A tubular or cylindrical unit that creates a vortex effect with externally supplied pressurized fluid injected angularly within a transport structure is provided. Such a unit is utilized to either accelerate the vacuum and/or air conveyance of liquids, solid aggregates, and gases, reduce the energy required for such materials transport processes, or both. Such a result is achieved through the introduction of pressurized fluid via a plurality of injectors situated evenly around the circumference of the subject tube, pipe, and/or cylinder, and angled uniformly for an even pressure injection of fluid within the conveyance component thereof. In effect, through such injection of pressurized fluid, the overall transport system may be operated at significantly reduced cost while increasing the efficiency of overall vacuum and air conveyance systems simultaneously. The method of utilization of such a device is also encompassed within this invention.

Methods for storing and moving adhesive particulate to an adhesive melter are disclosed. An interior space of a supply hopper is filled with adhesive particulate. A transfer pump is actuated to generate a vacuum at an inlet of the transfer pump to actuate removal of the adhesive particulate from the supply hopper. A consistent minimized depth of the adhesive particulate located directly above the inlet is maintained with a shroud located within the interior space of the supply hopper. In addition, adhesive particulate can be received in an interior space of a container. An open space is maintained within the interior space of the container proximate the pump inlet, where the open space entrains gas to be drawn by the transfer pump. The transfer pump can be actuated to generate a vacuum at the pump inlet to cause removal of the adhesive particulate from the container.

Methods for storing and moving adhesive particulate to an adhesive melter are disclosed. An interior space of a supply hopper is filled with adhesive particulate. A transfer pump is actuated to generate a vacuum at an inlet of the transfer pump to actuate removal of the adhesive particulate from the supply hopper. A consistent minimized depth of the adhesive particulate located directly above the inlet is maintained with a shroud located within the interior space of the supply hopper. In addition, adhesive particulate can be received in an interior space of a container. An open space is maintained within the interior space of the container proximate the pump inlet, where the open space entrains gas to be drawn by the transfer pump. The transfer pump can be actuated to generate a vacuum at the pump inlet to cause removal of the adhesive particulate from the container.

An adhesive bin (10) for storing and moving adhesive particulate (14) to an adhesive melter (12) includes a supply hopper (16), a transfer pump (62) operable to generate a vacuum, and a shroud (94). The supply hopper (16) has a sidewall (20, 22, 24, 26) and defines an interior space (36). The transfer pump (62) extends through the sidewall (22) and into the interior space (36). In addition, the shroud (94) is connected to the sidewall (22) and extends into the interior space (36) and at least partially surrounds an inlet (82) of the transfer pump (62).

An adhesive bin (10) for storing and moving adhesive particulate (14) to an adhesive melter (12) includes a supply hopper (16), a transfer pump (62) operable to generate a vacuum, and a shroud (94). The supply hopper (16) has a sidewall (20, 22, 24, 26) and defines an interior space (36). The transfer pump (62) extends through the sidewall (22) and into the interior space (36). In addition, the shroud (94) is connected to the sidewall (22) and extends into the interior space (36) and at least partially surrounds an inlet (82) of the transfer pump (62).

A mechanically-controlled vacuum throttle for a continuous dense phase pneumatic conveying system and related method is provided. The system includes a pneumatic conveyance line, a particulate material insertion assembly, a positive displacement blower, a transport fluid intake assembly, and a vacuum throttling assembly. The vacuum throttling assembly is configured to control the flow of air mass density into the blower and through the conveyance line. A portion of the vacuum throttling assembly is tied in to the conveyance line pressure downstream of the blower and adjusts the air mass density flow depending on the downstream pressure. Preferably, the vacuum throttling assembly includes an obstruction element and an opening collar, where the obstruction element is moveable relative to the opening collar and the air mass density flow is adjusted depending on the amount of movement of the obstruction element relative to the opening collar.

A mechanically-controlled vacuum throttle for a continuous dense phase pneumatic conveying system and related method is provided. The system includes a pneumatic conveyance line, a particulate material insertion assembly, a positive displacement blower, a transport fluid intake assembly, and a vacuum throttling assembly. The vacuum throttling assembly is configured to control the flow of air mass density into the blower and through the conveyance line. A portion of the vacuum throttling assembly is tied in to the conveyance line pressure downstream of the blower and adjusts the air mass density flow depending on the downstream pressure. Preferably, the vacuum throttling assembly includes an obstruction element and an opening collar, where the obstruction element is moveable relative to the opening collar and the air mass density flow is adjusted depending on the amount of movement of the obstruction element relative to the opening collar.

A multi-port metering pump assembly includes a manifold coupled to a metering pump. The manifold defines a central passage in fluid communication with a plurality of intermediate passages defined in the manifold. The manifold includes a plurality of outer passages. Each intermediate passage provides fluid communication between the central passage and a corresponding outer passage. A plurality of valves is coupled to the manifold. Each valve of the plurality of valves is located between an intermediate passage and a corresponding outer passage, and is configured to enable or prevent passage of fluid between a corresponding intermediate passage of the plurality of intermediate passages and a corresponding outer passage. The multi-port metering pump assembly also includes an electronic controller coupled to the plurality of valves, the electronic controller having an associated electronic interface and being programmable to selectively and independently open and close the valves of the plurality of valves.

A suction gun includes a gun head is provided with a material suction port configured to suck a material located in an area for sucking, and an air blowing structure including an air blowing pipe and an air blowing hole provided on a pipe wall of the air blowing pipe. The air blowing hole is configured to blow an air flow so as to blow the material to the material suction port.

A suction gun includes a gun head is provided with a material suction port configured to suck a material located in an area for sucking, and an air blowing structure including an air blowing pipe and an air blowing hole provided on a pipe wall of the air blowing pipe. The air blowing hole is configured to blow an air flow so as to blow the material to the material suction port.