Abstract: A self-cleaning rotary assembly for use with a blow-through rotary valve, an improved blow-through rotary valve and a method of conveying material in a pneumatic pipeline employing an improved blow-through rotary valve.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve for a modular meter system for distributing particulate material from an applicator can be inserted through a meter assembly that is built from modular meter unit housings to define the boundary wall of a meter cavity and provide internal structural support for the meter assembly. The tube can be provided with inlet and outlet openings that can be inserted through modular meter housings to form an overall meter assembly of a particular length and therefore volume/flow rate. In one aspect, a tube or tubular sleeve can be inserted into a stack of connected meter units while assembling a modular meter assembly. A circumferential sidewall of the tube can have pairs of oppositely positioned openings that provide inlets and outlets for a meter assembly.

Abstract: A bearing end cap for a modular meter assembly for distributing particulate material from an applicator can include recesses that accommodate locking tabs or fingers of modular meter unit housings and protrusions that lock a meter tube against rotation. In one aspect, a bearing end cap can be provided with a particular construction that cooperates with modular meter unit housings. The bearing end cap can have vertical and horizontal symmetry and cutouts near its corners. These cutouts can provide clearances to accommodate the locking tabs or fingers of modular meter unit housing end walls. Back walls of the bearing end caps can have protrusions that extend into end cutouts of a tube which defines an interior perimeter of the meter assembly.

Abstract: A cellular wheel sluice for granulate bulk product has a housing in which a cellular wheel is rotatably mounted. The housing has an inlet duct for the bulk product. At least two raised granulate roofs are arranged at the inlet duct. A granulate groove is arranged respectively at the transition between two granulate roofs and/or at the transition between one granulate roof and an inlet edge. The two granulate grooves in each case run together at an intersection point in the rotation direction of the cellular wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus is described which introduces cryogenic particles received from a source of particles, having a first pressure, into a moving transport fluid, having a second pressure, for ultimate delivery to a workpiece or target as particles entrained in a transport fluid flow which seals between the source of particles and the transport fluid flow.

Abstract: An apparatus is described which introduces cryogenic particles received from a source of particles, having a first pressure, into a moving transport fluid, having a second pressure, for ultimate delivery to a workpiece or target as particles entrained in a transport fluid flow which seals between the source of particles and the transport fluid flow.

Abstract: A VTG cartridge (1, 2) of an exhaust-gas turbocharger (2), with a blade bearing ring (3), and a disk (4), which is spaced apart from the blade bearing ring (3) and together with the latter delimits a hot-gas passage (5). The disk (4) is constructed from at least two layers (6, 7, 6?, 7?), which bear loosely against one another in the assembled state of the disk (4).

Abstract: A loading apparatus of a silo includes a pneumatic filling circuit connecting the silo to a tanker for transporting a granular or powdery material and a filtering device suitable to filter the compressed transport gas coming out of the silo. A recovery device of at least part of the energy contained in the compressed transport gas of the granular or powdery material is arranged between the tanker and the silo.

Abstract: A feedwell system for delivering a slurry (for example a bituminous slurry) to a separation vessel (for example a primary separation vessel) includes a feedwell barrel with an inlet for receiving the slurry, internal baffles, and a bottom outlet. A downpipe extends from the bottom of the barrel directing the existing slurry onto a deflector plate deflecting the slurry radially and outwardly. A protector plate located between the downpipe and the deflector plate improves the underwash layer stability. Ventilation openings in the protector plate induce inflow which reduces the discharge velocity, limits the formation of an adverse pressure gradient and encourages circumferential distribution.

Abstract: A continuous semi-dense phase conveying system comprising a vessel having a gas inlet, a particulate material inlet, and a gas and particulate material outlet, which has an operating pressure of about 15 psig or less. The system includes a rotary airlock valve for feeding particulate material into the vessel and a pressurizing gas supply which branches into a feed gas line and a bypass line. A pneumatic conveying line coupled to the gas and particulate material outlet of said the and coupled to the bypass line. The pressure of the vessel is controlled using a bypass valve on said bypass line and optimize the flow of gas and particulate matter through the pneumatic conveying line.

Abstract: In order to increase the fitness for use of a closing device (1) for continuously and gravimetrically dosing pourable material, particularly rough fuels, a flow of material is conveyed from a charging opening (5) to an emptying opening (7) in a housing (4) with a rotor (3), which is driven about a vertical rotation axis, while determining the instantaneous load over a measuring section, and with a force measuring device (10), which detects the instantaneous load of the flow of material guided via the rotor (3) and which is connected to the housing (4) mounted on a pivot axis (8). According to the invention, a vibrating funnel (50) with a vibration generator (52) is provided above the charging opening (5) of the rotor (3).

Abstract: A cellular wheel sluice embodied as a blow-through sluice is suitable for dosing secondary fuel, for example. The blow-through sluice includes a supply chute (2) in the top area and a cylindrical housing (1) which is disposed below the supply chute (2) and in which a cellular wheel (4) is arranged. The cellular wheel (4) includes radial webs (3), in the rotational area of which a blow-in hole (10) and an opposite blow-out hole (11) are provided on the side faces (26) of the housing. An injector nozzle (15) which blows the transport air into the rotating dosing chambers (5) so as to empty the same, is integrated into the housing in the area, of the blow-in hole (10). Thereby pressure differences result in the dosing chamber (5) that is to be emptied such that only small pressure loads act upon the metallically hard gap seals, which have a long useful life and allow only small quantities of leakage air, and which are arranged on the radial end areas of the cellular wheel webs (3).

Abstract: A pneumatic distributor of granular and/or powdery materials includes a main distribution duct having a first end in the region of which an air-flow is injected into the duct under pressure, and a second end. The main duct includes respective adjacent converging-diverging portions, with reference to the direction of the air-flow, defining a Venturi duct. A dosing device is provided for delivering a metered quantity of material into the main duct in the region of the narrow cross-section of the Venturi duct, for the mixing of the material into the air-flow and the entrainment of the mixture obtained towards the second end. The distributor includes at least one auxiliary duct, bypassing the Venturi duct, in order to connect a section of the main duct disposed upstream of the Venturi duct to a section of the main duct disposed downstream of the Venturi duct.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the continuous gravimetric metering and pneumatic conveying of pourable material which is conveyed across a given distance by a metering rotor (1) which is arranged in a pressure-proof manner in a housing (2) and is provided with conveying pockets (1a). Said housing (2) comprises a charging station and a discharging station for the pourable material, which are connected to the inlet/outlet (4, 5) of a pneumatic conveyor system. The housing (2) is connected to a force metering device which detects the momentary load generated on the metering rotor (1) by the conveyed material. The inlet and outlet of the pneumatic conveyor system are connected to the bottom of the housing (2). In order to build the inventive device in a compact manner while reducing the assembly requirements and improving flow guidance, the flow from the inlet (4) to the outlet (5) is deflected within the upper area of the housing (2).

Abstract: A portable unit for pneumatically blowing landscaping and/or building materials, such as bark, mulch, fertilizer, compost, wood chips, grass clippings, leaves, gravel/stone, straw, hay, sawdust and combinations thereof is provided. The unit is transportable by: a car trailer, truck trailer, garden tractor trailer; on stakes of a stake bed truck; by a three point hitch; by a forklift and any combination thereof. The unit includes a hopper having an integral airlock feeder in one preferred embodiment. The unit either includes an on-board power supply device, such as an engine, or provides connections for receiving power remotely.

Abstract: An apparatus, which is intended for metering bulk materials, has a rotatable cell wheel (9) and a stirrer (2), arranged above the latter, and operates reliably even in the case of very sluggishly flowing bulk materials, in particular with small metering capacities, i.e., with the cell wheel (9) rotating slowly. For this purpose, the invention provides two different, isolated drives for the stirrer (2) and the cell wheel (9).

Abstract: For transferring bulk goods from a screw conveyor to a pneumatic conveyor, use is made of a cellular feeder. The shafts of the cellular feeder and the screw conveyor are preferably substantially parallel. The outlet of the screw conveyor is formed as a longitudinal slot formed in the casing of the screw conveyor and being of a length which is at least twice the length of the pitch of the feeding screw, and communicates with the inlet port of the cellular feeder for throwing out and discharging the goods substantially radially. The outlet of the cellular feeder is formed at an angular distance from the inlet port of the cellular feeder and is adapted to discharge the goods substantially axially and is connected to or forms the inlet of the pneumatic conveyor.

Abstract: An enclosed-rotor vertical-shaft rotary valve is used as an airlock to inject abrasive, fine, or sticky solids into pressurized air. The invention eliminates the effect of thermal expansion on the gap between the rotor and casing, thereby making it possible to obtain much smaller gaps than before. The smallness of the gaps makes it feasible to pump clean air into the gaps without interfering with the performance of the airlock. The clean air keeps dust-laden air from entering the gaps, which eliminates the erosion that has limited the usefulness of conventional rotary valves when handling abrasive powders. By the use of two vents and a dual-pressure purge-air system, the invention also greatly reduces the blowby of air into the entrance of the airlock, which has limited the usefulness of conventional rotary valves when handling very-small-particle powders. These benefits also accrue to the injection of sticky solids into pressurized fluids.

Abstract: Problems encountered when discharging bulk containers using a blow-through rotary valve can be avoided by the discharge device, according to the invention, in which a vent connection of the rotary valve is in connection with the internal chamber of the container through a filter hose open on both ends.

Abstract: An air lock feeder for entrainment of solid particulate materials in an air stream. The invention includes a cylindrical housing with a shaft rotatably mounted in the ends of the housing. Inlet and outlet ports are included in the housing ends, and a lateral opening in the housing receives solid particulate material. A plurality of vanes extend laterally from the shaft and define a plurality of chambers within the housing, with the cambers generally parallel to the shaft and extending between the housing ends. Preferably, a flexible strip is included on the end of each vane adjacent the housing. Dividers located between adjacent vanes separate air channels from the chambers. The chambers are charged with solid material from the lateral facing opening in the housing as shaft rotates within the housing. Pressurized air enters the chambers via inlet port as each chamber rotatably moves past the inlet port, and the material within the chambers is entrained in an air stream and carried out the exit port.

Abstract: A chip blowing apparatus for application or dispersion of wood chips or like aggregate material. The invention includes a hopper with an auger for directing materials to the bottom of the hopper. An air lock feeder adjacent to the bottom of the hopper receives material therefrom. A rotating shaft with a plurality of vanes is included in the air lock feeder. Pressurized air is directed into the air lock feeder to fluidize materials and impart momentum thereto, thereby entraining the solid material in an air stream. The entrained material then exits and outlet port and is directed by hose to a nozzle for application of material to surfaces.

Abstract: A pneumatic bar conveying apparatus in which compressed air is supplied from an air injection port towards a bar-like material in each of a plurality of holding grooves is intermittently supplied by an intermittent air supply mechanism, so that the compressed air will be shut off by a tooth-shaped section protrudingly provided between the holding grooves for a longer period than an air shut-off period. After a specific period of compressed air supply into the holding groove, the supply of the compressed air is shut off to decrease the outlet pressure of the compressed air remaining in the holding groove and the conveying pipeline, resulting in an increased pressure difference as compared with the inlet pressure of the compressed air supplied into the holding groove from the air injection port. Consequently the compressed air flows at a higher rate from the holding groove into the conveying pipeline, thus imparting a large initial flow velocity to the bar-like material in the holding groove.

Abstract: A pressure-tight sluice includes a housing having an inside wall shaped substantially as a torus with a superelliptical cross section. The housing has an inlet and an outlet. A rotor includes an axle rotatable within the housing and a plurality of lamellae extending outwardly therefrom. Each lamella has a superelliptical shape complementary with the inside wall on an outer edge of each lamella is mounted a gasket to seal against the inside wall. Each gasket includes an air hose one end of which communicates via a hole connection in the axle with a compressed air distributor.

Abstract: A rotary valve including a rotor assembly rotatable by a driver to cause material to be transferred from an inlet side to an outlet side of the rotary valve. The rotor assembly includes a rotor coupled to a shaft which rotates about an axis when driven by the driver. The rotor includes an outer tube, an inner tube, and a plurality of radial blades. The rotary valve includes a casing assembly for supporting the rotor assembly that includes an inlet for allowing the material to enter pockets of the rotor assembly and an outlet for allowing the material to exit the rotor assembly. The casing assembly includes an upper cap disposed at a top of the casing assembly that contains an opening for allowing the material to enter the pockets of the rotor assembly, a shaft opening, and a wiper assembly that removes material from the tops of the blades as the blades pass by the inlet opening.

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

Abstract: A rotary feed structure for a gunite-conveying machine includes a polymeric body to resist sticking of gunite even if the latter includes silica fume, and even if it has set. The body has chambers in a circle. Preferably the body is urethane, self-bonded to a Ni-hard wear plate to eliminate radial leakage, and the mounting, (typically holes for studs), at least in part, is integral with the plate. A metal axial spacer is preferably next to the plate, but only within the innermost radius of chambers and with a sizable wall thickness. The body is preferably a feed-bowl type, with chambers formed as generally U-shaped pockets. A gunite machine using the polymeric feed structure also has a hopper, delivery tube, support and rotation of the feed structure, compressed-air for expelling the particulate material from the chambers into the tube, and provision for transporting the hopper, tube, body, and other apparatus. Chambers are selectively sealed to the expelling device and delivery tube.

Abstract: The thermal insulation blower of the present invention is built around a vertically oriented air lock system. The insulation blower is capable of being configured for high delivery rates suitable for open area blowing and is capable of being reconfigured for lower delivery rates as a through-the-blower system for closed area blowing operations. The insulation blower includes a metering feeder assembly which can be adjusted to control the rate at which a bale of insulation is ripped and fed into the air lock system. The thermal insulation blower of the present invention also includes a bypass system around the air lock which serves to automatically clear impending plugs of insulation material in the delivery hose.

Abstract: An apparatus for the entraining of powdery materials in a gas stream consists essentially of two sets of rotatable horizontal vanes disposed vertically of each other and separated by a horizontal partition. Powdery material arriving at the upper set of vanes is pushed around to a communication conduit in the partition through which it falls to the lower set of vanes. These move the material around to an exit conduit whose cross section does not overlap with that of the communication conduit when the apparatus is viewed in plan. The material falls into the exit conduit to be entrained in a gas stream. Preferably the gas stream enters the apparatus adjacent to the exit conduit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transferring particulate matter, such as seed, from a bulk supply to planting apparatus such as a planter or drill utilizing a pneumatic conveyer system including a lightweight, portable rotary air lock for introducing the particulate matter into the pneumatic conveying system. The system further includes a blower for pressurizing the pneumatic conveyer line and a discharge device at a remote end of the pneumatic conveyor line for delivering the seed or other particulate matter directly into the seed boxes associated with the planting apparatus. An adapter is also included for coupling the lightweight rotary air lock to a bulk supply container such that the lightweight rotary air lock is held at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical.

Abstract: The objects of the invention are to prevent the backflow of slurry by first enclosing it in a closed space and then using air to force it along a discharge channel, and at the same time to ensure the smooth throughput of the slurry by causing any foreign bodies in the slurry to be broken up en route. To this end, the invention is provided with a casing enclosing a circular cross-section rotor chamber and a rotor which fits inside said rotor chamber and which is caused to rotate by a drive means. The rotor is also fitted with blades en bloc which extend radially from the rotating center section and which form moving chambers that rotate along with the rotor inside the rotor chamber. The casing is also provided with an intake port that connects with the moving chambers at the slurry intake point and a discharge port and air supply port, each of which connects, with the moving chambers at the slurry discharge point.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conveying and discharging bulk material including a material feed hopper, a screw conveyor, a transition area and a rotary air valve. The feed hopper is divided by a diverter which distributes feed material into the two ends of a trough having a converging screw conveyor. The converging screw conveyor distributes feed material into a transitional holding area for feeding into a rotary air valve. The rotary air valve has a helical vane design and is equipped with at least one cutting knife to control the amount of bulk material distributed in the pockets between the vanes. A blower provides pressurized air flow into and through the rotary air valve. The pressurized air carries the bulk material from the rotary valve through a conduit to discharge the bulk material at a remote distance.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and process for feeding powder or dry solids catalyst into a flowing liquid stream. More particularly, the invention includes an apparatus which includes a novel purging device and means for isolating a metering means from a liquid stream, and process for injecting finely divided flowable powder or catalyst into a flowing liquid stream, which in turn is fed into a reactor utilized for the production of polypropylene or polyolefins.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conveying and discharging bulk material including a material feed hopper, a screw conveyor, a transition area and a rotary air valve. The feed hopper is divided by a diverter which distributes feed material into the two ends of a trough having a converging screw conveyor. The converging screw conveyor distributes feed material into a transitional holding area for feeding into a rotary air valve. The rotary air valve has a helical vane design and is equipped with at least one cutting knife to control the amount of bulk material distributed in the pockets between the vanes. A blower provides pressurized air flow into and through the rotary air valve. The pressurized air carries the bulk material from the rotary valve through a conduit to discharge the bulk material at a remote distance.

Abstract: One aspect of this gunite or refractories gun is a seal-clamping system that applies an essentially constant force despite variables such as wear of the seal or seals. Another aspect is a combination of hydraulic control and mechanical cams to clamp the seal(s). Ideally both aspects are used. Preferably the system also balances seal-clamping forces at different points. Chambers in a rotary feed structure carry material from a hopper at a receiving port to a delivery tube at a discharge port. Gas (usually air) flows from a pneumatic supply orifice to blow material from the feed structure into the distance port. One or more seals are used to seal the path that is formed by the pneumatic supply orifice, at least one chamber (when generally in position for discharge), the discharge port, and the delivery tube. A set of cams or other mechanical apparatus applies force to press the seal(s) against the feed structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mortar transport apparatus, consisting essentially of a rotor comprising cylindrical mortar transport chambers, the rotor being arranged between stationary sealing plates and being adapted to be driven by a motor, a feed hopper arranged above the rotor, the feed hopper being adapted to fill the mortar transport chambers via a filling hole provided in the sealing plate situated above the rotor, a blow-off chamber arranged under the lower sealing plate and adapted to have a transport hose connected to it, the blow-off chamber being adapted to be filled via a mortar discharge opening in the lower sealing plate, a duct for supplying air under pressure terminating in a slit-shaped opening in the upper sealing plate above the mortar transport chamber which communicates with the blow-off chamber for driving out the mortar present in the transport chamber, air being supplied to the blow-off chamber at the location opposite the transport hose connection, for pneumatic transport of the mortar

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously conveying a powder in a gas flow has a configuration of the bottom end of the supply reservoir in the form of a funnel-shaped guide surface converging towards a pointed end. This surface is intersected by a vertically extending cylindrical well defining a bottom area where the powder is received in perforations formed in a rotary disc for discharge from the well. The wall of the well is preferably provided with a fluidizing gas inlet.

Abstract: A rotary screen assembly for a pneumatic grain handling device is described which is comprised of a perforated cylindrical screen member rotatably driven by a propeller means which is placed in the airstream of the device. The screen assembly includes a cut-off plate positioned at the bottom inside surface of the screen member for interupting airflow through a portion of the screen member thereby creating a continuous cleaning action of the screen assembly. The screen assembly is particularly useful for preventing abrasive airborne particles from entering into and damaging the blower components.

Abstract: A rotary air lock feeder has a cylindrical chamber closed at opposite ends by end walls and a rotor mounted for rotary movement along the cylindrical chamber axis. A hopper is provided for feeding material into an upper portion of the chamber. A port is formed in each of the end walls to one side of a vertical plane extending through the cylindrical chamber axis at a height above the angle of natural repose of the material. So constructed, material fed into the chamber may be driven by the rotor to the bottom of the chamber and then lifted by the rotor to a position between the end wall ports and become evenly entrained in an airstream flowing through the chamber between the ports.

Abstract: A pneumatic device for moving granular matter is described which comprises a first cyclonic separator for receiving granular matter conveyed by an air stream from a first location and a secondary cyclonic air cleaner for removing dust and abrasive particles from the air stream prior to passage thereof into the intake of the blower. The granular matter received by the first cyclonic separator passes through a rotary valve to a duct where it is conveyed to a second location by a high pressure air stream from the outlet of the blower.

Abstract: A hopper cylindrical about a vertical axis has an agitator with blades rotating near the bottom of the hopper, not only to agitate insulation but also to move it through a hopper outlet opening into an airlock having a horizontal shaft and radially spaced blades. The vertical shaft for the hopper agitator and the horizontal airlock shaft are aligned so that one may be driven from the other, as by miter gears. A motor and reduction gearing may drive the airlock shaft, through a chain and sprocket connection, or the motor and reduction gearing may drive the hopper agitator shaft through a coupling. The blades of the airlock rotor may be individually removable through the airlock inlet, as in order to replace flexible wipers. Each airlock blade may have a flange at an obtuse angle such as 150.degree. which is bolted to one side of the multisided shaft by a series of cap bolts.

Abstract: A divided rotary valve feeder includes an inlet conduit, an outlet divided into a plurality of passages by webs, and rotor mounted between the inlet conduit and the outlet. The rotor includes vanes defining troughs and partitions dividing the troughs into a plurality of compartments. The partitions engage the webs to assure discharge of material from each compartment to an aligned passage, and the passages are in communication with conveyors for moving the material to a point of use. Tiltable splitter plates may be provided in the inlet conduit in engagement with the partitions to evenly distribute the flow of material to the compartments in each trough. Compressed air or other gas may be fed to each of the compartments to assist the discharge of material either by direct contact or by flexing a flexible boot in each compartment.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying apparatus for silage and haylage, including long conveying ducts to carry the air stream with haylage and silage entrained therein. A positive displacement pump produces a flow of significant quantities of air to an air lock. The air lock has a rotor with blades traveling around the cylindrical peripheral wall and end wall defining traveling air lock compartments, the peripheral wall has an opening at its upper portion defining a feed throat receiving silage and haylage from a raised hopper. A high speed rotary impeller rotor at one side of the feed throat propels the silage-haylage into the air lock compartment. The rotor has sharp edged blades wiping along the edges of the air lock rotor blades and a boundary edge of the feed opening of the air lock.

Abstract: A device for conveying measured amounts of material which includes a rotating induction wheel having a plurality of elongate open-ended chambers defined therein and a pair of wipers arranged to remove excess material from the chamber ends. Pressure pads seal the chambers, and gas is introduced into the chambers to pulse the material out of the chambers into a material transport conduit. Metered charges of material are thus delivered to the transport conduit. An alternative embodiment of the metering device has a pair of sequential chambers pressurized simultaneously.

Abstract: A bucket wheel sluice comprises a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a sluice wheel mounted for rotation therebetween. The wheel includes a plurality of elongated vanes extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel, with the roots of said vanes being freely spaced from one another. An elastic sealing device, such as a length of resilient tubing, is located within the wheel in resilient engagement with the roots of said vanes to cover the spaces between the roots of adjacent ones of the vanes and cooperates with the vanes to provide a plurality of pockets around the wheel which receive material at the housing inlet and deliver it to the housing outlet as the wheel rotates. A stationary duct connected to a compressed air supply is interposed between the roots of the vanes and the elastic sealing device adjacent the housing outlet, and the duct includes air discharge apertures facing the roots of the vanes for forcibly expelling material from the region between the vanes at the housing outlet.