| 摘要 |
An apparatus and method for supplying particulate material from a hopper is disclosed. A conduit is operably connected to the hopper and extends downwardly therefrom, the conduit permitting a flow of particulate material therewithin in a supplying operation. A nozzle assembly is connected to the conduit and extending downwardly therefrom. The nozzle assembly defines an inlet thereof for receiving particulate material from the conduit and defines an outlet thereof for dispensing particulate material from the nozzle assembly. A conveyor within the conduit assists in providing the flow of particulate material through the conduit. Within the nozzle assembly is a porous nozzle with dimensions selected so as to provide a ratio of the inlet cross-sectional area to the outlet cross-sectional area and selection and application of an air boundary layer to the inner surface of the porous nozzle to maximize the porous nozzle's compression ratio such that the flow of particulate material does not seize as it progresses through the nozzle. The nozzle assembly is part of a mechanical valve, the nozzle assembly being slidably supported with respect to the conduit. The slidable nozzle assembly moves up and down with respect to a flow control device to respectively open and close the valve. In the closed position the flow control device blocks the flow of particulate material from the nozzle assembly and in the open position the flow control device allows particulate material to flow from the nozzle assembly.
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