Abstract: A multiple blast aerator hopper system for handling bulk material. A plurality of blast aerators are fitted at radially spaced-apart intervals about the periphery of the hopper; the first blast aerator is positioned near the bin outlet, and each succeeding aerator is usually vertically elevated thereabove. The blast aerators are periodically fired in a timed, rotary sequence starting with the first, lowermost aerator and continuing serially with higher, radially spaced-apart aerators. Preferably each aerator includes an internal valve seat assembly which houses a resilient, dual diameter piston for axial movement between the sealing position and a rearward, aerator fill position. An external solenoid valve controls each aerator. Preferably the blast discharges of each aerator are directed downwardly, tangentially with respect to the walls of the bin or hopper on which the system is mounted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous mixing silo and a method of operating it for the mixing of fine-grained material. The silo has a base provided with a plurality of zones which are supplied with aerating air in chronological sequence. Individual zones of the base are supplied with additional air in a pulse-like manner at specific intervals of time to achieve intensive aeration and mixing of the material. The additional air is supplied from a storage unit for a shorter period than the aerating air. Air taken from the storage unit is replenished during the time interval between pulses.

Abstract: A process for mixing materials in bulk comprises the continuous and simultaneous withdrawal, through discharge openings distributed about the periphery of a mixing silo, of the material in such a manner that the vertical velocity of the descending material increases progressively about the periphery of the silo. Apparatus in accordance with the invention comprises a mixing silo having a relatively large number of discharge openings and means for insuring that the velocity differences in the material being withdrawn through adjacent openings is relatively small whereby the variation in material vertical velocity from the lowest to the miximum value will occur over a large number of discharge openings.

Abstract: A sonic levitation apparatus (A) is disclosed which includes a sonic transducer (14) which generates acoustical energy responsive to the level of an electrical amplifier (16). A duct (B) communicates with an acoustical chamber (18) to deliver an oscillatory motion of air to a plenum section (C) which contains a collimated hole structure (D) having a plurality of parallel orifices (10). The collimated hole structure converts the motion of the air to a pulsed, unidirectional stream providing enough force to levitate a material specimen (S).

Abstract: In a bin for receiving pulverulent and similar slow-moving materials a pneumatic agitator panel is mounted to the bounding wall inside the bin and at its upper edge is secured to the bounding wall by means of a clamp rail extending along the upper edge and secured to the bounding wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage and mixing silo for bulk material comprising a mixing compartment in the form of an annular chamber. The radial width and the height of the chamber are proportioned to the diameter of the silo, the chamber has a material inlet opening and a material outlet opening circumferentially spaced from one another, and the chamber has a plurality of independently aeratable zones.

Abstract: A mixing and/or homogenizing device for use with powdered materials comprises a container with a number of jet nozzles or jet orifices located at or near the base of the container. Gas is supplied to groups of these nozzles or orifices in a predetermined sequence to promote a good mixing and/or homogenizing even with difficult materials. Various preferred modes of operation are described. A particularly important use of the invention is its application to cement manufacture.

Abstract: A storage bin activator device that directs a precise pattern of multiple instantaneous energy bursts of impact, aeration and sonic stimulation directly into bulk material within the storage bin to free same for discharge. Also disclosed is a method for restoring free flow or removing disruptive material in a storage or other containment vessel.

Abstract: A blending chamber silo for pulverized bulk material has a main silo chamber with an inlet in its uppermost region, and a centrally located blending chamber on the floor of the silo has a roof and side walls with bottom apertures therein for the influx of the material from the main silo chamber into it. Aeration apparatus and air inlets are provided for the silo floor, and separate homogenization aeration apparatus is provided for the floor of the blending chamber, which operates under a pressure higher than that of the silo aeration apparatus. The roof of the blending chamber is spaced well below the top of the silo, and the blending chamber has a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the silo, whereby the lower portion of the silo wall and the wall of the blending chamber define a semi-annular narrow space having a height to width ratio greater than 1:1 and which breaks up material compacted or formed into bridges in its downward path toward the bottom apertures of the chamber.

Abstract: A bridge of particulate and ground food, feed and inorganic substances, such as soybean meal, corn meal, flour, cement and the like in a storage vessel is broken by reducing the internal pressure of the vessel and introducing inert gas under pressure of from atmosphere to up to 10 kg/cm.sup.2 to impart impact for breaking the bridge of the particulate and ground substances. After discharge of the particulate and ground substances from the storage vessel, the matter sticking to the internal walls of the vessel can be removed by again reducing pressure and giving impact of introduced atmosphere or pressurized gas. Further, the internal pressure of the closed storage vessel is reduced prior to injecting fumigant gas and thereafter by introducing inert gas the internal pressure is brought to normal pressure to improve fumigation of the substances.

Abstract: There are two superimposed pressure vessels, the upper of which has a closable material inlet connected to a source of fine material and has a lower end in the form of a cone with a bottom outlet. The lower pressure vessel has a material inlet which is connected through a valve to the bottom outlet of said cone, and has a pneumatic feed conduit connected to its lower portion as a material outlet. A conduit is connected to both vessels for equalizing the pressure therein after the inlet of the upper vessel has been closed and before said valve is opened. A plurality of nozzles are uniformly distributed throughout said cone and are connected to a source of gas under pressure for aerating material in said cone, each of said nozzles having an inside diameter between 0.2 and 0.6 mm.