A system and method for feeding a high volume of low-bulk-density and pressure-sensitive feedstocks into a pressurized environment. The system includes a lock hopper filling system, one or more lock hoppers, a feed bin, and a feeder. The methods involve using such a system to feed bulk materials into a pressurized environment by feeding bulk material from a low pressure into the surge bin, filling the one or more lock hoppers from the surge bin, operating the lock hoppers, and discharging lock hoppers into feed bin, and discharging feed bin into the high-pressure zone using feeder.

A fluidization system for fluidizing granular material within a hopper has a frame configured to be disposed against and supported by an interior of a hopper in a substantially horizontal orientation. The frame forms a gas conduit and a plurality of fluidization pipes are in fluid communication with the frame. The fluidization pipes extend from the frame at an angle relative to the frame and each fluidization pipe has at least one opening, so there is a fluid pathway being formed from the conduit to the opening.

A fluidization system for fluidizing granular material within a hopper has a frame configured to be disposed against and supported by an interior of a hopper in a substantially horizontal orientation. The frame forms a gas conduit and a plurality of fluidization pipes are in fluid communication with the frame. The fluidization pipes extend from the frame at an angle relative to the frame and each fluidization pipe has at least one opening, so there is a fluid pathway being formed from the conduit to the opening.

A method for flowing sand out of a trailer, includes charging a brake air tank of the trailer. The method further includes charging an air compression tank with air from the brake air tank. Additionally, the method includes opening a gate of a hopper attached to the trailer, so sand flows out an opening formed by the gate. Moreover, the method includes activating a first air nozzle on the hopper to emit a burst of air from the air compression tank after a first set time period to assist moving the sand. Also, the method includes activating a second air nozzle on the hopper to emit a burst of air from the air compression tank after a second set time period to assist moving the sand. Further, the method includes repeatedly reactivating the first air nozzle and the second air nozzle until the air compression tank is empty.

A method for flowing sand out of a trailer, includes charging a brake air tank of the trailer. The method further includes charging an air compression tank with air from the brake air tank. Additionally, the method includes opening a gate of a hopper attached to the trailer, so sand flows out an opening formed by the gate. Moreover, the method includes activating a first air nozzle on the hopper to emit a burst of air from the air compression tank after a first set time period to assist moving the sand. Also, the method includes activating a second air nozzle on the hopper to emit a burst of air from the air compression tank after a second set time period to assist moving the sand. Further, the method includes repeatedly reactivating the first air nozzle and the second air nozzle until the air compression tank is empty.