Abstract: A pneumatic valve for an agricultural product distribution system includes a fan inlet, a tank outlet, a shuttle, a control pressure inlet, and a diaphragm. The fan inlet is coupled to an air source that supplies an air stream into a primary line, which facilitates distributing a granular product to an agricultural implement by guiding the air stream from a first section to a second section of the primary line, the first section having a larger cross-sectional area than the second section. A tank outlet is fluidly coupled to a storage tank. The control pressure inlet is fluidly coupled to the second section of the primary line or to a meter housing.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a delivery system with a run. The run includes an upstream flow structure having an inlet that is configured to receive metered commodity and a suction generator structure with a flow passage that is in fluid communication with the inlet. The flow passage includes a venturi profile with a restricting section and an expanding section. Furthermore, the run includes a downstream flow structure configured to receive the metered commodity via the flow passage and an airstream that conveys the metered commodity in a downstream direction through the downstream flow structure. A compressed air source is configured to provide pressurized air through the flow passage to create suction to suck the metered commodity away from the metering system and toward the downstream flow structure.

Abstract: A new and efficient nanoparticles synthesis apparatus and process production. More particularly, an apparatus and process applied to the synthesis of nanostructured tin dioxide. The benefits provided by the apparatus and process are applied in various gaseous reactions where occurs the formation of solid and gaseous products.

Abstract: A system is provided for passing matter in a flow passage of an oil and/or gas drilling or production installation, in particular for passing trash or drill cuttings in a drilling fluid return line. The system includes at least two valves arranged in series in the passage; and a control device configured to selectively or sequentially actuate the at least two valves, such that the material is allowed to pass the at least two valves in the passage. A method is also provided for passing trash or drill cuttings in a drilling fluid return line.

Abstract: The present application provides a back mixing device for use with a pneumatically conveyed flow of solids having a varying flow rate. The back mixing device may include a nozzle, a chamber in communication with the nozzle, and an exit. The chamber may include an expanded area leading to a restriction such that the chamber creates a recirculation pattern in the flow of solids so as to smooth the varying flow rate though the back mixing device.

Abstract: A method of producing treated liquid hydrocarbons. The method begins by pressurizing a latex in a pressure vessel. This is followed by flowing the latex from the pressure vessel into a pipeline containing liquid hydrocarbons to produce treated liquid hydrocarbons. In this embodiment the latex comprises a drag reducing polymer.

Abstract: A method begins by obtaining a slipstream of a liquid. The slipstream of liquid is then mixed upstream of an injection pump with a latex comprising a drag reducing polymer to produce a drag reducing mixture. The drag reducing mixture is then injected into a liquid hydrocarbon to produce a treated liquid hydrocarbon.

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 system includes a fluidization device including a flow passage configured to convey a flow of solid fuel particles in a downstream direction, and a body disposed within the flow passage. The body is configured to direct the flow of solid fuel particles between the body and an outer wall of the flow passage. The fluidization device also includes a carrier gas injection port positioned radially outward from the body. The carrier gas injection port is configured to provide a flow of carrier gas in the downstream direction to break up agglomerations within the flow of solid fuel particles.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus is provided. The conveying apparatus comprises a conveying pipeline and a supplementary gas pipeline extending into the conveying pipeline. The conveying pipeline defines an inlet and an outlet, and comprises an expanding portion defining the inlet, a shrinking portion defining the outlet, and an intermediate portion disposed between and in fluid communication with the expanding portion and the shrinking portion. A conveying apparatus and a conveying method are also presented.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of solid particulate matter from a low pressure system to a high pressure system is presented. The apparatus simplifies the particle transfer process, and is useful for systems where solid catalyst particles are cycled through a reactor and a regenerator.

Abstract: A pneumatic compressed-air tube transport system and a method for transporting small assembly parts to assembly and processing lines for assembly of products. The transport system includes at least one drop-off branch configured to drop off the small assembly parts into the compressed-air tube transport system. The at least one drop branch includes at least one air flow generator, a butterfly valve located downstream of the air flow generator, and a drop-off station for the small assembly parts located downstream of the butterfly valve. The small assembly parts move through a tube into at least one joining switch and a plurality of delivery stations are configured to receive the small assembly parts.

Abstract: A system and a method for feeding a solid into a solid deposition system is described. Solid contained in a hopper is directed into a vibratory bowl. The frequency of the vibrations of the vibratory bowl can be modulated by a feedback system. The solid can then be entrained in a carrier gas which can flow to a distributor for deposition on a substrate.

Abstract: A pneumatic material conveying system, particularly a waste conveying system, which conveying system comprises at least one feed point (61, 66) of material, particularly of waste material, a material conveying pipe (100, 101, 102) which is connectable to the feed point (61, 66), 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, 101, 102) at least during the conveyance of the material.

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: The invention relates to a method for vacuum conveying bulk material in a vacuum conveying system (1) which comprises: a plurality of tubes (2-6) for conveying bulk material, at least some of said tubes having flexible walls (71), a vacuum blower (10) disposed at a first end of said vacuum conveying system (1) for generating a conveying gas flow within said vacuum conveying system (1), a bulk material discharging section (22, 23) for discharging bulk material into said vacuum conveying system (1), and a bulk material receiving section (8, 9) communicating with said vacuum blower (10), for receiving bulk material conveyed by said gas flow from said bulk material discharging section (22, 23).

Abstract: A method for blending dry material in a plant comprises automatically controlling fluidization of the dry material, transfer of the material, or both. In various embodiments, the automatically controlling comprises optimizing an amount of time that the dry material is fluidized prior to transfer, optimizing the transfer rate of the dry material, detecting and eliminating a developing plug of the dry material, estimating the weight of the dry material in the transfer line, minimizing dribbling during transfer of the dry material, and combinations thereof.

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 microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A pellet loader according to the present invention is provided with an ejector portion 1. A gas supply pipe 2 is connected to an injection nozzle 11 of the ejector portion 1 for supplying compressed gas from a compressed gas source 8. An insert pipe 4 is connected to a suction inlet 12 of the ejector portion 1. Pellets are sucked from the suction inlet 40 of the insert pipe 4 into the ejector portion 1. A gas pipe 5 is arranged along the insert pipe 4 and one end of the gas pipe 5 has an opening 50 positioned at the vicinity of the suction inlet 40 of the insert pipe 4 and faced to the suction inlet 40 of the insert pipe 4 for injecting the compressed gas into the insert pipe 4. A transport pipe 3 is connected to an outlet portion 14 of the ejector portion 1.

Abstract: There is provided a workpiece conveyor including a workpiece conveying path which guides the conveyance of a workpiece; and a pair of air-blowing devices which are disposed on both sides of the workpiece conveying path and blow air uniformly to the workpiece on the workpiece conveying path from both sides to give propulsion to the workpiece for conveyance.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying articles from one or more input streams to at least two output streams using air to support, convey and divert the articles is disclosed. The apparatus uses a plurality of primary air passageways to support and convey the articles and a plurality of secondary air passageways to divert and convey the articles. Also disclosed is a method for conveying articles from on or more input streams into at least two output streams utilizing the diverting apparatus.

Abstract: A multi-stage pressure/vacuum apparatus is disclosed for a bi-directional pneumatic delivery system or the like. The apparatus includes separated turbines or separated sets of turbines that are operated independently of each other to alternatively create pressure and vacuum conditions for an external system such as a pneumatic delivery network relying upon the inventive apparatus for pressure and/or vacuum generation. A common housing contains both turbine sets and defines a system of internal chambers and valve mechanisms between them. The valve mechanisms respond to internal pressures created within the housing by the turbines, and preferably also to gravity in order to control air flow patterns through the housing and between the housing and an external system. According to the present invention, the turbines of the two turbine sets can be operated concurrently at maximum capacity or separately if air power requirements are lesser.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying articles from one or more input streams to at least two output streams using air to support, convey and divert the articles is disclosed. The apparatus uses a plurality of primary air passageways to support and convey the articles and a plurality of secondary air passageways to divert and convey the articles. Also disclosed is a method for conveying articles from on or more input streams into at least two output streams utilizing the diverting apparatus.

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: Process and device for the transport of granular solids with a controlled flow rate, in particular for the transport of catalyst in a hydrocarbon reforming unit. The device comprises a gravity-feed pipe (A) for solid particles in the dense phase, a pneumatic transport pipe (C) in the dilute phase, and an inclined transfer pipe (B) that connects, without a buffer space, the base of the feed pipe to the pneumatic transport pipe, whereby this transfer pipe comprises means (17, 18, 35) for injection of a secondary gas located at the junction between the feed pipe and the transfer pipe.

Abstract: A sleeve (50) for forced immersion of an article including a tubular body (52) defining an article travel passage, and at least one fluid inlet (58) for establishing an article drive stream. The passage defined by the body is generally tubular. The sleeve has means (58, 60) for establishing a helical stream of liquid inside the passage flowing at the periphery of the passage. The apparatus is applicable to filling a container with fruit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an Installation for feeding a plurality of loads, e.g. cells of aluminum melting furnaces, with a bulk material such as pulverized aluminum oxide. The installation includes a silo for the bulk material. The silo includes a pressure vessel or pump delivering machinery which is connected with a conveying line. A plurality of receiving vessels are connected with the conveying line via valves in the vicinity of the furnace loads. The receiving vessels are connected to the plurality of loads of the furnaces by at least one pneumatic conveying chute or pneumatic pipe channel. Each conveying chute or pipe channel includes at least one discharge per load.

Abstract: Drill cuttings slurries and the like are transported by high pressure pumping the slurry through an extended pipeline, if necessary after treatment of the slurry to render it suitable for high pressure pumping. Apparatus for pumping the slurry includes a tank for receiving the slurry to be pumped, means for agitating the slurry in the tank to mix it, and a high pressure pump for receiving slurry from the tank for pumping away from the tank.

Abstract: A process of continuously conveying granular solids from a first zone with a pressure of 4 to 16 bar through a descending line and via an ascending line to a second zone with a pressure which is lower than in the first zone by 3 to 15 bar, by means of a gaseous medium. To ensure that the pressure between two regions can be reduced at low cost and with little maintenance effort when continuously conveying granular solids, a gaseous medium is injected into a tube through an upwardly directed nozzle at the point where the granular solids are conveyed through a descending line into an ascending line.

Abstract: A method for mixing a pulverulent material in a main gas flow with a view to achieving uniform distribution of the pulverulent material. The turbulence in the main gas flow is increased in a vortex-generating zone. The pulverulent material is introduced into the main gas flow, in a mixing zone, with a carrier gas flow whose net motion during introduction is essentially opposite to the main gas flow. The mixing zone is positioned downstream of the vortex-generating zone and in the vicinity thereof. The carrier gas flow with the pulverulent material is in a rotational zone given a helical motion, whose axis of symmetry is essentially parallel with the direction of flow of the main gas flow, and is introduced into the mixing zone in the form of a divergent hollow cone. A device for carrying out the method comprises a gas duct (1) for the main gas flow with vortex-generating means (4) and an introducing means (11) for introduction of pulverulent material in dispersed state into a carrier gas flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for sending bottle caps to a remote elevated location has a first hopper for temporarily storing bottle caps. The first hopper receives a supply of bottle caps. A feeder has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the feeder is coupled with the first hopper to receive bottle caps. A second hopper for receiving bottle caps from the feeder is situated beneath the lower end of the feeder. A tube is coupled to the second hopper to receive the bottle caps. A vacuum pump has an input coupled to the tube and an output for delivering the bottle caps at the remote elevated location.

Abstract: Rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry are advanced lengthwise in a conduit by a first air flow. Blasts of compressed air are admitted into the conduit behind successive articles to promote their advancement in a larger-diameter arcuate section of the conduit, particularly from a lower level to a higher level. The admission of successive blasts of compressed air is carried out by an open-and-shut valve which receives signals from an article detector located downstream of the valve.

Abstract: Powder-coating equipment comprises two throttles (6, 16) each mounted in one of a conveyance-air line (8) and a supplemental-air line (18). The throttles' flow impedance’ are adjustable in a motorized manner by providing throttle with its own adjustment motor (4, 14). The adjustment motors, such as electric stepping motors and/or servo-motors are driven by an electronic control unit (2).

Abstract: Container (10) has a plastic bag (26) filled with a particulate material and sealed within the plastic bag (26). A rear bulkhead (42) at the rear end of the container is positioned adjacent the plastic bag (26) and a tubular discharge fitting (50) is mounted on bulkhead (42). A vacuum unloading device (58) has a pair of rigid conduits (60), (62) secured to each other in a perpendicular relationship. Unloading device (58) is arranged for connection to discharge fitting (50) by coupling (66) and adaptor (72). Upon slitting or puncturing of the plastic bag (26) and tilting of the front end of container (10) about the rear end thereof above the angle of repose of the particulate material being unloaded, the particulate material is discharged by gravity into the vacuum unloading device (58). The particulate material is drawn by a vacuum through conduit (60) into pneumatic conduit (62) for transport to a suitable storage facility.

Abstract: The present invention is an air conveyor system which has a blower in communication with a plenum. The blower provides air to the plenum to move the objects within the plenum. The present invention includes a plurality of dampers disposed at predetermined locations along the plenum with the dampers being normally open. A sensor device senses the location where the objects have accumulated within the plenum. Furthermore, the present invention includes a closing device for closing the damper which is at the location where the objects have accumulated within the plenum. The closing of the damper is based upon the sensed accumulated location. The system includes a variable speed blower for providing air to move objects within the plenum. The objects are either in an accumulated or unaccumulated state within the plenum.

Abstract: A object processing system is disclosed. The object processing system includes processing modules for performing process steps on objects, and hydrodynamic transport chutes coupled between the processing modules for transporting the object in a substantially touchless manner between the processing modules. Each substantially touchless hydrodynamic transport chute includes a transfer slot formed between two walls. Formed in the walls and directed into the transfer slot are support nozzles angled towards the output side of the transfer slot for creating fluid flow and fluid bearings in the transfer slot and urging objects through the transfer slot. In addition, induction nozzles are formed in the walls near the input side of the transfer slot for inducing objects into the input side of the transfer slot. A base supports the first and second walls and is grooved in substantial alignment with the transfer slot for receiving and bottom-centering objects in the transfer slot.

Abstract: A miniaturized, inexpensive instrument for measuring the mass flow rate of powder, which is capable of directly outputting the mass flow rate of powder and whose characteristics are not influenced by the kind and physical properties of the powder. The instrument can be easily manufactured, installed, operated, maintained, and color change can be easily done. A constant powder feeder, which is constructed based on this instrument and an electrostatic powder coating system utilizing this feeder has a high performance and a high operational efficiency. A measuring gas with a regulated flow rate is turned into a thin-layer of high-speed gas jets by a dispersion means, thereby powder is cross-dispersed and introduced into a measuring tube, the pressure difference generated therein is measured, and a feeding means is subject to feedback control so that the output of the pressure difference coincides with a set value.

Abstract: A feeder (1) has a hopper (2) for storing components (20) and a pick up location (3) for supplying the components to a pick-and-place machine (not shown). A channel (4) provides communication between the hopper (2) and pick up location (3). The channel (4) has an upwardly inclined portion (5) which is upwardly inclined towards the pick up location (3) and there are controlled air jet nozzles (14,6) for providing pulsed air jets to push the components (20) up the inclined portion (5) and towards the pick up location (3). The pick up location (3) has a movable stopper (30) that moves to a feed position when one of the components (20) is fed to the pick up location 3, and that moves to a pick position, prior to the pick and place machine picking up the component (20) at the pick location (3).

Abstract: A feeder system (1) for supplying electrical components (20) to a pick-and-place machine (14). The feeder system has a two storage hoppers (2a,2b) respective storage outlets (6a,6b), There is a pick up location (3) and a passage (4) provides communication between the storage outlets (6a,6b) and the pick up location (3). A first fluid jet outlet 31 associated with storage outlets (6a,6b) provides fluid blasts to agitate components (20) the hoppers (2a,2b). A second fluid jet outlet (32) associated provides fluid blasts to propel the components (20) towards the pick up location (3).

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying transport system for bulk materials has a conduit that carries material in a gas flow, and at spaced locations along the conduit air assists are provided to inject a supplemental amount of air into the conveying conduit when back pressure builds up in the conduit at the selected locations. The air assists include air outlet lines connected to provide air into the conveying conduit. A low volume flow source maintains a positive flow of air out of the air outlet lines during pneumatic conveying.

Abstract: Apparatus for spacing consecutive capsules of solid material traveling as a capsule train in a pipeline in which the capsules are carried by a fluid flowing through the pipeline includes a separation system interposed between upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline for receiving the train of capsules. The separation system passes consecutively separated capsules within the capsule train to the downstream portion. The separation system is constructed for increasing the spacing between consecutive capsules within the capsule train in the downstream portion of the pipeline after passing through the separation system. The volume of fluid flowing from an outlet location of the separation system is substantially the same as the volume of fluid flowing into an inlet location of the separation system.

Abstract: An air conveyor system has a blower in communication with a plenum. The blower provides air to the plenum to move the objects with respect to the plenum. The air conveyor system includes a plurality of dampers disposed at predetermined locations along the plenum with the dampers being normally open. A sensor device senses the location where the objects have accumulated with respect to the plenum. Furthermore, the air conveyor system includes a closing device for closing the damper which is at the location where the objects have accumulated with respect to the plenum. The closing of the damper is based upon the sensed accumulated location. The system includes a variable speed blower for providing air to move objects with respect to the plenum. The objects are either in an accumulated or unaccumulated state with respect to the plenum.

Abstract: A coating powder feed device supplies a plurality of flows of coating powder from a container to, for example, a plurality of powder coating devices or a plurality of containers. A plurality of individual powder feed devices are mounted in a housing which is sealed against entry of coating powder. Only the exterior housing surfaces, intake heads at lower ends of the individual powder feed devices which include powder suction inlets, and the internal fluidized powder flow channels are exposed to the coating powder, thus facilitating cleaning when changing powders. The individual powder feed devices are simultaneously lowered into a powder supply container during use.

Abstract: An air lift pump for wet particulates has a plurality of transport tubes and air injectors disposed in a central column for transporting particulate matter from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. The central column has a closed top and an open bottom. Each tube has a lower, intake end, a lower first air injector and an upper second air injector. Each air injector is comprised of a housing disposed around an air injection section of the transport tube in which is mounted a first or second air jet, respectively. Compressed air is supplied to the first air injector via an air supply line and to the second air injector via an air supply line and the central column.

Abstract: A powder feed device, especially for powder coating material, with an injector (2), in which a partial vacuum is created by a feed air stream according to the principle of a Venturi pipe and powder is drawn out of a powder container (10) and transported. An additional air stream can also be added to the feed air stream. In a computer (24), a plurality of predetermined powder feed rates (m) is stored in memory, on a calibration diagram (50), along a first diagram axis, and a plurality of feed air rates (FV) is stored in memory along a second diagram axis, for predetermined total air rates (GV) (feed air and added additional air, if needed).

Abstract: A pneumatic blow-off system includes a three-way valve having an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. A primary air conduit is connected between the first outlet and a fluidizing bin and a mixing air conduit is connected between the primary air conduit and a mixing bin which is in fluid communication with the fluidizing bin. A discharge conduit connects the mixing bin and a venturi assembly. A secondary air conduit is connected between the second outlet of the three-way valve and the venturi assembly.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for bulk material includes a loading tube having a longitudinal axis, an outer tube surface, an inner tube surface and a material discharge end; a deflection body having an outer body surface and being arranged generally coaxially with the loading tube at the material discharge end thereof. The deflection body is situated partially inside and partially outside of the loading tube. The outer body surface and the inner tube surface together define an annular channel surrounding the longitudinal axis. The outer body surface and the inner tube surface each has a terminal peripheral portion together defining a circumferential, deflecting and accelerating duct forming part of the annular channel and terminating in an annular outlet slot surrounding the longitudinal axis. The terminal peripheral portion of the outer body surface is oriented away from the longitudinal axis such as to effect a radially outward flow of the bulk material from the loading tube.

Abstract: A pneumatic material transporter includes a material hopper (2), a screw conveyor (3) to transport the material (supplied from the hopper) from the rear portion to a front portion of the screw conveyor, a pressure chamber portion (5) to receive the materials from the screw conveyor and to press the materials down while adding a limited amount of water, a horizontal mixer (6) adapted to mix the material supplied from the pressure chamber portion with pressurized air, and then push the mixture to a material transporting conduit portion (8) connected to the mixer through a check valve portion, so that the material transporting conduit portion transports the materials to a yard.

Abstract: An air lift pump for wet particulates has a plurality of transport tubes and air injectors disposed in a central column for transporting particulate matter from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. The central column has a closed top and an open bottom. Each tube has a lower, intake end and first and second air injectors comprised of a housing disposed around an air injection section of the transport tube in which is mounted a first or second air jet, respectively. Each air jet may be composed of either a plurality of circular ring members or a coiled member. The ring members and the coiled member have a substantially triangular-shaped cross section wherein the base of the triangle defines the exterior surface of the air jet. The ring members and coiled member form a plurality of circular slots or a coiled slot, respectively, having substantially trapezoid-shaped cross sections.