Abstract: A continuous production system continuously produces a product from a raw material powder. The system includes a first processor that performs a first process on the raw material powder, a second processor that performs a second process on the powder on which the first process has been performed by the first processor, and a test chamber through which the powder being sent from the first processor to the second processor passes. A cleaner blows gas from an inlet side opening formed in the inner face of a channel connected to the test chamber from the first processor on the downstream side of an inlet side gate valve for opening and closing the channel toward a direction to form a swirling flow along the inner face of the channel.

Abstract: A system for transporting one or more items is provided. The system includes: a transportation tube disposed at least partially underground or at least partially above ground; a transportation pod to secure items therein for transport; a transportation actuator to propel the transportation pod through the transportation tube, the transportation actuator including one or more pumps coupled to the transportation tube and configured to pressurize a fluid medium through the transportation tube such that the pressurized fluid medium propels the transportation pod through the transportation tube; a first access point located proximate a first end of the transportation tube; and a second access point located proximate a second end of the transportation tube. Each of the first and second access points includes an opening configured to allow the transportation pod to be received into or removed from the transportation tube.

Abstract: Y-grade NGL or L-grade is used as a carrier fluid to transport one or more chemical additives into a hydrocarbon bearing reservoir to treat the hydrocarbon bearing reservoir. The Y-grade NGL or L-grade and the chemical additives may be chilled and/or foamed.

Abstract: A rotary airlock test and demonstration setup, system, and method allowing for rotary airlocks to be tested for air leakage, wear, and particularly for inconsistent wear. The system allows for testing of the rotary airlocks on site utilizing a truck mounted system and even in situ should a portion of the air path for the testing be part of the pneumatic conveyor the rotary airlock would be used with.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum conveyor for conveying granulate and/or powdery material, the conveyor comprising: a main body having an upper end and a lower end; a cavity inside the main body, said cavity comprising an opening arranged at the lower end of the main body; a valve arranged at the opening position between an open position allowing a flow of granulate and/or powdery material out from the cavity through said opening and a sealing position sealing said opening; an inlet arranged at the upper end of the main body forming an inlet passage into the cavity; a venturi inside the main body at a position being distinct from the cavity, said venturi comprising an inlet and an outlet; and a suction channel fluidly connecting the throat of the venturi with the interior of the cavity at a position at or above the inlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mining and processing of an ore. The method comprises at least one mobile comminution device (26) comprising at least one mobile crusher unit and at least one mobile grinding unit located proximate to an ore body that is being mined (20), fragmented ore (22) from the ore body is comminuted in the mobile comminution device (26) to a size which can be readily pumped (28) without the use of special carrier fluids, preferably to a particle size p50 in the range between 0.05 to 1 mm and the comminuted ore is combined with water to form a slurry.

Abstract: A connector which couples to an outlet conduit to decrease an outlet conduit passageway pressure differential between outlet conduit opposing first and second ends, whereby the connector includes a mixing chamber having a first inlet port in fluidic communication with a connector first open end and the mixing chamber; an outlet port in fluidic communication with the mixing chamber and a connector second open end; and a second inlet port in fluidic communication with the connector second open end and the mixing chamber. Additionally, a connector including a connector internal surface defining a connector passageway which communicates between connector first and second open ends; and a sensor module operatively coupled to the connector passageway to sense a parameter of a first fluid flowing in a first fluid flow path through the connector passageway.

Abstract: The coal-derived solid hydrocarbon particles are discrete particles of coal-derived carbonaceous matter having a particle size less than about 10 ?m that are substantially free of inherent or entrained mineral matter. The particles of have an average particle size in the range from 1 ?m to 8 ?m. The particles of coal-derived carbonaceous matter are milled to a size approximately the same as a size of coal-derived mineral matter inherent in the coal source to release inherent coal-derived mineral matter particles such that the particles of carbonaceous matter and the particles of mineral matter are discrete and separable solid particles. Following separation, less than 1.5 wt. % discrete coal-derived mineral matter particles are associated with the discrete particles of coal-derived carbonaceous matter. Particles of coal-derived solid hydrocarbon matter are blended with a gaseous or liquid hydrocarbon fuel to form a two-phase hydrocarbon fuel feedstock.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, wherein surface postcrosslinked water-absorbing polymer particles are remoisturized and delivered pneumatically, and wherein the time between remoisturization and pneumatic delivery is less than one hour.

Abstract: A process for operating a settling slurry transportation pipeline is provided, comprising: determining the deposition velocity for a particular slurry being transported through the pipeline; and operating the pipeline at an operating velocity at or near the deposition velocity to form a stationary or near stationary bed of solids that will still allow the slurry to freely flow through the pipeline and not plug the pipeline.

Abstract: A system for preparing a coal water slurry, comprising: a first unit for providing a stream of coarse coal water slurry; a second unit for providing a stream of ultrafine coal water slurry; a third unit for providing a stream of dry coarse coal particles; and a mixing unit for mixing the stream of coarse coal water slurry, the stream of ultrafine coal water slurry and the stream of dry coarse coal particles. An associated method is also presented.

Abstract: A process for operating a settling slurry transportation pipeline is provided, comprising: determining the deposition velocity for a particular slurry being transported through the pipeline; and operating the pipeline at an operating velocity at or near the deposition velocity to form a stationary or near stationary bed of solids that will still allow the slurry to freely flow through the pipeline and not plug the pipeline.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor for transporting bulk materials, in particular tablets, has a compressor for conveyor gas and has a bulk material feed and a conveyor line, in particular hose, arranged therebetween, and a bulk material discharge. To prevent contamination of the environment during operation, a shut-off device is provided between a collection volume and the conveyor line. A method for operating a pneumatic conveyor conveys sample volumes intermittently.

Abstract: Method for feeding material into a shaping device in a pneumatic materials conveying system, in which method material, such as waste material is fed into a shaping device, and/or through it, in a feeder channel by the aid of at least partly gravity and at least partly suction and/or a pressure difference, which shaping device is a rotary shaper, with which the material is processed so as to be denser and is conveyed onwards. In the material infeed direction before the rotary shaper is a movable arresting device, which arresting device has a first position, in which it extends into the feeder channel and in which first position the arresting device receives at least some of the force effect produced by the material in the feeder channel and in which the transfer of the material in the feeder channel is limited, if necessary, with the arresting device, and which arresting device has a second position, in which the arresting device does not extend into the feeder channel.

Abstract: Method for feeding material into a rotary shaper device in a pneumatic pipe transport system for material, in which the material is conducted along a feeder channel to the rotary shaper device, in which case the material to be handled is conducted into the shaper device and/or through it by the aid of at least partly the suction and/or a pressure difference of the pneumatic pipe transport system. In the method the material is acted upon in the feeder channel, or in the channel leading into it, with at least one guide member, which is configured to reduce the undesirable rotation of the material in the feeder channel and/or to improve the access of replacement air into the rotary shaper. The invention also relates to an apparatus.

Abstract: A method in a pneumatic material conveying system, such as in a waste conveying system, said conveying system comprising at least one feed point (61) of material, particularly waste material; a material conveyor pipe (100) that is connectable to the feed point (61); and a separator device (20), where the material to be conveyed is separated from the conveyor air; as well as means (3) for creating a pressure difference in the conveyor pipe (100), at least for the duration of the process of conveying the material. In the method, material is conveyed further from the separator device (20) to the transport container (51), particularly a waste container, by employing in the conveying of material from the separator device to the transport container means (3) of the material conveying system for creating a pressure difference.

Abstract: A solids supply system having a solids deaeration zone and a solids pump zone, and a method for supplying the solids e.g., pulverized dry coal, to an application, e.g., gasification process. The solids deaeration zone includes a container having a passageway defined by one or more sloped walls. The solids deaeration zone is operable to deaerate and convey the solids to the solids pump zone. In the solids deaeration zone, the solids become sufficiently compacted prior to and upon entry into the solids pump zone to be effectively conveyed through the solids pump zone.

Abstract: Pneumatic conveying of fine solids in the direct synthesis of alkylchlorosilanes conveying gas containing at least 50% by volume of alkyl chloride. The conveying apparatus preferably contains a means for switching conveying gas in the pneumatic conveying of fine solids.

Abstract: A method of transferring objects onto a substrate, or a moving substrate, the objects to be transferred being placed in a transfer area including an inlet and an outlet spaced apart from one another by two lateral edges opposite one another, and holding a carrier liquid forming a conveyor, the objects being held by a compact film of particles floating on the carrier liquid of the transfer area, in which the objects are moved with the particle film to be transferred onto the substrate when they reach the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to facilitate removal of existing, previously-applied loosefill insulation material from a building cavity is provided. The apparatus includes a removal hose configured for conveying the removed loosefill insulation material and an actuator connected to the removal hose. The actuator is configured to generate a removal force configured to remove the loosefill insulation material from the building cavity. A receptacle is connected to the actuator and configured for storage of the removed loosefill insulation material. The removed loosefill insulation material is configured for reuse as loosefill insulation material within the building cavity.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and devices are provided for focusing particles suspended within a moving fluid into one or more localized stream lines. The system can include a substrate and at least one channel provided on the substrate having an inlet and an outlet. The system can further include a fluid moving along the channel in a laminar flow having suspended particles and a pumping element driving the laminar flow of the fluid. The fluid, the channel, and the pumping element can be configured to cause inertial forces to act on the particles and to focus the particles into one or more stream lines.

Abstract: Guiding system defining a moving path for containers having a collar, the system being adapted to be associated to a system for applying a pneumatic force on said containers so as move the containers the one after the other along the moving path according to a forward moving direction, the guiding system including at least a component for reducing the friction between at least the collar of the containers and guide profiles of the guide system, wherein the component includes lubricant dispensing channels having each an inlet, and an outlet associated to a groove.

Abstract: A conveyor (10) for transporting powder from an inlet point (14) to at least one discharge point (20) comprises a fluidized bed transport space (12) and a fluidization gas supply space (16), the fluidized bed transport space (12) being separated from the fluidization gas supply space (16) by a gas permeable wall (18); a gas outlet (22) for removing fluidization gas from the transport duct (12); means (24) for separating dust from the removed fluidization gas; and means (26) for returning the separated dust to the powder proximate the discharge point (20). In a preferred embodiment, the separated fines dust is returned to, and homogenized into, the powder in a lower portion of a cyclone, which is located at the discharge point.

Abstract: An air control system for a low pressure continuous dense phase convey system employs a non-critical air flow control system that allows for a supply pressure to be only incrementally larger than a convey pressure. The convey system has an inlet for introduction of pressurized air into the system and an airlock associated with a feedpoint for introduction of particulate into the system. A first pressure sensor is positioned immediately downstream of an air source to measure the supply pressure, and a second pressure transducer is positioned proximate an airlock to measure the convey pressure. The non-critical air flow control system is dependent on the supply and convey pressures and a position of a control valve, such as a sonic nozzle. The difference between the convey pressure and the supply pressure is less than 10% of the supply pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for conveying particulate material during the manufacture of patterns in layers, wherein powder is conveyed out of a reservoir into a spreader unit and, if applicable, excess powder fed to the spreader unit is again conveyed back into the reservoir and wherein this conveying takes place in a closed conveying circuit.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system and method for alleviating gridlock in a pneumatic tube system. In various instances where inter-zone transactions conflict, one of the transactions is removed from a conflicting set and temporarily delivered to an alternate location in the system. This allows other blocked transactions to proceed. Once the gridlock condition is alleviated, the temporarily delivered carrier is retrieved and rerouted to its intended destination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of, and an arrangement for, filling a large-capacity silo with a fluidizable material while preventing air-flow or gas-flow separation, in the case of which the material-charging operation takes place in a controlled manner via a delivery line, feed channel and air- or gas-delivery channels into the top part of the large-capacity silo, towards the silo wall, and downwards to the surface of the material above the base of the large-capacity silo. The material-charging operation is combined with a uniform and controlled suction-extraction operation for air or gas, which is carried out by means of one or more essentially annular suction-extraction lines, arranged directly beneath the silo top, or via annular suction gaps on the material-outflow heads.

Abstract: A method of transporting solid particulates in an aqueous suspension of the solid particulates, comprising dispersing solid particulates in an aqueous liquid in the presence of at least one mineral suspending agent, wherein solid particulates are transported a distance greater than or equal to 200 m.

Abstract: A non-contact support platform system is provided for supporting a substantially flat object. The system includes a platform with a first plurality of pressure ports and a first plurality of vacuum ports for inducing a fluid cushion to support the object at a distance from the platform. The system further includes a second plurality of pressure ports located at a predetermined zone of the platform for increasing the distance of the object from the platform at the predetermined zone.

Abstract: A method of feeding a stud to a joining head including a stud shank clamp and operable to join the stud to a workpiece, and wherein the method of feeding the stud comprises the steps of providing a stud holding device including a securing sleeve and a plurality of collet arms; feeding the stud into the stud holding device to a first position wherein the flange is arranged above the free end of the plurality of arms and below the securing sleeve; and securing the stud in the first position by engaging the securing sleeve behind the flange.

Abstract: There is described a method for the removal of a contact lens (30) from a container (10), with a contact lens (30) being immersed in a liquid (20) which is held in a container (10), and the contact lens (30) being removed from the container (10) together with at least a portion of the liquid (20) through a removal tube (3) which is dipped into the liquid (20) within the container (10). First the container (10) containing the liquid (20) and the immersed contact lens (30) is closed pressure-tight with a lid (2), which comprises the removal tube (3) and a pressure tube (5). Both, the removal tube (3) and the pressure tube (5), are guided through the lid (2). After the closing of the container (10) with the lid (2) an overpressure is applied to the interior of the closed container (10) through the pressure tube (5). The overpressure is applied such that the contact lens (30) and the liquid (20) are pressed into the removal tube (3) and removed together therethrough.

Abstract: A process for pneumatic delivery of water-absorbing polymer particles, the initial gas rate in the delivery being from 1 to 6 m/s and the delivery material loading being from 1 to 100 kg/kg.

Abstract: An improved biomass feed system and processes for transporting biomass to downstream processing locations are disclosed. The system uses a pressurized gas to assist in the transporting of the biomass to the conversion reactor.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube system, including at least one system control module for controlling delivery of a pneumatic carrier through pneumatic tubing. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station having a sealer, the sealer includes a heating pad and a sealing strip, where the sealer automatically grips the open end within the heating pad and the sealing strip upon insertion of the bag into the system. In one example, the sealer creates a vacuum to extract air from an interior space of the bag. The sealer applies heat to the open end to seal the bag. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station configured for sending at least one carrier, the at least one sending pneumatic tube station being in signal communication with the at least one system control module, where the at least one carrier is sent through the system by pneumatic tubing.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one of a level of solids and an inventory of solids in a solids tank includes withdrawing a stream of solids from the solids tank via a downer. The stream of solids withdrawn from the solids tank is fluidized at a bottom of the downer by supplying a conveying gas so as to convey the withdrawn stream of solids upward via a riser branching off from the downer, a size of the conveyed stream of solids being adjusted by the supplying of the conveying gas. At least one of the level and the inventory of the solids in the solids tank is used as an adjustment variable of a control circuit and a volume flow of the conveying gas is used as an actuating variable of the control circuit.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of: adding an organic surface cross-linking agent to a water absorbent resin having a cross-linked structure; adding a liquid permeability improving agent to the water absorbent resin concurrently with or after the addition of the organic surface cross-linking agent; and then adding a lubrication improving agent to the water absorbent resin. This provides a particulate water absorbing agent and a method for producing it, the particulate water absorbing agent being suitable for pneumatic transportation, suffering no decrease in the effect of the liquid permeability improving agent, and excelling in properties such as fluidity and damage resistance after the pneumatic transportation.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for use in controlling a translocation process of a pneumatic tube system in order to reduce the amount of energy transferred from the tube system to a pneumatic carrier and, hence, its contents. Generally, these utilities entail identifying and/or reducing forces applied to a pneumatic carrier traveling through a travel path within a pneumatic tube system. The systems and method disposed herein allow for varying the velocity of a pneumatic carrier as it passes through a travel path of the pneumatic system. Such varying of the velocity allows for reducing the total forces applied to the pneumatic carrier during passage through the system. In one arrangement, the power output of a power source connected to a compressor device is altered to vary the velocity of pneumatic carries in the system.

Abstract: A process for pneumatic delivery of water-absorbing polymer particles, the compressor used for pneumatic delivery having a steep characteristic and the initial gas rate in the delivery corresponding to a Froude number of from 10 to 18.

Abstract: In a method of dynamic energy-saving superconductive transporting of medium flow, a modulated flow-forming action is applied to the medium from an action element for providing a modulated process of flow transporting in a given direction, and a frequency, a drop-shaped form of a law with a range and a comparative phase of a negative modulating of the action are predetermined so that a minimal value of the energy ratio of a controlled acting value of a modulated flow-forming energy of the action to a controlled acting value of a kinetic energy formed in the modulated medium flow during the flow transporting is provided.

Abstract: The system includes a moving feed assembly through which a collar is moved by compressed air to a position in substantial alignment with the centerline of a swaging die assembly. Two spring-loaded fingers are mounted on opposing sides of the feed assembly for receiving the collar by compressed air action where it is maintained in substantial alignment with the swaging die assembly. The spring action of the fingers is strong enough that the collar can be pressed firmly against a curved receiving portion of the fingers by the compressed air. A die pin portion of the swaging die is then inserted into the collar, thereafter maintaining the position of the collar as the feed assembly with the opposing fingers are stripped away from the collar, leaving the die pin-engaged collar free to be moved by action of a ram assembly to a stackup of parts to be fastened, where the collar can be transferred onto a bolt which extends through the stackup.

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: A method of processing bagged refuse includes pneumatically conveying filled refuse bags along a conduit using an airflow and opening the bags during the pneumatic conveyance. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes a conduit configured to pass an airflow to pneumatically convey bagged refuse along the conduit and a bag opening structure arranged to open the refuse bags during pneumatic conveyance along the conduit. The open bagged refuse is sorted into fractions using the airflow by passing the refuse across an opening through which the airflow continues. A wall is arranged in the path of travel of the pneumatically conveyed refuse to disaggregate the refuse by impacting the refuse against the wall. The wall is arranged vertically and at least partially defines an opening through which the air stream continues such that a fraction of the refuse falling across the opening is conveyed through the opening.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a pneumatic conveyance system including waste airflow electrical power generation. The system is to move material from a first location to a second location and includes routing conduit to provide a pathway through which the material is moved, an airflow source to provide an airflow to facilitate the transportation of the material through the routing conduit, a separator to filter the material from the airflow, and an electrical power generating system to generate power from the airflow prior to discharge. The electrical power generating system includes one or more turbines that rotate based on the airflow passing thereby and one or more associated generators that generate electricity based on rotation of the turbines. The power generating system is located within the routing conduit at any point where the airflow is free of particles that would interfere with the turbines.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for pumping a mined material in the form of a coarse ore is disclosed. The method comprises suspending particles of the coarse ore in a non-Newtonian fluid and thereby forming a slurry of the coarse ore particles in the fluid. The method also comprises transferring the slurry, for example by pumping the slurry, in a pipeline.

Abstract: A method of operating a gasification facility includes channeling a conveying fluid at a first temperature through at least one first steam heating device to increase the temperature of the conveying fluid to a second predetermined temperature. The method also includes channeling the conveying fluid at the second predetermined temperature through a second steam heating device to increase the temperature of the conveying fluid to a third predetermined temperature. The method further includes channeling the conveying fluid at the third predetermined temperature to a solids conveyance system. Solids become entrained within the conveying fluid. The method also includes transporting at least a portion of the solids to a gasification system.

Abstract: Preferred processes are provided for unloading a particulate substance from a container using a cover system comprising a cover and a wand extending through the cover. The processes can include installing the cover system on the container so that the cover mates with the container and the wand extends into the particulate substance, connecting a pipe or a hose to the wand, and drawing the particulate substance through the wand and the pipe or hose.

Abstract: A mobile star wheel feeder includes docking devices, flushing devices and control for the pneumatic conveyance of granules, in particular polymer granules, with preference polycarbonate granules. The mobile star wheel feeder, together with partially mobile sections of pipeline, can be set up at different locations underneath silos.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for analyzing the motility of motile cells, such as neutrophils, are described. The microfluidic devices described herein generally include a main channel and one or more side channels and can be used for causing migration of cells in response to a biochemical gradient. The main channel has an inlet and an outlet and can be sized to receive the cells. The side channels that branch from the main channel terminate in a closed end and are sized such that the cell migrates into and through the side channel in response to a concentration gradient established between the main channel and the interior of the side channels in which the biochemical stimulus is trapped after priming and loading.

Abstract: A method for transferring objects (e.g. ophthalmic or contact lenses) between two consecutive processing stations, e.g. processing stations having differing cycle times or cycle speeds, including removing the objects from a preceding processing station, in which objects are advanced with a first cycle speed, transporting the objects to a subsequent processing station including a plurality of consecutively arranged receptacles (1-10), which are advanced through the subsequent processing station with a second cycle speed faster than the first cycle speed. The objects may be transported via at least one feed tube (12, 13) ending in a respective transfer nozzle (14, 15) arranged in vicinity of a corresponding one of the receptacles (1-10) and which is aligned with an inlet of the receptacle (4, 5; 4, 6). The respective transfer nozzles (14, 15) can be moved synchronously with and in the direction of advancement of corresponding receptacle.

Abstract: A method for transporting dispersion, includes: introducing dispersion containing particles into a liquid transporting channel from a dispersion introducing port; transporting the dispersion in a laminar flow through the liquid transporting channel; and discharging the dispersion from a downstream of the liquid transporting channel, and the liquid transporting channel has a bent portion in a vertical direction, and a Dean vortex which cancels an exchange flow that is produced by movement of the particles caused by gravitational force is generated in the bent portion.