Abstract: A method of unblocking conveying pipes (3) for particulate material comprises feeding air to the pipe at spaced apart positions therealong in order to reduce the length of the blocking material. The air is injected into the pipe at positions which are preferably spaced apart by a distance less than the critical particulate material plug length to conveying pipe diameter ratio that will result in a pipe blockage that cannot be moved by application of pressure applied to one end of the particulate material plug. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A valve assembly for closing and sealing an inlet which is full of large granular dry material including a dome-like valve member mounted for rotation to open or close the inlet and a deformable resilient sealing ring which may be inflated by gas pressure to engage the valve member in its closed position to produce a gas-tight seal across the valve member, the sealing ring being arranged within the valve assembly to minimize abrasive wear on the ring from the granular material.

Abstract: Material handling apparatus for moving particulate material from at least two delivery points into a single pipeline and along the pipeline to a destination, the apparatus including at least two material inlets to the pipeline, each inlet provided with a closure member capable of sealing that inlet, and means for supplying compressed air for moving material along the pipeline.

Abstract: A container for accepting bulk material from a delivery vehicle and mounted for pivotal movement to a position where the load of bulk material may be transferred, in whole or in part, through a closable opening in said container to another suitable receptacle, so avoiding the necessity of deeply excavated pits or tanker-type vehicles.