Abstract: A device (1) for feeding a processing device with powdery material (2) comprises a first chamber (3) having at least one fluidizing device (5) configured to fluidize and/or to potentially fluidize the powdery material (2), at least one second chamber (6) being in connection with the first chamber (3) such that fluidized and/or potentially fluidized powdery material (2) is transportable from the first chamber (3) into the second chamber (6), and at least one third chamber (9) being in connection with the second chamber (6) such, that the potentially fluidized powdery material (2) is transportable from the second chamber (6) into the third chamber (9). The device (1) is configured to defluidize the powdery material (2) such that it is present as defluidized powdery material (2) in the third chamber (9). The third chamber (9) has a discharge element (10) configured to discharge the defluidized powdery material (2).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solids flow control valve comprising a standpipe; a shoe; and a transport pipe; wherein the standpipe is in operative communication with the shoe and lies upstream of the shoe; the standpipe comprising a first end and a second end, where the first end is in contact with a source that contains disposable solids and the second end is in fluid contact with the shoe; the shoe being operative to restrict the flow of the disposable solids; the transport pipe being disposed downstream of the shoe to receive and transport the solids from the shoe.

Abstract: A pipeline for conveyance of a multiphase fluid is provided. The pipeline comprises a containment element and a tubular element. The containment element defines a cavity and an inlet in fluid communication with the cavity. The tubular element passes through the containment element and with a portion thereof disposed within the cavity to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the containment element. A gasification system for gasification a solid powder and a method for conveyance of a multiphase fluid are also presented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for conveying powder. A container is provided for the powder, where the powder defines a surface in the container. A suction means has a suction opening for sucking in the powder from the surface. A moving means serves for producing a relative movement between the suction opening and the surface of the powder. During the relative movement, the powder is sucked in, a speed of the relative movement being variable in such a way that there is a constant mass flow.

Abstract: An atomic layer deposition apparatus for depositing a film in a continuous fashion is described. The apparatus includes a downwardly sloping process tunnel, extending in a transport direction and bounded by at least two tunnel walls. Both walls are provided with a plurality of gas injection channels, whereby the gas injection channels in at least one of the walls, viewed in the transport direction, are connected successively to a first precursor gas source, a purge gas source, a second precursor gas source and a purge gas source respectively, so as to create a series of tunnel segments that—in use—comprise successive zones containing a first precursor gas, a purge gas, a second precursor gas and a purge gas, respectively. The downward slope of the process tunnel enables gravity to drive the floatingly supported substrates through the successive segments, causing the atomic layer deposition of a film onto the substrates.

Abstract: Device for transporting powder comprising a conveyer, which includes a lower channel in which a gas circulates, and an upper channel, designed for the circulation of powder and said gas, said lower channel and said upper channel being separated by a porous wall that said gas can pass through, the lower channel being supplied with gas at a pressure allowing the potential fluidization of said powder in said upper channel, said upper channel being provided in its upper part with transverse walls placed so that they delimit with the upper wall of said upper channel at least one upper zone in which a gas bubble under pressure is formed as a result of putting said air chute under potential fluidization pressure. At the level of at least one bubble so formed, the wall of the upper channel includes a means of removal for fluidization gas provided with a means of creating pressure drop, which creates a substantially constant pressure drop.

Abstract: A system for dewatering a stream of slurry has a first and a second separator. The first separator removes objects above a first size, to produce a stream of primary treated slurry. The second separator removes objects above a second size from the primary treated stream, the second size being smaller than the first size. Optionally, a third separator removes objects above a yet smaller third size from the stream of secondary treated slurry. The first separator has a plurality of sieve mat supports alternately connected to a main support frame section and a movable support frame section so that the flexible sieve mat can be agitated by the movable support frame section, a collector being provided for collecting the primary treated slurry passing through the flexible sieve mat. In an optional step, water contained in the separated solids is removed.

Abstract: A pipe part (100) for conveying a solid particulate material, comprising an outer tubular element (1) stretching along a longitudinal axis (A) and having first (9) and second (12) sections axially displaced from each other. An inner tubular element (20) is disposable inside the outer tubular element (1) and adapted for longitudinally conveying the solid particulate material from one end to another end. The inner tubular element (20) comprises an aeration-fluid-permeable wall part (23), and is sealingly connected with—and flexibly supported by—the first and second sections (9,12) to form an aeration fluid distribution chamber (40) between the first and second sections (9,12) and the inner (20) and outer (1) tubular elements. The aeration fluid distribution chamber (40) is provided with an aeration fluid inlet (15) to define an aeration fluid flow path (19) between the aeration fluid inlet (15) through the aeration-fluid-permeable wall part (23) via the aeration fluid distribution chamber (40).

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: A system for dewatering a stream of slurry has a first and a second separator. The first separator removes objects above a first size, to produce a stream of primary treated slurry. The second separator removes objects above a second size from the primary treated stream, the second size being smaller than the first size. Optionally, a third separator removes objects above a yet smaller third size from the stream of secondary treated slurry. The first separator has a plurality of sieve mat supports alternately connected to a main support frame section and a movable support frame section so that the flexible sieve mat can be agitated by the movable support frame section, a collector being provided for collecting the primary treated slurry passing through the flexible sieve mat. In an optional step, water contained in the separated solids is removed.

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

Abstract: A process for transporting a powder material, in which a device is fitted between a supply zone and a zone to be supplied, the device including at least one substantially horizontal conveyor which includes a lower duct and an upper duct being separated by a porous wall, the upper duct provided with a balancing column. The upper duct is filled with powder material and the lower duct is supplied with gas at a pressure that allows the potential fluidization of the powder material in the upper duct. The minimal bubbling speed, which corresponds to the maximum void fraction, is determined and the fluidization pressure is set to a value such that the fluidization speed of the gas is between 0.8 and 1.5 times the minimal bubbling speed, preferably between 0.9 and 1.3 times the minimal bubbling speed.

Abstract: Device for transporting powder comprising a conveyer, which includes a lower channel in which a gas circulates, and an upper channel, designed for the circulation of powder and said gas, said lower channel and said upper channel being separated by a porous wall that said gas can pass through, the lower channel being supplied with gas at a pressure allowing the potential fluidization of said powder in said upper channel, said upper channel being provided in its upper part with transverse walls placed so that they delimit with the upper wall of said upper channel at least one upper zone in which a gas bubble under pressure is formed as a result of putting said air chute under potential fluidization pressure. At the level of at least one bubble so formed, the wall of the upper channel includes a means of removal for fluidization gas provided with a means of creating pressure drop, which creates a substantially constant pressure drop.

Abstract: A process making it possible to transport by potential fluidization, a powder material, in which a device is fitted between the supply zone, typically a storage zone for said powder material, and the zone to be supplied, said device including at least one substantially horizontal conveyor, called an “air chute”, which includes a lower duct designed for the circulation of a gas and an upper duct designed for the circulation of the powder material, said lower duct and said upper duct being separated by a porous wall that said gas can pass through, a process in which the upper duct is filled with said powder material and the lower duct is supplied with gas at a pressure that allows the potential fluidization of said powder material in said upper duct said upper duct being provided with at least one balancing column.

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 conveying fluidized high temperature finely divided dry material by gravity utilizes a multi-layered, gas permeable gas distributor member comprising (i) an upper layer a flat, rigid gas permeable, porous medium capable of withstanding temperatures up to about 2900° F. through which gas to fluidize the material will pass; (ii) a middle layer comprised of a gas permeable insulation material that maintains its physical integrity when exposed to temperature differentials ranging from about 500° F. to about 2900° F.; and (iii) a lower layer that supports the top and middle layers comprising a substantially flat plate having a plurality of openings therethrough through which fluidizing gas can pass.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying fluidized high temperature finely divided dry material by gravity utilizes a multi-layered, gas permeable gas distributor member comprising (i) an upper layer a flat, rigid gas permeable, porous medium capable of withstanding temperatures up to about 2900° F. through which gas to fluidize the material will pass; (ii) a middle layer comprised of a gas permeable insulation material that maintains its physical integrity when exposed to temperature differentials ranging from about 500° F. to about 2900° F.; and (iii) a lower layer that supports the top and middle layers comprising a substantially flat plate having a plurality of openings therethrough through which fluidizing gas can pass.

Abstract: A collector assembly is configured to vent dust-laden air through at least one filter in one direction using pressure in an air conveyor, whereby dust collects on one side of the filter or filters. The collector assembly is further configured to pulse compressed air through the filter or filters in an opposite direction to dislodge the collected dust into the air conveyor without the dislodged dust entering the atmosphere around the air conveyor.

Abstract: A method and a system distribute fluidizable materials from a reservoir of materials to one or more material receiving units. The distribution system has at least two hydraulic levels between the reservoir and the material receiving units. The system further includes a fluidizing element with good dynamic response properties. The system can be used for distribution of alumina and/or fluoride to feeding equipment in electrolysis cells with a reduced consumption of fluidizing gas.

Abstract: To supply a powder lacquer sprayer, the coating powder is pressed by a pig through the supply line and, in the process, it is fluidized from the side of the pig which is turned toward the powder. The fluidization air can be led to the powder, for example, by a central passage opening of the pig or through an air permeable wall of the connection line. For the dosage of the coating powder, one uses the push medium which drives the pig.

Abstract: Devices for the pneumatic conveying of particulate and powdery bulk goods to obtain high conveying speeds with low energy expenditure. The devices have a fluidized conveying pipe with fluidizing elements, in which pipe the fabric layers of the fluidizing elements are formed from two or a plurality of sintered and rolled metal wire fabric layers whose wires, at least those of the top outer layer, are tilted or bent downwards to form aligned flow channels inclined in the direction of conveying.

Abstract: To reduce installation space for neutralization devices of neutralization of static electricity generated by work levitation air in an air levitation apparatus which levitates plate-shaped work by jettisoning of air. With an apparatus wherein multiple air jets are provided on a work levitation face for levitation of plate-shaped work, so as to levitate the work by jettisoning of air, an ionization device for ionizing the air is installed in the supply channel of the work levitation air, thereby neutralizing the static electricity generated by the work levitation air that is jettisoned.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a plate-shaped work piece transporting apparatus that has a fan, a dust-removal filter disposed above this fan, and a plate-shape porous member disposed above the dust-removal filter. By forming a chamber in which air can accumulate between the porous member and the dust-removal filter, it is possible to suppress air pulsations. Further, by providing support members on the porous member, the plate-shaped work piece can be supported and damage thereto can be avoided when the plate-shaped work piece, which is supported by air from the fan, drops to below a set height.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a warp detection system (200) for determining warping in a carrier (110) configured to carry substrates (120) for processing. In one embodiment, the system (200) includes a guide plate (210) configured to guide a path of the carrier (110) during the processing, where the guide plate (210) is positioned underneath the carrier (110). In addition, the system (220) includes a plurality of sensors (230) positioned within the guide plate (210), wherein each of the plurality of sensors (230) is configured to measure a distance of a respective area of the carrier (110) from the guide plate (210). Also in this embodiment, the system (200) includes a processing device (310) configured to receive the measured distances and determine warping in the carrier (110) based on differences between the measured distances.

Abstract: A bulk material handling system generally consisting of means for holding the material; means for conveying the material including a first conduit formed of a permeable material having an inlet communicating with an outlet of the material holding means and an outlet, a second conduit formed of an impermeable material encompassing and spaced from the first conduit, providing a chamber therebetween, and an auger disposed in the first conduit for transporting material received through the inlet to the outlet thereof; means for rotatably driving the auger; and means for supplying a fluidizing gas under pressure to the chamber between the first and second conduits.

Abstract: A canister for maintaining entrained particles in a gas stream passing there through. The canister has an outer annular member and an inner porous annular member. The inner porous annular member has rings with at least one expansion zone in each ring. An annular interior volume is between the outer annular member and the inner porous annular member. A gas source is in flow communication with the annular interior volume for providing gas at a pressure sufficient to pass through the inner porous annular member to dislodge particles adhering thereto.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for transporting an object includes a spiral deck enclosed in a housing having passageways for allowing air flow between adjacent deck tier segments. In addition, the conveyor may include two concentric spiral decks operably coupled to one another, wherein a vibratory force is capable of simultaneously advancing objects both up the first spiral deck and down the second spiral deck.

Abstract: The invention discloses a transporting apparatus provided with a air-supplying-type support device for supplying purified air toward a lower surface of a transported object to contactlessly support the transported object in a horizontal orientation or a substantially horizontal orientation, a drive force application device for applying a drive force in the transporting direction to the transported object, a first transport member, a second transport member, and a relay transport member that links the first transport member and the second transport member. The drive force application device applies a drive force by contacting a lower surface of the transported object that is supported by the air-supplying-type support device. The relay transport member changes at least one of the transporting direction and the transporting orientation of the transported object.

Abstract: Embedded in a transport assembly are arrays of microelectromechanical sensors and actuators for detecting and propelling an object. A controller having defined therein local computational agents and a global controller controls the array of sensors and actuators. The global controller provides global operating constraints to the local computational agents. The global operating constraints are developed using an approximate specification of system behavior based on simplified assumptions of an idealized system as well as limited sensor information aggregated from the array of sensors. The local computational agents compute a desired local actuator response using sensor information from a localized grouping of sensor units. To improve the accuracy of the global operating constraints, the local computational agents reduce differences between a global actuator response, computed using the global operating constraints, and the desired local actuator response.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the pneumatic conveyance of bulk material, including a conveying pipe which defines a conveying path for the bulk material and in portions has a fluidizing pipe segment and a propellant gas source which is connected to the conveying pipe and is designed for the supply of propellant gas in the direction of the conveying path. The conveying pipe is provided with a fluidizing pipe segment at least in the region of a bulk material feed means and, if appropriate, also at further critical portions of the conveying pipe, in particular upstream of deflection points. As a result, the bulk material, which is often encountered there in a high concentration, can be fluidized, with the result that it can be conveyed, with low friction, at relatively low gas velocities. The invention relates, furthermore, to a corresponding conveying method.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for transporting a transported object in a transporting direction as the transported object is supported by air, the apparatus having a plurality of transporting units. A specific transporting unit of the plurality of transporting units is controlled based on the transporting state of at least one other transporting unit. Thus, it is possible to reduce the number of problems that may occur during transporting.

Abstract: A bulk material handling system generally consisting of means for holding the material; means for conveying the material including a first conduit formed of a permeable material having an inlet communicating with an outlet of the material holding means and an outlet, a second conduit formed of an impermeable material encompassing and spaced from the first conduit, providing a chamber therebetween, and an auger disposed in the first conduit for transporting material received through the inlet to the outlet thereof; means for rotatably driving the auger; and means for supplying a fluidizing gas under pressure to the chamber between the first and second conduits.

Abstract: Method for conveying a pulverulent material making it possible to divide said pulverulent material, from a single storage capacity (10), between several conveyors (50) with a controlled flow rate in each of said conveyors, characterized in that said storage capacity is linked to said conveyors by at least one aero-pipe (30) and in that a hyperdense fluidized meter (40), is connected to said aero-pipe, said hyperdense fluidized meter being intended to feed each of the conveyors.

Abstract: The invention discloses a transporting apparatus having a transport member provided with a air-supplying-type support portion for supplying purified air toward a lower surface of a transported object to contactlessly support the transported object, and a drive force application portion for contacting a lower surface of the transported object that is supported by the air-supplying-type support means and applying a drive force in the transporting direction to the transported object. The transporting apparatus, by raising and lowering the drive force application portion and the air-supplying-type support portion relative to one another, can be switched between a transport state where the drive force application portion is brought into contact with the lower surface of the transported object, and a transfer state where the drive force application portion is moved downward away from the transported object that is supported by the air-supplying-type support portion.

Abstract: A particulate material conveying apparatus generally consisting of an upper conduit having a material receiving inlet; a first intermediate conduit communicating with the upper conduit and swivable relative to the upper conduit about a first axis; a second intermediate conduit communicating with the first intermediate conduit and swivelable relative to the first intermediate conduit about a second axis parallel to the first axis; a lower conduit having a material discharge outlet, communicating with the second intermediate conduit and swivable relative to the second intermediate conduit about a third axis parallel to the second axis; and a mechanism for translating the angular displacement of the second intermediate conduit relative to the first intermediate conduit about the second axis to angular displacement of the first intermediate conduit relative to the upper conduit about the first axis.

Abstract: In a system for pneumatically conveying a bulk particulate material including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material, a second conduit formed of an impermeable material encompassing and spaced from the first conduit, a plurality of partition walls disposed between said conduits and spaced along the lengths thereof providing a plurality of plenums, means connectable to a first source of gas under pressure for injecting a gas under pressure into said first conduit to impel material deposited therein and second means connectable to a second source of gas under pressure for supplying gas under pressure into said plenums to fluidize material flowing through the first conduit, a system for declogging the second conduit consisting of means connected to a source of gas under pressure operable for selectively supplying the plenums with bursts of gas under pressure for dislodging material deposited in said apertures of the first conduit.

Abstract: A system for pneumatically conveying a bulk particulate material generally consisting of means for holding such material, having an inlet and an outlet; a first material transport line segment including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material having an inlet communicating with the outlet of the holding means and an outlet, defining a material flow passageway, and a second conduit formed of a gas impermeable material spaced from and encompassing the first conduit, defining a plenum; a second material transport line segment including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material having an inlet communicating with the outlet of the first conduit of the first segment, defining a continuation of the material flow passageway, and an outlet, and a second conduit section formed of a gas impermeable material spaced from and encompassing the first conduit thereof, defining a plenum; the second segment being displaceable relative to the first segment between a first position communicating the outlet of t

Abstract: An air track includes a concave top surface with a plurality of air outlets or a flat surface with a notch and a plurality of air outlets. The body of the air track includes at least one air filter that runs along the length of at least a portion of the body. The air filter divides the body into a first plenum and a second plenum. The air track also includes a hood covering at least a portion of the top surface. The air track further includes a stopper assembly that arrests the motion of a disk. The stopper assembly includes a disk detector that senses the presence of the disk on the air track.

Abstract: A transporting apparatus includes a transporting plane and a transporting platform which can be displaced in different directions in a largely friction-free manner on an air cushion above the transporting plane, the air cushion being generated by air nozzles which are distributed in the transporting plane and are adapted to be optionally opened and closed individually in each case by a valve. Compressed air flows out of the air nozzles in the upward direction from beneath through the transporting plane, and the valves of the air nozzles and the transporting platform are designed such that they interact with one another depending on the position of the transporting platform. The valves of the air nozzles are designed as solenoid valves equipped with a magnet coil, and the transporting platform has ferromagnetic regions that interact with the magnet coils of the solenoid valves in dependence on the position of the transporting platform.

Abstract: A system for handling a bulk particulate material generally consisting of a vessel for holding a mass of such material; a first elongated tube formed of a gas permeable material, having an inlet communicating with such vessel; a second elongated tube formed of a gas impervious material encompassing the first tube and spaced therefrom about the periphery of the first tube; a plurality of transversely disposed, longitudinally spaced partitions disposed between said first and second tubes, forming a plurality of isolated chambers encompassing the first tube; each of such isolated chambers having means for selectively introducing a fluidizing gas therein independently of the other of such chambers, at variable volumes and pressures whereby the volume and pressure of fluidizing gas diffused through the first tube may be modulated along the length thereof; and means for injecting a flow inducing gas into the first tube.

Abstract: A pre-screening element for use with pneumatic discharge systems for transport of powdered material has a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a first vane array, having a plurality of strip-shaped first vanes arranged inside the housing and spaced apart with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing, each individual vane of the plurality of first vanes being substantially parallel to other vanes of the first vane array and having a long edge facing the inlet, and a second vane array, having a plurality of strip-shaped second vanes arranged inside the housing and spaced apart with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing, each individual vane of the plurality of second vanes being substantially parallel to other vanes of the second vane array and having a long edge facing the inlet, a longitudinal axis of the first vanes being arranged at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the second vanes.

Abstract: A device for use in transporting particulate materials including: a conduit adapted for transporting particulate material from the first end to the second end of the conduit via an interior hollow chamber; a gas impermeable outer wall; a gas permeable inner wall; a compressed gas inlet nozzle which traverses the outer wall; a gas distribution chamber situated between the outer wall and the inner wall; and a gas pressure source attached to the gas inlet nozzle which conveys gas to the gas distribution chamber and through the gas permeable inner wall.

Abstract: For handling thin panes of glass or similar work pieces and products in conveyance systems, machining installations, and the like, by means of pneumatic forces, a device is proposed that is characterized by two plates (1, 2) with flat surfaces on at least one side, arranged parallel to each other at a distance (D) sufficient to hold the pane of glass (3) without contact, where the plates (1, 2) have a multitude of gas passages (4), and all the gas passages (4) of a plate (1, 2) can each be connected to a gas delivery device through one or more ducts, etc. to generate an excess pressure or a vacuum, and where at least some of the gas passages (4) are arranged in pairs opposite each other.

Abstract: A water slide for semiconductor wafer processing minimizes water usage by confining water to flow within spaced-apart grooves in the absence of a wafer. When a wafer passes down the water slide, a meniscus of water formed above the grooves is spread out to occupy the space underneath the wafer and prevent it from contacting the water slide as the wafer travels down the water slide.

Abstract: For transporting finely powdered toner material from a reservoir to a delivery opening, a porous bed that forms a down grade is charged with compressed air proceeding from below, whereby the toner material mixes with air to form a liquid-like mixture. This mixture flows along the down grade from the reservoir to the delivery opening.

Abstract: A powder delivery apparatus for use in a paint supply system. The apparatus has a flexible inner hose having an innermost and outermost surface with pores extending therebetween. The innermost surface defines a channel along which powder particles may flow. Surrounding and extending coaxially with the inner hose is a flexible outer hose. The innermost surface of the flexible outer hose and the outermost surface of the inner hose define an annular path that is charged with air. The air is forced under pressure radially inwardly through the pores to the inner hose so that during powder flow, powder particles are atomized and prevented from fusing to the innermost surface of the inner hose. Thus, powder build-up and impact fusion are avoided in the inner hose. Accordingly, consistent powder flow rates and supply pressures are promoted.

Abstract: A point feeder for metering powder materials, for example aluminum oxide, to a Hall-Heroult electrolysis cell includes a vertical tube and a horizontal tube which are joined so that they form substantially an L-shaped channel with a material input at an upper end of the vertical tube and a material output at an end of the horizontal tube. The vertical tube is provided with a nozzle device which has one or more downward-facing holes which allow air to penetrate in the form of pulsed air flows to the lower part of the vertical tube and to the whole of the horizontal tube.

Abstract: A pneumatic metering device for metering powdered materials, for example in connection with feeding aluminum oxide and aluminum fluoride to an electrolysis cell for production of aluminum, includes a container in the form of a relatively long, closed channel or similar structure. A fluidizing element is fitted in the base of the channel for supply of air for fluidization of material which is located in the channel. The container is fitted with an inlet for feeding material to the container from a store in the form of a silo or similar and an outlet for metered discharge of material from the container. The area below the inlet is inactive and is not supplied with fluidizing air, whereas air is supplied intermittently to the fluidizing element which is designed to cover essentially all other parts of the base of the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus having a closed channel or container for transporting and/or distributing fluidizable material includes an air- or gas-permeable wall arranged in the channel and forming a partition between an upper pathway for the fluidizable material and a lower flue to which is fed fluidizing gas from a gas source via a tube. An inlet is provided for feeding fluidizable material to the channel. The apparatus also includes one or more outlets for continual or intermittent run off of material from the channel, and a tube for ventilating the channel. The channel is equipped at its inlet with pipe stub extending into the upper pathway. An area defined under the pipe stub is inactive or is equipped with a separately arranged fluidizing wall with a separate gas feed.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating solids transport in a pneumatic conveying l. The apparatus reduces the velocity of a gas within the pneumatic conveying line. The following describes a preferred embodiment. An inner cylinder is spliced into the line. An upper portion of the inner cylinder is made of a porous material. An outer cylinder having a diameter larger than the inner cylinder encircles the inner cylinder and defines a cavity therebetween. Two solenoid valves are associated with the outer cylinder; one for purging the gas and the other for introducing a reverse jet of gas to dislodge particles from the porous material. A pressure transducer measures fluctuations across the top of the inner cylinder and is connected to a control unit which, in turn, controls the valves.