SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING FEED MATERIAL TO A PRESSURIZED SYSTEM

摘要

Methods and systems for transferring feed materials between zones having substantially different pressures, where the transfer can be continuous or semi-continuous. The methods and systems include a plurality of lock hoppers to receive feed material from a low pressure zone and pressurize it with fluid to a pressure of a high pressure zone. The pressurized material can be discharged to a circulation loop, which carries the pressurized material to one or more receiving unit(s) of a pressurized system. At least some feed material remains in the receiving unit(s) and at least a portion of the fluid exits to become part of the circulation loop. After discharge, the lock hoppers can be depressurized so the next pressurization cycle can begin with additional feed material. The lock hoppers can be operated in a time-staggered manner to provide continuous or semi-continuous transfer of material.

主权项

1. A method for transferring material from a low pressure zone to a high pressure zone comprising:
(a) providing feed material to a first lock hopper; (b) closing a valve coupled to an inlet of said first lock hopper; (c) after step (b), providing fluid to said first lock hopper to pressurize the first lock hopper; (d) after the first lock hopper is pressurized, opening a valve coupled to an outlet of said first lock hopper, said outlet is in fluid communication with a circulation loop; (e) releasing pressurized content of the first lock hopper to the circulation loop, said circulation loop is in fluid communication with an inlet of a first receiving unit; (f) providing feed material to a second lock hopper; (g) closing a valve coupled to an inlet of said second lock hopper; (h) after step (g), providing fluid to said second lock hopper to pressurize the second lock hopper; (i) opening a valve coupled to an outlet of said second lock hopper, said outlet is in fluid communication with the circulation loop; (j) releasing pressurized content of the second lock hopper to the circulation loop; (k) providing at least a portion of pressurized content in the circulation loop to the first receiving unit.