Abstract: A system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a cuttings dryer, a pump, and a transfer line fluidly connecting the cuttings dryer and the pump, the transfer line having a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid. Furthermore, the system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a storage vessel fluidly connected to the pump for storing a slurry. Additionally, a method for slurrifying drill cuttings including drying drill cuttings in a cuttings drying to produce dry cuttings and combining a fluid with the dry cuttings to produce a slurry. Furthermore, the method includes mixing the slurry and the dry cuttings in a mixing pump and transferring the slurry to a storage vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for fluidizing particulates in a fluid/particulate mixture. A nozzle can include a gas entry segment, a gas exit segment, and an access segment. The gas exit segment can be coupled to the gas entry segment, and a longitudinal axis of the gas exit segment can be oriented at an angle of between about 70° and about 110° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the gas entry segment. The access segment can be coupled to the gas entry segment and the gas exit segment, and a longitudinal axis of the access segment can be substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the gas exit segment.

Abstract: A pump for particulate material includes a pump chamber wherein material flows into the pump chamber under negative pressure and flows out of the pump chamber under positive pressure. A plurality of pinch valves are provided to control flow of material into and out of the pump chamber. The pinch valves are operated independent of each other and of the pump cycle rate. A modular design of the pump is provided. A pump control feature is provided for air flow rate control during positive and negative pressure conditions.

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: A method and apparatus for cleaning, drying, coating, baking etching and deposition of surfaces on glass substrate as it transitions thru and between small gaps between hydro-static porous media bearings. Due to the non-contact nature of the device extremely high pressures can be induced upon the work piece through various fluids without damage to the substrate, allowing the system to utilize the viscous nature of fluids to accomplish the desired cleaning, drying, coating, etching or baking. The process also allows for simultaneous and immediately sequential ordering of processes.

Abstract: A pressure tank having a simple structure to intermittently feed powder to a conveying pipe, and a method for determining the intervals for feeding the powder to the conveying pipe. The pressure tank includes a tank body used as a structure of a pressure vessel having a receiving port at its upper portion and a discharging port at its lower portion, a first check valve disposed just under the receiving port so that it can freely move up and down, and so that it can close the receiving port by its upward movement that is caused by means of compressed air, and a second check valve disposed just under the discharging port so that it can freely move up and down, and so that it can close the discharging port by its upward movement that is caused by means of compressed air.

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting fines carryover in the form of a settlement tank comprising: a filter which divides the tank into upper and lower portions; a fluid inlet in the lower portion for admitting into the tank a fluid with entrained solids; and a fluid outlet in the upper portion through which filtered fluid can leave the tank. The filter comprises filter media supported on a permeable wall, the wall including a filter media outlet which is normally closed, and opening means for opening the filter media outlet to allow the filter media to discharge into the lower portion of the tank. The invention also relates to a method of refilling the filter with filter media.

Abstract: A method for transporting a molded object, in particular an ophthalmic lens, specifically a contact lens (CL), in which a molded object is lifted up from a supporting surface (1) and transported to a destination, such that the molded object is acted upon by a fluid so that it is lifted up from the supporting surface (1) and transported to the destination through a transport line (2).

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: This application is directed to a method for minimizing oxidative discoloration of a chemical compound such as a monomer during shipping, storing, and/or aging.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying system is disclosed for conveying a granular product, such as grain, from a grain inlet device to a selected one of a plurality of grain bins or other storage vessels. The system includes a blower for forcing air under pressure into a conveyor piping system. A grain inlet device is located downstream from the blower. The piping system has a portion leading from the grain inlet to an inlet in a first one of the vessels. A discharge/bypass valve is connected to a portion of the piping system leading from the grain inlet so as to receive the granular product being conveyed therethrough with the valve having a discharge outlet for discharging the granular product into the vessel. The valve is installed on the vessel such that the discharge outlet is in communication with the interior of the vessel.

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: A method of transferring proppant materials, wherein the method includes providing a first pressurized container (102) containing proppant materials on a first vessel (106). The method also includes connecting the first pressurized container (102) on the first vessel (106) to a second container (102) on a second vessel (114) and transferring pneumatically, proppant materials from the first pressurized container (102) on the first vessel (106) to the second container (102) on the second vessel (114). Also, a method of transferring proppant materials, the method including removing a wellbore fluid comprising excess proppant materials from a well, and screening the excess proppant materials from the wellbore fluid. The method also includes transferring the excess proppant materials to a first pressurized container (102) and transferring pneumatically, the excess proppant materials from the first pressurized container to a second pressurized container.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a pneumatic conveyance method for a water-absorbing resin powder substance, which is capable of suppressing property decrease of the water-absorbing resin powder substance, while suppressing obstruction phenomenon. [Solution] A conveyance method for a water-absorbing resin powder substance by pneumatic conveyance of the water-absorbing resin powder substance during a production step via a transportation pipeline, wherein a variation of a solid-gas ratio (R1/R2) exceeds 1 and is equal to or smaller than 7, provided that R1 (kg-resin/kg-air) stands for an initial solid-gas ratio at a start point of the transportation pipeline, and R2 (kg-resin/kg-air) stands for a terminal solid-gas ratio at a terminal point of the transportation pipeline is provided.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method for transporting objects within a multiple chamber framework may include loading objects into a transport container, elevating the container in a delivery chamber and lowering the container in a return chamber. Preferably, fluid elevation is employed to elevate object transport containers and their contents within the delivery chamber. Such methods may be utilized in vertical or incline lifting environments, and an auxiliary chamber may be incorporated into the multiple chamber framework for use as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, elevating objects by employing fluid elevation. The auxiliary chamber may be laterally disposed to the delivery chamber or the return chamber.

Abstract: A system for acquiring multiple images of objects, the system includes: four longitudinal transferor that comprise multiple tunnels through which the objects propagate to four imaging areas; wherein the four longitudinal transferor utilize gas pressure differentials to convey the electrical circuits through the tunnels; wherein at least one longitudinal transferor has a movable portion that when placed in a certain position exposes at least a substantial portion of at least one tunnel; three rotation modules configured to rotate objects about a longitudinal axis of the objects; wherein each rotating is located between two longitudinal transferor; and imager, configured to obtain, in each of the four imaging areas, an image of the objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the transporting of substantially flat, freely movable objects, wherein at least the holding and guiding takes place by use of a streaming liquid. The apparatus according to the invention comprises at least one treatment surface with at least one inflow region with a multitude of pass-through openings, at least one discharge region for discharging the liquid after provision of the inflow, but no non-fluidic edges, limiters, or other mechanical guiding aids for guiding the flat object. A transport device which bases on the invention can preferably be used within and between treatment plants for flat objects or substrates. Further; a preferably wet chemical treatment can take place simultaneously to the transport, provided that the transport liquid has according characteristics or involves according substances or active agents, respectively.

Abstract: Fluidizable potassium fluorozincate which is very suitable for dry fluxing applications can be prepared from a diluted potassium base selected from the group consisting of KOH, KHCO3 and K2CO3, ZnO and HF. The cumulative volume of the particles has an X10 value of equal to or greater than 1.5 microns, preferably, equal to or greater than 2 microns. It is very suitable for pneumatic transport for aluminum brazing.

Abstract: A device for transporting articles is disclosed. In the illustrated and described embodiment of the invention, the articles are fruit such as apples, and the articles can be transported from a picking location on a fruit tree to a collection bin or other site. The device includes a tube member adapted to receive and transport the articles, and a plurality of deformable baffles at spaced-apart locations within the tube. Each baffle defines an aperture which permits the article to engage and deform the baffle and aperture so as to create at least a partial momentary seal to encourage article movement through the aperture and down the tube. The article is urged through the tube by a pressure differential created across the article. In the described and illustrated embodiment of the invention, this pressure differential is a pneumatic pressure differential. The tube and the baffle apertures can have non-circular cross-sectional shapes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A body within the lower zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and obstructs the particle flow within the lower zone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A container within the second zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and provides more consistent particle flows.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. A valveless conduit provides particle communication from the upper zone to the middle zone and a valved conduit provides particle communication from the middle zone to the lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through the conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the middle zone, the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduit, and the valve in the valved conduit.

Abstract: Containers, particularly to containers for storing dry granules and powders, for examples silos. A container can include an air filter for cleaning the air that pneumatically conveys bulk product into the container. A valve can be used to restrict the air flow through the air filter, thereby elevating the pressure within the container to above atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method in a pneumatic material conveying system, such as a waste conveying system, which conveying system comprises at least one feed point (61) of material, particularly of waste material, a material conveying pipe (100) which is connectable to the feed point (61), a separator device (20) in which the material being conveyed is separated from conveying air, and means (3) for providing a pressure difference in the conveying pipe (100) at least during the conveyance of the material. At least a part of the conveying piping (100) is connectable as a section of a circuit in which conveying air is circulated at least during the conveyance of the material and, in the method, conveying air circulation is connected, at least momentarily, to a reverse direction in relation to the normal conveying direction, at least in a section of the circuit, which section of the circuit is formed by at least a part of the conveying pipe (100), advantageously for removing a possible blockage.

Abstract: A method for feeding and conveying material in a pneumatic material conveying system, such as a waste conveying system, which conveying system comprises at least one feed point (61) of material, particularly of waste material, a material conveying pipe (100) which is connectable to the feed point (61), a separator device (20) in which the material being conveyed is separated from conveying air, and means (3, 4) for providing a pressure difference in the conveying pipe (100) at least during the conveyance of the material. Underpressure is provided in the conveying pipe (100) at least at the point of the feed point (61) intended to be emptied, the feed points are emptied to the conveying pipe (100) using an emptying sequence in which first is emptied a feed point located closer to the separator device (20) in the material conveying direction and next a feed point (61) located substantially farther from the separator device (20) in the material conveying direction.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube transport system for grossly irregular shaped objects is disclosed. The system comprises a pneumatic tube and a series of one or more flexible, sealable bags adapted to contain the objects to be transported. The bags may be fenestrated, but, if desired, the bags can be designed and manufactured so that when they are filled and sealed, they can assume a generally inflated shape. The bags can be made out of a thin material such as that found in a grocery store produce section or check out area. A bag providing apparatus can be supplied either to the individual picker in the field or to the region near the entry to the pneumatic tube. If desired, an inflating device and a bag sealing device can be provided. After placement of the object(s) into the bag these devices can inflate and the seal the bag and then allow for its quick release and deposition at the entry end of the pneumatic tube.

Abstract: A system for forming an insulation particle/air suspension suitable for use in a process for forming an insulation product is provided, comprising: a blowing machine for forming an insulation particle/air suspension, wherein the blowing machine comprises at least one outlet; a first hose in communication with the outlet, for transporting at least the suspension from the blowing machine; and a booster fan in communication with the first hose, wherein the booster fan is located downstream from the blowing machine.

Abstract: A reinforced diverter switch is molded with a flange having a reinforcing material embedded therein. A shaft of a diverter switch is wrapped with a reinforcing material. The shaft of the diverter switch may be wrapped by first removing a portion of the epoxy resin to expose a conductor of the diverter switch, machining a portion of the epoxy resin, and then filament winding the reinforcing material over the portion of the epoxy resin machined.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. A valveless conduit provides particle communication from the upper zone to the middle zone and a valved conduit provides particle communication from the middle zone to the lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through the conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the middle zone, the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduit, and the valve in the valved conduit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A body within the lower zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and obstructs the particle flow within the lower zone.

Abstract: A concrete rebound shield and method of use is disclosed. The concrete rebound shield includes a bell defining an opening adapted to receive a feed hose. A collar nests within the opening of the bell and attaches to the feed hose such as to retain the bell onto the feed hose. The bell is adapted to substantially surround the feed hose and direct hydrated concrete toward a selected area.

Abstract: A pump for particulate material includes a pump chamber wherein material flows into the pump chamber under negative pressure and flows out of the pump chamber under positive pressure. A plurality of pinch valves are provided to control flow of material into and out of the pump chamber. The pinch valves are operated independent of each other and of the pump cycle rate. A modular design of the pump is provided. A pump control feature is provided for air flow rate control during positive and negative pressure conditions.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube transport system for grossly irregular shaped objects is disclosed. The system comprises a pneumatic tube and a series of one or more flexible, sealable bags adapted to contain the objects to be transported. The bags may be fenestrated, but, if desired, the bags can be designed and manufactured so that when they are filled and sealed, they can assume a generally inflated shape. The bags can be made out of a thin material such as that found in a grocery store produce section or check out area. A bag providing apparatus can be supplied either to the individual picker in the field or to the region near the entry to the pneumatic tube. If desired, an inflating device and a bag sealing device can be provided. After placement of the object(s) into the bag these devices can inflate and the seal the bag and then allow for its quick release and deposition at the entry end of the pneumatic tube.

Abstract: A dense phase flow product delivery system for an agricultural implement is provided. The system comprises a primary container configured to accommodate dispensed product and that includes a product exit. The system also comprises a pressure supply assembly configured to provide a pressurized fluid to the primary container and a delivery conduit connected to the product exit and configured to permit the dispensed product to pass there through. The system further comprises a purge supply configured to provide a purge fluid to the delivery conduit. The system is configured for a dispensing operation in which the pressurized fluid forces the dispensed product in the primary container to flow through the delivery conduit in a delivery direction. The system is also configured for a purging operation in which the purge fluid forces residual product in the delivery conduit to flow in a direction opposite the delivery direction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A container within the second zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and provides more consistent particle flows.

Abstract: A pneumatic transport system including an up receive/down send customer terminal having a pivot assembly for vertically and pivotally displacing a pneumatic carrier between a vertical position and an angularly disposed presentation position. The customer terminal includes a movable carrier cradle assembly to absorb relatively small impact forces from a vehicle mirror or other moving object. The carrier cradle assembly also includes a break away feature for limiting damage to the customer terminal from greater impact forces. A blower in the customer terminal is operative in pressure and vacuum modes to supply pressure differentials to selectively move the carrier. An up receive/down send operator terminal includes a rotatable door for opening and closing a carrier access opening. A component panel assembly is movable to allow access to terminal components of the operator terminal.

Abstract: A method of transporting tuberous vegetables from a storage facility that is remote from a processing facility to a processing facility includes providing a pipeline from the storage facility to the processing facility. A sufficient amount of water is continuously fed into a pump inlet along with a continuous selected amount of tuberous vegetables such that a pump, located proximate the storage facility, forces the water along with the tuberous vegetables through the pipeline and discharges the water and tuberous vegetables to the processing facility where the processing facility separates the water from the tuberous vegetables.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an enclosed volume having a lower surface comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending portions. Each longitudinally extending portion has an inner surface that is arcuate in transverse section. A plurality of conveyance members are provided within the enclosed volume. Each conveyance member is associated with one of the inner surfaces and configured to sweep the one of the inner surfaces. Additionally, a method for treating a cellulosic feedstock is disclosed. The method comprises providing a cellulosic feedstock being less than 100% saturated moisture. The cellulosic feedstock is introduced into a longitudinally extending enclosed volume, and conveyed longitudinally through the enclosed volume while being mixed.

Abstract: A system for pneumatically conveying metered amounts of a bulk particulate material comprising a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material having a material inlet and outlet, a second conduit formed of a gas impermeable material encompassing and spaced from said first conduit, and means for intermittently supplying a fluidizing gas under pressure to the plenum between the first and second conduits.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing solid fuel includes a passage for introducing a supernatant in a mixing tank into a portion between the bottom of the mixing tank and a first slurry pump of a first slurry circulating passage using a third pump, and a passage for introducing a supernatant in an evaporator into a portion between the bottom of the evaporator and a second slurry pump of a second slurry circulating passage using a fourth pump. A method for producing a solid fuel includes introducing a supernatant in a mixing tank into a first slurry circulating passage, for washing a portion where coal deposits, and introducing a supernatant in an evaporator into a second slurry circulating passage, for washing a portion where coal deposits.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for transporting fruits, comprising: a frame; a channel for fluid arranged on the frame for the purpose of transporting the fruits between an entry side and an exit side of the channel; a system for causing circulation of the fluid; and transport influencing means for influencing transport of the fruits and/or the fluid.

Abstract: A powder injection method and a powder injection microchip, the powder injection microchip comprising: a gas supply inlet (6) for supplying gas; an outlet (8); a channel (4) in fluid connection with the gas supply inlet and the outlet; a powder inlet (12) in fluid connection with the channel, for receiving a first, open end of a powder reservoir (14), the powder reservoir having an opening (22) at or near to a second end of the powder reservoir to allow egress of gas from the powder reservoir at a point distal to the first end of the powder reservoir.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the application of a sprayed insulation mixture, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for applying the sprayed mixture in high reach areas of extended elevation and removing any excess mixture therefrom. In one embodiment of a system for spraying an insulation mixture into a cavity and removing any excess mixture therefrom, the system preferably comprises a lift defining upper end lower ends, with the upper end of the lift being adjustably movable between lowered and raised positions. An insulation applicator is located on the lift proximal to the upper end for spraying the insulation mixture into the cavity. The applicator may be rotatably connected to the lift and driven to move in a reciprocating, sweeping motion. A scrubber is also located on the lift, preferably above the applicator, for removing or scrubbing any excess insulation from the cavity.

Abstract: A process for pneumatic delivery of water-absorbing polymer particles using curved pipelines, the ratio of radius of curvature to tube diameter being at least 5.

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: A concrete rebound shield and method of use is disclosed. The concrete rebound shield includes a bell defining an opening adapted to receive a feed hose. A collar nests within the opening of the bell and attaches to the feed hose such as to retain the bell onto the feed hose. The bell is adapted to substantially surround the feed hose and direct hydrated concrete toward a selected area.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, transferring material, which may be hydrocarbon exploration and production industry by-products in the form of drill cuttings, from a first location to a second location. A container is provided containing fluid and the material is transferred from a first location outside of the container to a second location inside the container. Fluid, which is typically air, is at least partially evacuated from within the container in order to facilitate progression of the material into the container.

Abstract: A method for extracting electronic components from a tube, the electronic components being extracted from the tube with pneumatic means. Also, a device for extracting electronic components from a tube comprising a pneumatic system for extracting electronic components from a tube and device for feeding with electronic components a processing line comprising such an extraction device. The use of pneumatic means for extracting electronic components can offer, among other advantages, that of allowing the tube to remain in horizontal position whilst avoiding the use of delicate and complicated mechanical means.

Abstract: A pneumatic transport system has a plurality of interconnected stations for transporting a carrier containing a material. Pneumatic travel tubes interconnect the stations. Each station has a rotatable cartridge assembly with a first tube for pass-through of the carrier, a second tube for loading the carrier, and a third tube for receiving the carrier. Each tube is configurable to be aligned with the travel tubes. A wear plate assembly is in slidable communication with the rotatable cartridge assembly. The wear plate assembly has a center plate with a solid portion, an opening for passing the carrier, and an air-pass opening. A computer system controls the configuration of the interconnected stations to provide transport of the carrier between stations while passing through intermediate stations without stopping movement of the carrier. A user interface provides for entering commands to the pneumatic transport system.

Abstract: A device for transporting articles is disclosed. In the illustrated and described embodiment of the invention, the articles are fruit such as apples, and the articles can be transported from a picking location on a fruit tree to a collection bin or other site. The device includes a tube member adapted to receive and transport the articles, and a plurality of deformable baffles at spaced-apart locations within the tube. Each baffle defines an aperture which permits the article to engage and deform the baffle and aperture so as to move through the aperture and down the tube. The article is urged through the tube by a pressure differential created across the article. In the described and illustrated embodiment of the invention, this pressure differential is a pneumatic pressure differential.