Flow control device for solid particulate material

US4709663A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Riley Stoker Corporation · US

Inventors

• John Larson · Sturbridge, US
• Ronald W. Breault · Newington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 9, 1986
• Grant date: Dec 1, 1987
• Expiry date: Dec 9, 2006

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F23C2206/103
• WIPO field: Thermal processes and apparatus
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A flow control device for solid particulate material such as recycled granular solids utilized in a fluidized bed combustion vessel includes a generally horizontal material feeder conduit having an outlet end in communication with the fluidized bed of the combustion vessel and a receiving end remote therefrom. An upstanding material collector conduit having a lower end in communication with a receiving end of the feeder conduit is provided and an upper end of the collector conduit is adapted to receive a flow of particulate solid material to be fed at a controlled flow rate into the combustion vessel. The upstanding collector conduit forms a standpipe for retaining a quantity of material to establish a pressure sealing head or column of material extending upwardly of the receiving end of the feeder conduit. A gas assisted flow initiator and controller extends into the feeder conduit for directing a flow of pressurized gas into the solid particulate material to fluidize the same for travel into the combustion vessel at a selected flow rate.