Abstract: A transport system for a spherical object. The transport system has a supply of a first fluid and a passageway for communication of a spherical object in a path between an inlet and an outlet. At least part of the passageway is bounded by a first tube having a first annular wall with at least one opening through the first annular wall. The first tube guides flow of a spherical object in the first fluid from the inlet towards the outlet. The transport system further includes a source of vacuum in communication with the passageway through the at least one opening through the first annular wall. The source of vacuum produces a low pressure region which causes the first fluid in the passageway to be drawn from the passageway through the at least one opening through the first annular wall. The transport system further includes a supply of a second fluid which is in communication with a spherical object moving between the inlet and the outlet.