A process for pressurizing bulk material in a hopper; wherein the hopper is configured as a lock hopper (29) containing a bulk material, a source of pressurized gas, lines (22, 26, 28) to convey the pressurized gas from the source to one or more inlets (30) of the lock hopper, a valve arranged in the lines, wherein the opening position of said valve (34, 35) is controlled to provide pressurizing gas to the lock hopper at a preset constant gas volume flow rate.

A process for pressurizing bulk material in a hopper; wherein the hopper is configured as a lock hopper (29) containing a bulk material, a source of pressurized gas, lines (22, 26, 28) to convey the pressurized gas from the source to one or more inlets (30) of the lock hopper, a valve arranged in the lines, wherein the opening position of said valve (34, 35) is controlled to provide pressurizing gas to the lock hopper at a preset constant gas volume flow rate.

Methods and systems for transferring feed materials between zones having substantially different pressures, where the transfer can be continuous or semi-continuous. The methods and systems include a plurality of lock hoppers to receive feed material from a low pressure zone and pressurize it with fluid to a pressure of a high pressure zone. The pressurized material can be discharged to a circulation loop, which carries the pressurized material to one or more receiving unit(s) of a pressurized system. At least some feed material remains in the receiving unit(s) and at least a portion of the fluid exits to become part of the circulation loop. After discharge, the lock hoppers can be depressurized so the next pressurization cycle can begin with additional feed material. The lock hoppers can be operated in a time-staggered manner to provide continuous or semi-continuous transfer of material.

Methods and systems for transferring feed materials between zones having substantially different pressures, where the transfer can be continuous or semi-continuous. The methods and systems include a plurality of lock hoppers to receive feed material from a low pressure zone and pressurize it with fluid to a pressure of a high pressure zone. The pressurized material can be discharged to a circulation loop, which carries the pressurized material to one or more receiving unit(s) of a pressurized system. At least some feed material remains in the receiving unit(s) and at least a portion of the fluid exits to become part of the circulation loop. After discharge, the lock hoppers can be depressurized so the next pressurization cycle can begin with additional feed material. The lock hoppers can be operated in a time-staggered manner to provide continuous or semi-continuous transfer of material.

An apparatus for filling a container with bulk material, in particular sand, comprises a storage container for the bulk material with a closable lid and an outlet, a metering device arranged beneath the storage container and a pneumatic feeding device arranged under the metering device for feeding the bulk material into the container to be filled with the aid of compressed air via a feed hose. The feeding device has an injector with a plurality of, preferably at least five, holes for the compressed air.

An apparatus for filling a container with bulk material, in particular sand, comprises a storage container for the bulk material with a closable lid and an outlet, a metering device arranged beneath the storage container and a pneumatic feeding device arranged under the metering device for feeding the bulk material into the container to be filled with the aid of compressed air via a feed hose. The feeding device has an injector with a plurality of, preferably at least five, holes for the compressed air.

Device for delivering solid particles on demand, intended for agricultural machine, wherein the delivery on demand of solid particles to a receiving device is regulated, particularly in the field of technology for transporting solid granulated materials by means of an air stream, without being exclusive, in agricultural machinery when an air stream is used to transport seeds or fertilizer granules from at least one central hopper to the dosing/metering equipment located on the sowing unit, and including a source of pressurized air, a distributor of solid particles “S”, a hopper whose bottom feeds solid particles “S” to the distributor and a plate permeable to the passage of air and on which said particles “S” settle.

Device for delivering solid particles on demand, intended for agricultural machine, wherein the delivery on demand of solid particles to a receiving device is regulated, particularly in the field of technology for transporting solid granulated materials by means of an air stream, without being exclusive, in agricultural machinery when an air stream is used to transport seeds or fertilizer granules from at least one central hopper to the dosing/metering equipment located on the sowing unit, and including a source of pressurized air, a distributor of solid particles “S”, a hopper whose bottom feeds solid particles “S” to the distributor and a plate permeable to the passage of air and on which said particles “S” settle.

A material handling system includes a chassis, a conveyor system supported by the chassis, a pneumatic conveying system supported by the chassis and a storage container supported by the chassis. The conveyor system is configured to convey a granular material from a material unloading station to an inlet of the storage container. Multiple pods are beneath the storage container. Each pod is connected to the storage container by a corresponding pod fill line. A pneumatic conveying line is beneath the pods. The pneumatic conveying line is connected to each of the pods. Each pod has a full level sensor configured to sense when the pod is full or close to full, and an empty level sensor configured to sense when the pod is empty or close to empty.

A material handling system includes a chassis, a conveyor system supported by the chassis, a pneumatic conveying system supported by the chassis and a storage container supported by the chassis. The conveyor system is configured to convey a granular material from a material unloading station to an inlet of the storage container. Multiple pods are beneath the storage container. Each pod is connected to the storage container by a corresponding pod fill line. A pneumatic conveying line is beneath the pods. The pneumatic conveying line is connected to each of the pods. Each pod has a full level sensor configured to sense when the pod is full or close to full, and an empty level sensor configured to sense when the pod is empty or close to empty.