Abstract: A fogger includes a blower tube having a passageway, a fan configured to rotate to generate an airflow through the passageway, a reservoir configured to hold a volume of fluid and a volume of air, an air pump in fluid communication with the fluid in the reservoir, a motor configured to drive the fan and the air pump, an atomizing valve, a dispensing line fluidly coupling the atomizing valve to the passageway, a liquid tube fluidly coupling the fluid in the reservoir to the atomizing valve, and an air escape line fluidly coupling the air in the reservoir to the atomizing valve. In response to the air pump providing a stream of compressed air to the reservoir, air moves through the air escape line from the reservoir to the atomizing valve, such that fluid is drawn through the liquid tube and into the atomizing valve to be atomized.

Abstract: A product gas filter with a filter housing, into which product gas of a wood gas reactor is supplied, by means of a product gas line, and is discharged as clean gas through a clean gas line. Long-chain hydrocarbons in the product gas stream can be at least substantially reduced, and a high filter performance achieved, where the filter is divided gas-tight into two parts by a separating tray in such a way that the product gas line is delivered to the lower region and the clean gas line exits from the upper collecting space; at least two filter cartridges, each coupled individually to a compressed air line and compressed air source, project into the lower region; and a zeolite container is connected to the lower portion of the filter via a compressed air source connectable, Venturi nozzle and a lockable line.

Abstract: A micro particle flow facilitator, includes: (a) a bourdon tube having a flexible duct capable of expanding and contracting in response to pulsations of a pressurized fluid, the duct being hollow, closed-ended and having an inlet port; and (b) a fluid pulsator for providing the pulsations of a pressurized fluid to the inlet port of the bourdon tube, the pulsator being in fluid-tight communication with the inlet port of the bourdon tube and having a fluid inlet port for connection to a source of pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A portable air abrasion device has a dispensing chamber and a flow valve for controlling the flow rate from the dispensing chamber. The flow valve includes a fluid flow chamber for receiving granular materials exiting the dispensing chamber. The fluid flow chamber has a granular materials inlet port, a fluid flow inlet port for receiving the flow of a fluid to the fluid flow chamber and a fluidized granular material exit port for dispensing a fluidized mixture of the granular material away from the fluid flow chamber. The fluid flow chamber also has a flow regulator employing a lead screw to control the flow of fluidized granular material through the fluidized granular material exit port.

Abstract: An injection system for solid particles comprises a conveying hopper (11) located at an upstream location (1), a fluidizing device (21) for fluidizing the solid particles at the outlet of the conveying hopper (11) and forming a solid-gas flow, a pneumatic conveying line (15) for conveying the solid-gas flow from the fluidizing device (21) to a downstream location (2) and a static distribution device (17) with a plurality of injection lines (19), connected thereto. An upstream flow control system controls the mass flow rate in the pneumatic conveying line (15) at the upstream location (1) by controlling the opening of an upstream flow control valve (35) responsive to the solid material mass flow measured in the pneumatic conveying line (15) at the upstream location (1).

Abstract: A system includes an inductor assembly of an agricultural implement having an inductor box with a wall configured to separate an interior of the inductor box from an exterior of the inductor box, an inductor segment, and a mounting clip. The wall includes an inner surface in the interior and an outer surface on the exterior. The inductor segment includes a mixing portion and a delivery portion, wherein the mixing portion interfaces with the inner surface and is configured to mix agricultural product and airflow into a mixture. The delivery portion is configured to convey the mixture through the wall. The mounting clip is configured to form a seal between the interior and the exterior of the inductor box, and to interface with the outer surface and the delivery portion in an installed position to couple the inductor segment to the inductor box.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one of a level of solids and an inventory of solids in a solids tank includes withdrawing a stream of solids from the solids tank via a downer. The stream of solids withdrawn from the solids tank is fluidized at a bottom of the downer by supplying a conveying gas so as to convey the withdrawn stream of solids upward via a riser branching off from the downer, a size of the conveyed stream of solids being adjusted by the supplying of the conveying gas. At least one of the level and the inventory of the solids in the solids tank is used as an adjustment variable of a control circuit and a volume flow of the conveying gas is used as an actuating variable of the control circuit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for mass flow are provided. The apparatus can include a housing, an inlet disposed at a first end of the housing, and an outlet disposed at a second end of the housing. The housing can include a first section and a second section. The second section can have at least one tapered sidewall that slopes away from an inner surface of the first section toward the outlet. The apparatus can also include a divider disposed at least partially within the first and second sections of the housing. The divider can have at least one tapered surface disposed proximate the at least one tapered sidewall of the second section. An edge of the divider can be located between the outlet and a point within the second section where the cross-sectional area of the second section is about three times or less a cross-sectional area of the outlet.

Abstract: An activation and fluidification system (100) for granular material silos (101) or containers, comprising a plurality of fine adjustment firing valves (102) comprising discharge limiters to limit the discharge of a pressurized aeriform from an initial pressure to a predetermined final pressure lower than the initial pressure, and connected to the silo (101), the system comprising a tubular network (103) for storing pressurized aeriform at the initial pressure, and to which the plurality of valves (102) are connected.

Abstract: A feed vessel for pneumatically conveying solid particles includes a cylindrical portion, a first conical portion and a second conical portion. The first conical portion extends downward from the cylindrical portion and is configured to be in fluid communication with the cylindrical portion. The second conical portion extends downward from the first conical portion and is configured to be in fluid communication with the first conical portion. The second conical portion is configured to form a mass flow of solid particles therein and defines at least one outlet thereon for discharging the solid particles. A method for pneumatically conveying solid particles is also presented.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring settled or suspended solids from an open vessel into a closed vessel, the apparatus comprising a suction line which extends from the closed vessel to the open vessel via drive means, such as a pump or compressor, and a solids feed line which extends from a solids outlet in the open vessel to a solids inlet in the closed vessel, a fluidising apparatus being provided to fluidise the solids in the open vessel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A body within the lower zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and obstructs the particle flow within the lower zone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A container within the second zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and provides more consistent particle flows.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. A valveless conduit provides particle communication from the upper zone to the middle zone and a valved conduit provides particle communication from the middle zone to the lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through the conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the middle zone, the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduit, and the valve in the valved conduit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. A valveless conduit provides particle communication from the upper zone to the middle zone and a valved conduit provides particle communication from the middle zone to the lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through the conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the middle zone, the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduit, and the valve in the valved conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for separating articles from a group of articles. The apparatus includes a container for containing one or more articles coupled to a suitable fluidizer for suspending articles within the container and transporting articles to an induction tube. A portal in the induction tube introduces articles singly into the induction tube. A vacuum pulls articles through the induction tube separating the articles from the group of articles in the container. The apparatus and method can be combined with one or more unit operations or modules, e.g., for inspecting articles, assessing quality of articles, or ascertaining material properties and/or parameters of articles, including layers thereof.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a vessel (1) for storing particulate matter, such a pulverized coal or fly ash, comprising a main part (2) and, at its bottom portion, at least one discharge device (3), which comprises a converging outer shell (10) and a permeable, converging inner shell (14) positioned in the outer shell (10), the discharge device (3) being connected to the main part (2) by means of a first flange (9) at or near the lower rim of the bottom portion of the main port (2) and a second flange (11) at or near the upper rim of the outer shell (10). The inner shell (14) is secured to the inner wall of the outer shell (10) of the discharge device (3), preferably to the inner wall of the second flange (11).

Abstract: The present invention may be used for discharging a fire retardant material. A container element may be connected to a pressurized gas source controllable to pressurize the container element and to flow a gas and fire retardant material mixture through a discharge conduit. A discharge device may be connected at an inlet to the discharge conduit. The discharge device may have an inlet duct attached to an inlet end of an expansion section. The expansion section may be connected to an inlet end of an outlet duct having an outlet nozzle. A diffuser may be disposed in the inlet duct and an upstream portion and may be attached in the upstream portion. The diffuser may have a nose element attached by a diffuser shaft to a base element with a rotor element having multiple vanes rotatably attached to the diffuser shaft intermediate the nose and base elements.

Abstract: A machine for distributing blowing insulation from a bag of compressed blowing insulation. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end and an outlet end and is configured to receive the bag of compressed blowing insulation, a plurality of shredders mounted at the outlet end of the chute and configured to shred and pick apart the blowing insulation and a discharge mechanism for distributing the blowing insulation into an airstream. The chute has a cross-sectional shape that approximates the cross-sectional shape of the bag of compressed blowing.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying particulate material containing reaction products of a high pressure reactor from a supply vessel at a pressure of at least two bar to a receiving vessel at a considerably lower pressure. The apparatus includes a conveyor line attached to the supply vessel, a collecting vessel between the conveyor line and the receiving vessel, the collecting vessel including (i) a discharge conduit for the carrier gas, (ii) a device for controlling the discharge velocity of the carrier gas from the collecting vessel, and (iii) a device for controlling the pressure of the material collected in the collecting vessel, and a device for conveying the material directly from the collecting vessel to the receiving vessel essentially at the same pressure as is prevailing in the receiving vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conveying a solid (2) in a conveying medium (15), said solid (2) being delivered to a container (5) with outlet (7). The solid (2) is in this case dispersed in the transport liquid (15) without the aid of any mechanically driven parts and is introduced into the conduit (4).

Abstract: A dispensing system that includes an apparatus comprised of a container with a support surface, an opening in the upper portion for receiving items, a passageway in the lower portion for dispensing items, a guide surface to direct items into the passageway, a means for generating pulses of vacuum that draw pulses of air (or other fluid) into the container through the open passageway, and sufficient volume of available air (or other fluid) outside the passageway and outside the container to fill the vacuum generated inside the container. A preferred method of generating the vacuum pulses is injecting pulses of high-pressure fluid in thin sheets into the container through the open passageway with laminar flow against the support or guide surfaces. Items are lifted and separated by the influx of fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conveying solids from a process vessel in which the vessel has a plurality of eductors sequentially oriented end-to-end from a vessel inlet to the vessel outlet. Conveying fluid enters the inlet drawing bulk particulates via the eductor series through the outlet.

Abstract: A dispensing system having a hopper with at least one wall moveable to form a dispensing opening at the base of the hopper. At least one air knife is provided which blasts air upwardly into the hopper to lift, levitate, and mix the product within the hopper. Upon termination of the air blast, the product falls downwardly into the base for the hopper, and a selected number of items fall through the dispensing opening. The remaining items tend to bridge the dispensing opening, thereby blocking further dispensing of the product. During subsequent air blasts, the product is repeatedly levitated, agitated, and allowed to drop through the dispensing opening to ultimately dispense the entirety of the product from the hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for emptying powder from a container, such as an original shipping box includes a support having a vibrating unit for loosening the powder within the container. A powder pick-up tube and an attached powder pump draw powder from the container and transfer the powder to a powder spray gun. The lower end of the pick-up tube includes a positively pressurized fluidization unit for locally fluidizing the powder at the pick-up tube inlet. The pressurized fluidization unit primarily assists in providing a consistent draw of powder up the pick-up tube.

Abstract: A material delivery system conveys material from a supply location at or above an area surface to a working location below the area surface. The delivery system includes a supply hopper located at the supply location and having an inlet for receiving material to be conveyed and an outlet for discharging material. An injection hopper is adapted for mounting on a movable working arm of a self-propelled vehicle, and has an inlet for receiving material and an outlet for discharging material. The arm of the vehicle carries the injection hopper below the area surface to the working location. A supply line is connected to the outlet of the supply hopper and to the inlet of the injection hopper for conveying material from the supply location to the working location.

Abstract: An environmentally compliant triboelectric applicator and process for coating or ablating a substrate and for retrieving excess or ejected material from the substrate. The applicator comprises an inner supersonic nozzle for accelerating triboelectrically charged projectile particles entrained in a supersonic gas to speeds sufficiently high to coat or ablate a substrate. The applicator further comprises an outer evacuator nozzle coaxially surrounding the inner supersonic nozzle for retrieving excess projectile particles, ablated substrate powders, or other environmentally hazardous materials. A fluid dynamic coupling uses the efficacy of the Mach turning angle associated with a supersonic boundary layer of carrier gas to aspirate the central core of the supersonic two-phase jet.

Abstract: A new particulate applicator attachment for a leaf blower for applying particulates such as powdered pesticides to a lawn or garden. The inventive device includes an elongate main tube having opposite intake and discharge ends. Each of the ends of the main tube has an opening into the lumen of the main tube. The intake end of the main tube is adapted for attachment to a blower tube of a leaf blower such that the lumen of the main tube is in fluid communication with the blower tube. A container for holding particulates is coupled to the main tube. Provided in the lumen of the main tube are intake and outlet conduits. One end of each of the conduits is connected to the container such that the lumen of the main tube is in fluid communication with the interior of the container through the conduits.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is disclosed for measuring the mass flow of pneumatically conveyed particles along a transport tube 14. The apparatus includes a fluidized bed of the particles 16 and an application device or collection box 18. The improvement comprises means for unfluidizing the fluidized particles in communication with the fluidized bed. Additionally, one or more augers 22 are provided for delivering particles at a predetermined air pressure in predetermined amounts in communication with the means for unfluidizing and one or more pumps 24 are provided downstream from the one or more augers 22. A sensor 26 is downstream from the one or more pumps. The particles then are conveyed from the sensor to the collection box. A method is also provided to measure the mass flow of pneumatically conveyed particles along a transport tube with an apparatus which includes a fluidized bed of the particles and a collection box.

Abstract: A bulk material conveying system for use with a bulk material holding tank having at least one outlet. The conveying system includes a main supply line for carrying pressurized gas and a material conveying line having an inlet and an outlet. The material conveying line is in communication with the holding tank outlet for transporting the bulk material from the holding tank to the conveying line outlet. The inlet of the material conveying line is in communication with the main supply line for receiving the pressurized gas whereby the gas moves the bulk material in the conveying line towards the conveying line outlet. The system further includes an aerator line having an inlet and an outlet and at least one connector for feeding the pressurized gas into the bulk material holding tank to agitate the bulk material and push it towards the holding tank outlet and a pressure sensor for sensing when the pressure in the material conveying line exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for powder spraying can be used, for example, for electrostatic enameling. In order to achieve an easily regulatable high powder output rate, it is proposed to fluidize powder in a closed container, extract it in the region of the fluid bed and cause it to emerge through a nozzle on the container. The container is subdivided by a frit into a first chamber to which air is fed and a second chamber which contains the powder and out of which air is discharged through a valve. A powder output rate can be regulated by the regulation of air pressures.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus introduce fine particles of a solid into a reactor with the help of a feed enclosure connected to the reactor through an injection pipe. The process comprises (a) introducing the solid into the feed enclosure wherein most of the solid particles settle at rest and then (b) introducing a gas into the feed enclosure so that the solid particles are suspended by the gas to form a solid particle suspension entrained in a dilute-phase conveying system by the gas into the reactor through the injection pipe. The invention is particularly useful for introducing particles of a solid catalyst into a gas-phase polymerization reactor.

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: The present invention relates to a device for regulating the flow of a fluid, the device comprising an inlet receptacle and an outlet receptacle that releases the fluid at a regulated flow rate via an outlet opening, the two receptacles being separated by a common wall. The common wall extends from the bottom walls of the receptacles, and a "bell" contrivance is disposed over the common wall to form on either side of the common wall first and second intermediate receptacles in which a gas pressure is kept constant.

Abstract: A slurry supplying device by which a uniformly mixed slurry can be supplied to a blasting gun in a pressure-type wet blasting machine. The slurry supplying device comprises a substantially closed vessel which contains the slurry and has a conical section in at least one part of the vessel. A conical stop valve is freely movable up and down to close the bottom of the slurry settling section by sealingly fitting its conical edge on the conical section of the vessel. An air duct supplies low pressure air for agitating the slurry at a lower part of the closed vessel by raising the stop valve body. An air duct is provided for supplying highly pressurized air into the closed vessel for pressurizing the slurry. A slurry supply pipe is provided for supplying the pressurized slurry to the blasting gun. A pressure relief valve is mounted on the top plate of the vessel for maintaining a maximum air pressure in the upper portion of the vessel.

Abstract: A gas accumulator and blaster apparatus including a pressure tank (12) and a quick release valve (14). The quick release valve includes an elongated outer sleeve (22), an end cap (28), a check valve (32), a shouldered guide member (38), a cup shaped piston (56), and an annular seat member (68). The tank is filled with a gas by means of a conduit (36). The gas accumulated in the tank is quickly exhausted through a second end (26) of the quick release valve and into a storage bin as and when gas is exhausted from interior of the piston, guide member, and conduit. The piston quickly returns to a closed position as and when the flow of air from said tank stops.

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: A sparger system for removing sodium chlorite crystal and other crystalline particulate material in slurry form from a tank car comprises a plurality of spray nozzles from which water is expelled as a flat spray initially to dissolve sodium chlorite so as to cavitate the mass of sodium chlorite crystals, which break off in lumps into the cavity and then to impact the walls and roof of the tank car to flush off residual sodium chlorite crystal. The slurry is collected in a sump and is discharged therefrom, with additional sprays agitating the sump to break up clumps of sodium chlorite and to maintain the particulates in suspension.

Abstract: A system for delivering a particulate material has a closed storage hopper for the material, the hopper having a bottom hopper outlet and a check valve connected to a top portion of the chamber for venting positive pressure from the chamber; a venturi eductor having a material inlet for feeding the material, an eductor outlet, and a gas inlet; a gas feed valve, the gas feed valve being openable in response to a feed signal for activating the eductor; a hopper passage connecting the hopper outlet to the eductor material inlet; a hopper outlet valve for closing the hopper outlet in response to a hopper signal; a stir valve for pressurizing the hopper passage in response to a stir signal for agitating the material in the hopper; and a pressure sensor for momentarily activating the stir signal in response to an absence of the material at the material inlet, the system being operative in a transporting mode wherein the hopper valve is open, the feed valve is open, and the stir valve is closed; a stirring mode wher

Abstract: A self acting pressure air pulse control valve for use with fluidizing and pneumatic conveying systems for dry particulate material comprises a housing having a chamber in which a plate type closure member and an actuating piston are disposed and interconnected by an elongated actuating rod. A spring engages the actuating rod through a pivotally supported lever and biases the closure member toward a closed position. Pressure air acts across the face of the closure member to allow the valve to crack open whereupon pressure air acting on the larger actuating piston face snaps the valve to the fully open and unrestricted flow position. A reduction in pressure of the air flowing through the valve allows the biasing spring to reclose the valve to repeat its operating cycle.

Abstract: A sparger system for removing sodium chlorate crystal and other particulate material in slurry or solution form from a tank car comprises a plurality of spray nozzles from which water is expelled as a flat spray initially to dissolve sodium chlorate so as to cavitate the mass of sodium chlorate chlorate crystals, which break off in lumps into the cavity and then to impact the walls and roof of the tank car to flush off residual sodium chlorate crystal. The slurry is collected in a sump and is discharged therefrom, with additional sprays agitating the sump to break up clumps of sodium chlorate and to maintain the particulates in suspension.

Abstract: An apparatus for the uniform proportioning of granular blasting agents in pneumatically operating blasting machines is disclosed in which the blasting agent supply is in a closed hopper with a blasting agent feed controlled with regard to the amount of agent fed per unit of time. A screw conveyor screw disposed in a horizontal screw conveyor tube having an entry area adjacent to the discharge area, which is in turn adjacent to a removal duct of the conveyor screw tube has substantially the same cross section diameter value of a blast-air duct. The blast-air duct forms a tee with the screw tube in the discharge area. To compensate for the pressure drop in the device during its operation, a connecting duct is provided between the blast-air duct and the closed hopper. The branching of the connecting duct to the blast-air duct lies upstream from the entrance to the screw conveyor tube.

Abstract: Injection of gas into a bed of solids contained in a hopper is compartmentalized to allow independent control of gas to be vented upward and gas and solids to be discharged.

Abstract: A grain storage device is provided with an outer retaining wall which extends about a lower base. In the center of the retaining wall is a vertically-extending aeration tower which has a central, hollow interior through which air may be supplied for flow into grain which is piled in a generally conical pile beneath a vertically movable cover of flexible material which is raised and lifted along the tower as the pile beneath grows. To uniformly distribute the grain to have a symmetrically even pile, there is provided a distributor means on the tower which has the plurality of discharge ports which have valves for selectively controlling the size of the openings through the ports so as to control the amount of grain flowing about the tower and in different directions. Preferably, a deflecting means in the form of troughs are also used to deflect the streams at different angles so that to provide more uniform and symmetry for the pile being formed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for producing a solid particulate aerosol which is sufficiently precise in concentration to be suitable for testing HEPA filters. The apparatus continuously delivers a measured quantity of a solid particulate material to a mixer where it is combined with a controlled flow of gas. The solid particulate material is delivered to the mixer in precisely measured quantities via pockets of constant volume which are disposed radially and equidistantly about a rotating wheel.

Abstract: Method and device for suspending an ultrafine powder in a gas wherein a mass of powder to be dispersed in enclosing in a container between an axially movable piston and an axially fixed member adjacent to the ends of the container. The fixed member defines an inner counteracting surface facing the powder to be dispersed and has a peripheral gas inlet passage adjacent to the wall of the container and an axial passage extending out of a first end of the container. The second end of the container has a gas inlet. A first gas flow is injected into the second end of the container to move the piston towards the fixed member, thereby pressing the powder against the counteracting surface of the fixed member. A second gas flows into the first end of the container through the peripheral passage for eroding the powder adjacent to the counteracting surface and driving the eroded powder through the axial passage out of the container.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying apparatus for conveying loose material comprises a device for feeding material to be conveyed, into a container, and a conveyor nozzle for producing a jet of pressure gas for entraining material into a conveyor conduit. An annular nozzle array or annular gap is provided around the conveyor nozzle, to produce a flat flow of gas, which is concentric to the jet of gas produced by the conveyor nozzle. The jet of gas and the flat flow combine in a gap between the conveyor nozzle and the adjacent mouth of the conveyor conduit, and pass into the conveyor conduit, with the material to be conveyed being controllably entrained thereby. The installation is controlled to operate in the range of maximum loading of material in the conveying gas flow.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for minimizing mass flow rate fluctuations of a particulate solid fuel and gas mixture having a coal mixture mass flow rate of about 50-800 kg/cubic meter and a corresponding frequency range of about 0.1 to 100 Hertz to a reactor.

Abstract: An improved method for slurrying bulk dry powder material within a hopper car is described. The method includes providing a static web of individual strands extending through the interior of the hopper compartment so that when water is admitted to the bottom of the hopper car, the water will travel upwardly along the strands of the web and through the dry bulk material to wet the same.

Abstract: An applicator for distributing a flowable solid product in the form of pellets or granules includes a hopper assembly which supplies the product to a product distribution gun, both being coupled to a pressurized air source. The hopper assembly includes a hopper having a downwardly and inwardly tapering bottom which terminates at a central cuplike portion. The product passes from the cuplike portion, through a product line and into an air flow path in the gun. The product is pulled into the gun by a venturi arrangement connecting the product line and the gun. Air is injected into the cuplike portion to fluidize the product in the hopper. Baffles in the hopper control the product flow in the hopper. Bell transitions, having a narrowing and widening cross-sectional dimensions, are used to collimate elongate pellets passing between the hopper and the gun.