Abstract: A transfer device for passing material between two different fluid environments which uses a multi-passageway rotor member rotatable about a vertical axis and interposed between upper and lower ported members. Each passageway (or chamber) passes through the rotor and has a major axis parallel to the vertical axis of the rotor. Rotation of the rotor brings each passageway successively into fluid communication with the upper ported member whereby the passageway is filled with material, then to at least one position where the passageway is not aligned with either ported member, and finally to a position where the passageway is aligned with the lower ported member and the material is transferred to the second environment. The rotation may be continuous or incremental, and the fluid environments are maintained in isolation from each other. Methods of transferring solids, and a solids transfer system in a steam hydrolysis and drying plant are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transfer device for passing material between two different fluid environments which uses a multi-passageway rotor member rotatable about a vertical axis and interposed between upper and lower ported members. Each passageway (or chamber) passes through the rotor and has a major axis parallel to the vertical axis of the rotor. Rotation of the rotor brings each passageway successively into fluid communication with the upper ported member whereby the passageway is filled with material, then to at least one position where the passageway is not aligned with either ported member, and finally to a position where the passageway is aligned with the lower ported member and the material is transferred to the second environment. The rotation may be continuous or incremental, and the fluid environments are maintained in isolation from each other. Methods of transferring solids, and a solids transfer system in a steam hydrolysis and drying plant are also disclosed.