Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning baghouse filters includes a baghouse having an upper, clean air chamber and a lower, dirty air chamber. Particulate-laden air is introduced into the dirty air chamber, particulates are collected onto filters suspended within the dirty air chamber, and the clean air exits outwardly up through open tops of the filters into the clean air chamber. A compressed air supply, a pressure regulator, a controller, a transducer, and a gauge are provided. Piping supplies compressed air from the supply to a header located at the baghouse, where the compressed air can be distributed to a selected row of filters for the purpose of cleaning the filters in the row. The transducer receives static pressures of air from the clean and dirty air chambers, respectively, and generates an electrical signal indicative of the differential air pressure between each of the chambers.

Abstract: A device (10) and method for monitoring particulate (22) flowing through a conduit (20) has a transmitter (16) and a receiver (18) positioned in optical alignment on opposite sides of the conduit (20). A light beam (50) is transmitted across conduit (20) from the transmitter (16) to the receiver (18). Particulate (22) flowing through conduit (20) interrupts light beam (50) causing a signal to be generated from which particulate concentration is determined. A calibrator assembly (40) has a motor (64) adapted to move a filter (100) having a selected percentage opacity within the path of light beam (50). Movement of the filter (100) modulates light beam (50) and a signal corresponding to the concentration associated with the percentage opacity is generated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acoustically enhancing cooling of molten liquid. In one embodiment, a cement plant has a mill in which raw materials are mixed and ground into a powder, a kiln in which the powdered raw material undergoes a calcining process and is converted into a molten liquid known as clinker, a cooler for cooling and solidifying the clinker, and a finishing mill for grinding and mixing the clinker with gypsum and/or other raw materials. The clinker cooler has a transport mechanism for transporting clinker from an inlet end to an outlet end and a plurality of fans, located below the transport mechanism, for blowing air up through the transport mechanism and into the bottom surface of the clinker bed. The clinker cooler has one or more horns positioned on the roof of the cooler for emitting acoustic energy into the cooler. A controller controls activation of each horn independently, such that each horn may be operated continuously or intermittently.