Abstract: A method and assembly for removing fine particles in an essentially dust-free manner which features a semi-bulk container bag that is removed from a reusable protective container, hoisted off the ground and punctured with a discharge probe. The puncturing of the plastic bag is achieved by inserting a spear shaped probe with tapered nozzle head. The probe is sealed with respect to the bag. The nozzle head includes a plurality of elongated discharge openings, as well as a nozzle tip with a plurality of injection ports. Fine particles having a size of less than 400 .mu., are fluidized and then discharged out through the discharge openings by a suction device. Fluidization is achieved by injecting air or inert gas through the tip of the nozzle head. The fluidized fine particles removed from the bag are passed through the discharge openings, out through the probe, through a flexible conduit and to a storage or further processing device.

Abstract: A gas conditioning vessel for bulk solids undergoing mass flow. The gas is introduced into the solids through an open bottom distributor forming a plenum. The plenum opens into the vessel at its bottom, the injection sites being bounded by vertical walls of the distributor. The vertical configuration optimizes solids pressure at these sites to suppress localized fluidization and flow instability due to stress conditions.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising (i) a double cone having apexes at opposite ends, said double cone having independent gas inlet means at about the apex of the first cone and multiple independent gas outlet means in the second cone, and (ii) a hollow tube, open at both ends, inside the double cone running from one apex to the other apex having independent gas inlet means at the apex of the first cone and independent gas outlet means at the apex of the second cone.

Abstract: One or more hot melt tanks are each periodically supplied by an air conduit which automatically transfers pellets from a storage container. A transducer assembly, positionable in the container, includes a vacuum transducer for the pick up of glue pellets for transfer via the air conduit. A vibrator imparts motion to the pellets to prevent bridging of same. Each hot melt tank includes a level switch with a probe which provides a signal to a control panel having relays which in turn actuate solenoid valves for the delivery of a pressurized air flow to one or more vacuum transducers. A portion of the pressurized air flow is bled off for supplying the vibrator in place on a base of the transducer assembly.

Abstract: A fluidized type paint powder tank has a fluidizing chamber for fluidizing paint powder and a storage chamber into which the paint powder in the fluidizing chamber is fed to keep it still. There is also provided a paint supply device for an electrostatic painting apparatus that includes a paint tank for containing paint powder and a painting gun coupled to the paint tank through an injector and a hose. The device includes a discharge member for discharging the paint powder from the paint tank and a hopper for receiving the paint powder discharged by the discharge member. A screw feeder is provided under the hopper. With this arrangement, the paint powder supplied at a uniform rate by the screw feeder is fed into the injector.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting and handling in bulk by rail granular material and, in particular, phosphorous pentasulfide granules, is characterized by a hopper for containing the granular material in one or more hopper sections, and an outtake for each hopper section having a vertical leg connected to an outlet opening at the bottom of the hopper section and a horizontal leg into which material drops from the hopper through the bottom outlet opening and the vertical leg. A material conveying line connects the downstream end of the horizontal leg of the outtake or outtakes to a material discharge port through which the material is unloaded from the hopper.

Abstract: A trailer especially useful for transporting and unloading bulk powdered material that tends to clump or clod under slight compacting is disclosed, which trailer includes a generally enclosed compartment for holding the bulk material, an air vent at an upward part of the compartment, and has a bottom floor to the compartment equipped with means for injecting air under pressure, which air travels through the material and exits at the vent and serves to mobilize and fluidize the powdered material in the compartment and allows it to flow by gravity down the floor toward an exit wherein it is removed. The particular trailer disclosed is converted from a conventional rectilinear combination or box trailer by the addition of a double set of pipes in the floor, which pipes are supplied during unloading with air from outside the trailer while the trailer is tilted upward on its rear wheels to slant its floor toward the rear wherein an exit manifold is provided for pumping out the fluidized bulk material.

Abstract: A gas accumulator and blaster apparatus including a pressure tank (12) and a quick release valve (14). The quick release valve includes an elongated outer sleeve (22), an end cap (28), a check valve (32), a shouldered guide member (38), a cup shaped piston (56), and an annular seat member (68). The tank is filled with a gas by means of a conduit (36). The gas accumulated in the tank is quickly exhausted through a second end (26) of the quick release valve and into a storage bin as and when gas is exhausted from interior of the piston, guide member, and conduit. The piston quickly returns to a closed position as and when the flow of air from said tank stops.

Abstract: A device for promoting the flow rate of solid particulates from a fluidized bed of solids into a downcomer extending from a discharge outlet in a wall or the bed includes a hollow, funnel-like, horn element having a lower end connected upstream of the discharge outlet and an upper end portion spaced upwardly of the lower end and flared outwardly at progressively higher levels to form an enlarged flow entrance for the fluidized solid particulates to move from said bed toward said discharge outlet into the downcomer. The funnel-like, horn element has an enlarged open upper end formed with a rim around the flow entrance spaced above the lower wall of the bed and has a flow cross-section substantially greater than that of the discharge outlet. A bubble ring is provided adjacent the rim for injecting gaseous fluid into the solids to fluidize the solid particulates for movement in a generally horizontal direction towards a center axis of the flow entrance of the funnel-like, horn element.

Abstract: An air distributing device mounted into the sloping wall of a hopper containing finely divided material, such as flour or cement, aerating and causing the discharge of the material with a pressurized air flow and keeping the material in constant motion toward the discharge outlet of the hopper, the air distributing device being substantially hemi-spherical in form and providing a wide distribution of the pressurized air.

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 and serving as a fluidic valve to maintain a uniform mass flow rate. A portion of the aeration gaseous fluid may be directed upward in aid of such flow.

Abstract: A sparger system for removing sodium chlorite crystal and other crystalline particulate material in slurry form from a tank car comprises a plurality of spray nozzles from which water is expelled as a flat spray initially to dissolve sodium chlorite so as to cavitate the mass of sodium chlorite crystals, which break off in lumps into the cavity and then to impact the walls and roof of the tank car to flush off residual sodium chlorite crystal. The slurry is collected in a sump and is discharged therefrom, with additional sprays agitating the sump to break up clumps of sodium chlorite and to maintain the particulates in suspension.

Abstract: An aeration device to facilitate the flow and discharge of bulk material granules through a discharge opening in a bulk material container is disclosed. The aeration device includes at least one self-supporting molded plastic hollow body which is adapted to overlie an air inlet in the bulk material container at a predetermined distance above the discharge opening thereof. Each of the molded plastic hollow body aeration devices include an inner arched wall which is adapted to face the air inlet in the bulk material container and an outer arched wall facing away from the air inlet. The molded plastic hollow body is formed in a porous construction having a plurality of openings of predetermined porosity along the inner arched wall, a plurality of openings of predetermined smaller porosity along the outer arched wall, and inner tortuous pathways ending between the openings in the inner and outer arched walls.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for supplying pulverulent material includes a fluidizing unit which is introduced into a transport container containing the pulverulent material. The fluidizing unit causes suspension or floating of the pulveulent material in the transport container. A suction unit and a discharge unit such as an injector withdraws fluidized pulverulent material and conveys it to the processing device. The fluidizing unit and the discharge unit are preferably combined to a constructional unit which is adjustable relative to the fluidizing unit. Thus, the use of separate powder containers is avoided as the transport container in which the pulverulent material is contained is directly used as a powder container.

Abstract: A sparger system for removing sodium chlorate crystal and other particulate material in slurry or solution form from a tank car comprises a plurality of spray nozzles from which water is expelled as a flat spray initially to dissolve sodium chlorate so as to cavitate the mass of sodium chlorate chlorate crystals, which break off in lumps into the cavity and then to impact the walls and roof of the tank car to flush off residual sodium chlorate crystal. The slurry is collected in a sump and is discharged therefrom, with additional sprays agitating the sump to break up clumps of sodium chlorate and to maintain the particulates in suspension.

Abstract: A method for conveying materials in bulk by liquid pressure carried out by an appropriate apparatus involves loading a material in bulk into a chamber through a loading pipe and then supplying liquid under pressure through a pipe for supplying liquid in the form of a downward annular flow, and discharging the material in bulk in an upward flow through a discharge pipe mounted to extend coaxially with, and inside the pipe for supplying liquid. A zone of recirculation flows of liquid is formed in the chamber by swirling the annular flow to an extent determined by a ratio of the rotational component of velocity to the axial component of velocity at least equal to 0.4. The material in bulk is discharged in the zone of recirculation flows. For swirling the annular flow, an inlet port of the pipe for supplying liquid is located in the periphery thereof, and the axis of this port is offset with respect to the axis of the discharge pipe.

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: A chip separation and alignment apparatus capable of accurately and readily accomplishing separation and alignment of chips with a simple construction. The apparatus includes a chip separation and alignment section and a chip separation section. The chip separation and alignment section includes a chip cassette formed into a flat rectangular box-like shape, in which are formed a chip storage chamber, a chip alignment hole provided with an upper end opening through which the chip alignment hole is communicated with a lower portion of the chip storage chamber and a lower end opening, and at least one air ejection port arranged near the upper end opening to intermittently eject air therethrough. The chip separation section is arranged at the lower end opening of the chip alignment hole to separate chips one by one and to successively supply the separated chips to a subsequent step.

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 a selectively movable aeration tube suspended in the particulate mixture and serving as a fluidic valve to maintain a uniform mass flow rate. A portion of the aeration gaseous fluid may be directed upward in aid of such flow.

Abstract: Injection of gas into a bed of solids contained in a hopper is compartmentalized to allow independent control of gas to be vented upward and gas and solids to be discharged.

Abstract: A gate for attachment to the hopper of a railway car or other vehicle which carries particulate material. The gate has a pair of sloping walls with facing surfaces, and the lower ends of the walls are spaced apart to permit the particulate material to be discharged into a trough below the spaced ends from which the particulate material is removed by a vacuum hose. A pair of separately operable, rotatable valves of arcuate cross-section are disposed at the space between the ends of the walls to block or permit particulate material flow into the trough. Pneumatically operable agitators are mounted on the walls to prevent bridging of the space between the wall ends of the material during removal thereof.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid is injected into a mass of material through at least one length of hose or other tubing of inherently resilient, elastomer material having one end closed and provided with at least one series of potential openings cut into the elastomer material along the length of the tubing so as to be normally tightly closed by reason of the resilency of the elastomer material but stretched open under the influneces of the pressurized fluid, which is introduced through the opposite end of the length of tubing. Gravity discharge of particulate material from a vessel having a hopper portion at its bottom can be effectively activated in this manner by the fluid-injection device of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bulk material silo and method operating such silo, the silo being provided with a central discharge chamber from which a venting channel leads to the peripheral wall of the silo, the side walls of the channel having openings of the material to enter. Such a silo construction ensures a symmetrical material supply to the discharge chamber over the entire periphery.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding the movement of flowing materials, particularly in the operation of emptying grain from a silo. The apparatus of the invention is provided with a path for guiding the flow of material. The path incorporates an aperture which admits air to the path in the direction of the flowing material.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of a dry chemical is formed having a sealed solvation hopper positioned between a liquid driven eductor and a fitting for connection to a storage container, e.g. a railcar. At the inlet end of the solvation hopper is a chemical inlet pipe which connects the interior to the exterior of the hopper. Surrounding the chemical inlet pipe are a plurality of nozzles for the introduction of solvation liquid into the hopper. The nozzles are disposed such that the solvation liquid washes the interior surface of the hopper to prevent plugging by hydrates (solvates) which may be formed. At the outlet end of the hopper, the hopper is connected to the suction opening of a liquid eductor. In use, the exterior end of the chemical inlet pipe is connected to the dry chemical storage container. Liquid flowing through the liquid eductor creates a suction and draws dry chemical out of the storage container and into the hopper.

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 device for cleaning impacted material, such as wood chips in silos, utilizing a raking action of regularly spaced spikes and a flailing action of a hose with a jet stream nozzle. The device comprises a hose, connectable at a proximal end to a compressed air supply, and a nozzle connectable to a distal end of the hose, the compressed air being forced through the hose and out the nozzle to cause the nozzle and the hose to move under the influence of the expulsion of compressed air at the distal end of the hose. The spikes are attached along the hose to provide regularly spaced raking elements, and anti-kink mechanisms urge the hose into straight alignment. In operation, the nozzle is lowered into a silo in the vicinity of impacted material. Then compressed air is introduced into the hose and expelled out the nozzle in a jet stream thereby causing the hose and nozzle to undulate within the silo such that the spikes strike and dislodge the impacted material.

Abstract: An air blast generator is provided in the form of a pressure accumulator with a spring-loaded bellows. Air pressure expands the bellows, compressing the spring to store energy. When a valve is opened the spring aids in expulsion of the air such that a high pressure discharge of air is provided for a larger duration than would be possible without the spring.

Abstract: An air distributor head mounted in a sloping wall for a hopper for pulverulent material to agitate and aerate the material as it travels down the wall surface toward the discharge opening in the bottom of the hopper; the head assembly including a generally cylindrical head with air flow passages and having an expandable generally cylindrical resilient skirt surrounding the body thus permitting air supplied through the passages under the skirt to be discharged into the pulverulent material to incorporate a flow of agitating and fluidizing air into the material.

Abstract: A chip separation and alignment apparatus capable of accurately and readily accomplishing separation and alignment of chips with a simple construction. The apparatus includes a chip separation and alignment section and a chip separation section. The chip separation and alignment section includes a chip cassette formed into a flat rectangular box-like shape, in which are formed a chip storage chamber, a chip alignment hole provided with an upper end opening through which the chip alignment hole is communicated with a lower portion of the chip storage chamber and a lower end opening, and at least one air ejection port arranged near the upper end opening to intermittenly eject air therethrough. The chip separation section is arranged at the lower end opening of the chip alignment hole to separate chips one by one and to successively supply the separated chips to a subsequent step.

Abstract: An applicator for distributing a flowable solid product in the form of pellets or granules includes a hopper assembly which supplies the product to a product distribution gun, both being coupled to a pressurized air source. The hopper assembly includes a hopper having a downwardly and inwardly tapering bottom which terminates at a central cuplike portion. The product passes from the cuplike portion, through a product line and into an air flow path in the gun. The product is pulled into the gun by a venturi arrangement connecting the product line and the gun. Air is injected into the cuplike portion to fluidize the product in the hopper. Baffles in the hopper control the product flow in the hopper. Bell transitions, having a narrowing and widening cross-sectional dimensions, are used to collimate elongate pellets passing between the hopper and the gun.

Abstract: The emptying device for a bulk silo (1) with flat or slightly inclined silo bottom (8) comprises an outer slope (2) and open air transport grooves (7) distributed over the silo bottom (8). The air driven conveying chutes (7) extend radially to a ventilated annular chamber (3) located inside the outer slope (2) of the silo bottom (8), the bottom of which annular chamber is provided with open air driven conveying chutes (4) and is inclined toward the discharge opening (5). The bottom of the annular chamber (3) is located lower than the silo bottom (8).

Abstract: A system for supplying a gas under pressure to a vessel such as a blender for particulate material which includes a central vertical lift column for recirculating material through the vessel to achieve blending. The system uses a first source of gas under pressure which may be a low pressure source suitable for a continuous operation of the blending apparatus. The system also is connected to a high pressure source of air such as plant air which is utilized as a supplemental source of air under pressure for initial start-up of the apparatus. A control system is provided which regulates the flow of the high pressure air to the gas supply conduit which acts as a reservoir for high pressure air. The control system allows the gas supply conduit to be pressurized.

Abstract: Solids drained from a fluidized bed 10 pass to a conical transition section 36 and through valve 50 to a pneumatic transport line 46. The flow of solids is controlled by controllably 56 introducing air 58 into the transition section 36.

Abstract: Wet pulverulent materials are loaded into shipping containers around generally vertical, elongated spacers which create elongated cavities, and thereafter unloaded by showering a solvent through the cavities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer line for a suspension of particles in constant quantity with a view to the conditioning thereof. This transfer line comprises a vessel, a separating tank, a hydraulic guard, sampling or removal structure comprising a sampling or removal tank and a dosing bucket wheel, as well as structure for preventing particles from being deposited from the particle suspension. The latter comprise distributing blades connected to a diffuser cone in a cup-shaped bottom of the hydraulic guard, a supplementary pipe for blowing in air at the direct arrival point of the suspension in said bottom, a removal tank making it possible for the suspension to arrive tangentially at the bottom of said tank and the removal of the suspension when it arrives in said tank by a dosing bucket wheel, each bucket being constituted by a tube having a continuous curvature. Application to the dosed transfer of all particle suspensions and in particular a suspension of particle fines with high specific masses.

Abstract: Describes a device for facilitating the removal of pulverulent material from a hopper-type vessel and a method utilizing the device. The device comprises an elongated hollow member closed at one end, which is adapted for insertion into the discharge channel below the hopper. The device contains an orifice for selectively directing the flow of a gas, e.g., air, in the direction of the opening in the bottom of the hopper and apparatus for introducing pressurized gas into the discharge channel.

Abstract: A slurry conveying system including a pressurizable tank into which particulate material is charged. A discharge opening enters the tank bottom and fluidizing water is directed upwardly through the discharge opening into the tank. The discharge opening is centered in a landing which has a diameter greater than 1.5 times and no greater than five times the diameter of the discharge opening. Arching of particles at the opening is prevented due to the landing and fluidizing water. The tank is emptied by the combination of air under pressure and a water rinse immediately after the fluidizing is accomplished.

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.

Abstract: A quick release aerator is provided for discharging intermittent bursts of pressurized air into a storage container to implement material flow. The unit includes a piston and valve assembly disposed internal to a pressure tank. The assembly features one or more vent ports defined through the sidewalls of a cylinder to allow the passage of pressurized air from the tank to an outlet orifice. The total area of the vent ports equals or exceeds the area of the exhaust port, thereby maximizing the effect of the burst of pressurized air.

Abstract: An aeration device is disclosed for assisting discharge of material from containers. The device comprises a resilient flexible skirt member which has an inner conical surface and an outer conical surface. An anchor stud is disclosed for fastening the skirt member in the prestressed condition with the stud secured to a cup-shaped housing on an exterior of the container. A gas conduit connects an interior of the cup member and the pressure chamber with a source of a pressurized gas.

Abstract: In a process of manufacturing a spacer frame for a perimeter-bonded insulating glass pane, a metal tubular bar is filled with a granular desiccant and is subsequently bent in each corner-forming portion about an axis which is at right angles to two parallel cheeks of the bar. The two cheeks are drilled through in each of said corner-forming portions to form two bores and a small quantity of the granular desiccant is removed from each of said corner-forming portions through at least one of said bores therein before said corner-forming portion is bent.

Abstract: A system for supplying a slurry includes a hopper having a lower portion tapering to an outlet at its lower end. A liquid is supplied to the hopper interior along a wall of the lower portion in a direction having a horizontal component. Particulate material feeding from a main portion of the hopper into the lower portion becomes entrained in the liquid, thus forming the slurry.

Abstract: Solids material remaining on the bottom of a vessel after discharge of solids material therefrom is washed by a pressurized jet of washing fluid from a washing apparatus through an aperture in the vessel bottom and into entrainment with a pressurized jet of fluid located beneath said aperture, produced by a jet entrainment arrangement, with the entrainment jet being projected in a direction which is substantially parallel to the vessel bottom and being exposed to the interior of the vessel through the aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the density from a reclamation slurry tank or silo includes apparatus for adding slurry to the tank, an overflow from the tank which communicates with a sump, and reclamation apparatus mounted toward the bottom of the tank. The reclamation apparatus essentially comprises a bell mouthed pipe directed downwardly and exiting horizontally from the tank. The pipe is connected to a pump for removing slurry accumulating at the bottom of the tank. The pipe also includes apparatus for measuring the density and/or flow through the pipe. The density from the tank is controlled by a fluid inlet mounted between the bell mouth and the pump which forces fluid into the pipe in accordance with the measured flow or density as compared to a predetermined flow or density. To facilitate the operation, various fluidizing jets are included around the bell mouth and around the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for attachment to the side wall of a hopper or bin, having connections to an extenal source of pressurized air, and having an annular orifice internal to the hopper or bin, wherein the annular orifice is covered by a resilient ring, thereby pemitting the flow of pressurized air outwardly through the annular orifice while protecting the annular orifice from contamination and plugging by materials stored in the bin or hopper.

Abstract: A conveyor for particulate material consists of a plurality of channel shaped air deflectors mounted in overlapping engagement on support beams. Each air deflector has a short lower flange, a longer upper flange and an interconnecting web. Protrusions on the bottom side of the upper flange maintains a gap between upper flanges of adjacent air deflectors. Air is forced through the gap between adjacent air deflectors so as to convey particulate material over the upper flanges thereof.

Abstract: A silo for storing alumina having a conical outlet at the bottom thereof is fitted with an exchangeable feeding unit mounted over the conical outlet opening. The feeding unit is adapted to close off the outlet opening when in the non-operative position. The feeding unit can take various forms and includes at least one injection nozzle for fluidizing the particulate material.

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: A cyclic or periodic event timing system for use in conjunction with a pressure fluid control circuit includes a cylinder and piston type actuator comprising a differential area piston which is exposed to fluid pressure from a flow conduit on opposite sides of a flow restricting orifice in the conduit or a branch portion thereof. The actuator piston includes a rod portion which is extended in one direction in response to an unbalanced pressure force on the piston. On the extension stroke, the actuator opens a valve to effect flow in the conduit resulting in a reduction in pressure which is sensed in the cylinder chamber exposed to the larger piston fluid area. The actuator piston then returns to an initial retracted position in response to an unbalanced pressure force.