gravity transport to reduce breakage of particulate material. This system is particularly useful for the conveyance of catalyst particles where a lift conduit raises the particles from a low elevation to a relatively higher elevation. A particular advantage of the arrangement is the elimination of pneumatic conveyance through elbows to reduce pressure drop and eliminate churning of catalyst particles. The elbows are replaced with an impactless flow diverter that uses gravity assisted conveyance to eliminate or minimize the attrition resulting from pneumatic conveyance.

Abstract: A method of transferring material from the bottom of a body of water provides a first tank submerged at a predetermined depth above the bottom. A material source is provided at the bottom subject to ambient water pressure, and is fluidly connected with the first tank. Material is transferred from the material source to the first tank by reducing the pressure in the first tank below the ambient water pressure at the predetermined depth. The ambient water pressure at the bottom thus forces the material into the first tank. Material is transferred from the first tank to a second tank under the force of compressed air until the first tank is substantially empty of material and full of compressed air. The first tank is connected to a third tank and an air compressor, the material transfer from the first tank to the second tank taking place by the compressor transferring compressed air to the first tank from the third tank.

Abstract: A container (1) for masses (17) which can be pumped and which flow freely consists of a sack-shaped bag (3) made of flexible, diffusion-impervious plastic sheet which is closed pressure tight and arranged in a holding frame (2). From a bottom area (9) of bag (3), a conduit (11) to which an intake conduit (13) can be coupled emerges from the bag's discharge opening (10), which can also serve as a filling hole. During removal of mass (17) from the bag (3), the latter is progressively raised by a hoist (16). In this way and under the action of the reduced pressure prevailing inside the bag (3), the latter assumes an increasingly slimmer pear shape. In this way, the mass (17) accumulates in the area of the mouth of the conduit (11), and the mass (17) can be completely removed from the bag without difficulty and without air inclusions. In order to laterally support and protect the bag (3) when it is full, a holding frame (2) has a wall (5).

Abstract: A loading and unloading mechanism including a workpiece receiving and discharging chamber and pressurized air/vacuum source operatively connected to the chamber. The chamber is tubular and adapted to be connected to the spindle of a lathe in a coaxial relationship. Pressurized air is used to force the workpiece into the lathe spindle and vacuum pressure is used to draw the workpiece out of the lathe and back into the tubular chamber. The device may be modified to facilitate vacuum unloading only in the case in which the lathe is manually loaded. A proximity switch is provided for detecting the passage of a finished workpiece out of the lathe and back into the chamber whereupon the chamber is opened and the workpiece is discharged.

Abstract: A conveying system is disclosed for conveying unstable articles having a neck ring. Unstable articles, such as plastic bottles having a neck ring, or flange, are conveyed in single file along plural paths each of which is established by dual guides vertically spaced from one another a distance just sufficient to receive the neck rings of the articles therebetween, with the articles being urged in the downstream direction along each path by air acting solely on the top portion of the articles above the neck rings.

Abstract: Ultrafine powder is stored in a pneumatic transportation tank (20), and is discharged to a transporting conduit (23) while being fluidized by the pressurized air fed through a fluidizing air port (24). The ultrafine powder is fed to a weigher (30) provided at the other end of the transporting conduit (23), at which the weight of the transported ultrafine powder is weighed by a load cell (31). After the weighed value reaches 90% of a predetermined value, the fed amount of the pneumatic transportation air is reduced, and a bypass regulating valve (38) is adjusted to thus decelerate the transportation. When the weighed value reaches 100% of the predetermined value, the discharge of the ultrafine powder to the transporting conduit (23) is stopped. This method and the apparatus enable the storage, quantitative batch transportation, and automatic weighing of the ultrafine powder such as silica fume.

Abstract: An improved hydrator apparatus for the transfer and slurry storage of dry particulate matter comprises a sealed solvation hopper chamber in combination with a liquid driven eductor and equipped to be connected to a storage container as provided. The improvement resides in the provision of a flushing device that functions periodically and automatically in timed intervals, and without the need to shut down the operating hydrator, to remove solids accumulation in the hopper chamber.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an unloading pan for bulk dry particulate matter, such as soda ash. The pan comprises a pan inlet and a pan outlet. The pan is preferably designed wherein the source of particulate matter is a railroad car having a car outlet at the bottom to gravity unload therethrough. There is a means to position, and preferably attach, the pan container at the outlet to the source of particulate matter, i.e., the outlet of the railroad car.

Abstract: A high pressure transfer device for feeding wood chips to a digester in the production of paper pulp has enhanced efficiency. A rotor having first and second sets of through extending conduits is mounted for rotation in a housing having first through fourth ports associated with each set, with a screen at the third port of each set for screening wood chips out of liquid passing through that third port. The third port of each set is connected to its own distinct source of suction, so as to enhance filling efficiency of the rotor.

Abstract: A high pressure transfer device for feeding wood chips to a digster in the production of paper pulp has enhanced efficiency. A pocketed rotor is mounted for rotation in a housing having first through fourth ports, with a screen at the third port for screening wood chips out of liquid passing through that third port. This screen is blanked at the leading edge in the direction of rotation so that as a pocket rotates into operative association with the first and third ports, the pocket inlet has an arcuate extent of about two inches which is exposed to the first port --large enough to allow chips to start flowing freely into the pocket--before the outlet of that pocket is exposed to a suction source in communication with the screen.

Abstract: Heavy media, which are heavier than the bulk density of nodules of raw deepsea mineral resources, are used to discharge the nodules on a marine ship through a lifting pipe from a sea floor U-tube connecting with a downstream pipe laid to the deepsea bottom, by operating a piston pump on the marine ship. The heavy media are fed through the downstream pipe, and when nodules mined at the deepsea floor, mainly manganese nodules and cobalt-rich crusts which contain useful heavy metal, are fed into the sea floor U-tube through feeding devices, the nodules are continuously lifted with the heavy media through the lifting pipe from the sea floor to the marine ship, by buoyant force yielding from the heavy medium. This method requires much smaller power consumption than any conventional method of lifting nodules.

Abstract: Buoyant particles entrained in a transport water are delivered to the bottom of a flooded vessel, overcoming the buoyant force of the particles and other fluid dynamics problems associated with entrained fluid flow. In a preferred embodiment, ice particles are delivered through a conduit to the bottom of a flooded thermal storage tank by entraining the ice particles in a swirling transport water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus conveys solid particles from a supply device to a charging device for charging free-flowing cutting jets. Positive charging of the cutting jets even when located at a greater or remote distance from the supply device is ensured. To that end, the solid particles are transported in a closed circuit between the supply device and a charging or intermediate storage device and the momentarily required partial quantity of solid particles needed for charging the cutting jet is removed from the closed circuit.

Abstract: An economical apparatus and method for reprocessing scrap film. The apparatus includes a film-air separation chamber for separating air from incoming strips of scrap film, a cutter for cutting the strips into fine pieces, and a storage tank or further reprocessing means to which the cut pieces of scrap film are conveyed. A air bypass line having a computer-controlled valve conveys air directly from the film-air separation chamber to the cutter outlet when the valve is in an open position, and causes all of the air to flow into the cutter inlet when the valve is in a closed position. The open or closed position of the air bypass valve depends upon the cutter motor power, which varies as the volume of scrap film in the cutter varies. Due to the inclusion of the accurately controlled air bypass valve, only a single fan is needed to convey the film into and out of both the film-air separation chamber and the cutter.

Abstract: A cyclone separator (20) for a pneumatic grain conveyor (10) includes a filter assembly (60) mounted in the upper end thereof. The filter assembly (60) includes a cylindrical casing (62) extending into the separator (20) with a screen (70) therein and an adjustable accelerator plate (84) which cleans an adjacent portion of the screen and distributes the collected dust and foreign particles on the remainder of the screen. A second filter assembly (90) is preferably connected between the air outlet of the separator (20) and air inlet of the blower (52) for further dust and foreign particle removal.