Abstract:
A method for conveying a non-free flowing paste where the non-free flowing paste is loaded into a vessel or container having a conical lower portion designed to provide mass flow of the paste. A gas is applied to the vessel to cause the paste to flow out. The paste may be transported to another vessel having a mass flow conical lower portion where it may be stored. The paste may then be discharged using a gas to transport the paste to a third vessel having a mass flow conical lower portion where the loaded vessel itself may be transported, such as by boat, to another destination, such as the shore. The third vessel may be disposed vertically or horizontally on the boat. Thereafter, the paste may be transported to a fourth vessel for further transport or the third vessel may be moved from the boat to a truck for further transport. A frame, the size of a shipping container may enclose a vessel or the frame enclosed vessel may be coupled to other frame enclosed vessels.
Abstract:
A method of unblocking conveying pipes (3) for particulate material comprises feeding air to the pipe at spaced apart positions therealong in order to reduce the length of the blocking material. The air is injected into the pipe at positions which are preferably spaced apart by a distance less than the critical particulate material plug length to conveying pipe diameter ratio that will result in a pipe blockage that cannot be moved by application of pressure applied to one end of the particulate material plug. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.
Abstract:
An elongate container (7) for the transport of bulk powders is provided along its base with a longitudinally sloping membrane support. A gas permeable membrane (11) is mounted on the support and the support is itself unsupported relative to the container between its longitudinal and transverse ends. A method of conveying bulk powder using such a container is also described.
Abstract:
A device for controlling the velocity of a particulate material conveyed by a gas flow in a duct comprises means for separating the flow into first and second streams. The first stream has a relatively high particulate material content and the second stream has a relatively low particulate material content. The flow of the second stream is restricted for example by means of a flow-constricting orifice. The effect of the device is to increase the pressure of a vessel into which particulate material is discharged from the duct, thereby reducing the velocity of the material flow.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for continuously dispensing particulate material utilizes a transfer vessel which may be placed at a location spaced below and apart from a dispensing vessel. Particulate material may be transferred from the transfer vessel to the dispensing vessel by aerating the particulate material and pneumatically transferring the material to the dispensing vessel through a suitable pipeline. Valving on the dispensing vessel and the transfer vessel prevents loss of pressure from the system during operation. The air supply for transfer and dispensing may be provided by one source. The dispensing unit may continuously dispense material through repeated cycles of transfer of material from the transfer vessel.
Abstract:
A valve assembly for closing and sealing an inlet which is full of large granular dry material including a dome-like valve member mounted for rotation to open or close the inlet and a deformable resilient sealing ring which may be inflated by gas pressure to engage the valve member in its closed position to produce a gas-tight seal across the valve member, the sealing ring being arranged within the valve assembly to minimize abrasive wear on the ring from the granular material.
Abstract:
Material handling apparatus for moving particulate material from at least two delivery points into a single pipeline and along the pipeline to a destination, the apparatus including at least two material inlets to the pipeline, each inlet provided with a closure member capable of sealing that inlet, and means for supplying compressed air for moving material along the pipeline.
Abstract:
A container for accepting bulk material from a delivery vehicle and mounted for pivotal movement to a position where the load of bulk material may be transferred, in whole or in part, through a closable opening in said container to another suitable receptacle, so avoiding the necessity of deeply excavated pits or tanker-type vehicles.
Abstract:
An apparatus and a method for controlling the velocity of a particulate material conveyed by a gas flow under negative pressure in a duct said device comprising means for separating the flow into first and second streams. The first stream has a relatively high particulate material content and the second stream has a relatively low particulate material content. The flow of the second stream is restricted for example by a flow restricting or constricting orifice or valve. The duct diameter may increase incrementally along its length.
Abstract:
An apparatus and a method for controlling the velocity of a particulate material conveyed by a gas flow under negative pressure in a duct said device comprising means for separating the flow into first and second streams. The first stream has a relatively high particulate material content and the second stream has a relatively low particulate material content. The flow of the second stream is restricted for example by a flow restricting or constricting orifice or valve. The duct diameter may increase incrementally along its length.