Abstract:
A method and apparatus for transferring solid materials between zones at substantially different pressures which includes, generally, an intermediate vessell or lock hopper which contains a liquid and can be filled with and emptied of solids, two valves, one at each end of the lock hopper, a solids feed device, and a pump to maintain liquid level in the system. In operation, the valve at the upper end of the lock hopper is opened while the valve at the lower end thereof is closed, thereby permitting solids to be transferred into the lock hopper which contains a liquid such as water. The solids displace some of the liquid, and the displaced liquid rises above the top valve and overflows into a collecting vessel. The top valve then is closed, and a pump adds or removes liquid until the pressure in the lock hopper is close to the reactor pressure. The lower or bottom valve is opened after the pressure differential is compensated for, allowing the solids to drop into a feeder which conveys the solids to the reactor. The liquid level in the feeder and the lock hopper is maintained by the pump to replace the volume of solids fed. This liquid level is maintained at a sufficient height to inhibit gas flow into the lock hopper, and is independent of operating pressures. After solids discharge, the bottom valve is closed and the top valve opened, and the cycle is repeated. For continuous solid feed, two or more valved lock lock hoppers can be used in tandem to feed solids to the feeder.
Abstract:
A material handler for a high pressure autoclave includes a combination of a body and a dished in cross section material carrier relatively arranged in a telescoping manner. The material carrier can be withdrawn from the body to a carrying position or telescoped into the body to eliminate the volume of the carrier. The body and carrier move in a passage to alternately position the carrier at a material transfer opening or in the autoclave. The carrier is telescoped into the body after material is removed therefrom, and while still in the autoclave, to eliminate its volume and avoid transferring atmosphere from one position to the other. The body and carrier combination has a sealed engagement in the passage.