Patent ID: 8277523

Claim:
A solids transport system configured to convey solids at a predetermined temperature, said solids transport system comprising: at least one conveying fluid conduit coupled in flow communication with a conveying fluid source; a plurality of steam heating devices coupled together in flow communication with said at least one conveying fluid conduit; at least one solids transport conduit coupled in flow communication with said at least one conveying fluid conduit; at least one separation device coupled in flow communication with said at least one solids transport conduit and said at least one conveying fluid conduit, said at least one separation device configured to separate a conveying fluid from solids; at least one vapor condensing apparatus coupled in flow communication with said at least one separation device and said plurality of steam heating devices, said at least one vapor condensing apparatus configured to remove liquid from the conveying fluid prior to recycling the conveying fluid to said plurality of steam heating devices; and a vapor condensing apparatus bypass conduit coupled in parallel to said at least one separation device and said plurality of steam heating devices, said vapor condensing apparatus bypass conduit configured to facilitate temperature control of the conveying fluid.