Apparatus and method for conveyance of flowable solid materials

摘要

A transfer system for flowable solids or particulates is described. The transfer system includes an air seal assembly having an upstream side and a downstream side. The air seal assembly is constructed such that an air pressure differential can be maintained between the opposite sides thereof, but particulate material can be transferred through the air seal assembly. The transferring system includes an arrangement for transporting flowable solid material to the upstream side of the air seal assembly, the transfer taking place within a moving airstream at a pressure of less than ambient. Also, the system includes an arrangement for transporting the flowable solid material from the downstream side of the air seal assembly, preferably under gravity influence and ambient pressure. The transfer system includes an articulated arm arrangement on which the air seal assembly is mounted, for convenience.