Patent ID: 9156631
Filing Date: 2015-10-13
Classification: B65G,C10J,F23K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system, comprising: a multi-stage solids feeder, comprising: the multi-stage solids feeder is configured to create a first dynamic plug of the solids flow at the first inlet, or a second dynamic plug of the solids flow in the conduit downstream of the first outlet or at the second inlet, or a third dynamic plug of the solids flow at the second outlet, or at least two dynamic plugs of the solids flow; or the multi-stage solids feeder is configured to depressurize the solids flow from the first inlet to the second outlet; or the multi-stage solids feeder is configured to maintain a third pressure between the first outlet and the second inlet that is less than both a first pressure at or upstream of the first inlet and a second pressure at or downstream of the second outlet; or the multi-stage solids feeder is configured to receive a buffer gas; or a controller configured to independently control a first solid feed rate of the first solids feeder and a second solid feed rate of the second solids feeder, or configured to control the first and second solids feeders to maintain at least one dynamic plug of the solids flow; or a gasifier disposed upstream of the first inlet; or the first and second solids feeders are spaced relative to each other such that a ratio between a minimum linear dimension from the first solids feeder to the second solids feeder and a maximum feeder dimension of the first and second solids feeders is less than approximately 0.5; or the first and second solids feeders are configured to cooperatively create at least one intermediate dynamic plug; or the first and second solids feeders are configured to operate at a common operational speed; or any combination thereof.