AIR CANNON FOR REMOVAL OF FLOWABLE MATERIAL FROM A MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEM

摘要

An air cannon or aerator (10) has a first source of a pressurized gas, such as a tank (12), a discharge tube assembly (14), a valve assembly (16) configured to regulate the flow of pressurized gas from the tank (12) to the discharge tube assembly (14), and a receiving member or basket (14) having a first end configured to receive and seat the valve assembly (16) and a second end configured to releasably and securely mate with the discharge tube assembly (14). The discharge tube assembly (14), valve assembly (16), and basket (18) are all concentrically aligned along a central, longitudinal axis extending substantially coaxial with the longitudinal center line of the tank (12). The positioning of the discharge tube assembly (14) and valve assembly (16) close to a longitudinal center line of the tank (12), thereby providing for a central location for the energy discharge, and the provision of large ports (70) in the basket (18) facilitating substantially unobstructed fluid communication between the tank (12) and discharge tube assembly (14), together facilitate smooth discharge of the pressurized gas as well as increased efficiency and force output of the air cannon (10).