Abstract: The invention relates to processing particulates and apparatus therefor. More specifically, the invention is directed to processes and apparatus for separating particulates. According to various aspects of the invention, particulate separation processes and apparatus are provided comprising flowing a particulate over a foraminous wall and through a sieve.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for handling bulk particulate material (M) includes a reservoir hopper (16) having a gas-permeable liner (42) and a gas inlet (44) connecting the reservoir hopper (16) to a pressurized flow of gas sufficient to fluidize the material (M). A transition and pipe assembly (18) receives a flow of material (M) from the reservoir hopper (16). The transition and pipe assembly (18) has an outer conduit (54), an inner conduit (52), and at least one gas inlet (64). The outer conduit (54) is substantially impervious to gas whereas the inner conduit (52) is permeable to gas. The inner conduit (52) is disposed within and surrounded by the outer conduit (54). The gas inlet (64) connects the outer conduit (54) to a pressurized flow of gas to fluidize the material (M) within the inner conduit (52). A variable orifice non-contact valve (24) controls the flow of material (M) from the transition and pipe assembly (18).

Abstract: A non-contact valve (24, 26) for controlling the flow of particulate material (M) includes a body (102) and a gas-porous element (106) associated with the body (102). A first orifice (122) is defined by the gas-porous element (106). The gas-porous element (106) directs a flow of pressurized gas into the first orifice (122). A plug member (104) receivable within the first orifice (122) is movable into and out of the first orifice (122). A channel (C) is conjunctively defined at least in part by the first orifice (122) and the plug (104). The channel (C) defines a flow path (124) for the particulate material (M). The length of the channel (C) is adjusted to thereby adjust the velocity of gas flowing through the channel (C) and, thereby, adjust the flow of material (M) therethrough.