Patent ID: 7841808
Filing Date: 2010-11-30
Classification: C10G

Abstract:
1. A method for transferring particles from an upper zone, through a middle zone, to a lower zone comprising: (a) transferring particles downward from the upper zone to the middle zone through an upper valveless conduit; (b) increasing the middle zone pressure; (c) opening a valve in a lower valved conduit; (d) transferring particles downward from the middle zone to the lower zone through the lower valved conduit, and transferring gas from the middle zone upward through the upper valveless conduit into the upper zone; (e) closing the valve in the lower valved conduit; (f) decreasing the middle zone pressure; and (g) controlling the transfer of particles by use of at least one of a controller, a particle level sensor, a pressure gauge, a pressure indicator, a differential pressure sensor, and a timer wherein the upper zone is at a first pressure, the lower zone is at a second pressure, and the second pressure is greater than the first pressure.