Abstract: Systems and methods for an adjustable gas block are described. Systems may include an adjustment subassembly and a gas block assembly, wherein the adjustment subassembly may be coupled to the gas block assembly.

Abstract: A method and system may track liquid consumption by a user from a liquid container using a flexible, network-connected, smart band. The smart band may detect orientations of the liquid container and identify sips taken by a user based on a pattern in the detected orientations. The smart band may also estimate a liquid consumption metric based on characteristics of the identified sips such as the duration of the sip. The identified sip as well as sip characteristics and the liquid consumption metric may be displayed on the smart band, and also may be transmitted to a server for storage and for display on another network-enabled device.

Abstract: There is described a method for the removal of a contact lens (30) from a container (10), with a contact lens (30) being immersed in a liquid (20) which is held in a container (10), and the contact lens (30) being removed from the container (10) together with at least a portion of the liquid (20) through a removal tube (3) which is dipped into the liquid (20) within the container (10). First the container (10) containing the liquid (20) and the immersed contact lens (30) is closed pressure-tight with a lid (2), which comprises the removal tube (3) and a pressure tube (5). Both, the removal tube (3) and the pressure tube (5), are guided through the lid (2). After the closing of the container (10) with the lid (2) an overpressure is applied to the interior of the closed container (10) through the pressure tube (5). The overpressure is applied such that the contact lens (30) and the liquid (20) are pressed into the removal tube (3) and removed together therethrough.

Abstract: An improved draft tube spout fluid bed (DTSFB) mixing, handling, conveying, and treating apparatus and systems, and methods for operating are provided. The apparatus and systems can accept particulate material and pneumatically or hydraulically conveying the material to mix and/or treat the material. In addition to conveying apparatus, a collection and separation apparatus adapted to receive the conveyed particulate material is also provided. The collection apparatus may include an impaction plate against which the conveyed material is directed to improve mixing and/or treatment. The improved apparatus are characterized by means of controlling the operation of the pneumatic or hydraulic transfer to enhance the mixing and/or reacting by controlling the flow of fluids, for example, air, into and out of the apparatus. The disclosed apparatus may be used to mix particulate material, for example, mortar; react fluids with particulate material; coat particulate material, or simply convey particulate material.

Abstract: Methods, processes, and apparatuses for the large scale synthesis of carbon nanostructures are provided. Metal catalysts having small diameter and narrow distribution of particle sizes are prepared and continuously injected as aerosols into a reactor. The metal catalysts are supported on supports that are substantially free of carbon. The metal catalyst, in the form of a powder, is placed in an injector that is shaken vertically. The powder is aerosolized, and the powder entrailed in the gas is passed through a conduit that is bifurcated where one portion delivers the powder to the reactor while the other portion connects back to the ejector that is located in between the gas source and the top part of the container.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for coating particulate material are provided. The apparatus includes a vessel having a top and a bottom, a vertically extending conduit having an inlet in the vessel and an outlet outside of the vessel, a first fluid inlet in the bottom of the vessel for introducing a transfer fluid, a second fluid inlet in the bottom of the vessel for introducing a coating fluid, and a fluid outlet from the vessel. The method includes steps of agitating a material, contacting the material with a coating material, and drying the coating material to produce a coated material. The invention may be adapted to coat aerogel beads, among other materials. A coated aerogel bead and an aerogel-based insulation material are also disclosed.

Abstract: The hydraulic elevation apparatus and method of the present invention incorporate a multiple chamber framework internally disposed preferably within at least one single shaft structure, which facilitates movement of object transport containers within the multiple chamber framework. Preferably, fluid elevation is employed to elevate object transport containers and their contents within the multiple chamber framework. Each single shaft structure may be constructed from an existing rehabilitated shaft, or a newly drilled shaft. The present invention may be utilized in vertical or incline lifting environments, and an auxiliary hoist chamber may be incorporated into the multiple chamber framework for use as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, elevating objects by employing fluid elevation. The present invention may be employed in a variety of heavy lifting scenarios, including underground mining or in above ground lifting environments.

Abstract: Gas under pressure is admitted through an orifice formed in the bottom portion of a tank of substance in powder form, and is guided along an internal tube connected to the admission orifice, the tube passes through the powder stored in the tank and entrains powder through openings formed in the wall of the tube, the powder being extracted in the form of a gas-and-powder flow through an outlet at the top portion of the tank. The gas-and-powder mixture traveling along the internal tube is guided to the top portion of the tank where it is directed substantially towards a side wall of the tank so as to set up a gas-and-powder flow traveling through the volume situated in the tank above the powder stored in the tank, prior to the gas-and-powder flow being extracted through the outlet. The gas-and-powder flow can be taken to one or more powdering nozzles, e.g. in a system for powdering a developer in an installation for detecting surface defects by sweating.

Abstract: A fluidizing apparatus comprises a vessel having an inlet, a plurality of outlets and a nozzle, through which a pressurized fluid can be fed into the vessel. The outlets are spaced at different heights from a base of the vessel and are controlled by valves enabling fluidized solids to be removed in layers from the vessel. In a further embodiment, a single outlet is raised or lowered to a desired position in the vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and a process for the removal of bulk material from a container, in particular, from a box-shaped transport container. In order to be able to suction the bulk material off in a simple and reliable manner out of the transport container, one first of all attaches to an outlet area of container (10) a removal instrument (23) that has a conveyance device. This conveyance device conveys the bulk material in the removal instrument (23) essentially against its direction of outflow out of container (10) into a discharge area of the removal instrument (23) out of which bulk material is sectioned off by means of an off-suctioning device (39) that is connected thereto. To support the off-suctioning of the bulk material, air—by means of an air supply device (17, 19, 20′)—is so piped into the bulk material located in container (10) that the bulk material is fluidized.

Abstract: A granular semiconductor material transport system capable of continuous, non-contaminating transfer of granular semiconductor material from a large source vessel to a smaller and more manageable target vessel. Movement of the granular material is induced by flowing transfer fluid. The system includes a source vessel, a feed tube, a process vessel, a target vessel and a vacuum source, or mover. The source vessel contains a bulk supply of granular material to be transported. A feed tube received within the source vessel transfers the granular material entrained in a transfer fluid from the source vessel to the process vessel. The process vessel separates the granular material from any dust particles and deposits the granular material in the more manageable target vessel. The vacuum source sealably connects to the process vessel to evacuate the process vessel to set the granular polysilicon in motion within the system.

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: An improved extraction apparatus for bulk material containers, in particular for bins (1) filled with a pourable bulk material (3), comprises a suction head which can be lowered onto the bulk material (3). According to the improvement, provision is made for the suction head (10) to be provided with a float (11), floating in or on the bulk material (3), and to be held above it, and for the oscillation control device (35) to be arranged in such a way that the suction head (10) and/or the float (11) can be caused at least indirectly to oscillate.

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 powdered lubricant applicator is provided which utilizes a venturi nozzle to draw powder from a fluidized hopper. The amount of powder delivered from the hopper is controlled by the air flow rate through the nozzle and by the length of time that the air flows through the nozzle. As air passes through the nozzle, powdered lubricant is drawn from the fluidized hopper and passed with the air along a delivery tube. As the fluidized powdered lubricant passes along the delivery tube, additional "atomizing" air is introduced into the delivery tube to assist powder delivery to the destination mechanism to be lubricated. In addition, fluidizing air is added to the delivery tube. The air used to assist the powder delivery (i.e., the atomizing air) and the air used to fluidize the powder (i.e., the fluidizing air) impact the powder delivery. Three pressure regulators are used to independently control the flow air, the atomizing air and the fluidizing air.

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: A fluidising unit (1) comprising a supply duct (2) which is arranged to be fed with liquid under pressure, and a discharge duct (5) within the supply duct and projecting beyond the outlet of the supply duct. The end of the supply duct (2) is closable when the fluidising unit is not in use. A screen (9) is associated with the supply duct (2), the screen having at least one oblique opening (10), and being positioned so that liquid passing through the supply duct passes through the or each opening in the screen and is caused to swirl.

Abstract: Powder spray coating injector device consisting generally of three tubes nested coaxially. Fluidized powder is carried through an inner one of the tubes and compressed air is carried through annular passages between the inner tube and an intermediate tube and between the intermediate tube and an outer tube. The compressed air is used by a fluidizer to fluidize the powder coating material and by an injector to convey the fluidized powder coating material to a conventional powder spray applicator. Upstream ends of the tubes, relative to the direction of powder feeding, are connected via an adapter to an end section. The end section is provided with at least one fluidizer and the injector through which fluidized power is sucked. Any residual powder is easily cleaned from the injector device by positioning a cap over the fluidizer and injector and by delivering compressed air to the cap while fluidizing and injector air is supplied to the device.

Abstract: An air lift pump for wet particulates has a plurality of transport tubes and air injectors disposed in a central column for transporting particulate matter from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. The central column has a closed top and an open bottom. Each tube has a lower, intake end, a lower first air injector and an upper second air injector. Each air injector is comprised of a housing disposed around an air injection section of the transport tube in which is mounted a first or second air jet, respectively. Compressed air is supplied to the first air injector via an air supply line and to the second air injector via an air supply line and the central column.

Abstract: A powder dispersing apparatus which can disperse every given amount of sample powder in a gas even when the amount is small, thereby continuously generating dispersed powder or floating powder at a desired concentration.

Abstract: A seed distribution system is provided for planters and drills wherein the distribution system includes a central hopper for supplying a plurality of seed metering units. A plurality of seed distribution units are mounted on a lower portion of the central hopper and each seed distribution unit includes a central tubular member defining an air column for entraining seeds to be distributed from the central hopper. A plurality of discharge outlets open into the air column for receiving seeds therefrom and for conveying the seeds through distribution tubes to metering unit bins associated with each of the seed metering units. In addition, each of the seed metering unit bins is provided with apparatus for adjusting the level of seed accumulated within the bin.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for transporting solid particles having a size range from 1/10 micron to 22 mm. in diameter, including a feed hopper formed of an inverted cone frustum, a cylindrical tube, and an inverted cone, a source of solid particles contained in the feed hopper, a transparent pipe inserted into the feed hopper coaxially with the axis of the feed hopper, fluid introducing pipes for introducing fluid such as gas or liquid into the bottom of the feed hopper including a spout inlet feed pipe at the apex of the inverted cone and coaxially located opposite the transport pipe and forming an adjustable gap between the bottom of the transport pipe and the top of the spout inlet pipe, and at least one annulus feed pipe entering a side wall of the inverted cone, and computer controlled values to regulate the temperature, humidity and rate of flow of the introduced fluid. The solid particles are fluidized in the hopper and then fed into the transport pipe to be delivered where desired.

Abstract: A powder sprayer having a housing for containing a quantity of powder, a rotatable roller for metering the discharge of powder from the housing, a powder supply hopper remote from the housing, first and second conduits connecting the powder supply and housing, and a selectively operable regenerative type blower disposed in one of the conduits. The first and second conduits, blower, housing, and supply hopper define a closed loop through which air and powder may be circulated with relatively low-pressure, high air-flow operation for reliably transferring powder from the supply hopper to the housing without the tendency for clogging. In one embodiment, the supply hopper has an associated mixing chamber within which powder is pneumatically agitated for creating a relatively rich, substantially constant air-powder mixture for direction to the sprayer housing.

Abstract: A continuous flow jet nebulizing device and method for delivering respiratory powdered medication to the lungs of a patient. The nebulizer device of the present invention comprises a nebulizer housing having a lower, generally conical-shaped lower housing portion defining an interior volume enclosed by the housing, and a nozzle element at the upper portion of the housing, coaxially aligned with the cone-shaped lower portion. The nozzle element extends through the housing, with an upper inlet portion coupleable to a suitable source of compressed carrier gas, and a lower portion of the nozzle element forming a discharge structure for directing of gas downwardly to the lower extremity of the conical-shaped lower portion of the nebulizer housing. At the upper portion of the nebulizer housing is an exit port for discharge of solids-containing carrier gas from the nebulizer housing to an exterior treatment locus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for conveying sand at offshore locations with the assistance of compressed air. The sand is transferred from sand storage tanks positioned on a vessel to a sand aeration vessel under pressure and when needed is transferred, by low pressure air, through a conveying conduit to its destination.

Abstract: A process for withdrawing solids from a vessel utilizing an inserted nozzle comprising an outer tube and one or more inner tube(s) retracted inside the outer tube, which process comprises introducing an entrainment liquid into the vessel upstream from a pick-area where the solids are withdrawn, introducing dilution transport liquid into the area for solids to be removed through the outer tube in such a way that it does not substantially infludence the flow of the solids and the entrainment liquid introduced upstream from the pick-up area, and withdrawing transport liquid and solids through the retracted inner tube(s).

Abstract: A blender for solid particulate material such as plastic pellets which includes an apparatus for separating a fine fraction of material from the plastic pellets. This is accomplished by a separator shell which surrounds a vertical lift pipe in the blender. Gas under pressure is utilized to circulate material through the lift pipe from the bottom of the vessel to the top of the vessel to blend the material. As material is discharged from the vertical lift pipe, the air supplied through the lift pipe for lifting material flows through material dispersed within the separation zone to entrain the fine material and convey it through a vent to a high efficiency dust collector. A by-pass conduit and by-pass control valve are provided to control the velocity of gas through the separation zone to control the size particle of the fine fraction which is separated.

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: A process and apparatus of preventing the plugging of the discharge and/or suction line of an internal recycle pump utilized in an expanded bed reactor of the type having a partition transversely extending through the lower portion thereof and defining a plurality of substantially regularly and uniformly disposed perforations and communicating with a reaction zone above the partition and plenum chamber therebelow. The reaction zone contains a mass of particulate catalyst contact matter supported by the partition and placed in randon motion above the partition by a pressurized mixture of a liquid carbon containing material and a hydrogen rich gas flow passing through the perforations from the plenum chamber and by the internal recycle pump having a pump suction line generally concentrically disposed with respect to the reactor and extending through the partition into the reaction zone.

Abstract: A powder feeder, includes a cylinder body connected to a gas blow pipe for fluidizing a powder at its bottom portion; a porous plate crossing the lower portion of the cylinder body above a gas blow hole; a partition plate which divides the interior of the cylinder body into a powder supply side and a delivery side and has a slit for communicating the supply and delivery sides with each other at its upper portion; a powder supply pipe connected to the lower portion of the cylinder body at the supply side to be inclined downward toward a connecting portion; and a powder delivery pipe connected to the lower portion of the cylinder body at the delivery side to be inclined downward in a delivery direction.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a pneumatic conveying apparatus wherein, with the material supply interrupted, a conveying pressure is numerically integrated and the reduction in the filling weight occurring in a specific period of time is determined. Before the beginning and at the end of the integration it is determined whether the filling weight is falling approximately evenly, i.e., whether any disturbing dynamic forces are overlying the filling weight. Such a calibration method permits alterations in the conveying capacity during the calibration.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for pneumatically conveying solid particulate material which includes a vessel or blow tank which is supplied with particulate material to be conveyed from a suitable source. A riser pipe extends into the vessel and has a material inlet near the bottom of the tank with its other end flow connected to a transport line. A bottom discharge arrangement is also contemplated. Gaseous fluid under pressure is supplied into the vessel to pressurize the vessel and entrain and convey material through the riser pipe to the material transport line and to a remote use point. A by-pass line is provided for selectively connecting the pressurized inside of the vessel with the riser pipe/transport line at a point downstream of the inlet for material. This by-pass line serves to selectively vent gaseous fluid under pressure in the vessel to the material conveying line when system pressure exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the separation and classification of tobacco into two fractions, e.g., into heavies and lights. A stream of fluid is employed to produce a stratified bed of the tobacco, preferably in cooperation with vibration of the tobacco, in which the tobacco is supported by the fluid and is stratified as a function of particle size, density and weight. The stream entrains the tobacco particles located at the top of the stratified bed and removes them to a suitable receptacle, where they are received and collected.

Abstract: An improved powder pump for pumping air entrained solid particulate powder material comprising a pneumatic conveyor line within which there is located a low pressure venturi pumping chamber. This venturi pumping chamber is intersected by a powder supply passage through which powder is drawn via a siphon tube into the conveyor line from a fluidized bed source of powder material. Over the inlet end of the siphon tube there is a cone shaped deflector plate which functions to reduce the inflow of air bubble created powder voids and consequent uneven flow of powder from the pump.

Abstract: A process for the transport of powdered or particulate material from a container, such as a tank of a ship, via its upper opening to a separately disposed delivery location. The transport occurs with a transport apparatus which is provided with a feed head (31) for the detachment and feeding of material to the transport apparatus at its material intake end. The feed head pushes the material laterally inwards into the lower end of an upwardly directed transport pipe (30) just above an upwardly directd air current for fluidizing of the material gradually as it is pushed into the transport pipe and for transport of the material in the height direction through the transport pipe in a fluidized condition. The feed head is preferably provided with two diameterially opposite material feed openings for pushing the material from opposite directions towards the central axis of the transport pipe.

Abstract: An improved powder pump for pumping air entrained solid particulate powder material comprising a pneumatic conveyor line within which there is located a low pressure venturi pumping chamber. This venturi pumping chamber is intersected by a powder supply passage through which powder is drawn into the conveyor line. Located within the powder supply passage is a rotatable tubular powder diffuser through which the powder passes in the course of passage through the powder supply passage. Rotation of the diffuser is effected by atomizing or metering air flow to the powder flow passage upstream of the venturi pumping chamber. This atomizing air flow, in addition to effecting rotation of the diffuser, also controls the rate of flow of powder through the powder supply passage and into the venturi pumping chamber.

Abstract: The pneumatic conveyor for grain consists of a horizontal conveying space, which accepts the falling grain at one end and whose discharge end terminates in an upward-narrowing vertical conveyor tube adjacent to the horizontal conveyor line, the grain being conveyed on a flow tray by a bypass flow or mechanically into the lower part of the vertical tube.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the mass stream and flow density of a finely divided, fine-grained solid fuel is described. The method uses a dosing container having a fluidized bed at its bottom part and into which the solid fuel is charged above the fluidized bed. A fluidizing gas is adjustably fed to the bottom part of the container and a compensation gas is fed to the upper part of the latter. Mass stream parameters and density are measured in the discharge or supply pipe communicating with the fluidizing bed and the required weight of flow of the fluidizing gas is computed by a computer. In this manner, the regulation of the mass stream is effected by adjusting the loose density of the charge of the dusty material in the container.

Abstract: A device for recovering or discharging the contents in containers such as beer bottles or the like includes a case support adapted to horizontally support at least one case containing a predetermined number of containers; a plurality of recovery pipes provided vertically above the case support, each of the plurality of recovery pipes being in opposed relation with the opening of each of the containers in the case; a control valve for controlling the charging of compressed air into the containers in the case; an air supply source for supplying the compressed air which is charged through the control valve; and a recovery tank communicating with the plurality of recovery pipes storing therein the liquid which is forced to be discharged out of the containers in the case through the recovery pipes, the case support and the plurality of recovery pipes being movable toward or away from each other so that when they are moved toward each other the recovery pipes are inserted into the openings, respectively, of the con

Abstract: A method of controlling the solids circulation between a downflow reactor and an entrained bed reactor is disclosed wherein at least some of the solids are transferred from the downflow reactor to a crossflow fluidized bed through a first seal leg, wherein the crossflow fluidized bed has a baffle separating the crossflow fluidized bed into two zones. Then the solids are transferred from the crossflow fluidized bed to the entrained bed reactor, and the solids are transferred from the entrained bed reactor to the downflow reactor through a second seal leg. The solids circulation rate is controlled by adjusting the rate of fluidizing gas entering the crossflow fluidized bed.

Abstract: An all welded square bottomed stainless steel cylinder and dip tube device for transferring by vapor deposition very reactive electronic grade organometallic liquid to a deposition system includes a top fill opening and inlet and outlet diaphragm valves, and is coated on the interior with PVF Teflon to several thousandths of an inch thickness. Contamination of the liquid is eliminated or at least substantially minimized since the device is stable in an upright position, the diaphragm valves each have a very small and inert area exposed to the liquid, and the coating serves as a barrier to contamination of the liquid by the metal of which the cylinder and dip tube are made.

Abstract: A constant discharge device for a pneumatic conveyor for powdery or granular materials includes a discharge regulator valve disposed in a pressure tank that stores the powdery or granular material and movable toward or away from a discharge nozzle which has an open end through which the material is discharged out of the pressure tank into a conveyor pipe. The discharge regulator valve has an air outlet for ejecting a stream of air toward the discharge nozzle. The amount of the material as discharged into the conveyor pipe can be controlled by adjusting the position of the discharge regulator valve with respect to the discharge nozzle, and also by adjusting the rate of flow of air through the outlet of the discharge regulator valve.

Abstract: The vapor space above a bed of fluidizable particles in a chamber is variably controlled by extending a moveable conduit through the upper portion of the chamber to position the conduit inlet at a selectable height above the bed. Fluid flows uniformly up through the bed of particles to fluidize particles to a desired density in the fluid and at a desired rate of flow of such particles through the inlet to the conduit from the so adjusted volume of fluidization space in the chamber. The conduit is externally driven relative to the bed to maintain the particle fluidization volume and flow rate substantially constant. In apparatus form the pick-up conduit is carried by a piston member with sealing means, such as an O-ring, between the piston wall and the chamber sidewall. In an alternate embodiment the fluidizing gas is recirculated in a loop that includes the piston which is fluid permeable to bypass the conduit inlet.

Abstract: A dispenser tank having an orifice and containing powdered reagent which is supplied through the tank orifice to a pool of molten metal for effecting desulphurization thereof is provided with a plunger arranged to reciprocate through the tank orifice so as to crumble lumps and foreign matter which may accumulate at the orifice and interfere with the free flow of powdered reagent therethrough and a cup shaped closure element is movable with the plunger and arranged to close and open the tank orifice due to reciprocable motion imparted to the closure element and plunger by a suitable operating means such as a cylinder and piston mounted within the dispenser tank and in order to unload the tank during emergency conditions a discharge conduit is arranged to extend through a wall of the tank and is controlled by a valve outside the tank so that pressure inside the dispenser tank may be used to blow the powdered reagent out of the tank and into a collection tank for temporary storage and subsequent use.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and system for forming a slurry of gravel and fluid, preferably for injection into an oil and gas well during gravel packing operations. The apparatus includes a pressure vessel that is adapted to receive the gravel. The pressure vessel has an inlet for receiving fluid. The apparatus includes a snorkel tube that is slidingly sealingly mounted for movement into and out of the pressure vessel. The snorkel tube has an open inner end which defines the outlet of the pressure vessel and an outer end which is connected to a conduit, which is in turn is connected to the well. The pressure vessel and snorkel tube are arranged such that fluid flows in a tortuous path between the pressure vessel inlet and the inner end of the snorkel tube to entrained gravel in the flowing fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing powdered particles from a single pressurized transporting vessel to a plurality of receiving ends through a plurality of transporting pipes. The vessel is supplied with a pressurized gas to fluidize the powdered particles, which then are distributed to the transporting pipes which include discharge control valves to control the discharging rate of the particles in each of the transporting pipes. The transporting pipes are supplied with booster gas, the flow rate of which is controlled by a booster flow rate control valve. The booster flow rate control valve in each pipe is controlled in cascade by a booster flow rate controller receiving an output signal from a differential pressure detector for detecting a differential pressure of a discharging nozzle at the end of the pipes.

Abstract: Shredded tobacco is supplied from a storage reservoir to one or more cigarette making machines by way of discrete pneumatic conveying pipes. The reservoir receives fresh tobacco at regular or irregular intervals so that the quantity of tobacco in its interior is constant. The contents of the reservoir are maintained in suspension so that at least the major part of the supply of tobacco shreds forms a fluidized bed which is located directly below the intakes of the conveying pipes. When a machine requires a batch of tobacco shreds, the respective pipe is connected to a suction generating device so that it draws air from the region between the underside of the fluidized bed and the upper side of the bottom wall of the reservoir whereby the ascending current of air entrains tobacco particles directly from the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting gas-borne particulate material comprising a pneumatic conveyor having an elongate duct. In order to inhibit formation of stagnant pockets and recirculation of solids within the duct, an annular flow of gas is introduced into the duct, preferably along its peripheral wall. The annular flow is auxiliary to the main flow and may be introduced via an annular passage encompassing an inlet section of the duct and extending longitudinally of the duct. Gas may be supplied to the annular passage from an annular plenum chamber surrounding the duct.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for unloading dry, bulk, particulate material from a ship, barge or the like into a pressure vessel and thereafter transferring the material into a storage container such as a silo. A venturi has primary and secondary inlets with the primary inlet connected to a blower and the secondary inlet connected to the pressure vessel. Air from the blower is forced through the venturi primary inlet to create a flow of primary air through the venturi and to induce a suction at the venturi secondary inlet. The suction is coupled to the pressure vessel thus drawing the particulate material into the pressure vessel. After the pressure vessel is full, air from the blower is forced into the pressure vessel to transfer the material from the pressure vessel to the silo. The steps of filling the pressure vessel and transferring the material from the pressure vessel to the silo are repeated in alternating sequence.

Abstract: A method of self regulation of a pneumatic conveyor of pulverulent material comprising a feed column at the foot of which is formed a talus, a forwarding chamber provided with a porous fluidization wall, tubes for fluidization and for supply of gas at super pressure, and conveying tubes in which a set pressure Pf is selected below the porous wall for a desired flow of material in the forwarding column, in that a pressure Pc is established above the said wall in the forwarding chamber so that a reduction in the circulation of gas at the pressure Pf through the porous wall corresponds to any increase of Pc beyond Pf while an increase in the said circulation of gas corresponds to any reduction in Pc below Pf.