Abstract: A powder supply device 1 includes a powder feed pipe, at least part of which is an expansion/contraction part, a load cell, a pressure indicator, and a controller, wherein the controller obtains a powder weight or a rate of change in powder weight in the feed tank by using a value obtained by subtracting a value proportional to the pressure in the expansion/contraction part from the load applied by the feed tank to the load cell and adding a value proportional to a rate of change in pressure in the expansion/contraction part, and controls the flow rate of the powder to be fed to the outside of the feed tank by using the powder weight or the rate of change in powder weight.

Abstract: Systems for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit are disclosed. Methods of making and using the systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application relates to a metering device and a dense phase conveying system for the steady, continuous, dosed supply of a bulk material in powder form made of light, polydisperse particles to a consumer arranged downstream. Furthermore, the present application relates to a method for the continuous, dosed supply of the bulk material in powder form using the dense phase conveying system, which comprises the metering device according to the invention.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for insulating a cavity of a structure. A system may include an insulation machine having an insulation blower that blows insulation into the cavity and a hose having a lumen throughwhich the loose fill insulation is blown. The system may also include a cover positionable atop the cavity of the structure. The cover may include an aperture throughwhich the distal end of the hose is inserted to blow the loose fill insulation into the cavity and an electrically conductive material or layer. The electrically conductive material or layer may electrically contact the hose when the hose is inserted through the aperture. The system may further include a ground wire electrically coupled with the cover to dissipate a charge from the hose by providing an electric path for the charge.

Abstract: An arrangement for adapting the transportation behavior of material to be conveyed includes a first container, which is coupleable to a first pressure level; a second container, which is coupleable to a second pressure level; a connecting line for transporting material to be conveyed from the first container to the second container; and a pressure reduction device by which a pressure difference between the first container and the second container is controllably variable.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a feed chamber for feeding of material from storage bunkers and a lifting device for lifting the material to a high level. The lifting device includes a delivery end to which a transport line for conveying the material away to a remote delivery point can be connected, a pressure vessel having a vertical conveyor that begins in the feed chamber and ends in a top region of the pressure vessel, and a discharge pipe beginning in a bottom region of the pressure vessel and leading out of the pressure vessel. The apparatus also includes a pressurizing device which pressurizes the pressure vessel via a first valve and activates a conveying air nozzle of the discharge pipe via a second valve, and a controller for filling the pressure vessel via the vertical conveyor, fluidizing the material via the pressurizing device, and conveying the material away via the transport line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for adapting the transportation behavior of material to be conveyed, which arrangement comprises a first container, which is coupleable to a first pressure level; a second container, which is coupleable to a second pressure level; a connecting line for transporting material to be conveyed from the first container to the second container; and a pressure reduction device by means of which a pressure difference between the first container and the second container is controllably variable.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the conversion of biomass to oxygenated hydrocarbons. More particularly, an improved biomass feed system or process for conveying biomass to a reactor for conversion to oxygenated hydrocarbons is provided. The provided system or process utilizes a spool piece adapted to convey solid particulate biomass from a lower pressure to a higher pressure. The spool piece conveys the solid particulate biomass material either directly to a reactor operated at or below the higher pressure or first to a vibratory feeder and then to such reactor. The vibratory feeder can include a bowl and an outlet spout extending tangentially from the bowl.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for transferring slurry, which is used to transfer minerals from the bottom of the sea to the ground; and, more particularly, to an apparatus for transferring slurry, which can efficiently transfer the slurry in the state of a solid-liquid mixture containing the minerals without clogging of a transfer pipe.

Abstract: A process for introducing a catalyst powder into a polymerization reactor comprising: a) metering the catalyst powder by means of a rotary valve comprising a stator, a rotor and sealing means arranged between said stator and said rotor; b) transferring a metered amount of catalyst powder from said rotary valve to a polymerization reactor; the process further comprising the steps of: c) feeding a flushing compound in one or more internal conduits arranged in the rotor of said rotary valve; d) flushing the catalyst powder away from said sealing means.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of solid particulate matter from a low pressure system to a high pressure system is presented. The apparatus simplifies the particle transfer process, and is useful for systems where solid catalyst particles are cycled through a reactor and a regenerator.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit includes a bin for storing at least one of the catalyst and/or additives, and a loading unit in fluid communication with the storage bin and the fluidized catalytic cracking unit on a selective basis. The loading unit is capable of being evacuated so that a resulting vacuum within the loading unit draws the catalyst and/or additive from the bin. The loading unit is also capable of being pressurized so that the catalyst and/or additive is transferred from the loading unit to the fluidized catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit includes a bin for storing at least one of the catalyst and/or additives, and a loading unit in fluid communication with the storage bin and the fluidized catalytic cracking unit on a selective basis. The loading unit is capable of being evacuated so that a resulting vacuum within the loading unit draws the catalyst and/or additive from the bin. The loading unit is also capable of being pressurized so that the catalyst and/or additive is transferred from the loading unit to the fluidized catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: A method for transferring polymer within a polymerization system, comprising continuously withdrawing the polymer from the reactor and conveying the polymer from a reactor to a flash chamber via a pressure differential between the reactor and the flash chamber. A method for transferring polymer within a polymerization system comprising conveying the polymer from a reactor to a flash chamber via a pressure differential between the reactor and the flash chamber and purging interstitial gases from the polymer prior to conveying the polymer from the sash chamber to a purge column. A method for transferring polymer within a polymerization system comprising conveying the polymer from a flash chamber directly to a purge column via a pressure differential between the flash chamber and the purge column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for adapting the transportation behaviour of material to be conveyed, which arrangement comprises a first container, which is coupleable to a first pressure level; a second container, which is coupleable to a second pressure level; a connecting line for transporting material to be conveyed from the first container to the second container; and a pressure reduction device by means of which a pressure difference between the first container and the second container is controllably variable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transporting particulate material produced in an industrial process from a particulate collection means, through an underlying hopper, and into an air activated gravity conveyor system that is sized to convey particulate material at a rate that is at least about three times the rate that such particulate material is produced in the industrial process.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying particulate material containing reaction products of a high pressure reactor from a supply vessel at a pressure of at least two bar to a receiving vessel at a considerably lower pressure. The apparatus includes a conveyor line attached to the supply vessel, a collecting vessel between the conveyor line and the receiving vessel, the collecting vessel including (i) a discharge conduit for the carrier gas, (ii) a device for controlling the discharge velocity of the carrier gas from the collecting vessel, and (iii) a device for controlling the pressure of the material collected in the collecting vessel, and a device for conveying the material directly from the collecting vessel to the receiving vessel essentially at the same pressure as is prevailing in the receiving vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing blown installation where insulation is entrained in a stream of air and is blown through an electrostatic dissipating hose. The hose contains an electrically conductive and grounded element to dissipate the static charges built up in the entrained insulation passing through the hose and exiting the hose for application into a selected space.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the aerosolization of powders is disclosed. The invention includes a chamber in which a cloud of aerosolized powder is formed, the cloud having a relatively even distribution of powder particles. A Bernoulli tube may be used to extract powder from the powder cloud when the powder cloud reaches its equilibrium height. Adjustment of the air flow rate into the Bernoulli tube may be used to control the flow rate of powder out of the disclosed device.

Abstract: A material delivery system conveys material from a supply location at or above an area surface to a working location below the area surface. The delivery system includes a supply hopper located at the supply location and having an inlet for receiving material to be conveyed and an outlet for discharging material. An injection hopper is adapted for mounting on a movable working arm of a self-propelled vehicle, and has an inlet for receiving material and an outlet for discharging material. The arm of the vehicle carries the injection hopper below the area surface to the working location. A supply line is connected to the outlet of the supply hopper and to the inlet of the injection hopper for conveying material from the supply location to the working location.

Abstract: An injection method for feeding a particulate material to a process vessel, including a valve with at least one cavity adapted for receipt of a predetermined volume of particulate and a sweep stream source for providing a sweep stream having flow in a direction generally toward the valve to remove substantially all of the particulate from the cavity of the valve.

Abstract: A modular feeder system (1) for supplying electrical components to a pick-and-place machine (14). The feeder system (1) has a two dimensional array of electrical component feeder modules (3), an electrical component storage hopper (4), a pick up location (5) and a component transfer passage (6) allowing component transfer from the hopper (4) to the pick up location (5). Further, the modules (3) are selectively removable from said array.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint includes a stud having a shank connected to a ball stud, which is received in a ball stud housing. A one piece bearing shell is provided having a generally spherically shaped hollow body with an inner surface to matingly engage the ball stud and an outer surface for contacting the stud housing. Moreover, the outer bearing shell surface includes a first spherical portion having a first radius and first center and a second spherical portion having a second radius and second center. The first and second centers are axially offset relative to each other to create a converging sphere design that permits a low profile design. The converging sphere design also permits more effective compression pre-loading on the bearing sleeve as compared to a single spherical outer surface.

Abstract: A seed planter distribution system for transporting seeds from a source into a plurality of seed metering bins, the system including a manifold duct and a plurality of seed flow diverting structures that extend from the manifold into each metering bin, whereby each metering bin is filled in accordance with the flow of air available thereto.

Abstract: An injection system and method for feeding a particulate material to a process vessel, including a valve with at least one cavity adapted for receipt of a predetermined volume of particulate and a sweep stream source for providing a sweep stream having flow in a direction generally toward the valve to remove substantially all of the particulate from the cavity of the valve.

Abstract: A powder feeding device for feeding powder at a constant rate has a container for storing a powdered material and a discharge device mounted in the container at a lower portion thereof for discharging the powdered material from the container at a constant rate. A vibrator is mounted on the container or on a wire net mounted in the container to separate air from the powder. The powder may be supplied from a powder tank to the powder container.

Abstract: A pneumatic blow-off system includes a three-way valve having an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. A primary air conduit is connected between the first outlet and a fluidizing bin and a mixing air conduit is connected between the primary air conduit and a mixing bin which is in fluid communication with the fluidizing bin. A discharge conduit connects the mixing bin and a venturi assembly. A secondary air conduit is connected between the second outlet of the three-way valve and the venturi assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing loose materials, such as insulation or fireproofing in worksite areas, may be used for depositing a single or premixed loose material. Alternatively, the apparatus may be used both for combining two constituent loose materials to form a composite loose material and for depositing the composite loose material in a worksite area. The apparatus includes a separate hopper or bin for each of the constituent loose materials. Each hopper is operatively connected to a single loose material combining channel for supplying their respective constituent loose material for forming the composite loose material immediately before it is deposited in the worksite area. A single motor is used for supplying both constituent loose materials to the combining channel. The ratio of constituent loose materials in the composite loose material may be changed by replacing an easily accessible gear used in driving an auger for extracting the constituent loose material from one of the hoppers.

Abstract: A device for dispersing and metering fibers which includes a frame, a hopper mounted on the frame and having an inlet opening for receiving fibers therein. A screen is provided through which the fibers from the inlet opening must pass for separating any existing fiber clumps into a size not exceeding a size predetermined by the screen. A primary fluffing device is provided for creating a uniform dispersion of fibers within the hopper. An outlet opening is provided for allowing the fibers to exit the hopper. A controllable metering device is provided in the outlet opening for transporting a metered quantity of fibers out of the hopper through the outlet opening. A housing structure is connected to an outlet end of the metering device, the housing structure including an air inlet opening into the housing and a secondary fluffing device inside of the housing for further reducing in size any fiber clumps to separated discreet fibers.

Abstract: A method and device for removing solid residues from a gas purification installation are presented. After discharge of a batch of solid residues into a first closed vessel, the vessel is isolated with respect to the gas purification installation. At least one pressurized purge gas is then passed through this batch of solid residues, so as to create a static or fluidized bed of the solid residues. The purge gases are then removed in a controlled manner from the first closed vessel. The solid residues are removed into a transport pipe and are transported through the pipe in suspension in a pressurized gas.

Abstract: Ultrafine powder is stored in a pneumatic transportation tank (20), and is discharged to a transporting conduit (23) while being fluidized by the pressurized air fed through a fluidizing air port (24). The ultrafine powder is fed to a weigher (30) provided at the other end of the transporting conduit (23), at which the weight of the transported ultrafine powder is weighed by a load cell (31). After the weighed value reaches 90% of a predetermined value, the fed amount of the pneumatic transportation air is reduced, and a bypass regulating valve (38) is adjusted to thus decelerate the transportation. When the weighed value reaches 100% of the predetermined value, the discharge of the ultrafine powder to the transporting conduit (23) is stopped. This method and the apparatus enable the storage, quantitative batch transportation, and automatic weighing of the ultrafine powder such as silica fume.

Abstract: A device for dispersing and metering fibers which includes a frame, and a hopper mounted on the frame and having an inlet opening for receiving fibers therein. A screen is provided through which the fibers from the inlet opening must pass for separating any existing fiber clumps into a size not exceeding a size predetermined by the screen. A primary fluffing device is provided for creating a uniform dispersion of fibers within the hopper. An outlet opening is provided for allowing the fibers to exit the hopper. A controllable metering device is provided in the outlet opening for transporting a metered quantity of fibers out of the hopper through the outlet opening. A housing structure is connected to an outlet end of the metering device, the housing structure including an air inlet opening into the housing and a secondary fluffing device inside of the housing for further reducing in size any fiber clumps to separated discreet fibers.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an unloading pan for bulk dry particulate matter, such as soda ash. The pan comprises a pan inlet and a pan outlet. The pan is preferably designed wherein the source of particulate matter is a railroad car having a car outlet at the bottom to gravity unload therethrough. There is a means to position, and preferably attach, the pan container at the outlet to the source of particulate matter, i.e., the outlet of the railroad car.

Abstract: A system and method for continuously transporting fine solids in dense phase includes a blow bottle having an upper inlet for receiving fine solids under pressure, an intermediate inlet for receiving process media, and a lower inlet for receiving fluidizing media. The media is preferably air, but other gases or inert gases may be used. The fine solids are conveyed from a feed hopper through a variable speed rotary feeder into a drop chute having an expansion joint and thereafter through a constant speed rotary feeder to the inlet of the bottle. The variable speed feeder controls the rate of fine solids being discharged in dense phase from the bottle. The fluidizing media fluidizes the fine solids in the bottle, and the process media conveys the fine solids out of the bottle in continuous, dense phase flow to an outlet conduit. A signal corresponding to the weight of the bottle is provided to a control valve connected in the process media supply line to maintain a constant solids level inventory in the bottle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adapter which is useful to receive dry bulk chemicals with a minimum of dust escaping to the environment and which screens the free flowing dry bulk chemicals.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying system for particulate material. An upper vessel includes an inlet for the material. An intermediate housing is open to and located under the inlet. A primary check valve is located in the intermediate housing and will receive the material from the inlet. A lower housing is located beneath the intermediate housing. The lower housing includes a secondary check valve therein which receives the material from the primary check valve. A material exit is located below the secondary check valve. Each of the check valves includes an opening through which the material may flow. This opening is oblique to vertical, and a movable closure member is connected to alternatively open or seal the opening. Pressurized air is supplied to the check valves in an alternating manner.

Abstract: The device has a storage vessel (2) that is connected to a compressed gas pipe (1) and whose outlet (6) discharges through a shut-off element (7) into a carrier gas pipe (10). Shut-off element (7) and the setpoint values of a first pressure regulator (23) in compressed gas pipe (1), as well as a second pressure regulator (24) in carrier gas pipe (10), are controlled by a program control device (33) with a program memory (34), in which several programs that are selectable by a selector (37) for charging the carrier gas stream with varying amounts of material and/or material concentrations are stored. Each program contains time-driven switching commands for opening and closing shut-off element (7) and two different setpoint values for first and second pressure regulator (23, 24).

Abstract: Fluidized powder in a powder preparation container is treated to impart to it a desired moisture content through the feeding into the fluidized powder of a stream of compressed air whose moisture content and temperature have been carefully regulated. Powder in the preparation container which has attained the desired moisture content is then transferred to a powder holding container and from there to a spraying device by which spraying device the powder is electrostatically charged and sprayed on articles. Further, the powder preparation container is heated along several distinct heating zones which are arranged one above the other along the axis, i.e. height, of the container. The powder in the powder preparation container is stratified with the powder at the bottom of the container being affected only negligibly by the continuous introduction of fresh powder through the top of the container.

Abstract: The discharge rate of a solid particulate material from a storage hopper is increased beyond the rate attainable by gravity flow along through the introduction of a pressurized gas into a plenum that lies over the discharge hopper. In one embodiment, a first pipe extends vertically downward from a storage hopper, and a second pipe of larger diameter is fitted over the lower end of the first pipe so that an annular plenum is formed between the pipes. A pressurized gas is injected into this plenum and results in an increase in the discharge rate. The discharge rate can be controlled by altering the pressure of the injected gas, and the flow can be rendered intermittent by opening and closing a gate valve at the outlet of the discharge hopper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for conveying sand at offshore locations with the assistance of compressed air. The sand is transferred from sand storage tanks positioned on a vessel to a sand aeration vessel under pressure and when needed is transferred, by low pressure air, through a conveying conduit to its destination.

Abstract: Particulate solid fuel is conveyed from an atmospheric container into an atmospheric lock hopper which is then pressurized by a high pressure inert gas. The fuel is passed from the pressurized lock hopper into a pressure vessel and subsequently from this vessel into a gasification reactor. In the container and the lock hopper the solid fuel is fluidized by an inert gas. In the pressure vessel synthesis gas is used for this purpose, the latter gas also being applied for the pneumatic transport of the fuel from the vessel into the reactor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for establishing and maintaining a uniform mass flow rate of particulate solids and gas mixture from a container to a receiving reactor. A preferred embodiment utilizes an aeration tube suspended in the particulate mixture which, in conjunction with a second independent aeration device, serves as a fluidic valve to maintain a uniform mass flow rate.

Abstract: The amount of finely divided particulate solids added to a stream of fluid to form a mixture of the particulate solids and the fluid is determined by a method comprising (a) determining the temperature and quantity of fluid in a stream of fluid; (b) determining the temperature of the particulate solids; (c) determining the temperature of the mixture; and (d) calculating the amount of the particulate solids in the mixture. The method can also be used to control the amount of finely divided particulate solids added to the stream of a fluid. The fluid is at a different temperature than the finely divided solids.

Abstract: A lock apparatus for introducing granular dry material into a pneumatic conveying conduit (32), for example of a concrete gun, consisting of a material feeding hopper (4) having a shut-off valve (6) actuable by a pneumatic working cylinder (8). Beneath the shut-off valve (6) two hose portions (16 and 22) are arranged in series and on each of said portions a hose squeezing means (34 and 38) engages between which the hose portions (16 and 22) form a lock chamber (44) which is additionally provided with a blowing air connection (62). By the shut-off valve (6) and the upper hose squeezing means (34) an antechamber (42) is formed. When the upper hose squeezing means (34) is closed and the shut-off valve (6) opened the antechamber (42) is filled from the feeding hopper (4) by free fall. At the same time the lock chamber (44) can be discharged into the blow conduit (32) by opening the hose squeezing means (38).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for delivering particulate solids in a stream of gas to a selected delivery point. The particulate solids are entrained in a stream of gas, and controls set the desired delivery weight rate for delivery of the solids to the delivery point. The weight of the container, which encloses the entraining system and the solids, is determined continuously.

Abstract: A system for supplying blasting media to a media blasting system in which a pair of pressure pots or pressure chambers are provided in which the blasting media is introduced for dispensing the media to conduits leading to blasting guns. The media supply valves and air supply valves are controlled by a cam shaft assembly. Further, a metering hopper having a media supply valve is provided between the storage hopper and upper pressure pot or chamber. The media and air valves are operated in timed sequence as determined by the cam shaft assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for the transport of fly ash and other particulate matter. The system comprises (a) a fly ash hopper; (b) a metering container for measuring the amount of fly ash to be transported; (c) a first valve for regulating the movement of fly ash between the hopper and the metering container; (d) a transport line for transporting fly ash out of the metering container; (e) a second valve for regulating the movement of fly ash between the metering container and the transport line; (f) a third valve for regulating venting and pressurization of the metering container; and (g) means for moving the plug between first and second positions, the movement means being in physical communication with the third valve. The third valve comprises (i) a valve body having a bore and five ports in communication with the bore; (ii) a valve plug movably mounted in the bore between the first and second positions; and (iii) sealing means for preventing fluid passage out of the bore other than through the ports.

Abstract: The container communicates through an outlet, which is adapted to be closed with a lock chamber, which is adapted to be emptied and is provided with a pressure-relief valve. When it is desired to empty the lock chamber the volume which is available in the lock chamber for the gas is initially increased so that the pressure in the lock chamber is reduced. Thereafter the lock chamber is opened.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding powder particles into a pressurized gaseous stream comprising a feed chamber having a helical particle feed channel, a reserve powder supply chamber above the feed chamber and a feed tube extended from the reserve powder supply chamber and arranged to deliver powder from the reserve supply to the bottom of the feed chamber and form a powder deposit in the central region of the bottom wall and lying within the angle of repose of the powder, a delivery duct communicating with the helical particle feed channel, and means for controlling the feed rate comprising means for controlling the vibration of the feed chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluidizing combustible material and feeding it to the burner of a furnace is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conventional hopper with a tubular element coupled to the lower most portion of a conical portion thereof. A fluidizing gas delivery apparatus is provided so as to deliver fluidizing gas to the bottom tube. Fluidizing nozzles are also preferably provided at symmetrically spaced circumferential portions of the conical portion of the hopper. With this apparatus, powdered material that is fed to the hopper is fluidized by the fluidizing gas and may be delivered to the burner of a furnace from the bottom tube of the fluidized bed feeder like a liquid and may be readily ignited in the burner and burned completely within the furnace.