Abstract: A ship loading system for loading fluidizable materials into a ship's hold is described. The system comprises a self-supporting tubular boom that is attached to a support tower at a single attachment point. An air gravity conveyor is enclosed within the tubular boom for materials from the vicinity of the support tower to the ship's hold.

Abstract: A ship loading system for loading fluidizable materials into a ship's hold is described. The system comprises a self-supporting tubular boom that is attached to a support tower at a single attachment point. An air gravity conveyor is enclosed within the tubular boom for materials from the vicinity of the support tower to the ship's hold.

Abstract: A silo for pulverulent and other loose materials of the type that has a base formed in part by a centrally located, inner conical dome. The silo has a vertically oriented material withdrawal conduit through which the loose materials are withdrawn from the silo. The conduit has an upper end located approximately at the apex of the inner conical dome, and the silo is constructed so that approximately two thirds of its stored contents can be withdrawn by gravity from the lower end of the material withdrawal conduit. The silo may also utilize a plurality of angularly spaced material transport conduits passing radially inward, with a first end of said conduits being located at material outlet points located within the silo body near the inner silo wall and a second end of each of said conduits located at a centrally located collection point within the silo body. The conduits will preferably utilize a dense phase conveying system that utilizes gravity to provide the pressure head to transport material.