Abstract: A method makes use of a minimally-shearing feeder mechanism supplying a desired flow of particulate solids mixture, with minimal to no sifting segregation to a desired location. The feeder methodology maintains a uniform concentration of each size of particle within the mixture.

Abstract: A bed of particulate solids is fluidized in a test chamber to yield multiple test samples for subsequent evaluation of segregation effects. A controlled stream of gas enters the chamber in a series of flow rate cycles each progressively increasing to a maximum rate of gas flow and then decreasing, the maximum rate increasing for successive cycles. An indicating function is formed from measurements of corresponding rates of gas flow and pressure across the bed. Upon termination of the fluidization, multiple samples are sequentially extracted from a single space at the bottom of the test chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus enables testing of sifting segregation of a particulate solid mixture in a storage bin or hopper. The apparatus makes use of a convergently and divergently angled hopper for collecting the mixture. The apparatus further makes use of a minimally-shearing feeder mechanism supplying a desired flow of mixture, with minimal to no sifting segregation, to the angled hopper. A collection mechanism removes samples of the mixture from the angled hopper for analysis with minimal disruption of the particles of the mixture relative to each other. Thus, samples resulting from the testing apparatus, and corresponding method, are highly representative of mixture conditions within a larger storage hopper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus enables testing of sifting segregation of a particulate solid mixture in a storage bin or hopper. The apparatus makes use of a convergently and divergently angled hopper for collecting the mixture. The apparatus further makes use of a minimally-shearing feeder mechanism supplying a desired flow of mixture, with minimal to no sifting segregation, to the angled hopper. A collection mechanism removes samples of the mixture from the angled hopper for analysis with minimal disruption of the particles of the mixture relative to each other. Thus, samples resulting from the testing apparatus, and corresponding method, are highly representative of mixture conditions within a larger storage hopper.

Abstract: A method makes use of a minimally-shearing feeder mechanism supplying a desired flow of particulate solids mixture, with minimal to no sifting segregation to a desired location. The feeder methodology maintains a uniform concentration of each size of particle within the mixture.

Abstract: A minimally-shearing feeder mechanism supplies a desired flow of particulate solids mixture, with minimal to no sifting segregation, to a desired location. The feeder mechanism maintains a uniform concentration of each size of particle within the mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus enables testing of sifting segregation of a particulate solid mixture in a storage bin or hopper. The apparatus makes use of a convergently and divergently angled hopper for collecting the mixture. The apparatus further makes use of a minimally-shearing feeder mechanism supplying a desired flow of mixture, with minimal to no sifting segregation, to the angled hopper. A collection mechanism removes samples of the mixture from the angled hopper for analysis with minimal disruption of the particles of the mixture relative to each other. Thus, samples resulting from the testing apparatus, and corresponding method, are highly representative of mixture conditions within a larger storage hopper.

Abstract: A bed of particulate solids is fluidized in a test chamber to yield multiple test samples for subsequent evaluation of segregation effects. A controlled stream of gas enters the chamber in a series of flow rate cycles each progressively increasing to a maximum rate of gas flow and then decreasing, the maximum rate increasing for successive cycles. An indicating function is formed from measurements of corresponding rates of gas flow and pressure across the bed. Upon termination of the fluidization, multiple samples are sequentially extracted from a single space at the bottom of the test chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus enables testing of sifting segregation of a particulate solid mixture in a storage bin or hopper. The apparatus makes use of a convergently and divergently angled hopper for collecting the mixture. The apparatus further makes use of a minimally-shearing feeder mechanism supplying a desired flow of mixture, with minimal to no sifting segregation, to the angled hopper. A collection mechanism removes samples of the mixture from the angled hopper for analysis with minimal disruption of the particles of the mixture relative to each other. Thus, samples resulting from the testing apparatus, and corresponding method, are highly representative of mixture conditions within a larger storage hopper.

Abstract: A bed of particulate solids is fluidized in a test chamber to yield multiple test samples for subsequent evaluation of segregation effects. A controlled stream of gas enters the chamber in a series of flow rate cycles each progressively increasing to a maximum rate of gas flow and then decreasing, the maximum rate increasing for successive cycles. An indicating function is formed from measurements of corresponding rates of gas flow and pressure across the bed. Upon termination of the fluidization, multiple samples are sequentially extracted from a single space at the bottom of the test chamber.

Abstract: A bed of particulate solids is fluidized in a test chamber to yield multiple test samples for subsequent evaluation of segregation effects. A controlled stream of gas enters the chamber in a series of flow rate cycles each progressively increasing to a maximum rate of gas flow and then decreasing, the maximum rate increasing for successive cycles. An indicating function is formed from measurements of corresponding rates of gas flow and pressure across the bed. Upon termination of the fluidization, multiple samples are sequentially extracted from a single space at the bottom of the test chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus providing samples for evaluating the sensitivity of bulk particulate solids to segregation when permeated by a gas. A plurality of stacked discs are rotatably mounted on a vertical shaft. Each disc has a bore, the bores being alignable to form a columnar sample chamber. A gas is introduced under pressure at the bottom of the chamber to fluidize the solids, inducing segregation. Apertures in the discs are adapted to support sample jars. The discs are independently and sequentially rotatable to cause the portion of the segregated sample within each bore to be separately deposited in a sample jar.

Abstract: A silo for gravity flow storage of bulk particulate solids comprises downwardly converging and downwardly diverging walls. The downwardly converging walls form angles to the vertical that satisfy the conditions for mass flow. The walls impose particle velocity gradients in the horizontal cross sections of the silo, reducing interparticle cohesion, preventing the formation of arches and promoting uniformity of residence time within the silo. The modules may be vertically stacked, and may be clustered to increase capacity and to reduce pressure stress levels where required.

Abstract: An assembly providing a removable tapered insert for a particulate material container. A plurality of annularly spaced flat brackets are supported on and project inwardly of the container. The insert has tapered upper edge projections and is rotatable for vertical engagement with projections formed on the inner edges of the brackets. A cylindrical support ring may be provided to rest on notches formed on the inner edges of the brackets, and when fully assembled the insert may rest on the support ring for full annular support by the ring. Locking washers may be provided to prevent disengagement of the projections on the insert and brackets.

Abstract: Apparatus having a let-down tube for dust free gravity transfer of bulk solids between upper and lower containers. A spool engageable with a discharge opening on the upper container has a lower end for slidably receiving an end of the let-down tube, the other end of which falls into the lower container. As solids flow from the upper to the lower container through the tube, the tube is progressively drawn up over the lower end of the spool, then longitudinally cut into sheets which are separately rolled up. The let-down tube permits transfer of the solids without demixing or aeration.

Abstract: A gas conditioning vessel for bulk solids undergoing mass flow. The gas is introduced into the solids through an open bottom distributor forming a plenum. The plenum opens into the vessel at its bottom, the injection sites being bounded by vertical walls of the distributor. The vertical configuration optimizes solids pressure at these sites to suppress localized fluidization and flow instability due to stress conditions.

Abstract: A feed screw for use in a rectangular bin outlet permits uniform feed from the bin along a length of the screw. This is achieved with a screw of uniform pitch on a shaft comprising a plurality of coaxial and contiguous cylindrical sections having progressively decreasing diameters dimensioned so that the differences in volume capacity between each pair of contiguous sections are equal over such length.

Abstract: A screw seal for conveying bulk particulate solids between spaces at differing gas pressures with minimal leakage of gas. A tubular housing encloses a screw conveyor section and a sealing section receiving the solids and forming a sealing plug. The sealing section has a divergent configuration that functions in combination with friction to create sufficient solids pressure with minimal driving torque and wear on the screw conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing the internal friction and yield strength properties of bulk solids, for use in the design of material handling equipment. A sample of the solids is confined under controlled pressure in a test cell having an annular wall converging from one end of larger cross section downwardly toward a second end of smaller cross section. The pressure at the one end is varied until the ratio of the two pressures becomes constant. The two resulting pressures are then used together with the separately measured bulk density of the solids and the angle of friction thereof with the wall of the test cell to compute the effective angle of internal friction. By a further step including removal of the pressure applying means at the other end the unconfined yield strength may be determined.