JPH09502152A

JPH09502152A - Device and method for transporting and metering particulate matter

Info

Publication number: JPH09502152A
Application number: JP7508225A
Authority: JP
Inventors: アンドリュージーハイ
Original assignee: スタメットインコーポレーテッド
Priority date: 1993-08-31
Filing date: 1994-08-31
Publication date: 1997-03-04
Anticipated expiration: 2020-06-15
Also published as: DE69426653D1; AU7677494A; ATE199008T1; EP0725752B1; CN1129929A; FI960794A; JP3659645B2; CN1064922C; AU687881B2; CA2170272C; EP0725752A1; FI960794A0; FI109464B; CA2170272A1; PL174204B1; BR9407456A; SG43999A1; HU218761B; WO1995006610A1; PL313263A1

Abstract

An improved apparatus (30) for transporting the metering particulate material (40) including a transport duct (36) having an inlet (32), an outlet (34), and at least one moving surface (31) located therebetween having a downstream facing drive surface. The apparatus further includes drive device for moving the moving surface (31) between the inlet (32) and the outlet (34) towards the outlet, and means for compacting the particulate material sufficiently to cause the formation of a bridge composed of substantially interlocking particulate material (40) spanning the width of the transport duct (36). The apparatus is used to transport and meter particulate material under ambient conditions and against pressure.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】粒状物質の輸送及び計量に使用する装置及び方法発明の背景１．発明の分野本発明は、広くは粒状物質の輸送及び計量に使用する装置及び方法に関し、特定の実施形態においては、大気条件及び圧力に逆らう条件の両条件下における非常に広範囲の大きさの固体物質の輸送及び計量の両者に使用できる改良済み粒状物質取扱装置に関する。２．関連技術の説明粒状物質（例えば、限定されるわけではないが、石炭、その他の鉱物、乾燥食品生産物、その他固体、粒子状態で取り扱われる乾物品）を輸送し、もしくは計量するために多種多様の装置が使用されてきた。こうした輸送装置としては、コンベヤベルト、回転弁、ロックホッパ、スクリュー型供給装置などがある。典型的な測定または計量装置は、秤量ベルト、容量式ホッパなどがある。粒状物質の輸送及び計量の両者を実施するためには、一般に、両種類の装置を使用して一つのシステムとするか、もしくは結合させて一つのシステムとすることが必要であった。しかし、本出願人の従来のポンプ装置の中には、粒状物質を輸送及び計量する性能を備えたものもあった。そうした従来のデザインの例としては、次下の米国特許において論じられた回転円盤型のポンプがある。次下の米国特許はそれぞれ、本発明譲受人に譲渡され実施許諾されたものであり、ここに引用することによりそれぞれ本願に組込まれる。即ち、米国特許第４，５１６，６７４号（１９８５年５月１４日発布）、米国特許第４，９８８，２３９号（１９９１年１月２９日発布）、及び米国特許第５，０５１，０４１号（１９９１年９月２４日発布）である。こうした従来のポンプデザインの中には、比較的低い圧力頭に逆らって粒状物質をポンプ輸送する多少の機能を示したデザインもあるが、そのようなポンプでも、かなり高圧のガスもしくは流体の圧力頭に逆らってポンプ輸送することは不可能であった。本発明者により明白になったことであるが、ポンプシステム中を移動する粒状固形物は、システム内の場所により方向によって様々な力（例えば、駆動力、摩擦力あるいは重力の好ましくない分力）を受ける可能性がある。こうした力は、粒状固形物の正常な流れを、入口もしくはその付近の一定の区域もしくは領域で、阻害したり、あるいは阻止したりすることさえある。これがために、粒子がついには入口にブリッジを形成し、入口を通って粒子が流れるのを阻止する原因となる。このことを説明するために、図１は回転円盤型の固形物ポンプ１０を示すが、この固形物ポンプは、ハウジング（図示してない）、入口１２、及び出口１４を備えている。輸送チャネル１６は、入口１２と出口１４の間に伸びている。輸送チャネル１６は、２つ（一つは１７に示してあり、他の一つはその図には示してない）の回転円盤の実質上向かい合った面の間に形成されている。２つの回転円盤は、出口１４と、入口１２と出口１４の間に広がる少なくとも一つの弓形壁とに向かい、入口１２と出口１４の間でハウジングと相対的に動くことができる。ポンプ１０は、粒状固形物２０上に接線方向の力もしくは推力１８を円盤１７の回転２２方向に伝達する傾向がある。入口１２では、この接線方向の推力１８は粒状固形物２０を固定壁２４に押しつける傾向がある。その結果、固定壁２４の側の粒状固形物２０は、緩慢な動きをするかもしくは静止している固形物の塊で入口１２、もしくはその近辺に「完全停止領域」２８を形成する。こうした完全停止領域２８は、物質がポンプ内に流れる割合を減少させ、ひいてはポンプ輸送率を減少させ得るのである。完全停止領域での粒子の塊の蓄積と崩壊の両者、またはそのいずれか一方が生じれば、ポンプを通る物質の流量率に変動を来たし、それによりシステムの計量の正確さに悪影響を与えることにもなりかねない。ガスのもしくは流体の圧力に逆らって、または粒子により形成される圧力頭に逆らってポンプ輸送するシステムでは、ポンプは常時粒状物質を緻密充填して圧力障壁として作用するよう、ポンプの入口を妨げるもののない状態に維持することが大切であろう。その上、ある粒状物質では、粒子が完全停止領域２８に停滞すると更に問題を起こしかねない。例えば、ポンプ１０を介して食品の物質が運ばれている場合は、その食品の物質が長期間完全停止領域２８に留め置かれたりすれば、腐敗したりあるいは品質が劣化して、深刻な衛生問題を引き起こすことにもなる。もう一つ別の例を挙げると、比較的多量の水分を含んだあるタイプの物質は、長期間完全停止領域２８に留め置かれると、軟化したり粘性を増したりする傾向があり、もっと扱いにくくなりがちである。それゆえ、粒状固形物を駆動し、もしくはポンプ輸送するための装置であって、粒子の動きが緩慢になったり停止したりする完全停止領域２８の形成を最小限に抑えあるいは避けたりするよう設計された入口を有する装置を提供することが望ましいのである。一定の種類の粒状物質に対し駆動力を伝達する装置性能は、その装置のデザイン及び形状に関する多数の要素による。従来の装置ではデザイン及び形状が、比較的多量の駆動力及びその駆動力を粒状物質に効率よく伝達すること、あるいはそのどちらか一方を必要とするある種の応用には相応しくないものもある。例えば、応用次第では粒状物質の輸送を抵抗に逆らい、言うなれば重力に抗して鉛直に上向きに、圧力頭に逆らい、また比較的遠距離に亙り、あるいはそのいずれかの状態で斜面を上向きに、行うことが必要になるやもしれない。それゆえに、駆動力を粒状物質に伝達する性能を改善して、それにより、多種多様の粒状物質を輸送かつ計量する装置及び方法を提供することが望ましい。粒状物質を圧力に逆らって輸送及び計量することが望ましい例は様々である（例えば、その場合、輸送システムの出力側でのガス及び流体圧力、あるいはそのどちらか一方が、システムの入力側でのガス及び流体圧力、あるいはそのどちらか一方よりも大きい）。加圧環境（その場合、装置の出力側の環境のガス及び流体圧力、あるいはそのどちらか一方が、入力側のよりも大きい）に入り込むことによって大気圧条件下でも、また圧力頭に逆らう状況下でも、いずれの場合でもポンプ輸送及び計量することができる装置を提供することが望ましい。粒状物質を輸送もしくは計量するための効率的な装置の設計には、多くの要因を考慮しなければならない。例えば、輸送する必要のある粒状物質の量、大きさ、及び種類を考慮する必要がある。物質を輸送する必要のある距離及び輸送中の周辺圧力の変化も斟酌しなければならない。大気及び加圧の両条件下で多種多様な粒状物質を輸送及び計量することのできるポンプ装置を提供することが望ましい。粒状物質の大規模な輸送及び計量、あるいはそのどちらか一方には独特の問題がある。ある輸送装置もしくはシステムはある種類の粒状物質を輸送するのに適しているが、別の種類の物質を輸送するには不向きのこともある。例えば、ケンタッキー炭は、スクリュー型供給装置及びコンベヤベルトなどの従来の装置により輸送するときは、比較的完全な状態を保つ。しかし、米国西部炭は砕けやすい傾向があり、標準的な輸送操作中に相当程度小塊に砕かれる可能性がある。大気及び加圧の両条件下で、全ての種類の石炭（もしくは他のもろい物質）を最低量の粉化で輸送できる装置を提供することが望ましい。粒状固形物の含水量は、どのような輸送システムを設計する際も考慮しなければならないもう一つの要素である。完全に乾燥した粒子を輸送するのに適した輸送装置でも、粒状物質の含水量が増加した場合には適切に機能しないものが多い。粒子計量装置の場合にしても同様である。従来の計量装置は乾燥した粒子を計量するように設計されていて、湿った固形物を計量するにはあまり適していないことがある。大気及び加圧の両条件下で、含水量に関係なく、粒状物質を移動及び計量できる、あるいはそのどちらか一方ができる輸送装置を提供することが望ましい。前記の背景に鑑みて明らかなことは、単一装置として作動して、大気及び加圧の両条件下で粒状物質の輸送及び計量を同時に実施できる固形物取扱装置もしくはポンプ輸送装置に対する要求が現存する。この装置は、多種多様な種類の粒子を様々な広範囲の条件下で輸送及び計量できるべきである。更に言えば、構造的に強固であり、しかも機械的に単純で耐久性に優れていて、長期に亙り故障もなく連続して操作可能であるべきである。発明の概要本発明の実施形態によると、装置及び方法は、改善された駆動力を使い、ガス及び流体圧力頭に抗し、あるいはそのどちらか一方により、入口での流量率を向上させまた信頼性を増しながら、粒状物質を輸送しかつ計量することができる。本発明の実施形態による固形物ポンプは、広範囲の粒状物質で、大粒及び小粒の粒子並びに混合粒子を含み、含水量が様々である粒状物質を輸送するのに、特に適している。本発明の実施形態によると、粒状物質は、少なくとも一つの駆動壁に隣接して位置し、好ましくは２つの駆動壁（例えば、限定されるわけではないが、２つの平行で向かい合った円盤の対向壁）の間に位置して、輸送ダクトに入る。駆動壁の入口から出口へ向かう運動により、粒状物質の粒子は互いにかみ合い、最も外側の粒子は駆動壁とぶつかりあって、駆動力が駆動壁から粒子へと伝えられる。本発明の様々な実施形態によると、輸送ダクトまでの入口は改良されて、駆動壁が粒子を完全停止領域に押し込むような事態が発生するのを最小限に抑えるかもしくは避けるようにしてある。この完全停止領域では、粒子の動きが緩慢になるかあるいは停止してしまうのである。一実施形態によると、改良された入口には、２つの駆動壁のそれぞれに隣接する囲い板が備えられている。囲い板は各々、それぞれの駆動壁に隣接して配置されていて、防壁となって、駆動壁上の位置で駆動壁と粒状物質とが接触するのを防止するようなっている。さもないと、駆動壁は粒子を完全停止領域に押しやる傾向がある。更に進んだ実施形態では、改良された入口には完全停止領域の形成を最小限に抑えるかあるいは回避するための形状をしたアバットメント壁が備えられている。もう一つの別の実施形態では、改良された入口がアバットメント壁の向かいに固定壁を備え、これが完全停止領域の形成を最小限に抑えるかあるいは回避するような形状にされている。更に別の実施形態では、改良された入口が追加の積極的力を一定の地帯に存在する（装置の駆動ダクト方向に向けられた）粒子に伝達するための粒子推進装置（例えば、被駆動外輪構造、駆動ローラ、振動器、送風装置もしくは同種のもの）を装備されているが、さもなければこうした地帯では完全停止領域が形成されてしまうのである。更に進んだ実施形態は、改良された入口を備えるために上述の実施形態のいくつか、もしくはその全てを組合せて使用する。好ましい実施形態では、粒状物質は輸送ダクト内に十分に緻密充填あるいは加圧されて、輸送ダクトの幅に跨る実質上結合する粒子により構成され一時的な固形物あるいはブリッジの形成を惹起する。更に粒状物質が入口に入るに連れて、連続するブリッジが、輸送ダクト内に漸増的に生じる。ある種の粒状物質では、この漸増的なブリッジ形成は、チョーク（閉塞部）または動的な相対的円盤運動がなくても発生し得る。だが、更に進んだ実施形態はチョークあるいは動的な相対的円盤運動を含み得る。このようなチョークあるいは円盤運動の実例は、米国特許第５，０５１，０４１号、米国特許第４，９８８，２３９号、及び米国特許出願第０７／９２９，８８０号に記載されている（これらは、それぞれ本出願譲受人に譲渡されているかあるいは実施許諾されており、ここに引用することによってそれぞれ本願に組込まれる）。様々な実施形態では、結合された粒子の一時的な固形物は圧力頭に対して障壁を形成し、ポンプ中の出口側から入口側への圧力の逆流を阻止する。このように、本発明の実施形態は、ガスあるいは流体圧力頭に逆らってポンプ輸送するための性能が向上した、輸送ダクト型粒状固形物ポンプ輸送システムに関する。比較的高圧のガスまたは流体圧力運転（ポンプの出口側のガスあるいは流体圧力が、ポンプの入口側のよりも強い場合の運転）に焦点を絞った大規模な研究及び開発努力の結果、本発明者は、比較的高い圧力のポンプ輸送性能に貢献する要因が多数あることを認めた。これによりここに述べる発展成果に至ったのである。その成果により、こうした要素のどのひとつでもあるいは組合せでも粒状物質ポンプ輸送システムの性能を向上させるよう作用して、ガスあるいは流体圧力頭に逆らいポンプ輸送することができる。例えば、駆動力を粒子の動く塊に伝達する駆動面の性能、駆動面に隣接する輸送ダクトの部分を加圧されないようにする性能、ダクトの形状及び長さ、各々が、ガスあるいは流体圧力頭に逆らいポンプ輸送する装置の性能に貢献することが分かった。こうして、本発明の様々な実施形態が、駆動力を粒子に伝達するのを向上させる手段を提供する。更に進んだ実施形態は輸送ダクトを加圧するのを防ぐ手段を提供する。また更に進んだ実施形態は、圧力運転を向上させるための装置容積及び形状を提供する。駆動力の伝達を向上させるための一実施形態によると、動いている駆動面（もしくは複数の面）は、下流に対向する駆動面を有した少なくとも１つの不連続部を備える。不連続部は輸送促進帯を形成し、この輸送促進帯が駆動面の性能を向上させて、一時的に固形物となった結合された粒子と連動する。更に進んだ実施形態では、複数の不連続部、例えば複数の等間隔の不連続部が駆動面に備えられている。輸送中の固形物と駆動面との連結は、次には粒子で輸送中の固形物をしてブリッジ形成する能力を向上する。ブリッジ形成が向上するとブリッジに形成された粒子により形成される圧力障壁が向上する結果になる。本発明の更に進んだ実施形態によると、出口ダクトの形及び寸法は、ポンプ輸送操作の間、その中の粒子の動く塊を維持し、この粒子の動く塊が装置の出口側でガスあるいは流体圧力に逆らう動的なプラグ（栓）として機能するよう設計されている。更に進んだ実施形態では吐出し手段を使用していて、それにより圧力を出口ダクトあるいは駆動チャネルから抜くことができる。本発明の実施形態に従った装置及び方法により提供される均一で一定の流量率は、様々な条件下における粒状物質の運送及び計量の双方に特に効果的に適合している。送出されている粒状物質の量は円盤の回転速度を測り、これをダクトの断面積と関連させることで都合よくまた正確に決めることができる。計量操作中は従来の監視装置を備えて、計量工程中は通路が固形物で緻密充填されていることを確認することができる。本発明の前述の特徴並びに多数の他の特徴及び付随の利点は、以下の詳細説明を付属図面と共に考察して参照することにより、一層よく理解できる。図面の簡単な説明図１は、従来技術の固形物ポンプの概略側面図であり、ポンプ内部を示すため円盤を一枚除いた図である。図２は、好適な典型的装置の概略側面図であり、円盤を一枚除いて、ポンプ内部と、平行な回転円盤の対向する内部面の間に囲い板を設けられた好適な典型的入口の実施形態とを示す図である。図３は、図２に示す好適な典型的装置の駆動回転子の部分切取内部透視図であり、平行な回転円盤の間に備えられた好適な典型的囲い板集合体の実施形態を示す図である。図４は、好適な典型的装置の部分断面図であり、本発明のもう一つの実施形態に従った好適な典型的入口の実施形態を示す図である。図５は、図４に示す好適な典型的装置の駆動回転子の部分切取内部透視図であり、平行な回転円盤の間に備えられた好適な典型的囲い板集合体の実施形態を示す図である。図６は、更にもう一つ別の好適な典型的装置の概略側面図であり、円盤を一枚除いて、ポンプ内部と、好適な典型的入口ダクト及び平行な回転円盤の対向する内部面の間にある入口に隣接して設けられた囲い板集合体の実施形態とを示す図である。図７は、更に進んだ好適な典型的装置の概略側面図であり、円盤を一枚除いて、ポンプ内部と、入口に隣接して設けられた外輪装置から成る好適で典型的な積極的挙動装置とを示す図である。図８は、もっと更に進んだ好適な典型的装置の概略平面図であり、好適な典型的入口ダクトの実施形態を示す図である。、図９は、もう一つ別の好適な典型的装置の概略側面図であり、円盤を一枚除いて、ポンプ内部と、好適な典型的入口ダクト形状の実施形態とを示す図である。図１０は、図５に示す駆動回転子の部分横断面図であり、回転円盤の対向する内部面の間にブリッジ形成を行われた粒子を示す図である。図１１は、更に進んだ好適な典型的回転円盤の平面図である。図１２は、図１１に示す回転円盤を１２−１２面で切った部分横断面図である。図１３は、回転円盤及び主輸送チャネルの寸法の概略図である。図１４は、回転円盤及び主輸送チャネルの寸法の概略図である。図１５は、異なる直径を有するハブを備えた回転円盤の概略図である。図１６は、異なる直径を有するハブを備えた回転円盤の概略図である。図１７は、異なるチャネルの高さを明確にした回転円盤の概略図である。図１８は、異なるチャネルの高さを明確にした回転円盤の概略図である。図１９は、更に進んだ好適な典型的装置の部分側断面図であり、本発明のもう一つの実施形態に従いガスあるいは流体圧力に逆らってポンプ輸送する性能を向上させた図である。好適な実施形態の詳細な説明以下の詳細な説明は、本発明を実施するのに現在最も優れていると考えられる形態の説明である。この説明は、制約する意味で考えられるべきではなくて、本発明の実施形態の一般的原理を述べるためにのみ行われているのである。本発明の範囲は添付の請求の範囲により最もよく限定される。本発明の好適な実施形態によると、粒状物質を輸送及び計量するための装置及び方法には、改良点に関連する入口流量効率及び信頼性、（例えば、効率及び信頼性を向上させて、抵抗に逆らいポンプ輸送するための）改良された駆動力及び／またはガスもしくは流体圧力頭に逆らうポンプ輸送、が提供される。本発明者は、比較的効率のよいポンプ輸送及び加圧環境（ここでは、ポンプの出口側のガスもしくは流体の圧力はポンプの入口側のよりも高い）の中にポンプ輸送する性能に対して貢献する要素は多数あることを確認した。これによりここに述べる発展成果に至ったのであるが、その成果により、こうした要素のどのひとつでもあるいはそれらの組合せでも粒状物質ポンプ輸送システムの性能を向上させるよう作用して、ガスあるいは流体圧力頭に逆らいポンプ輸送し、あるいはもっと効率的に大気圧もしくは負圧環境の中へポンプ輸送することができる。実施形態は、小粒子及び大粒子、並びに両者の混合物を含む、様々な含水量を有する広範囲の粒状物質を、大気及び加圧の両条件下で輸送するのに使用できる。本発明の様々な実施形態が回転円盤型構造に関して以下に論じてある。その構造においては、一対の平行な回転円盤の、互いに間隔を開けて対向する２つの壁は、間に輸送ダクトあるいはチャネルを有する駆動壁を形成する。しかし、本発明の更に後の実施形態は、回転円盤以外の構造、例えば通常直線的に動き、間で輸送ダクトあるいはチャネルを限定する間隔の空いた可動壁、から形成される駆動壁を操作、あるいは装備することができる。本発明の一実施形態による装置が図２の３０に一般的に示されている。装置３０は、ハウジング（図示していない）、駆動回転子もしくは回転円盤集合体３１、入口３２、及び出口３４を含む。輸送ダクトもしくはチャネル３６は、入口３２と出口３４の間に延びている。回転円盤集合体３１は、２枚の対向する回転円盤３７（そのうちの１枚は、装置内部を示すため図から除いてある）を有する。円盤集合体３１は、どのような相応しい動力システム、例えば、限定されるわけではないが、静圧駆動モータもしくは電気駆動モータ（図示していない）とも接続可能であり、矢印３３方向に円盤３７を回転することができる。輸送ダクト３６は、２枚の回転円盤３７の実質上対向する面の間に形成される。図２に示されるように、輸送ダクト３６は、入口３２と出口３４の間に延びる少なくとも一つの弓形の壁３５により更に限定される。この弓形壁３５は、ハウジングに関して静止していて、ハウジングの一部として形成することさえできるのが望ましい。円盤３７を回転するに連れて、円盤面は輸送ダクトに沿って駆動壁もしくは面を提供し、駆動壁もしくは面はハウジングに関して入口３２から出口３４に向かう方向に動く。上述のように、他の実施形態は、他の種類の、例えば、回転円盤以外の、可動壁の対向する面から形成される駆動壁を使用することができる。図２を参照すると、輸送ダクト３６は、２枚の回転円盤３７の間で入口３２の下に第一区画３８を有し、そこでは入口を通して供給された粒状固形物４０が輸送ダクト３６に送られる。ここに提示する改良点に先立ち、図１に関して前で論じたように、輸送ダクト３６の第一区画３８に入る粒子の中には、完全停止領域に押し込まれあるいは押しやられる粒子もあり、そこでは、緩慢な動きをするかあるいは停止する粒子の塊がたまる。しかし、本発明の実施形態は、改良された入口が装備されていて、そうした粒子の塊が完全停止領域中にできることを最小限に抑えるかあるいは阻止することができる。図２及び３に最もよく示された一実施形態によると、囲い板集合体４２は、２枚の回転円盤３７の間にある第一区画３８に備えられている。囲い板集合体４２は２枚の回転円盤３７の間に設置された２枚の板部材から成り、各板部材は、輸送チャネル３６の第一区画３８に隣接する、それぞれの円盤３７の表面部分を覆っている。その結果、（囲い板集合体４２の２枚の板部材の間の）第一区画３８に送られた粒状固形物４０は、区画３８内で回転円盤３７の駆動面に接触するのを囲い板集合体４２により実質上阻止される。従って、囲い板集合体４２がきちんと適所にあると、そうでない場合円盤の駆動面が第一区画３８で粒子に伝達する接線方向の推力もしくは力は、粒子に作用を及ぼさない。この点に関しては、その形状と位置により、囲い板集合体４２は、接線方向の推力を最小限に抑え、あるいは除去することさえ可能である。もしもそうしなければ、この接線方向の推力が、回転円盤３７の周辺部に近い粒状固形物４０を入口３２の静止壁４３の方に動かすことになる。結果を言えば、粒状固形物４０は、入口３２を通り、囲い板集合体４２の板部材間を滞りなく流れる。囲い板集合体４２を通って移動する粒状固形物４０は、回転円盤３７の異なる半径で、また囲い板集合体４２の底面端部に沿う回転方向に関して異なる角度で、回転円盤３７の表面と接触するようになることは注目される。囲い板集合体４２の底面端部４４とハブ４６との間隔ｈは、入口３２と輸送ダクト３６を通る粒状固形物４０の流れの均一性及び密度に影響を及ぼすことが分かっている。その上、輸送チャネル３６に関する囲い板集合体４２の位置と、回転円盤３７の表面を覆う囲い板集合体４２の形状とは、粒子が囲い板集合体を出る（円盤に関する）放射状の位置に影響する。間隔ｈ並びに囲い板集合体４２の位置及び形状は最適な流れが得られるよう選択されるのが望ましい。こうしたパラメータの選択は、輸送される物質の種類及び輸送が行われる環境条件に左右される。図２の実施形態では、囲い板集合体４２は入口３２の底面端部の部分に固定されている。代わりになる実施形態では、囲い板集合体及び入口は一つの不可分の単体として形成可能である。更に、囲い板集合体は入口以外の構造部材に固定しても良い。一実施形態では、囲い板集合体は、中に粒状固形物を保管し、粒状固形物を装置の入口に供給するため配置されるホッパに接続されている。更にその先の実施形態では、粒状固形物をホッパから供給するのを促進するための振動手段をホッパが有することもできる。そうした実施形態では、囲い板集合体を振動手段に接続して、粒状固形物の流れを更に促進することもできる。本発明の別のもう一つの実施形態による装置は、図４の５０に一般的に示されている。装置５０は、ハウジング５２、入口ダクト５４及び出口ダクト５６を含む。駆動円盤集合体５８は、ハウジング５２内のシャフト６０に回転可能な状態で搭載され、シャフト６０の軸の回りを回転することができる。適するどんな動力装置でも、例えば、限定されるわけではないが、静圧駆動モータもしくは電気駆動モータ（図示していない）でも運転可能な状態で駆動円盤集合体５８に（例えばシャフト６０を介して）接続して、図４の矢印６４方向に回転子を回転可能な状態で駆動することができる。図５に最も良く示されているように、駆動回転子もしくは円盤集合体５８は、一対の回転円盤６６及び６８を備えていて、円盤は各々、内径７０及び外径７２を有する。円盤駆動集合体５８は、更にハブ７４を備える。駆動円盤集合体の円盤は、ポンプ装置の内部に入り込むことができ、手入れあるいは装置の部品交換を簡単にできるようにするため取外しが利くのが望ましい。回転円盤６６及び６８は、対向する内部面７６及び７８を備えている。こうした対向する内部面７６及び７８は、平面であっても、あるいは以下に述べられるように複数の不連続部を有していてもよい。駆動壁上のそうした表面の不連続部は、駆動力の粒状物質への伝達を向上させ、それがひいては圧力頭に逆らってポンプ輸送する性能を更に向上させる得ることになる。好ましい典型的な装置５０は、一つもしくはそれよりも多い外部シューを備えるが、それは、例えば図４の９０及び９２に示された類いのものである。更に進んだ実施形態では、単一の固定壁を、例えば図２の壁３５に関して前に論じた類いのものであるが、代替物として複数のシューに使用することができる。外部シュー９０及び９２は、円盤面７６及び７８の間に形成された輸送ダクトを閉鎖するように設計されている。各外部シュー９０及び９２は、それぞれ固定内部壁９４及び９６を有する。内部壁９４及び９６はハブ７４並びに対向する内部面７６及び７８と共同して輸送ダクト１００を限定し、またこうして、入口から出口までダクトの長さに沿って与えられたどの点においてもこのダクトの断面積の境を限定する。外部シュー９０及び９２は両方とも、適切な取付金具もしくはピンを使いハウジングに取り付けられる。好ましくは、内部壁もしくは複数のシューの場合は内部壁群は、回転円盤６６及び６８の円周に適合するように正確に形成される。一つの好ましい実施形態では、シューの内部壁は、駆動回転子の内部面７６及び７８を部分的に覆うように、それぞれ駆動回転子の内部面７６及び７８を越えて軸方向（シューを横断して）に延びる。シューは、内部面７６及び７８の外径に（例えば、輸送される物質の種類及び粒子の大きさにより）妥当な許容範囲内でできる限り接近させて配置される。図４の形状においては、シューは、半径方向に調節不能であり、駆動回転子５８のハブ７４に更に近付けるかあるいはそこから更に遠ざけるよう動かして、主輸送チャネル１００の断面積を変化させることはできない。代案の実施形態のおいては、シューは、対向する内部面７６および７８の間に適合し、主輸送チャネル１００に対する湾曲した外部壁を形成するような大きさ及び形状とする。この形状では、主輸送チャネル１００の断面積を変化させ、またダクトの通常の形状を、通常発散型ダクト、収束型ダクトもしくは一定断面積ダクトの一つとして選ぶために、シューの半径方向の位置を駆動回転子５８のハブ７４に近付けたり離したりして調節可能である。この目的で、米国特許第４，９８８，２３９号に示される種類の一つのあるいは複数のシューに、ネジ調節装置を結合することができる。シューを内側及び外側に調節することによって、固形物がポンプを通過するときの固形物のチョークまたは緻密充填を設定することができ、あるいは代案として、ダクトに沿って広がる断面積または一定の断面積を提供できる。本発明の更に進んだ実施形態においては、ダクト１００の断面積の収束もしくは発散及び／もしくは粒状固形物の緻密充填は、回転円盤６６を回転円盤６８に関して、所定角度に配置することにより実施される。この角度は、入口ダクト５４の近くの対向する内部面７６と７８の間隔が、入口５４と出口５６との間の対向する内部面７６と７８の間隔と異なる角度である。更に進んだ実施形態では、回転円盤が相互に関連して回転する角度も調節可能である。角度の変更により、入口と出口の間の断面積の変化率が変わり、ダクト内に異なる収束またはチョークまたは発散を生じさせる。前述の角度をつけた円盤の実施形態及びそれを達成する好ましい装置についての様々な視点に関しては、（本発明の譲受人に譲渡され、この引用により本出願に組込まれた）米国特許出願第０７／９２９，８８０号に更に詳細に述べられている。装置５０は、更に、回転円盤６６及び６８の間で入口５４の近くに設けられた囲い板集合体１０２を備える。図５に最もよく示されているように、囲い板集合体１０２は一対の板部材１０４から成り、この一対の板部材は対向していて、入口５４に隣接する２枚の回転円盤６６及び６８の駆動面を覆っている。各板部材１０４は、それぞれの円盤６６もしくは６８に隣接して配置されていて、主輸送ダクトもしくはチャネル１００の初期供給域１０８にある底面端部で終わっている。初期供給域１０８は、通常、入口５４と、入口に面し２枚の回転円盤６６及び６８に間にあるハブ７４の部分との間にあるものとして構わない。前で論じた囲い板集合体４２の場合のように、囲い板集合体１０２は、初期供給域１０８に送られた粒状固形物９１が回転円盤６６及び６８の表面部分と接触するのを実質上阻止する作用を及ぼす。囲い板集合体１０２は、このように、接線方向の推力を最小限に抑えるか、あるいは除去する。もしそうしなければ、この接線方向の推力は、回転円盤６６及び６８の周辺部に近い粒状固形物９１を入口５４の閉鎖側壁１１０の方に動かして、緩慢に動くあるいは停止した粒子の塊（完全停止領域）を形成することになる。囲い板集合体１０２を通って移動する粒状固形物９１は、円盤６６及び６８に関して様々な半径で、また囲い板集合体１０２の底面端部１０６に関して異なった角度で回転円盤３７の表面と接触するようになるので、粒状固形物の均一な一貫した流れを達成するための更なる改良点は、囲い板集合体１０２の形状を、円盤の動く方向に関して囲い板集合体の底面縁部１０６の角度を含めて選択することで得られる。底面縁部１０６の角度及び形状によって、底面縁部１０６に沿ったいずれの所定位置から流れ出る粒子も駆動円盤に沿うどのような半径で囲い板集合体を出て行くのかが決まる。駆動回転子５８の大きさは、輸送されもしくは計量される物質の種類と量とにより大きく変わり得る。典型的には、回転円盤６６及び６８用の外径は数インチから何フィートまでも変化し得る。比較的小型の回転円盤は食品添加剤及び医薬品といった比較的少量の固形物質の輸送及び計量に使用するのに好適である。比較的大型の円盤は、食料、石炭、砂利など有機的及び無機的固形物質の双方を多量に輸送及び計量するのに利用できる。本装置は、大粒子、小粒子、及び両者の混合物を輸送及び計量するのにも同様にはなはだ好適であり、湿った粒状物質及び乾燥した粒状物質の双方を輸送及び計量するのにも使用できる。本発明の更に進んだ実施形態による装置が、図６の１３０に一般的に示してある。装置１３０は、囲い板集合体をも限定するマルチコラム入口ダクト集合体１３２を備えている。集合体１３２は、矢印１３５方向に回転する一対の回転円盤１３４の間に位置する。集合体１３２は、一種類の粒状物質あるいは複数の異なる種類の粒状物質（各コラムに異なる物質）を同時にポンプの輸送ダクトあるいは輸送チャネルに供給するのに適合し得る。装置１３０を通して粒状物質の均一で一貫した流れを作る性能を向上させるために、マルチ入口ダクト１３２は、マルチ入口ダクトコラム１３２ａ−１３２ｄを備えている。各コラムは、円盤１３４の部分に隣接して（前に論じたごとく囲い板として機能する）壁群を有する。コラム１３２ａ−１３２ｄは、回転円盤１３４に沿って相互に異なった半径で終わっている。本発明の一実施形態においては、閉鎖側１３６に位置した入口ダクトコラム１３２ａは、回転円盤１３４の周辺部に隣接して終わっている。またアバットメント側１３８に位置した入口ダクトコラムは１３２ｄは、ハブ１４０に隣接して終わっている。入口ダクトコラム１３２ｂは、回転円盤１３４の間の空間に入口ダクトコラム１３２ａよりも深く入って延びている。また入口ダクトコラム１３２ｃは、入口ダクトコラム１３２ｂよりも深く入って延びているが、入口ダクトコラム１３２ｄよりは入り方が浅い。入口ダクト集合体１３２の形状は、個々のダクトの長さ及び断面積の大きさも含め、各コラムのダクトにとって望ましい流量率を提供するよう選択することができる。本発明の更にもっと進んだ実施形態による装置が、図７の１５０に一般的に示してある。装置１３０は、入口１５２、出口１５３、及び矢印１５５方向に回転する一対の回転円盤１５４から成る。入口１５２に隣接する完全停止領域の形成を阻止するため、図７の実施形態は、（装置の輸送ダクトもしくはチャネル方向に向けられた）更に積極的な力を特定の粒子に働かせるための推進装置もしくは推進手段を備える。こうした粒子は、さもないと完全停止領域になるような領域に溜まり始めるような粒子である。図７の実施形態においては、さらに積極的な力を働かせる手段は外輪１５６を含む。外輪１５６は、例えばモータ（図示していない）のような適切な動力手段のどの一つを使っても駆動可能である。ポンプ輸送操作の間、円盤の接線方向の推力により閉鎖側１５８に向かって動かされた粒状固形物は、外輪によって主輸送ダクト１６０の中に積極的に押し込まれる。外輪１５６の回転速度は、入口１５２及び主輸送ダクト１６０を通る粒状固形物が均一かつ一貫して流れるように調節するが好ましい。図７の実施形態は更に積極的な力を伝達する手段の例として外輪装置を示しているが、他の実施形態では駆動ローラ、振動器、圧搾空気装置、ガスもしくは流体吹出機などのどれか一つもしくはその組合せの使用も可能であることは理解されるところである。本発明のもう一つの実施形態による装置は、図８の１７０で一般的に示されている。装置１７０は、入口１７２と、矢印１７５方向に回転する一対の回転円盤１７４を備えている。入口１７２は、入口及び装置１７０を通る粒状固形物の均一かつ一貫した流れを提供するために、入口１７２あるいはその周辺に完全停止領域ができるのを最小限に抑えるかあるいは避けるよう設計された断面の形状を有している。一実施形態では、入口１７２は、外径側（閉鎖側）１７６で幅Ｗ１を有するが、これはアバットメント側１７８での幅Ｗ２よりも実質的に広い。幅Ｗ１は幅Ｗ２に向かって徐々に狭まり、幅Ｗ２は幅Ｗ１のおよそ３分の１であるのが望ましい。しかし、輸送される物質の種類及び輸送作業が行われることになる条件により、他の適切な相対的寸法を選ぶこともできる。図示した入口の形状では、アバットメント側１７８での粒状物質の流量率が閉鎖側１７６でのよりも実質上小さくなる（アバットメント側の入口１７２の断面積が閉鎖側のよりも実質上少ないため）。結果として、入ってくる粒子の総計の百分率が低いのは、そうでもなければ完全停止領域を作る可能性のある接線方向の推力のためである。お陰で、完全停止領域の作られやすい傾向は減少している。本発明の更にもう一つ別の実施形態による装置が、図９の１９０に一般的に示してある。装置１９０は、入口１９２、出口１９８、及び矢印１９６方向に回転する一対の回転円盤１９４を備えている。主輸送ダクト２００は、通常、回転円盤１９４の間で、かつ、入口１９２及び出口１９８の間に限定される。この好ましい実施形態において、入口１９２は、主輸送チャネル２００と隣接する下部区域２０２と、粒状固形物の流れの上流側で下部区域と連結している上部区域２０４とを有する。下部区域２０２は、外径側（もしくは閉鎖側壁）２０６の側壁と、閉鎖側壁２０６に対向し閉鎖側壁２０６の上流に位置するアバットメント側壁２０８とを有する。既に分かっていることであるが、壁２０６及び２０８のいずれか一方もしくは両方を、これらの壁が円盤の外部周辺の寸法と合うかもしくは越える部分である実質上湾曲したりあるいはくぼんだりしている部分を使って形成することにより、粒状物質が完全停止領域に集まる傾向を実質的に減少あるいは除去することが可能である。一実施形態において、アバットメント側壁２０８は、くぼんでいたり、円盤の回転方向１９６と逆の方向に飛び出したりしている。更に好ましい実施形態では、チョーク側壁２０６は、入口２１０を通って移動している粒状固形物の流れが主輸送ダクト２００に入った途端、主輸送ダクト２００中の粒状固形物の流れと実質上同じ方向に向けられるよう、発散型入口を限定するための角度がつけられている。上で論じたアバットメント側壁及びチョーク側壁の形状は、そうしたものがなければ入口２１０もしくはその周辺に完全停止領域を作る可能性がある接線方向の推力の効果を減じることが知られている。図４及び５について述べると、固形物を加圧システム中にポンプ輸送するときは、少なくとも輸送チャネル１００及び出口５６部分の全断面積が、ポンプ輸送中に固形物で緻密充填されていることが好ましい。これがポンプ出口でダムを形成する。このダムは、出口からポンプ中に逆流するガス、液体、あるいは固体の起こし得る有害な影響への防壁となる。粒子の累積的なブリッジ形成により、連続して形成される継続的な補強ができ、これによって装置の出口側での比較的高い圧力に更によく耐えるように、出口に比較的近い粒子のブリッジ部分を補強する。ポンプの入口を通る物質の流れを改善する本発明の実施形態の性能は、輸送チャネル１００及び出口５６を固形物で緻密充填された状態に維持する性能を向上させ、こうして、圧力頭に逆らってポンプ輸送する性能を向上させる。その上、駆動力を移動する粒子の塊に伝達する駆動面の性能は、ガスもしくは流体の圧力頭に逆らってポンプ輸送する装置の性能に貢献することが分かった。駆動力の伝達を向上させるための一実施形態によると、動いている駆動面（もしくは駆動面群）は、下流に対向する駆動面を有した少なくとも一つの不連続部を持つ。円盤の対向する表面上の波形（もしくは不連続部）の配置は、実施形態により変わり得る。それぞれの不連続部が輸送促進帯を形成し、その輸送促進帯が、一時的な固形物の結合された粒子と噛み合う駆動面の性能を向上させる。更に進んだ実施形態では、複数の不連続部、例えば複数の等間隔の不連続部が駆動面に備えられている。例えば、図５に示す回転円盤６６及び６８の対向する内部面７６及び７８は、複数で等間隔の半径方向に延びる不連続部８９を備えられている。対向する内部面の不連続部は、図１０に最もよく示されるように、粒子輸送用の対称的チャネルを形成することが好ましい。この対称的形状により、粒子の緻密充填中及び輸送中に駆動回転子を支持する軸受け組立品（図示していない）に不均一な荷重がかかることが緩和される。各不連続部８９は、（図１０に最もよく示されているように）下流に対向する駆動面２５６、底面領域２５８、及び上流に対向する面２６０を有する輸送促進帯２５４を形成する。図５及び図１０について述べると、下流に対向する駆動面２５６は、内部面７６及び７８に対して垂直であり、後方に山型に湾曲していて、円盤６６（及び円盤６８）が入口と出口の間を動くとき、後尾２６４が先端２６２よりも出口（例えば、図４の出口５６）から離れた側にあるようになっている。この後方に山型に湾供した形状によって、出口における粒子の吐出が容易になる。図５及び図１０に示す好ましい実施形態において、輸送促進帯２５４の幅は、輸送促進帯２５４が円盤６６（及び円盤６８）上で内側の直径位置から外側の直径位置まで延びるにしたがって、増加する。各回転円盤の上流に対向する面２６０は、回転円盤の底面領域２５８から内部面まで上向きに傾斜している。対向する内部面７６及び７８上の不連続部の形状は、本発明にしたがって相当程度変更することができる。図１０及び図１１に示す回転円盤の好ましい実施形態においては、対向する内部面７６及び７８上の不連続部は、複数の等間隔の放射状に延びる隆起した部分２８２を備え、各隆起部分は下流に対向する駆動面２８４及び下流に対向する駆動面２８４の上流側に配置された上流に対向する面２８６を有し、駆動面２８４及び面２８６は回転円盤の内部面に対して十分に垂直である。また、隆起部分２８２は、内側面２８８及び外側面２９０を備え、この両面は下流に対向する駆動面２８４及び上流に対向する面２８６と隣接し、更にこの両面は回転円盤の内部面に対して十分に垂直である。内側面２８８は、回転円盤の内径２９２の外側に位置し、内側面と交わる半径方向成分に対して十分に垂直である。外側面２９０は、回転円盤の外径２９４の内側に位置し、外側面と交わる半径方向成分に対して十分に垂直である。また、隆起部分２８２は、回転円盤の内部面に対して十分に平行である頂部面２９６を備える。各頂部面２９６の幅は、頂部面２９６が内径２９２の近くから外径２９４の近くまで延びるにしたがって拡大し、その結果、隣接する隆起部分２８２によって形成される凹部２９８の幅は、凹部が内径２９２近くから外径２９４近くまで延びるときに一定のままである。隆起部分２８２は後方に山型に湾曲し、その結果、回転円盤が入口と出口の間を動くとき、外側面２９０は内側面２８８よりも出口から離れる側にある。代案として、対向する内部面は、一連の波状の山と谷を形成する放射状に延びる波形を備えることもできる。更に実施形態は、円盤壁に設けた単純な細長い隆起部及び溝を使用することもできる。一時的固形物が駆動面（例えば、溝あるいは他の不連続部を有する駆動壁）とよく噛み合うようになると、今度は、一時的固形物をブリッジに形成する粒子の能力が高まる。特に、一時的固形物を成す噛み合わされた粒子の塊は、図１０に示されるように、駆動壁の面の不連続部と噛み合った状態となり、この結果、駆動力の運ぶ力が向上して粒子のブリッジ形成力を高めることになる。ブリッジ形成作用の向上は、ブリッジ形成された粒子が作る圧力障壁の効果を高める結果となる。これまでに述べた様々な好ましい実施形態において、駆動回転子（３１もしくは５８）の駆動力は、対向する内部面７６及び７８上に不連続部８９を備えることにより増強される。装置の駆動力とは、主輸送チャネルを通して予定の粒子の圧力あるいはどんな種類の予定の抵抗にも逆らって、対向する内部面７６及び７８上で粒状固形物の滑りを起こさずに、粒状固形物を駆動する装置のポンプ輸送性能であるとすることができる。抵抗は、例えば、重力、装置出口に結合されている加圧システムの加圧流体（気体あるいは液体）あるいは両者の組合せにより引き起こされる可能性がある。更に実施形態は、装置の駆動力あるいはポンプ輸送力を高める他の様々な特徴の一つあるいはそれらの組合せを使用する。例えば、外部シュー９０及び９２のそれぞれの固定内部壁９４及び９６（図５）に低摩擦物質を塗布することもできる。低摩擦物質とは、例えば、ポリテトラフルオロエチレンや他の超高分子量物質で、これにより、粒状固形物と固定内部壁９４及び９６との間の摩擦を減らすことができるのである。摩擦を減らせば、その結果、駆動力が増す。本発明のもう一つの実施形態においては、回転円盤６６及び６８の内部表面の素材には摩擦率を増補した物質を選び、駆動力を増すこともできる。更にまた別の実施形態では、駆動表面７６、７８と粒状物質の間の摩擦は、また表面の滑らかさもしくは荒さ次第でもあり得る。このように、駆動力を駆動表面７６及び７８の荒さによっても増すことが可能である。代案としては、内部表面７６及び７８の素材は、弾性のある素材を選び、粒子の円盤壁と噛み合う力を高め、それにより駆動力が粒子に伝わる効率を高めることもできる。本発明の更にまた別のもう一つの実施形態においては、図１９に示されるように装置には、発散する出口ダクトを付けることもできる。そうした発散型の出口ダクトは、出口ダクトの外部開口部に向かう領域で増加する断面積を持つ。出口ダクトの発散は、外部開口部に向いた出口ダクトの内部表面での圧縮された粒状物質の圧力を減じる傾向がある。その結果、粒状物質と内部表面との間の摩擦抵抗が出口ダクトを通じて減少され、ひいては、粒状物質を駆動する力が高まることになる。さらに、装置により生み出される駆動力は、固形物が通り抜ける主輸送チャネル（例えば、図５にある入口ダクト５４と出口ダクト５６の間のチャネル）の長さにもよることが認められている。典型的には、主輸送チャネルがチャネルの幅に比べて長いほど、装置の駆動力も大きくなる。図１３及び図１４にあるように、主輸送チャネル２５０は、駆動距離Ｌを持つ。粒状物質はこの距離Ｌを駆動回転子１８の回転により入口１４から出口１６まで移動される。主輸送チャネル１００は、回転円盤６６及び６８の駆動表面の高さＨと、回転円盤６６及び６８の対向する面７６及び７８の間で決まる幅Ｗとを有する。ハブ７４は直径Ｄを持つ。主輸送チャネル１００の断面積は適切な形のなら何でもよい。図示した実施形態では、チャネル１００の断面積の形は一般的には、長方形と正方形である。回転円盤装置があると、駆動距離Ｌはハブ７４の直径Ｄ次第であり、ハブ７４の直径が増せば主輸送チャネル１００の駆動距離Ｌも長くなるという具合になる。その結果、チャネル長Ｌのチャネル幅Ｗに対する割合は増加して、装置によって生み出される粒子の駆動力は増加を見る。またこれも認められていることであるが、装置の生み出す駆動力は更に、主輸送チャネル１００の駆動距離Ｌ（回転円盤システムの駆動距離Ｌはハブ直径Ｄによる）、高さＨ、及び幅Ｗの相対的な寸法による。特に、駆動力は、正方形の断面積を持つ主輸送チャネルの幅Ｗ（例えば、Ｈ＝Ｗ）に対する駆動距離Ｌ（もしくは直径Ｄ）の割合に関係する（また比例する）ことが分かっている。即ち、Ｌ（もしくはＤ）のＷに対する割合が増加するに連れて、駆動力は増す。断面積が正方形をしたチャネル１００以外は（例えば、ＨはＷと等しくない）、駆動力は、Ｌ（もしくはＤ）のＷに対する割合に関係するだけでなくて、Ｈにも関係する（また比例する）ためであるということも分かっている。即ち、Ｈが増すに連れて、駆動力も増す。この特徴は図１５及び図１６に関して例示してある。図１５にあるように、主輸送チャネル１００は、高さＨ、幅Ｗを有しているが、両者は等しい（例えば、チャネルの断面積の形は正方形である）。ハブは直径がＤ１であり、この直径が駆動距離Ｌを決める。図１６では、主輸送チャネル１００の高さＨと幅Ｗは、図１５の場合と同じである。言うなれば、主輸送チャネル１００の断面積は図１５と図１６では同じである。ところが、図１６のハブの直径は図１５のハブの直径の２倍以上である。図１６の主輸送チャネル１００の駆動距離はＬ２であり、これは図１５の場合の２倍以上ある。つまり、図１５の実施形態の場合、ハブ直径Ｄの主輸送チャネル幅Ｗに対する割合は、Ｄ１／Ｗであり、図１６の実施形態の場合はＤ２／Ｗである。ここでＤ２／Ｗは、Ｄ１／Ｗの値の２倍以上になる。結果として、図１６の装置は、図１５の装置よりも間違いなく大きな駆動力（あるいは、抵抗に対する実質上比較的大きなポンプ輸送性能）を生み出すことができる。その上、図１７にあるように、主輸送チャネル１００は、幅がＷであり、この幅Ｗは図１８のチャネル１００の幅と等しい。またハブは、図１７の直径Ｄを持つが、この直径Ｄは図１８のハブの直径Ｄと等しい。しかし図１７では、主輸送チャネル１００を形成する駆動表面の高さＨ１は、図１８の高さＨ２よりも高い。結果として、図１７の装置は、図１８の装置よりも大きな駆動力（もしくは、抵抗に対する比較的大きなポンプ輸送性能）を生み出すことができる。このように、前述のことから、駆動力の大きさは、少なくとも、駆動距離Ｌの幅Ｗに対する割合（Ｌ／Ｗ）と、ハブ直径Ｄの幅Ｗに対する割合（Ｄ／Ｗ）と、駆動距離Ｌの輸送チャネル断面積Ｓに対する割合（Ｌ／Ｓ）とによるということが分かる。もっと詳細には、割合Ｌ／Ｗ、もしくは割合Ｄ／Ｗ、もしくは割合Ｌ／Ｓが大きいほど、装置の駆動力は大きい。更に付け加えれば、高さＨが高いほど、装置の駆動力も大きくなる。それゆえ、次のことが認められている。即ち、装置の駆動力Ｆの大きさは、次の公式により、割合Ｌ／Ｗ、割合Ｄ／Ｗ、割合Ｌ／Ｓのそれぞれの関数としての特性を表す。つまり、Ｆ＝ｆ（Ｌ／Ｗ）、ＦＦ＝ｆ（Ｄ／Ｗ）、Ｆ＝ｆ（Ｌ／Ｓ）、もしくはＦ＝ｆ（Ｈ）である。よくある例としては、特定の応用（例えば、物質を傾斜面を上方にあるいは鉛直方向に上向きにポンプ輸送したり、圧力頭に逆らってポンプ輸送したり、及び／もしくは予定の距離をポンプ輸送したりすること）に要求される駆動力Ｆは、応用の様々なパラメータ（例えば、傾斜角度、圧力の大きさ及び／もしくはポンプ輸送される物質が移動する距離の長さ）から決定できるということがある。それゆえ、本発明の実施形態に従って、Ｌ、Ｄ、Ｗ、Ｓのいずれか一つもしくはそれらの組合せの値を、特定の応用に適合する駆動力Ｆを提供できるよう選択するのである。装置の駆動力の値Ｆは、粒状固形物の圧力、装置が圧力システム内にポンプ輸送している場合の外的な流体（気体もしくは液体）圧力及びその他の抵抗を含むポンプ輸送圧力合計Ｐよりも大きい。これは、装置が粒状固形物の回転円盤面上での滑りを引き起こすこともなく粒状物質を効率よく駆動するようにするためである。したがって、次の関係式が得られる。即ち、Ｆ≧Ｐ、もしくはｆ（Ｌ／Ｗ）≧Ｐ、もしくはｆ（Ｄ／Ｗ）≧Ｐ、ｆ（Ｌ／Ｓ） ≧Ｐ、もしくはｆ（Ｈ）≧Ｐである。それゆえ、本発明の実施形態に従って、Ｌ、Ｄ、Ｗ、Ｓ及びＨのいずれか一つもしくはそれらの組合せの値を、Ｐよりも大きな駆動力Ｆを提供できるよう選択するのである。また、ポンプの出口ダクトの方向付け及び形状は、入口側より比較的に高い出口側の圧力中に粒状固形物を送り込む性能に影響を与える。例えば、加圧システム中にポンプ輸送するのに要する操作性能及び操作効率を更に向上させるには、上に向いた出口ダクトを使えばよく、そうした出口ダクトは図１９の装置３００の３０２に示してある（図４にある装置で使った構成要素と類似の構成要素には、同じ参照番号を使ってある）。出口ダクト３０２の最終部分３０４は加圧システム３０６に結合してある。好ましくは、出口ダクト３０２は上方に向いていて（即ち、ポンプに結合された出口ダクトの端部が出口ダクトの反対側の端部よりも低い）、そのため、粒状物質は一度上向きに駆動されてからその後で、出口ダクト３０２より加圧システム３０６中に吐出される。出口ダクト３０２の壁もしくは壁群が上方を向いている結果、粒状物質が出口ダクトを通って送り出される際に、このダクトが、粒状物質を収容する容器の働きをする。出口ダクトの壁内部に収容された動く粒状物質はポンプ輸送操作中の何時いかなる瞬間でも、追加の粒状物質が出口ダクトの下部端部中に送り込まれるに連れて、ポンプの駆動力の作用を受ける。それと同時に、出口側にかかる重力及び気体圧もしくは流体圧は、出口ダクト壁内に収容された粒状物質に作用する。それゆえ、出口ダクトの壁内部に収容された動く粒状物質はポンプ輸送操作中の何時いかなる瞬間でも、緻密充填されていて、出口ダクト内部にしっかりと詰まった状態になる傾向を持つ。結果として、粒状物質は、動くもしくは流動的なプラグ（栓）の作用をして、これが、出口側から気体もしくは液体がポンプの駆動ダクト中に侵入するのを防ぐのである。その上、出口ダクトの下部端部に向かって、更に強く緻密充填もしくは圧迫が掛かるようになり、これが主輸送チャネルもしくは駆動ダクト１００中の粒子のブリッジ部分をますます強化するようにな。そのお陰で、今度は、駆動力を一時的な塊に伝達するポンプの性能を増す傾向となる。この累積的作用をする出口ダクト３０２により、システム全体が、ポンプの入口側よりも遥かに高いポンプの出口側の圧力に逆らって働くことができる結果となる。こうした累積的な作用は、（例えば、不連続部を有する駆動壁及び輸送ダクト寸法割合の実施形態に関する）前述のような駆動力向上特性により更に増大する。即ち、駆動力を伝達する性能が向上すると、それは粒状物質のブリッジ形成作用及び出口ダクトへの移動作用を向上させる結果を生み、それにより今度は、流動的プラグが向上する結果となる。そして、これがひいては、圧力に逆らってするポンプ輸送性能を更に一層高めることになる。こうして、粒状物質への駆動力伝達性能の向上と、出口ダクト形状及び／もしくは方向付けの改良とが互いに継続的に相俟って、圧力に逆らいポンプ輸送する飛躍的に向上した装置を提供できることになるのである。好ましい実施形態では、出口ダクト３０２は、外向きに発散する（輸送チャネルもしくは駆動ダクト１００に結合された端部から加圧システム３０６に結合された端部３０４に向かって広がる）断面積を有する。出口ダクト３０２の断面積は端部３０４に向かって徐々に発散するので、粒子は、出口ダクト３０２の端部３０４に向かうに従い緻密充填された状態が弱められていく。その結果、出口ダクト壁３０５の内部表面上の粒子の力、またそれゆえ、粒状物質と壁との間の摩擦力は出口ダクト端部３０４に向かうに従い減少する。それゆえ、比較的高圧に耐える性能は上に向いた出口３０２によって高められる一方、粒状物質を出口ダクトを通して送り出す装置３００の駆動力は、増加の要が全くない。出口ダクト３０２の長さは、ポンプ輸送操作中のいかなる瞬間でも出口ダクト３０２の中に十分な量の物質が収容されて、比較的高圧を支えかつそれに耐えるような設計にすることが望ましい。出口ダクト３０２を通して運ばれる粒状物質は壁３０５の内部表面に圧力を加えるので、壁３０５の内部表面には塗装を加え、粒状物質と壁３０５との間の摩擦を減らすことが好ましい。塗装は、例えば、ポリテトラフルオロエチレン及びその他の超高分子量物質といった低摩擦物質を使用するのが望ましい。代案としては、装置３００の駆動力は、粒状物質を上向きの出口で比較的大きな摩擦抵抗に逆らって動かせるように増加させることができる。結果として、加圧システムの比較的高い圧力に耐え得るよう粒状物質に更に強固な継続的補強を加えることが可能である。前記の論より明らかなように、出口ダクト３０２の形状及び方向付けによれば、気体あるいは流体圧力頭を含む圧力頭に逆らって粒状物質を動かす装置の性能及び効率に劇的作用を及ぼすことができる。従って、出口ダクトの形状及び方向付けは、特定のポンプ輸送操作に対して最適な圧力取扱性能を提供するよう選択することが望ましい。気体もしくは液体圧力頭に逆らって操作する性能を更に向上させるには、駆動ダクトもしくはチャネルが加圧状態（装置の入口側の圧力よりも高い気体もしくは液体圧力を含む）になるのを阻止することが達成の道である。従って、本発明の更に進んだ実施形態は、装置の比較的高圧の出口側から駆動ダクトもしくはチャネル１００中への圧力の漏出が最小限度に押さえられるよう備えをしている。出口ダクト、および／もしくは駆動チャネルもしくは駆動ダクトに沿った様々な位置で圧力を排出すれば、駆動チャネルもしくは駆動ダクト１００が加圧状態になるのを最小限度に押さえるかあるいは阻止することができる。そうした排出装置の組合せの例が以下に論じてある。更に進んだ実施形態によると、装置３００には、装置３００がポンプ輸送する粒状物質の不足あるいはとぎれを来した場合は、加圧システムの加圧された気体もしくは液体が装置３００内に侵入するのを防止するための逆流阻止弁が備えられている。例えば、好ましい実施形態では、ピン３１０の回りにピボットのようになった弁プレート３０８が出口３０２の外部端部３０４に隣接して備えられている。出口３０２から吐出される粒状物質は、弁プレート３０８を押して、通常のポンプ輸送操作の間は弁プレート３０８を開く。他方、装置３００が粒状物質の不足あるいはとぎれを来した場合は、弁プレート３０８は入口３０２を閉じて、加圧された気体もしくは液体が装置３００の主輸送チャネル１００に侵入するのを阻止する。別のもう一つの実施形態では、圧力監視装置（図示していない）を、主輸送チャネル１００中の及び／もしくは出口ダクト中の圧力を監視するために備えることができる。監視付きの圧力は、弁プレート３０８の開閉のため弁プレート３０８に連結されたサーボ制御モータ装置もしくはその他の適切なモータ（図示していない）を制御するのに使用できる。こうした措置は、装置に粒状物質の不足があった際、加圧された気体もしくは液体を主輸送チャネルに侵入させないようにするためのものである。前に論じたごとく、粒状固形物は、ポンプ輸送の間、出口３０２中に十分に緻密充填されて、粒状固形物の連続的に動く階段状のブリッジあるいは動く流動的プラグを出口３０２を通して形成し、加圧システムの加圧された流動体に逆らってこれを封じ込める（もしくは部分的に封じ込める）作用をする。しかし、流体、気体、あるいは液体は、粒状固形物の間にできる細かい通路を抜けてひょっとすると入口５４の方まで徐々にしみ出ることもなお可能である。前述のごとく、流体が入口５４の方までしみ出ることを抑制しあるいは阻止するために、装置３００には、流体圧力を排出するための通孔装置を備えることができる。例えば、図１９にあるように、通孔３１１は、主輸送チャネル１００に隣接する出口３０２中に、もしくはハウジングもしくは回転円盤６６及び６８の周縁部に隣接するシューに設置される。粒状固形物を抜けてしみ出る流体をポンプで汲み出すために、通孔３１１をポンプ装置（図示していない）に接続することもできる。代案としては、流体の圧力そのものが通孔作用を行うのに十分かもしれない。通孔３１１には、選択的に通孔の開閉をする弁３１２を備えることが好ましい。通孔装置は主チャネル１００に沿ったどの適切な位置にでも設置できる。例えば、通孔は、外部シュー９２に、あるいはアバットメント部材３１４に設置できる。更に進んだ好ましい実施形態では、円盤とハウジングとの間の間隙、シューもしくはハブに適切な通孔出口を設置できる。輸送ダクト１００の長さは、十分な量の累積する階段状のブリッジ形成がダクト中に起こり、ポンプの出口側での比較的高い圧力を支えかつそれに耐えることができるように、設計されることが望ましい。こうしたことは、収束型ダクト、一定断面積型ダクトもしくは発散型ダクトシステムを使うと達成できる。発散型ダクトシステム（そこでは、主駆動ダクトが入口から出口に向かって発散する）は、加圧システム中にポンプ輸送するには都合のよい点がある。特に、発散型ダクト１００は出口から入口に向かって収束しているのだが、このために輸送された粒状物質の塊が逆圧によってポンプを通して逆向きに（入口に向かう方向に）起こすいかような動きも抑えるのである。更には、装置中の輸送ダクトの加圧状態を抑える性能は、気体もしくは液体の圧力頭に逆らってポンプ輸送する装置の性能を高めることが分かった。こうして、本発明の様々な実施形態は輸送ダクトが加圧状態になることを抑える手段を提供する。また更に進んだ実施形態は、進んだ圧力操作のための装置の寸法及び形状を提供する。ハウジング５２及び各回転円盤６６及び６８の外縁によって形成される空間に、粒子及び微粒子粉が侵入することを防止するために、図１２に最もよく示されるように、回転円盤は面取り部７２を備え、面取り部７２は、外側の縁が回転円盤の内部面から外側に延びるときに、ハウジング５２から離れる方向に傾斜する。外側の縁は約４５度の角度で面取りすることが好ましい。微粉排出口７４は弁７６と結合し、ハウジングの底部に設置され、これを用いてポンプ作動中（図１９）に蓄積する恐れのある微粉を除去することができる。ポンプ作動中は、弁７６を開放しておいて、微粉が内部に収集チャネル（図示していない）を経由して排出口に落ちたときに、連続的に排出することができる。代案としては、弁７６は閉めておいて、内部収集溝に微粉が充満したときだけ開けることもできる。もちろん、弁７６の開閉は、輸送する固形物質の粉塵性及び砕けやすさにより変わる。弁７６の開閉は、使用者の好みにより行って構わない。駆動回転子の大きさは、輸送もしくは計量する物質の種類及び容量によって変わる。典型的には、回転円盤６６及び２８の外径は、ほんの２、３インチから何フィートに至まで変化し得る。比較的小型の回転円盤は、食品添加物及び医薬品などの比較的小容量の固形物の輸送及び計量によく適合する。比較的大型の回転円盤は、食料、石炭、砂利その他などの大量の有機固形物質及び無機固形物質の輸送及び計量に使用できる。本装置は、大粒子、小粒子及び両者の混合物の輸送及び計量、並びに大容量及び小容量の輸送及び計量によく適合し、湿った粒状物質及び乾燥した粒状物質の両者の輸送及び、計量に使用でき、制約は物質が粘性が支配的となりブリッジ形成が阻害されるほど湿ってはならないということだけである。好適な典型的実施形態を単一の駆動回転子を使用して説明してきたが、同様に、単一または複数の入口から物質を受けとる複数の駆動回転子を有する輸送装置を製作することも可能である。複数の駆動回転子を使用することによって、円盤直径を増加させることなく、物質処理量を増加させることができる。固形物のブリッジ形成によって、固形物のポジティブディスプレイスメント（正圧置換）ができる。したがって、ポンプを輸送装置及び計量装置として使用できる。ポンプによって固形物がポジティブディスプレイスメントされるので、計量は駆動回転子の回転速度を測定し、ダクト断面積に基づいてポンプを通過する固形物計量を計算して達成できる。計量ポンプとして使用する場合は、ある種の従来の検出装置を使用して、固形物の計量中、全期間に亙り通路に固形物が充満していることを確認するのが望ましい。こうした従来の検出装置は、ガンマ線検出装置及び電気機械式検出装置などである。これらの検出装置は、全て技術上公知であるので、図示せず詳細な説明も省略する。装置要素は、高力鋼または他の適切な材料で製作することが好ましい。回転円盤の内部面及びシューの内部壁は、耐摩耗性金属または非粘着特性を有する適切な材料で製作して、作動中の出口における吐出を容易にし、また保全期間中の掃除を容易にすることが好ましい。適切な応用例では、回転円盤の内部面及びシューの内部壁は、ポリテトラフルオロエチレンなどの低摩擦物質で製作することができる。以上、本発明の典型的な実施形態について述べたが、前記の開示は典型的なもののみであること、及び多種多様な他の代案、翻案及び変形が本発明の範囲内で実施可能であることを当業者は理解されたい。例えば、駆動回転子は、可動面の形式が好ましいが、これは必須ではない。いかなる種類の可動面、コンベヤベルトまたは他のシステムでも、ブリッジ形成特性及び下流に対向する駆動面特性があれば、使用可能である。今ここに開示した実施形態は、あらゆる点で解説のためのものであり、本発明の範囲を限定するためのものではないと見做すべきである。本発明の範囲は、前述の説明よりもむしろ別添の請求の範囲によって示され、クレイムと等価値を有する意味及び範囲から派出する全ての変更は、それゆえに、クレイム内に含められるべき筋合いのものと考えられる。Detailed Description of the Invention Device and method for transporting and metering particulate matter BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods used in the transportation and metering of particulate matter, and In certain embodiments, non-existence under both atmospheric and pressure counteracting conditions. Improved granules that can always be used for both transporting and weighing solid substances of a wide range of sizes Regarding material handling equipment. 2. Description of related technology Particulate matter (eg, But not limited to coal, Other minerals, Dry food Product, Other solid, Transporting dry items that are handled in the form of particles, Or total A wide variety of devices have been used for weighing. As such a transportation device, Ko Nveya belt, Rotary valve, Lock hopper, There is a screw type feeder. Typical Measuring or weighing equipment Weighing belt, There is a capacity type hopper. Of particulate matter To carry out both transportation and weighing, In general, One using both types of equipment System or Or it is necessary to combine them into one system Was. But, Among the applicant's conventional pumping devices are: Transport and meter particulate matter Some had performance. An example of such a traditional design is Next Below US There are rotating disk type pumps discussed in the patent. The following U.S. patents are , The present invention has been transferred and licensed to the assignee, By citing here Respectively incorporated into the present application. That is, U.S. Patent No. 4, 516, 674 (198) (Issued May 14, 5) U.S. Patent No. 4, 988, 239 (January 29, 1991) Issued on the day), And US Pat. No. 5, 051, No. 041 (issued on September 24, 1991) It is. Some of these traditional pump designs include Against a relatively low pressure head There are also designs that show some functionality for pumping particulate matter, Such a po In the pump, Pumping against the pressure head of a fairly high pressure gas or fluid When Was impossible. As has been clarified by the present inventor, Granular moving through pump system The solid is Depending on the location in the system, different forces (eg, Driving force, Ma Undesirable component force of friction or gravity). These forces Normal flow of granular solids, In a certain area or area at or near the entrance , Hinder Or even block it. Because of this Particle A bridge at the entrance Causes that prevent particles from flowing through the inlet and Become. To explain this, FIG. 1 shows a rotary disk type solid material pump 10. But, This solids pump Housing (not shown), Entrance 12, And exit 1 4 is provided. The transport channel 16 is It extends between the inlet 12 and the outlet 14. The transport channel 16 is Two (one is shown at 17, The other one is shown in the figure Not formed) between the substantially opposite faces of the rotating disk. Two times The turning disk is Exit 14 At least one arc extending between the inlet 12 and the outlet 14 Towards the wall, Can move relative to the housing between inlet 12 and outlet 14. You. The pump 10 A tangential force or thrust 18 is applied to the solid particles 20 on the disk 17 The rotation tends to be transmitted in the 22 direction. At entrance 12, This tangential thrust 18 Have a tendency to press the granular solids 20 against the fixed wall 24. as a result, Fixed wall 24 The solid particles 20 on the side of A solid mass that is sluggish or stationary At entrance 12, Alternatively, a “complete stop area” 28 is formed in the vicinity thereof. The complete stop area 28 is Reduce the rate at which substances flow into the pump, Hii As a result, the pumping rate can be reduced. Accumulation of particle lumps in the complete stop region Both of the collapse, Or if either one of these occurs, To the flow rate of the substance through the pump Has fluctuated, It also does not adversely affect the weighing accuracy of the system. It can happen. Against the pressure of gas or fluid, Or formed by particles In a system that pumps against the pressure head, The pump is always dense with granular material To fill and act as a pressure barrier, Keep the inlet of the pump unobstructed It will be important to maintain. Moreover, In some particulate matter, If the particles stagnate in the complete stopping area 28, It can happen. For example, If the food substance is being delivered through the pump 10, , If the food substance is left in the complete suspension area 28 for a long time, To rot Or quality deteriorates, It also causes serious hygiene problems. one more To give another example, One type of substance that contains a relatively large amount of water is Long term perfect When it is retained in the stop area 28, Tend to soften and increase viscosity, Also It tends to be awkward to handle. therefore, Drive granular solids, Or pong A device for transporting When particles move slowly or stop Inlet designed to minimize or avoid the formation of total stop area 28 It is desirable to provide a device having The device performance of transmitting driving force to a certain type of particulate matter is The design of the device It depends on a number of factors concerning the shape and shape. The design and shape of conventional devices are ratio Efficiently transmitting a relatively large amount of driving force and the driving force to the granular material, Or Some may not be suitable for some applications that require either. example If Depending on the application, it will counter the transport of particulate matter against resistance, Vertically against gravity Upwards to Against the pressure head, Also, over a relatively long distance, Or either The slope upwards, It may be necessary to do it. Hence, Drive Improve the ability to transfer power to particulate matter, Thereby, A wide variety of granular materials It would be desirable to provide an apparatus and method for transporting and weighing. There are various examples in which it is desirable to transport and meter particulate matter against pressure ( For example, In that case, Gas and fluid pressure at the output of the transport system, Or that Either one is Gas and fluid pressure at the input side of the system, Or either Greater than one). Pressurized environment (in that case, Environmental gas and flow on the output side of the device Body pressure, Or one of them Bigger than on the input side) Even under atmospheric pressure conditions, In addition, even under the situation of against the pressure head, In any case It is desirable to provide a device that can be pumped and metered. Designing an efficient device for transporting or metering particulate matter involves Many factors Must be considered. For example, The amount of particulate matter that needs to be transported, size , And the kind must be considered. The distance in which the substance must be transported and Changes in ambient pressure must also be taken into account. Wide variety under both atmospheric and pressurized conditions It is desirable to provide a pumping device capable of transporting and metering various particulate matter. Yes. Large-scale transportation and metering of particulate matter, Or one of them has its own problems There is. Some transport equipment or system is suitable for transporting certain types of particulate matter. But It may not be suitable for transporting another type of substance. For example, Ken Tucky charcoal is With conventional equipment such as screw type feeders and conveyor belts When transporting Remain relatively intact. But, US West coal is fragile Prone to It can be shattered to a considerable extent during standard shipping operations. atmosphere Under both pressure and pressure conditions, Minimum amount of all types of coal (or other fragile material) It is desirable to provide a device that can be transported by pulverization of. The water content of the granular solid is Must be considered when designing any transportation system This is another factor that must be met. Suitable for transporting completely dry particles In the sending device, Many do not function properly when the water content of the particulate matter increases . The same applies to the case of a particle measuring device. Conventional weighing devices measure dry particles. Designed to scale, Not very suitable for weighing wet solids Sometimes. Under both atmospheric and pressurized conditions, Regardless of water content Transfer granular material Can be measured Or hope to provide a transportation device that can do either Good. What is clear in view of the above background is that Acting as a single device, Atmosphere and pressure A solid material handling device or a solid material handling device capable of simultaneously carrying and measuring particulate matter under both conditions. There is an existing requirement for pumping equipment. This device is A wide variety of particles Should be capable of being transported and weighed under a wide variety of conditions. Furthermore, Structurally Is strong, Moreover, it is mechanically simple and has excellent durability, There is no breakdown for a long time It should be capable of continuous operation. Summary of the Invention According to an embodiment of the present invention, The device and method are With improved drive power, gas And against the fluid pressure head, Or by either one, Orient the flow rate at the inlet While improving and increasing reliability, Particulate matter can be transported and metered. The solid matter pump according to the embodiment of the present invention is A wide range of particulate matter, Large and small Including particles as well as mixed particles, For transporting particulate matter with varying water content, Especially Are suitable. According to an embodiment of the present invention, Particulate matter is Adjacent to at least one drive wall Position to, Preferably two drive walls (eg But not limited to Two Located between the parallel facing walls of the disk) Enter the transport duct. Drive wall By the movement from the entrance to the exit of The particles of the granular material intermesh with each other, Outermost The particles on the side collide with the driving wall, The driving force is transmitted from the driving wall to the particles. According to various embodiments of the present invention, The entrance to the transport duct has been improved, Drive wall May minimize the possibility of particles pushing the particles into the dead zone. I try to avoid it. In this dead zone, Particles move slowly Or it will stop. According to one embodiment, The improved entrance includes Adjacent to each of the two drive walls There is a shroud. Each shroud is Placed adjacent to each drive wall Is Become a barrier, The contact between the drive wall and the particulate matter at a position on the drive wall It is designed to prevent it. Otherwise, Drive wall pushes particles to complete stop zone Tend. In a more advanced embodiment, Formation of a complete stop area at the improved entrance With abutment walls shaped to minimize or avoid Have been. In another alternative embodiment, A modified abutment wall With a fixed wall across from Does this minimize the formation of complete stop zones? Are shaped to avoid. In yet another embodiment, Improved entrance Presence of additional positive force in certain zones (directed towards the drive duct of the device) Particle propulsion devices for transmitting to particles (eg, Driven outer ring structure, Drive roller, Shake Motive, Equipped with a blower or similar), Otherwise do this In this area, a complete stop area will be formed. A more advanced embodiment is Some of the embodiments described above to provide an improved inlet, Or all of that Used in combination. In a preferred embodiment, Granular material should be packed or added in the transportation duct sufficiently densely. Pressed, A temporary solid composed of particles that are substantially bound across the width of the transport duct. Causes formation of features or bridges. As more particulate matter enters the entrance, Consecutive bridges Increasingly in the transport duct. With some types of particulate matter, This incremental bridge formation Choke or dynamic relative disc movement It can occur without. But Further embodiments include chokes or dynamic phases. It may include a paired disc movement. An example of such a choke or disc movement is USA Patent No. 5, 051, 041, U.S. Patent No. 4, 988, No. 239, And US patents Application No. 07/929, 880 (these are Transfer of this application Have been transferred to the recipient or licensed, By citing here Each is incorporated in this application). In various embodiments, Temporary solids of bound particles are a barrier to the pressure head To form Prevents backflow of pressure from the outlet side to the inlet side in the pump. in this way , Embodiments of the invention include For pumping against gas or fluid pressure heads Improved the performance of The present invention relates to a transportation duct type granular solid matter pumping system. Gas or fluid pressure operation of relatively high pressure (gas or fluid pressure at the pump outlet side) Power Extensive research and research focusing on operation when the pump inlet side is stronger than And the result of development efforts, The inventor The key to contributing to the relatively high pressure pumping performance We acknowledged that there are many causes. This led to the development achievements described here. . By the result, Any one or combination of these elements Acts to improve the performance of the pumping system, Gas or fluid pressure head Can be pumped against. For example, The ability of the drive surface to transmit the driving force to the moving mass of particles, Transport adjacent to drive surface The ability to prevent the parts of the duct from being pressurized, Shape and length of duct, Each one , Contribution to the performance of pumping equipment against gas or fluid pressure heads Do you get it. Thus Various embodiments of the invention include To transfer the driving force to the particles Provide means to improve. More advanced embodiments prevent pressurizing the transport ducts. Provide a means of fire. In a further advanced embodiment, Equipment for improving pressure operation Provides volume and shape. According to one embodiment for improving the transmission of driving force, Moving drive surface (also Or multiple faces) At least one discontinuity having downstream facing drive surfaces Equipped with. The discontinuity forms a transport facilitation zone, This transport facilitation zone improves drive surface performance. Let me go up It works with the bound particles that are temporarily solid. Further implementation In form, Multiple discontinuities, For example, the drive surface may be provided with a plurality of equidistant discontinuities. ing. The connection between the solid material and the driving surface during transportation is Next, solid particles being transported by particles are Improve the ability to form a wedge. When the bridge formation improved, it was formed in the bridge The result is an improved pressure barrier formed by the particles. According to a further embodiment of the invention, The shape and dimensions of the outlet duct are Pumping During the sending operation Maintain a moving mass of particles in it, This moving mass of particles is the exit side of the device Designed to act as a dynamic plug against gas or fluid pressure Have been. In a further advanced embodiment, a discharge means is used, Thereby pressure Can be withdrawn from the outlet duct or drive channel. Uniform and constant flow rate provided by apparatus and methods according to embodiments of the present invention Is It is particularly effectively adapted to both transport and metering of particulate matter under various conditions. ing. The amount of particulate matter being sent out measures the rotational speed of the disk, This of the duct It can be conveniently and accurately determined in relation to the cross-sectional area. During weighing operation Equipped with conventional monitoring equipment, During the weighing process, the passages should be closely packed with solid material. And can be confirmed. The foregoing features of the invention, as well as numerous other features and attendant advantages, include: Detailed description below By considering and referring to the attached drawings, Understand better. Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 It is a schematic side view of a solid material pump of the prior art, To show inside the pump It is the figure which removed one disk. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a suitable exemplary device, Except for one disk, Inside the pump Department, A suitable typical example of which a shroud is provided between opposing inner surfaces of parallel rotating discs. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an inlet. FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway internal perspective view of the drive rotor of the preferred exemplary apparatus shown in FIG. 2. FIG. And Figure 3 illustrates a preferred exemplary shroud assembly embodiment provided between parallel rotating disks. FIG. FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a suitable exemplary device, Another embodiment of the present invention FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred exemplary inlet embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 5 is a partial cutaway internal perspective view of the drive rotor of the preferred exemplary apparatus shown in FIG. 4. And Figure 3 illustrates a preferred exemplary shroud assembly embodiment provided between parallel rotating disks. FIG. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of yet another suitable exemplary device, One disk Except, Inside the pump, Suitable typical inlet ducts and parallel rotating discs facing each other And FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a shroud assembly provided adjacent to an inlet between internal surfaces. It is. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a further preferred exemplary device, Except for one disk , Inside the pump, A preferred and typical product consisting of an outer ring device located adjacent to the inlet It is a figure which shows a polar behavior apparatus. Figure 8 FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a preferred exemplary device, which is further advanced, Suitable typical It is a figure which shows the embodiment of a dynamic inlet duct. , Figure 9 FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of another suitable exemplary apparatus, Excluding one disk hand, Inside the pump, FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred exemplary inlet duct shape embodiment. Figure 10 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the drive rotor shown in FIG. 5, Opposite of the rotating disk FIG. 5 is a view showing particles having a bridge formed between inner surfaces. FIG. FIG. 7 is a plan view of a further suitable exemplary rotating disc. Figure 12 FIG. 12 is a partial transverse cross-sectional view of the rotary disc shown in FIG. 11 cut along a 12-12 plane. . Figure 13 FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the dimensions of the rotating disc and the main transport channel. Figure 14 FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the dimensions of the rotating disc and the main transport channel. Figure 15 shows FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a rotating disk with hubs having different diameters. 16 FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a rotating disk with hubs having different diameters. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a rotating disc that defines the heights of different channels. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a rotating disc that defines the heights of different channels. FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial side sectional view of a further preferred exemplary device, Another of the present invention Aiming at the ability to pump against gas or fluid pressure according to one embodiment. FIG. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments The detailed description below Currently believed to be the best at practicing the invention It is a description of the form. This explanation is You shouldn't think of it as a constraint, Book Its sole purpose is to describe the general principles of embodiments of the invention. The present invention The scope of is most limited by the appended claims. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Equipment and devices for transporting and weighing particulate matter And how Inlet flow efficiency and reliability related to improvements, (For example, Efficiency and trust Improve reliability, Improved driving force (for pumping against resistance) and / Or pumping against gas or fluid pressure heads, Is provided. The inventor Is A relatively efficient pumping and pressurization environment (here: Gas on the outlet side of the pump Or the pressure of the fluid is higher than on the inlet side of the pump) It was confirmed that there are many factors that contribute to Noh. This makes it possible to The result of the exhibition was By the result, Any one of these factors Or a combination of them to improve the performance of the particulate matter pumping system. Working, Pumping against gas or fluid pressure heads, Or more efficient It can be pumped into an atmospheric or negative pressure environment. The embodiment is Small and large particles, And a mixture of both, A wide range of water content Granular material, It can be used for shipping under both atmospheric and pressurized conditions. Various embodiments of the invention are discussed below with respect to a rotating disc type structure. That structure In construction, Of a pair of parallel rotating disks, Two walls facing each other at a distance Is A drive wall is formed with a transport duct or channel in between. But, Departure A later embodiment of Ming Structures other than rotating disks, For example, usually move linearly, In between Spaced movable walls that define transport ducts or channels, Drive formed from Operate the moving wall, Alternatively it can be equipped. A device according to one embodiment of the invention is shown generally at 30 in FIG. Device 3 0 is Housing (not shown), Drive rotor or rotating disk assembly 31 , Entrance 32, And an outlet 34. The transport duct or channel 36 is Entrance 3 2 and the outlet 34. The rotating disk assembly 31 is Two opposing rotating circles Board 37 (One of them is (Excluded from the drawing to show the inside of the device). Circle The board assembly 31 is What a suitable power system, For example, Limited But not Connection with static pressure drive motor or electric drive motor (not shown) Is possible, The disk 37 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow 33. The transportation duct 36 is Formed between the substantially opposite surfaces of the two rotating disks 37. . As shown in FIG. The transportation duct 36 is Extends between inlet 32 and outlet 34 It is further defined by at least one arcuate wall 35. This arcuate wall 35 Howe I was still about jing, Can even be formed as part of the housing Is desirable. As the disk 37 rotates, Disk surface driven along transportation duct Provide a wall or surface, The drive wall or surface exits from the inlet 32 with respect to the housing. Moves towards mouth 34. As mentioned above, Other embodiments include Of other types, example If Other than the rotating disk, Using a drive wall formed from opposite sides of the movable wall Can be. Referring to FIG. The transportation duct 36 is Between the two rotating discs 37 at the entrance 32 Has a first section 38 below, There, the solid particles 40 supplied through the inlet are transported. It is sent to the sending duct 36. Prior to the improvements presented here, Discussed above with respect to FIG. Just like Among the particles that enter the first section 38 of the transport duct 36 are: Complete stop area Some particles are pushed or pushed into Where, Do you move slowly Alternatively, a mass of particles that stop is accumulated. But, Embodiments of the invention include Improved Equipped with an entrance, Minimize the formation of such agglomerates of particles in the complete stop zone Can be limited or blocked. According to one embodiment best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, The enclosure assembly 42 is 2 It is provided in a first section 38 between the rotating disks 37. Enclosure assembly 42 Consists of two plate members installed between two rotating discs 37, Each plate member is Transportation Adjacent to the first section 38 of the delivery channel 36, Cover the surface of each disk 37 ing. as a result, First section 38 (between two plate members of shroud assembly 42) The granular solids 40 sent to Touching the drive surface of the rotating disk 37 in the compartment 38 Is substantially blocked by the shroud assembly 42. Therefore, If the shroud assembly 42 is in place, If not, drive the disc The tangential thrust or force that the moving surface transmits to the particles in the first section 38 is Act on particles Does not reach. In this regard, Depending on its shape and position, The enclosure assembly 42 , Minimize tangential thrust, Alternatively, it can even be removed. if If not This tangential thrust is Granular solid near the periphery of the rotating disk 37 The feature 40 will be moved towards the stationary wall 43 of the inlet 32. The result is granular The solid matter 40 is Through entrance 32, Flow smoothly between the plate members of the enclosure plate assembly 42 . The solid particles 40 moving through the shroud assembly 42 are Different rotating disk 37 Radius, Also, at different angles with respect to the rotation direction along the bottom end of the enclosure plate assembly 42. , It is noted that it comes into contact with the surface of the rotating disk 37. Enclosure assembly 4 The distance h between the bottom end 44 of 2 and the hub 46 is Grains passing through the inlet 32 and the transport duct 36 It has been found to affect the flow uniformity and density of the solids 40. That Up, The position of the shroud assembly 42 with respect to the transport channel 36, Surface of rotating disk 37 The shape of the enclosing plate assembly 42 that covers the Particle exits the shroud assembly (on disk ) Affects radial position. The distance h and the position and shape of the surrounding plate assembly 42 are the maximum. It should be selected so that a suitable flow is obtained. The choice of these parameters , It depends on the type of material transported and the environmental conditions under which it is transported. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, The shroud assembly 42 is fixed to the bottom end of the inlet 32. Have been. In an alternative embodiment, The shroud assembly and the entrance are inseparable It can be formed as a single body. Furthermore, Secure the shroud assembly to structural members other than the entrance. May be. In one embodiment, The shroud assembly is Store the granular solids inside, Granular solid It is connected to a hopper which is arranged to feed the features to the inlet of the device. Furthermore that In the previous embodiment, Vibrating hand to facilitate feeding of granular solids from the hopper. The hopper can also have steps. In such an embodiment, Vibrates the enclosure assembly Connect to the means, It is also possible to further promote the flow of particulate solids. An apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention is Generally indicated at 50 in FIG. ing. The device 50 is Housing 52, Including an inlet duct 54 and an outlet duct 56 No. The drive disk assembly 58 is Rotatable on shaft 60 in housing 52 It is equipped with It can rotate about the axis of the shaft 60. Any movement that suits you Force device, For example, But not limited to Static pressure drive motor or electric The drive disk assembly 58 (example: drive motor (not shown)) is operable. Connect (via shaft 60), Rotor can be rotated in the direction of arrow 64 in Fig. 4. It can be driven in any state. As best shown in Figure 5, The drive rotor or disc assembly 58 is With a pair of rotating disks 66 and 68, Each disk is Inner diameter 70 and outer diameter 72 Having. The disk drive assembly 58 is Further, the hub 74 is provided. Drive disk aggregate circle The board is Can enter inside the pumping device, Care or replacement of equipment parts It is desirable that it be easy to remove so that it can be easily done. The rotating disks 66 and 68 are It has opposed interior surfaces 76 and 78. Like this Opposite internal surfaces 76 and 78 Even on a plane Or mentioned below Thus, it may have a plurality of discontinuous portions. Discontinuities of such surfaces on the drive wall Is Improve the transmission of driving force to the granular material, This in turn counters the pressure head It is possible to further improve the pumping performance. A preferred exemplary device 50 is With one or more external shoes But that is, For example, the kind shown at 90 and 92 in FIG. Further progress In the preferred embodiment, A single fixed wall, For example, the type previously discussed with respect to wall 35 of FIG. Although it is a new one, It can be used as an alternative for multiple shoes. The outer shoes 90 and 92 are Transport duct formed between disc surfaces 76 and 78 Is designed to be closed. Each outer shoe 90 and 92 is Fixed respectively It has internal walls 94 and 96. Inner walls 94 and 96 are on the hub 74 and opposite inner Limiting the transport duct 100 in cooperation with the surfaces 76 and 78, Again, At the entrance The cross section of this duct at any given point along the length of the duct from the outlet to the outlet Limit product boundaries. Both outer shoes 90 and 92 are How to use proper mounting hardware or pins Attached to the ging. Preferably, Inner wall or inner for multiple shoes The group walls are Precisely shaped to fit the circumference of the rotating disks 66 and 68. one In one preferred embodiment, The inner wall of the shoe is Drive rotor inner surfaces 76 and 7 To partially cover 8 Axes beyond the inner surfaces 76 and 78 of the drive rotor, respectively. Extending in the direction (across the shoe). Shoe The outer diameter of the inner surfaces 76 and 78 ( For example, Within reasonable tolerances (depending on the type of material transported and the size of the particles) They are placed as close together as possible. In the shape of FIG. 4, Shoe Radially Is not adjustable, Closer to or from hub 74 of drive rotor 58 Move it further away, Changing the cross-sectional area of the main transport channel 100 is Can not. In an alternative embodiment, Shoe Between the opposing interior surfaces 76 and 78 Fits, Sized to form a curved outer wall to the main transport channel 100 And the shape. With this shape, Changing the cross-sectional area of the main transport channel 100, Ma The normal shape of the duct, Normal divergence duct, Converging duct or constant cross-sectional area To choose as one of the ducts, Set the radial position of the shoe to the position of the drive rotor 58. It can be adjusted by moving it toward or away from the knob 74. For this purpose U.S. Patent No. 4, 988, On one or more shoes of the type shown in No. 239, Screw adjustment equipment The devices can be combined. By adjusting the shoe in and out, Solid Setting chokes or close packing of solids as they pass through the pump Can be Or as an alternative, Cross-sectional area that extends along the duct or constant cross-sectional area Can be provided. In a further embodiment of the invention, The cross-sectional area of the duct 100 should converge. Is a divergent and / or dense packing of granular solids, Rotating disc 66 to rotating disc 68 regarding, It is implemented by arranging at a predetermined angle. This angle is Entrance duct 5 The distance between the opposing inner surfaces 76 and 78 near 4 is Pair between inlet 54 and outlet 56 The angle is different from the distance between the facing inner surfaces 76 and 78. In a more advanced embodiment, The angle at which the rotating discs rotate in relation to each other is also adjustable. By changing the angle, The rate of change of the cross-sectional area between the inlet and the outlet changes, Different convergence or cho in the duct Cause edema or divergence. The angled disc embodiment described above and the achievement thereof For various perspectives on the preferred device to (Assigned to the assignee of the present invention And US patent application Ser. No. 07/929, incorporated herein by this reference), 880 The issue is described in more detail. The device 50 is Furthermore, Provided between the rotating disks 66 and 68 near the inlet 54 The enclosure assembly 102 is provided. As best shown in Figure 5, Enclosure set The body 102 is composed of a pair of plate members 104, The pair of plate members face each other, Entering It covers the drive surfaces of the two rotating disks 66 and 68 adjacent to the mouth 54. Each plate member 104 is Placed next to each disc 66 or 68, Main transportation Ends at the bottom edge in the initial feed area 108 of the duct or channel 100 You. The initial supply area 108 is Normal, Entrance 54, Two rotating disks 66 facing the entrance Between the hub 74 and the portion of the hub 74 between the two. As with the shroud assembly 42 discussed above, The enclosure assembly 102 is Early companion The solid particles 91 sent to the feeding area 108 come into contact with the surface portions of the rotating disks 66 and 68. It has the effect of substantially preventing this. The enclosure assembly 102 is in this way, Contact Minimize linear thrust, or Or remove it. If not, This The tangential thrust of is Insert the solid particles 91 near the periphery of the rotating disks 66 and 68. Move towards the closed side wall 110 of the mouth 54, Particles that move slowly or stop (Complete stop region) will be formed. The granular solids 91 that move through the shroud assembly 102 are On disks 66 and 68 With different radii, Further, the bottom end portion 106 of the enclosure plate assembly 102 is different. Since it comes into contact with the surface of the rotating disk 37 at a certain angle, A uniform one of granular solids Further improvements to achieve a consistent flow include: The shape of the enclosure assembly 102 is Circle The angle of the bottom edge 106 of the shroud board assembly can be selected in relation to the moving direction of the board. And obtained. Depending on the angle and shape of the bottom edge 106, Along the bottom edge 106 Particles that flow out from any of the predetermined positions along the drive disk at any radius It is decided whether to leave the group. The size of the drive rotor 58 is The type and quantity of substances that are transported or weighed It can change more greatly. Typically, Outer diameter for rotating disks 66 and 68 is a few inches Can vary from up to many feet. Relatively small rotating discs are food additives and medicines It is suitable for use in the transportation and metering of relatively small amounts of solid material such as goods. ratio A comparatively large disk is food, coal, It contains a large amount of both organic and inorganic solid substances such as gravel. Available to transport and measure in quantity. This device Large particles, Small particles, And both It is equally well suited for transporting and weighing mixtures. Wet particulate matter It can also be used to transport and meter both dry and dry particulate matter. A device according to a further embodiment of the invention is This is generally shown at 130 in FIG. You. The device 130 is Multi-column inlet duct assembly 1 that also limits shroud assembly 32 are provided. The aggregate 132 is A pair of rotating disks that rotate in the direction of arrow 135 Located between 134. The aggregate 132 is One type of particulate matter or several different types Different types of particulate matter (different substances in each column) at the same time in the pump's transport duct or May be adapted to supply the transportation channel. To improve the ability to create a uniform and consistent flow of particulate material through device 130. In order to The multi-inlet duct 132 is Multi-inlet duct column 132a-132d It has. Each column is Adjacent to the portion of disk 134 (as previously discussed It has a group of walls that function as a board. Columns 132a-132d are Rotating disk 1 Along 34, they end in different radii. In one embodiment of the present invention Is The inlet duct column 132a located on the closed side 136 The circumference of the rotating disk 134 It ends adjacent to the side. In addition, the entrance duct located on the abutment side 138 Tocolum 132d, It ends adjacent to the hub 140. Entrance duct column 132b is The space between the rotating disks 134 is deeper than the entrance duct column 132a. It goes in and extends. Also, the inlet duct column 132c is Entrance duct column 132 It extends deeper than b, The entry is shallower than the entrance duct column 132d Yes. The shape of the inlet duct assembly 132 is Individual duct length and cross-sectional area Including Choosing to provide the desired flow rate for each column duct Can be. An apparatus according to an even further embodiment of the present invention comprises: Shown generally at 150 in FIG. I have. The device 130 is Entrance 152, Exit 153, And rotate in the direction of arrow 155 It comprises a pair of rotating disks 154. Formation of a complete stop area adjacent to the inlet 152 To prevent The embodiment of FIG. (Direction of equipment transport duct or channel A propulsion device for exerting a more aggressive force (directed at Equipped with propulsion means. These particles are Area that would otherwise be a complete stop area It is a particle that begins to accumulate in. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, More aggressive The force exerting means includes an outer ring 156. The outer ring 156 is For example, a motor (shown It can be driven by any one of the suitable power means (e.g. During pumping operation It moves toward the closing side 158 by the thrust in the tangential direction of the disk. The broken solid particles are Actively push it into the main transport duct 160 by the outer ring I will. The rotation speed of the outer ring 156 is Grain passing through the inlet 152 and the main transport duct 160 It is preferred to adjust the solids to flow uniformly and consistently. Embodiment of FIG. Shows an outer ring device as an example of means for transmitting more positive force, Other practices Drive roller in form, Vibrator, Compressed air equipment, Throat such as gas or fluid blower It is understood that the use of one or a combination of both is also possible . An apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention is Generally indicated at 170 in FIG. I have. The device 170 is Entrance 172, A pair of rotating disks that rotate in the direction of arrow 175. 174 is provided. The entrance 172 is Leveling of particulate solids through the inlet and device 170 To provide one and consistent flow, Complete stop at or near entrance 172 Create cross-sectional shapes designed to minimize or avoid areas Have. In one embodiment, The entrance 172 is Width W1 at outer diameter side (closed side) 176 But has This is substantially wider than the width W2 at the abutment side 178. width W1 gradually narrows toward width W2, The width W2 is about one third of the width W1 Is desirable. But, The type of material to be transported and the transportation work will be carried out. Depending on the conditions Other suitable relative dimensions can be selected. In the shape of the entrance shown, The flow rate of particulate matter on the abutment side 178 is closed Substantially smaller than on chain side 176 (cross section of inlet 172 on abutment side) The product is substantially less than on the closed side). as a result, Of the total incoming particles The low percentage is Otherwise, the tangential direction that could create a complete stop area Because of the thrust of. Thanks The tendency for complete stop regions to be created is decreasing . An apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises Shown generally at 190 in FIG. I have. The device 190 is Entrance 192, Exit 198, And rotate in the direction of arrow 196 It has a pair of rotating disks 194. The main transportation duct 200 is Normal, Rotating circle Between panels 194, And, Limited between inlet 192 and outlet 198. This preferred In a preferred embodiment, The entrance 192 is Lower section adjacent to the main transport channel 200 Area 202, An upper section 20 connected to the lower section upstream of the granular solids flow. 4 and. The lower area 202 is With the outer diameter side (or closed side wall) 206 side wall , An abutment side wall facing the closed side wall 206 and upstream of the closed side wall 206 And 208. As we already know, Which of the walls 206 and 208 One or both, These walls fit the outer perimeter of the disk or Shape using a substantially curved or recessed part that is the crossing part By doing Substantially reduce the tendency of particulate matter to collect in the complete stop zone Can be removed. In one embodiment, The abutment side wall 208 is It ’s hollow, Disc It jumps out in the direction opposite to the rotation direction 196. In a more preferred embodiment , The choke side wall 206 is The flow of particulate solids moving through the inlet 210 As soon as you enter the main transport duct 200, With the flow of particulate solids in the main transport duct 200 So that they point in essentially the same direction, Angled to limit the divergent entrance ing. The shapes of the abutment and choke sidewalls discussed above are That too Without a connection, it may create a complete stopping area at or near the entrance 210. It is known to reduce the effect of linear thrust. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, When pumping solids into a pressure system Is At least the total cross-sectional area of the transport channel 100 and the outlet 56 portion is Pumping It is preferable that the solid is densely packed therein. This forms a dam at the pump outlet To achieve. This dam is Gas flowing back into the pump from the outlet, liquid, Or solid It provides a barrier against possible harmful effects. Due to the cumulative bridging of particles, Communicating Continuous reinforcement that is formed continuously can be made, This results in a relatively high To withstand even more pressure, Reinforce the particle bridge relatively close to the outlet You. The ability of embodiments of the invention to improve the flow of material through the inlet of a pump is transport Aiming at the performance of maintaining the channel 100 and the outlet 56 in a densely packed solid state. Let it go up Thus Improves pumping performance against the pressure head. Moreover, The ability of the drive surface to transfer the drive force to the moving mass of particles is Gas or It has been found to contribute to the performance of the device pumping against the pressure head of the fluid. According to one embodiment for improving the transmission of driving force, Moving drive surface (if Drive surface group) At least one discontinuity having a drive surface facing downstream To have. The placement of the corrugations (or discontinuities) on the opposite surfaces of the disc is In the embodiment More changeable. Each discontinuity forms a transport facilitation zone, The transportation promotion zone , Improves the performance of the drive surface to engage the bound particles of temporary solids. Further In an advanced embodiment, Multiple discontinuities, For example, a plurality of evenly spaced discontinuities are driving surfaces Is equipped with. For example, The opposing inner surfaces 76 and 78 of the rotating disks 66 and 68 shown in FIG. A plurality of discontinuous portions 89 extending at equal intervals are provided in the radial direction. Inside facing The discontinuity of the surface is As best shown in FIG. Symmetric channels for particle transport It is preferable to form a profile. This symmetrical shape allows During dense packing of particles and transport Uneven load on the bearing assembly (not shown) that supports the drive rotor during transport This is alleviated. Each discontinuity 89 (Best shown in FIG. 10 Drive surface 256 facing downstream, Bottom area 258, And the surface facing upstream A transport facilitation zone 254 having 260 is formed. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 10, The drive surface 256 facing downstream is Internal surface 7 Perpendicular to 6 and 78, It is curved like a mountain behind, Disk 66 (and yen When the board 68) moves between the entrance and the exit, The tail 264 is an exit (example: For example, It is located on the side away from the outlet 56) in FIG. Mountain shape behind this Depending on the shape of the Ejection of particles at the outlet is facilitated. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, The width of the transportation facilitation zone 254 is The transportation facilitating zone 254 is located on the disk 66 (and the disk 68) from the inner diameter position to the outer diameter position. As it extends to the radial position, To increase. Surface 26 facing upstream of each rotating disk 0 is Inclined upward from the bottom surface region 258 of the rotating disk to the inner surface. The shape of the discontinuity on the opposing interior surfaces 76 and 78 is Equivalent to the present invention The degree can be changed. Preferred embodiment of the rotating disc shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In the state, The discontinuity on the opposing interior surfaces 76 and 78 is Multiple evenly spaced releases A raised portion 282 extending radially, Each raised portion has a drive surface 2 facing downstream. 84 and an upstream-facing surface 2 disposed upstream of the drive surface 284 facing downstream. Has 86, Drive surface 284 and surface 286 are sufficiently perpendicular to the inner surface of the rotating disk It is. Also, The raised portion 282 is An inner surface 288 and an outer surface 290, this Both surfaces are adjacent to a downstream facing drive surface 284 and an upstream facing surface 286, Further Both sides are sufficiently perpendicular to the inner surface of the rotating disc. The inner surface 288 is Located outside the inner diameter 292 of the rotating disk, Radius that intersects the inner surface It is sufficiently perpendicular to the directional component. The outer surface 290 is Of the outer diameter of the rotating disk 294 Located inside, It is sufficiently perpendicular to the radial component that intersects the outer surface. Also, The raised portion 282 is A top surface 296 that is sufficiently parallel to the inner surface of the rotating disk Prepare. The width of each top surface 296 is The top surface 296 has an outer diameter 29 from the vicinity of the inner diameter 292. It expands as it extends near 4, as a result, On the adjacent raised portion 282 Therefore, the width of the recess 298 formed is The recess is from near inner diameter 292 to near outer diameter 294 It remains constant as it extends to. The raised portion 282 curves backward in a mountain shape, So As a result of When the rotating disk moves between the entrance and the exit, The outer surface 290 is the inner surface 288. It is on the side away from the exit. As an alternative The facing inner surface is Extending radially to form a series of wavy peaks and valleys It can also be provided with a waveform. Further embodiments include A simple elongated ridge on the disk wall Origins and grooves can also be used. Temporary solids can become a driving surface (eg, Drive wall with grooves or other discontinuities) When it comes to mesh well, Next time, Of particles that form temporary solids in the bridge Ability increases. Especially, The mass of interlocked particles that form a temporary solid, In FIG. As shown It will be in a state of meshing with the discontinuous part of the surface of the drive wall, As a result, Drive The power-carrying power is improved to increase the particle bridge formation force. Bridge shape The improvement of synthesis is As a result of enhancing the effect of pressure barrier created by bridged particles, Become. In various preferred embodiments described so far, Drive rotor (31 The driving force of 58) is Provide discontinuities 89 on opposing interior surfaces 76 and 78. It is enhanced by. What is the driving force of the device? Of the planned particles through the main transport channel Against pressure or any kind of planned resistance, Opposing inner surfaces 76 and 7 No slippage of granular solids on 8 Pumping equipment for driving granular solids It can be performance. Resistance is For example, gravity, Combined with device outlet Depending on the pressurized fluid (gas or liquid) of the pressurized system or a combination of both Can be triggered. Further embodiments include Various other features that enhance the drive or pumping power of the device One of them or a combination thereof. For example, Of the outer shoes 90 and 92 It is also possible to apply a low friction material to the respective fixed inner walls 94 and 96 (Fig. 5). You. What is a low friction substance? For example, Polytetrafluoroethylene and other ultra high molecular weight substances With quality, This allows Reduces friction between granular solids and stationary inner walls 94 and 96 You can do it. If you reduce friction, as a result, Driving force increases. Of the present invention In one embodiment, The material on the inner surface of the rotating disks 66 and 68 has friction. Choose a substance with an increased rate, The driving force can be increased. In yet another embodiment Is Drive surface 76, The friction between 78 and the particulate matter is Also the surface smoothness or It can also depend on the roughness. in this way, The driving force depends on the roughness of the driving surfaces 76 and 78. However, it is possible to increase. Alternatively, The material of the inner surfaces 76 and 78 is Choose an elastic material, Enhances the force of meshing with the disk wall of particles, Driving force It can also increase the efficiency of transmission to the particles. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, As shown in Figure 19 In the device, A diverging outlet duct can also be attached. Such a divergent exit The duct is It has an increasing cross-sectional area in the area towards the external opening of the outlet duct. Exit The divergence of the duct is Compressed granules on the inner surface of the outlet duct facing the outer opening It tends to reduce the pressure of matter. as a result, The friction resistance between the granular material and the inner surface The resistance is reduced through the exit duct, In turn, The power to drive the granular material is increased. And further, The driving force generated by the device is Main transport channel through which solids pass (For example, The length of the channel between the inlet duct 54 and the outlet duct 56 in FIG. 5) It is admitted that it depends also on. Typically, Main transport channel is the width of the channel The longer it is, The driving force of the device also increases. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, The main transport channel 250 is Have a driving distance L . The granular material is moved from the inlet 14 to the outlet 16 by rotating the driving rotor 18 at this distance L. Be moved in. The main transport channel 100 is The height of the drive surface of the rotating disks 66 and 68 Sa H and The width W determined between the facing surfaces 76 and 78 of the rotating disks 66 and 68. I do. Hub 74 has a diameter D. The cross-sectional area of the main transport channel 100 should be of a suitable shape. Anything In the illustrated embodiment, The shape of the cross-sectional area of the channel 100 is generally Is Rectangle and square. With a rotating disk device, The driving distance L is the length of the hub 74 Depends on the diameter D, If the diameter of the hub 74 increases, the driving distance L of the main transport channel 100 also increases. It will be long. as a result, Ratio of channel length L to channel width W Increase, The driving force of the particles produced by the device is seen to increase. This is also recognized, The driving force generated by the device is Main transportation Driving distance L of the feed channel 100 (The driving distance L of the rotating disk system is set to the hub diameter D. According to), Height H, And the relative size of the width W. Especially, The driving force is Square cut The width W of the main transport channel with area (eg Driving distance L (if H = W) (if It has been found to be related (or proportional) to the ratio of the diameter D). That is, L As the ratio of (or D) to W increases, The driving force increases. Cross section Except for the square channel 100 (for example, H is not equal to W), The driving force is , Not only related to the ratio of L (or D) to W, Also related to H It is also known that it is (proportionally again). That is, As H increases hand, The driving force also increases. This feature is illustrated with respect to FIGS. As shown in FIG. main The transport channel 100 is Height H, Has a width W, Both are equal (for example, The cross-sectional shape of the channel is square). The hub has a diameter of D1, This diameter Determine the driving distance L. In FIG. The height H and width W of the main transport channel 100 are Figure This is the same as the case of 15. If you say, The cross-sectional area of the main transport channel 100 is shown in FIG. 16 is the same in FIG. However, The diameter of the hub in FIG. 16 is the diameter of the hub in FIG. Is more than double. The drive distance of the main transport channel 100 of FIG. 16 is L2, This This is more than twice that in the case of FIG. That is, In the case of the embodiment of FIG. Hub diameter The ratio of D to the main transport channel width W is D1 / W, Of the embodiment of FIG. In the case, it is D2 / W. Where D2 / W is It is more than twice the value of D1 / W. Conclusion As a result, The device of FIG. Definitely greater driving force than the device of FIG. Well, Can produce substantially greater pumping performance (for resistance) You. Moreover, As shown in FIG. The main transport channel 100 is Width is W, this The width W is equal to the width of the channel 100 of FIG. Also, the hub is 17 has a diameter D One This diameter D is equal to the diameter D of the hub of FIG. But in Figure 17, Main transportation The height H1 of the driving surface forming the channel 100 is Higher than height H2 in FIG. . as a result, The device of FIG. 17 is Larger driving force (or A relatively large pumping performance for resistance) can be produced. in this way, From the above, The magnitude of the driving force is at least, Of driving distance L Ratio to width W (L / W), Ratio of hub diameter D to width W (D / W), It depends on the ratio of the driving distance L to the cross-sectional area S of the transport channel (L / S). I understand. For more details, Ratio L / W, Or ratio D / W, Or ratio L The larger / S, The driving force of the device is large. If you add more, The height H is high What The driving force of the device also increases. therefore, The following are recognized: That is, The driving force F of the device is By the formula Ratio L / W, Ratio D / W, Ratio L / S represents the characteristics as a function of each. That is, F = f (L / W), FF = f (D / W), F = f (L / S), Alternatively, F = f (H). A common example is Specific application (eg, Matter tilted upwards or lead Pump straight up, Pumping against the pressure head, as well as / Or the driving force F required for pumping a planned distance) Various parameters of the application (eg Tilt angle, Pressure magnitude and / or pong It can be determined from the distance traveled by the transported substance). So Therefore, According to an embodiment of the present invention, L, D, W, Any one of S or The values of these combinations are Choose to provide a driving force F that suits a particular application Of. The value F of the driving force of the device is Granular solid pressure, The device pumps into the pressure system. Includes external fluid (gas or liquid) pressure and other resistance when sending Greater than the total pumping pressure P. this is, The device is on a rotating disk surface of solid particles. In order to drive the particulate matter efficiently without causing slippage at is there. Therefore, The following relation is obtained. That is, F ≧ P, Or f (L / W) ≧ P, Or f (D / W) ≧ P, f (L / S) ≧ P, Alternatively, f (H) ≧ P. therefore, According to an embodiment of the present invention, L , D, W, The value of any one or a combination of S and H, Greater than P The selection is made so that a sufficient driving force F can be provided. Also, The orientation and shape of the pump outlet duct is Output relatively higher than the entrance side Affects the ability to deliver particulate solids into the oral pressure. For example, Pressurization system To further improve the operation performance and operation efficiency required for pumping into the You just have to use the exit duct facing up, Such an exit duct is the device 300 of FIG. 302 of FIG. 4 (components similar to those used in the device in FIG. , The same reference numbers are used). The final portion 304 of the outlet duct 302 is coupled to the pressure system 306. Good More preferably, The outlet duct 302 faces upward (ie, Output coupled to pump The end of the mouth duct is lower than the opposite end of the exit duct), for that reason, Granular material Is driven upwards once and then Pressurization system 3 from the outlet duct 302 It is discharged during 06. The wall or groups of walls of the outlet duct 302 face upwards. Fruit As the particulate matter is delivered through the exit duct, This duct Granular material Acts as a container for housing. When is the moving particulate matter contained inside the wall of the outlet duct during the pumping operation? Even at the moment As additional particulate matter is pumped into the lower end of the outlet duct. hand, It is affected by the driving force of the pump. At the same time, Gravity and air on the exit side Body pressure or fluid pressure is It acts on the particulate matter contained in the outlet duct wall. That Therefore, The moving particulate matter contained inside the wall of the outlet duct is At any moment It is closely packed, Firmly clogged inside the exit duct Have a tendency to be in a state. as a result, Particulate matter is Moving or fluid plug Acting as a (plug) This is, Gas or liquid from the outlet side drives the pump To prevent it from invading. Moreover, Towards the lower end of the outlet duct, Stronger dense packing or pressure Hangs, This is for the particles in the main transport channel or drive duct 100. As the bridge part becomes stronger and stronger. Thanks to that, Next time, Temporary driving force Tends to increase the performance of the pump that delivers to the target mass. The exit da According to ct 302, The whole system Much higher than the pump inlet side The result is that it can work against the pressure on the outlet side. These cumulative effects are (For example, Drive wall and transport duct with discontinuities Further enhanced by the driving force enhancement characteristics as described above (for embodiments of dimensional proportions) . That is, When the performance of transmitting driving force is improved, It is a bridge forming work of granular material And the result of improving the transfer action to the outlet duct, This time, Flow The result is improved dynamic plugging. And By the way, Against the pressure This will further improve the pumping performance. Thus Driving force for granular materials Improving transmission performance, Improvements in outlet duct geometry and / or orientation are linked together. Continuing to cooperate, We can provide a dramatically improved device for pumping against pressure. It will happen. In a preferred embodiment, The outlet duct 302 is Diversive outward (transport channel Or the end connected to the drive duct 100 is connected to the pressure system 306. A cross-sectional area (diverging toward the end 304). Cross-sectional area of outlet duct 302 Diverges gradually towards the end 304, so The particles are The end of the outlet duct 302 As it approaches 304, the densely packed state is weakened. as a result, Exit da Force of particles on the inner surface of the ct wall 305, And therefore The wear between the particulate matter and the wall The rubbing force decreases toward the outlet duct end 304. therefore, Relatively high pressure While enduring performance is enhanced by the upward facing outlet 302, Granular material at the outlet The driving force of the device 300 for feeding through There is no need to increase it. The length of the outlet duct 302 is Outlet duct at any moment during pumping operation 302 contains a sufficient amount of substance, Supports and withstands relatively high pressures It is desirable to have such a design. Particulate matter carried through the outlet duct 302 Exerts pressure on the inner surface of wall 305, Add paint to the inner surface of wall 305 , It is preferable to reduce the friction between the particulate material and the wall 305. The painting is For example, Low friction materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene and other ultra high molecular weight materials It is desirable to use. Alternatively, The driving force of the device 300 is Granular material is relatively large at the upward exit It can be increased so that it can be moved against strong frictional resistance. as a result, Addition Stronger continuous reinforcement of the particulate material to withstand the relatively high pressures of the pressure system It is possible to add. As is clear from the above discussion, According to the shape and orientation of the outlet duct 302 , Performance of devices that move particulate matter against pressure heads, including gas or fluid pressure heads. And can have a dramatic effect on efficiency. Therefore, Shape and direction of outlet duct The date is Selected to provide optimal pressure handling performance for a particular pumping operation It is desirable to do. To further improve the ability to operate against a gas or liquid pressure head, Drive The duct or channel is under pressure (gas or pressure higher than the pressure on the inlet side of the device) Is the way to achieve. Therefore, The present invention A further embodiment of From the relatively high pressure outlet side of the device, Provisions are made to minimize leakage of pressure into the channel 100. Outlet duct, And / or various along the drive channel or duct If the pressure is discharged at the position, Drive channel or drive duct 100 is under pressure Can be minimized or prevented. Such a discharge device Examples of device combinations are discussed below. According to a further embodiment, The device 300 includes Device 300 pumps If there is a shortage or break in the particulate matter, Pressurized gas in pressure system Alternatively, a check valve may be provided to prevent liquid from entering the device 300. Have been. For example, In a preferred embodiment, Like a pivot around the pin 310 A valve plate 308 is provided adjacent to the outer end 304 of the outlet 302. I have. The particulate matter discharged from the outlet 302 is Press the valve plate 308, Normal The valve plate 308 is opened during this pumping operation. On the other hand, Device 300 is a particulate material In case of lack or breakage of Valve plate 308 closed inlet 302 , Pressurized gas or liquid enters the main transport channel 100 of device 300 Prevent the. In another embodiment, A pressure monitor (not shown) Main transportation Provision should be made to monitor the pressure in the channel 100 and / or in the outlet duct. Can be. The supervised pressure is Valve plate 30 for opening and closing valve plate 308 Servo-controlled motor device or any other suitable motor (not shown) Can be used to control (not). These measures The equipment is running out of particulate matter When there was Do not allow pressurized gas or liquid to enter the main transport channel It is for doing. As I discussed earlier, Granular solids are During pumping Precisely in outlet 302 Tightly packed, Continuously moving stepped bridges or moving fluids of granular solids Forming a plug through the outlet 302, Against the pressurized fluid of the pressure system It acts to contain (or partially contain) this. But, fluid , gas, Or the liquid is Through a fine passage created between granular solids, Then, it is possible to gradually exude to the entrance 54. As mentioned above, Suppress or prevent fluid from seeping to the inlet 54 In order to The device 300 includes Providing a through hole device for draining fluid pressure it can. For example, As shown in FIG. The through hole 311 is On the main transport channel 100 In the adjacent exit 302, Or housing or rotating disks 66 and 68 It is installed on the shoe adjacent to the peripheral edge. Pump the fluid that oozes out through the granular solids. In order to pump out Connect the through hole 311 to a pump device (not shown). Can also be. Alternatively, The pressure of the fluid itself may be sufficient to perform the through-hole action. unknown. In the through hole 311, A valve 312 for selectively opening and closing the through hole may be provided. preferable. The perforator can be installed at any suitable location along the main channel 100. You. For example, Through hole, On the outer shoe 92, Or on the abutment member 314 Can be installed. In a further advanced preferred embodiment, Gap between disk and housing , Appropriate through-hole outlets can be installed on the shoe or hub. The length of the transportation duct 100 is Adequate amount of cumulative staircase bridge formation Happened during To support and withstand relatively high pressures at the outlet side of the pump So that It is desirable to be designed. These things are Convergent duct, This can be achieved using a constant cross-section duct or a divergent duct system. Divergent Duct system (where Main drive duct diverges from the entrance to the exit) Is There are advantages to pumping into a pressurized system. Especially, Divergent type Kuto 100 is converging from the exit to the entrance, Is transported for this Agglomerates of granular material through the pump in the reverse direction (towards the inlet) due to the back pressure It also suppresses any movement that may occur. Furthermore, The ability to suppress the pressurized state of the transportation duct in the device is Gas or liquid It has been found to enhance the performance of the pumping device against the pressure head. Thus , Various embodiments of the present invention provide a means to prevent the transport duct from being under pressure. Offer. In a further advanced embodiment, Equipment size and shape for advanced pressure operations Provide a letter. In the space formed by the housing 52 and the outer edges of the rotating disks 66 and 68. , In order to prevent particles and fine particles from entering, Best shown in FIG. Like The rotating disk has a chamfer 72, The chamfer 72 is The outer edge is a rotating circle When extending outward from the inner surface of the board, Tilts away from housing 52 . The outer edge is preferably chamfered at an angle of about 45 degrees. The fine powder outlet 74 is connected to the valve 76, Installed at the bottom of the housing, Use this It is possible to remove fine powder that may accumulate during pump operation (FIG. 19). While the pump is operating, Leave valve 76 open, Fine powder is collected inside the collection channel (illustrated Not) and fell into the outlet via It can be discharged continuously. Alternatively, Keep valve 76 closed, Open only when the internal collection groove is full of fine powder You can also kick. of course, Opening and closing valve 76 The dustiness of the solid material to be transported and It depends on how fragile it is. Opening and closing valve 76 It may be done according to user preference . The size of the drive rotor is Varies depending on the type and volume of material to be transported or weighed Wow Typically, The outer diameters of the rotating disks 66 and 28 are Only two, What from 3 inches Can change to feet. The relatively small rotating disk Food additives and pharmaceuticals It is well suited for transporting and weighing relatively small volumes of solids such as. Relatively large rotation The disk is food, coal, Of large amounts of organic and inorganic solids such as gravel and others Can be used for transportation and weighing. This device Large particles, Transport of small particles and mixtures of both And weighing, And well suited for large and small volume transportation and weighing, Wet granules Transport of both quality and dry particulate matter, and Can be used for weighing, The constraint is that the substance is viscous Only that it must not be so moist that it becomes dominant and hinders bridge formation It is. Although the preferred exemplary embodiment has been described using a single drive rotor, As well , Transport device with multiple drive rotors receiving material from single or multiple inlets It is also possible to produce. By using multiple drive rotors, disk Without increasing the diameter Material throughput can be increased. By bridging solids, Positive displacement of solids ( Positive pressure substitution) is possible. Therefore, Use the pump as a transport and metering device Wear. The solids are positively displaced by the pump, Total The quantity measures the rotational speed of the drive rotor, Pass the pump based on duct cross section It can be achieved by calculating the solids weight. When used as a metering pump, Some kind Using conventional detection equipment, While measuring solids, Aisles are filled with solids over the entire period It is desirable to confirm that These conventional detectors Gamma ray inspection Output device and electromechanical detection device. These detectors All technically public Because I know A detailed description is omitted, not shown. The device element is It is preferably made of high strength steel or other suitable material. Rotating circle The inner surface of the board and the inner wall of the shoe are Suitable with wear resistant metal or non-stick property Made of various materials, Facilitates discharge at the outlet during operation, Also during the maintenance period It is preferable to facilitate removal. In a suitable application, The inner surface of the rotating disk and the shoe The inner wall of the Can be made of low friction materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene it can. that's all, Having described an exemplary embodiment of the invention, The above disclosure is typical Being only And a wide variety of other alternatives, Adaptations and modifications are within the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that it can be performed. For example, The drive rotor is Of movable surface Format is preferred, This is not mandatory. Any kind of movable surface, Conveyor bell Or other systems, The bridge formation characteristics and the drive surface characteristics facing the downstream if there is, It can be used. The embodiments disclosed herein now include In all respects it is for commentary, The present invention It should not be considered as limiting the scope of. The scope of the invention is Before Indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, Equivalent to Claim All changes that come out of meaning and scope Hence, Included in the claim It is thought that it is a good fit.

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (31)優先権主張番号０８／１１６，２２９ (32)優先日 1993年８月31日 (33)優先権主張国米国（ＵＳ） (81)指定国ＥＰ(ＡＴ，ＢＥ，ＣＨ，ＤＥ，ＤＫ，ＥＳ，ＦＲ，ＧＢ，ＧＲ，ＩＥ，ＩＴ，ＬＵ，ＭＣ，ＮＬ，ＰＴ，ＳＥ)，ＯＡ(ＢＦ，ＢＪ，ＣＦ，ＣＧ，ＣＩ，ＣＭ，ＧＡ，ＧＮ，ＭＬ，ＭＲ，ＮＥ，ＳＮ，ＴＤ，ＴＧ)，ＡＰ(ＫＥ，ＭＷ，ＳＤ)，ＡＭ，ＡＴ，ＡＵ，ＢＢ，ＢＧ，ＢＲ，ＢＹ，ＣＡ，ＣＨ，ＣＮ，ＣＺ，ＤＥ，ＤＫ，ＥＥ，ＥＳ，ＦＩ，ＧＢ，ＧＥ，ＨＵ，ＪＰ，ＫＥ，ＫＧ，ＫＰ，ＫＲ，ＫＺ，ＬＫ，ＬＲ，ＬＴ，ＬＵ，ＬＶ，ＭＤ，ＭＧ，ＭＮ，ＭＷ，ＮＬ，ＮＯ，ＮＺ，ＰＬ，ＰＴ，ＲＯ，ＲＵ，ＳＤ，ＳＥ，ＳＩ，ＳＫ，ＴＪ，ＴＴ，ＵＡ，ＵＺ，ＶＮ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (31) Priority claim number 08 / 116,229 (32) Priority date August 31, 1993 (33) Priority claiming countries United States (US) (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, DE, DK, ES, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, M C, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG , CI, CM, GA, GN, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (KE, MW, SD), AM, AT, AU, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, C Z, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE, HU , JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LK, LR, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MN, MW, NL, N O, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SI , SK, TJ, TT, UA, UZ, VN

Claims

[Claims] 1. In a device that transports particulate matter against fluid pressure, A first movable surface defining a transport channel, an inlet and an outlet, The transport channel is disposed between the inlet and the outlet, The first movable surface is operable to move from the inlet towards the outlet, The device further prevents liquid from entering the main transport channel from the outlet duct. Of the particulate matter carried by the device to form a movable flow plug for Of particulate matter including an outlet duct defining a container for containing the mass during operation of the device. Transportation equipment. 2. The transport apparatus for particulate matter according to claim 1, Further, move the first movable surface between the inlet and the outlet toward the outlet. An apparatus for transporting particulate matter, comprising a driving means for squeezing. 3. The transport apparatus for particulate matter according to claim 1, A device for transporting particulate matter, wherein said outlet duct has a divergent section. 4. The transport apparatus for particulate matter according to claim 1, The outlet duct is paired with a bottom end adjacent to the transport channel and the bottom end. An apparatus for transporting particulate matter having a facing outer end and an inner wall sloping upward. 5. The transport device for particulate matter according to claim 4, The inner wall of the divergent container diverges away from the transport channel. An apparatus for transporting particulate matter defining a divergent container having a cross section. 6. The transport apparatus for particulate matter according to claim 1, The outlet duct had a cross-section diverging away from the transport channel An apparatus for transporting particulate matter having an inner wall defining a divergent container. 7. The transport apparatus for particulate matter according to claim 1, The outlet duct is connected to the transport channel at the outlet junction, An apparatus for transporting particulate matter, the apparatus further comprising a pressure hole provided adjacent the outlet. 8. The transport apparatus for particulate matter according to claim 1, Apparatus for transporting particulate matter, the apparatus further comprising pressure holes in said transport channel. 9. The transport apparatus for particulate matter according to claim 1, The transport channel further comprises a second movable surface substantially opposite the first movable surface. Limited, The second movable surface is movable between the inlet and the outlet in the direction of the outlet. Transport device for granular materials. 10. The transport device for particulate matter according to claim 9, The first movable surface includes a first surface of a first rotating disc, and the second movable surface is a second rotating circle. Including the second side of the board, The transport channel further comprises at least one extending between the inlet and the outlet. Of particulate matter limited by the arcuate walls of the. 11. The transport device for particulate matter according to claim 9, Each of the first movable surface and the second movable surface has a downstream pair for chewing particulate matter. An apparatus for transporting particulate matter comprising at least one corrugation defining a drive surface facing it. 12. The transport apparatus for particulate matter according to claim 1, The first movable surface defines a drive surface facing the downstream for biting the particulate matter. Granular material transport device with at least one corrugation. 13. The transport apparatus for particulate matter according to claim 1, The outlet duct is a bottom end adjacent to the main transport channel; An outer end facing the bottom end, When the main transport channel and the outlet duct are densely packed with particulate matter, The inside of the outlet is inclined upward so that the particulate matter inside the outlet is pressurized by gravity. Has a part wall, Further, the inner wall has a cross section that diverges outward toward the outer end. Equipment for transporting particulate matter. 14． The granular material transport apparatus according to claim 13, The device is further adjacent to a junction between the inlet duct and the transport channel. A particulate matter transport device including a pressure hole provided. 15. The granular material transport apparatus according to claim 13, The apparatus further includes a transfer of particulate matter including a pressure hole that vents the inner wall of the outlet duct. Feeder. 16. The transport apparatus for particulate matter according to claim 1, The device transports particulate matter into a pressurized system containing a pressurized fluid Is operable, An outlet duct is connected to the pressure system with a first end connected to the transport channel. Has a second end operable to be The device further comprises pressurized fluid entering the transport channel through the outlet. Non-return valve system for preventing A device for transporting particulate matter containing particles. 17． The transport apparatus for particulate matter according to claim 1, The outlet duct has an inner wall, the inner wall being coated with a low friction material. Transporting equipment for particulate matter. 18. The transport apparatus for particulate matter according to claim 17, The low friction material is polytetrafluoroethylene. 19. In a granular material transport device, Has an inlet and an outlet through which the particulate matter is moved upwards With the housing angled upwards to Sealed within the housing between the inlet and the outlet having a main transport channel Is included, The main transport channel has a space between the inlet and the outlet toward the outlet. First and second rotating disks movable relative to the housing, and said inlet At least one arcuate wall extending between the outlets; The first rotary disk has a first surface, and the second rotary disk is substantially the first disk. A transport duct having a second surface facing the surface; It is joined to receive particulate matter from the main transport channel, and the fluid is exited. Form a movable flow plug that blocks entry into the main transport channel To accommodate the mass of particulate matter carried by the device during operation of the device A particulate matter transport device including an outlet duct defining a container of. 20. The granular material transport apparatus according to claim 19, The first and second sides are respectively first and second adjacent to the main transport channel. The transport facilitation zone is defined by the particulate matter in the first and second transport facilitation zones being the main transport channel. At least one discontinuity formed to adjoin the particulate matter therein Has, Each of the discontinuities has at least one downstream facing drive surface Quality transport equipment. 21. The granular material transport apparatus according to claim 19, The apparatus further comprises the first and second rotating disks between the inlet and the outlet. A particulate matter transport device including power means for moving in the direction of the outlet. 22. The granular material transport apparatus according to claim 19, The outlet duct has a cross section that diverges toward the outside. . 23. The granular material transport apparatus according to claim 19, At the bottom end where the outlet duct is adjacent to the main transport channel, and at the bottom end. A particulate matter transport device having opposed outer ends and upwardly sloping inner walls. 24. The granular material transport apparatus according to claim 19, The device transports particulate matter into a pressurized system containing a pressurized fluid Is operable, The outlet duct is connected to the pressure system with the first end connected to the main transport channel And a second end operable to be The device further comprises pressurized fluid entering the transport channel through the outlet. Non-return valve system for preventing A device for transporting particulate matter containing particles. 25. In the method for operating the transportation apparatus for granular solids, The device includes an inlet, an outlet duct, and a transport channel between the inlet and the outlet duct. Channel and before moving granular solids through the transport channel towards the outlet And a movable surface adjacent to the transport channel, The outlet duct is connected to a pressure system, The method is Receiving particulate solids in the transport channel; A station that substantially forms a moving cumulative bridge of particulate matter within the transport channel. And Bridge-formed granules for densely filling the outlet duct with granulate Moving quality upwards from the transport channel through the outlet; Sealing the pressurization system with a moving cumulative bridge of particulate matter A method for operating a transportation apparatus for a granular solid material, comprising: 26. The method for operating a transportation apparatus for a granular solid according to claim 25, The pressurization system includes a pressurized fluid, The method further comprises adjoining a junction between the transport channel and the outlet duct. A method of operating a transportation apparatus for a granular solid material, comprising the step of degassing. 27. 29. A method of operating a granular solid transport device according to claim 28, The pressurization system includes a pressurized fluid, The method further comprises venting the gas in the transport channel. Method of operating solid transportation device. 28. In a device manufacturing method for transmitting a driving force for driving a granular material, Determining the total pumping operating pressure P, and Determining the value F of the driving force so that F ≧ P; For each of D and W, calculate at least one value from the relational expression F = f (D / W). To calculate The hub has a diameter D, and the hub and a pair of rotatable Forming an effective disk member, A pair of rotatable disk members share a shaft and are spaced a distance W from each other. To place A duct of width W is formed in the space between the disk members and adjacent to the peripheral wall. To form a peripheral wall adjacent to the space between the pair of rotatable disc members, , Forming a duct inlet and a duct outlet in flow communication with the duct; A method of manufacturing a device for transmitting a driving force for driving a granular material containing the. 29. Device for transmitting driving force for driving a granular material according to claim 28 A pump manufactured by the manufacturing method. 30. Device for transmitting driving force for driving a granular material according to claim 28 In the way of making, Each drive wall forms a drive surface facing the space between the drive walls, The method further comprises at least one drive wall on the drive surface of the at least one drive wall. Transfer driving force to drive particulate matter including forming a downstream facing surface Device manufacturing method for manufacturing. 31. Transmission of driving force F to drive the material against the total pumping pressure P In the pump for A pair of rotatable disc members spaced apart from each other, Connected to a rotatable disc member, having a diameter D, said disc member being common Spaced so that the distance W is F = f (D / W) and F ≧ P with axes And the hub that was placed A duct having a width W is formed in the space between the disks adjacent to the space between the pair of disks. A peripheral wall, A duct inlet that communicates with the duct by the flow of material, The material containing the duct and the outlet of the duct, which is in flow communication with the material, is pumped under pressure A pump for transmitting a driving force F for driving against the meter P. 32. In a device manufacturing method for transmitting a driving force for driving a granular material, Determining the total pumping operating pressure P, and Determining the value F of the driving force so that F ≧ P; At least one value from the relational expression F = f (L / W) for each of L and W To calculate The first and second movable drive wall members that are adjacent to each other and are separated by a distance W are arranged. And place A duck of width W and length L in the space between the drive wall members and adjacent to the third wall. A third wall adjacent to the space between the first and second drive wall members to form a Forming Forming a duct inlet and a duct outlet in flow communication with the duct; A method of manufacturing a device for transmitting a driving force for driving a granular material containing the. 33. A device for transmitting a driving force for driving the particulate matter according to claim 32. A pump manufactured by the manufacturing method. 34. A device for transmitting a driving force for driving the particulate matter according to claim 32. In the way of making, Each drive wall forms a drive surface facing the space between the drive walls, The method further comprises at least one drive wall on the drive surface of the at least one drive wall. Transfer driving force to drive particulate matter including forming a downstream facing surface Device manufacturing method for manufacturing. 35. In a device manufacturing method for transmitting a driving force for driving a granular material, Determining the total pumping operating pressure P, and Determining the value F of the driving force so that F ≧ P; For each of L and S, calculate at least one value from the relational expression F = f (L / S). To calculate The first and second movable drive wall members that are adjacent to each other and are separated by a distance W are arranged. And place Of the cross-sectional area S and length L in the space between the drive wall members and adjacent to the third wall A third adjacent the space between the first and second drive wall members to form a duct. To form the wall of Forming a duct inlet and a duct outlet in flow communication with the duct; A method of manufacturing a device for transmitting a driving force for driving a granular material containing the. 36. Device for transmitting driving force for driving the granular material according to claim 35 A pump manufactured by the manufacturing method. 37. Device for transmitting driving force for driving the granular material according to claim 35 In the way of making, Each drive wall forms a drive surface facing the space between the drive walls, The method further comprises at least one drive wall on the drive surface of the at least one drive wall. Transfer driving force to drive particulate matter including forming a downstream facing surface Device manufacturing method for manufacturing. 38. In a device manufacturing method for transmitting a driving force for driving a granular material, Determining the total pumping operating pressure P, and Determining the value F of the driving force so that F ≧ P; Calculating at least one value for H from the relation F = f (H); Arranging first and second movable drive wall members adjacent to each other and spaced apart. And Adjacent to the third wall in the space between at least a portion of each drive wall member, A duct in which the portion of each drive wall member forming a duct has a height H A third wall adjacent to the space between the first and second drive wall members to form Forming, Forming a duct inlet and a duct outlet in flow communication with the duct; A method of manufacturing a device for transmitting a driving force for driving a granular material containing the. 39. Device for transmitting driving force for driving a granular material according to claim 38 A pump manufactured by the manufacturing method. 40. Device for transmitting driving force for driving a granular material according to claim 38 In the way of making, Each drive wall forms a drive surface facing the space between the drive walls, The method further comprises at least one drive wall on the drive surface of the at least one drive wall. Transmitting a driving force to drive the particulate matter, including the step of forming an opposing surface downstream. How to reach a device. 41. Device for transmitting driving force for driving a granular material according to claim 38 In the way of making, In order to carry out the cumulative bridging of particulate matter in the transport channel, the transport Driving the particulate material further comprising the step of densely packing the particulate material in the delivery channel Device manufacturing method for transmitting driving force. 42. An inlet for forming a transport channel and receiving particulate matter within the channel A movable wall structure having an outlet for discharging particulate matter from the channel, The movable wall structure exerts a force toward the outlet on particulate matter entering the channel from the inlet. Forming at least one wall that can move from the inlet to the outlet to give Of improved particulate matter transport devices of Prevents moving walls from exerting force on the particulate matter as it passes through the inlet A shroud assembly with a first plate covering a part of the movable wall adjacent to the entrance An improved particulate matter transport device which has been improved. 43. 43. The particulate matter transport apparatus of claim 42, The movable wall structure further comprises a second wall movable from the inlet toward the outlet. And there, the shroud assembly is moved a second time as the particulate matter passes through the inlet. A portion of the second movable wall adjacent to the inlet to prevent the wall from exerting force on the material An improved particulate matter transport device comprising a second plate covering the. 44. 43. The particulate matter transport apparatus of claim 42, Particulate mass transport device having at least a portion of a shroud assembly extending into a channel . 45. The particulate matter transport apparatus according to claim 43, At least a portion of the shroud assembly extends into the channel between the two movable walls. Granular material transport equipment. 46. The particulate matter transport apparatus according to claim 43, Each movable wall has one surface of each rotating disk, the device is further It has a hub connected to the disk, The main transport channel is adjacent to the junction between the inlet and the main transport channel. A first feed area, usually formed between the inlet and the hub, The shroud assembly is substantially a granular material in which a disc enters the first feeding area from an inlet. In order to suppress the application of tangential force to the quality, the rotation disk is Particulate mass transport device covering the surface. 47. An inlet for forming a transport channel and receiving particulate matter within the channel A movable wall structure having an outlet for discharging particulate matter from the channel, The movable wall structure exerts a force toward the outlet on particulate matter entering the channel from the inlet. Forming at least one wall that can move from the inlet to the outlet to give Of improved particulate matter transport devices of A force directed in the channel is applied to the particulate matter passing through the inlet in the vicinity. In order to achieve the goal, an improvement has been implemented with a facilitator installed adjacent to the entrance. Improved particulate matter transport device. 48. 48. The improved particulate matter transport device of claim 47, wherein The movable wall structure is further installed away from the first wall and in the direction from the inlet to the outlet. With a movable second wall, The propulsion device applies a force in the space direction between the two movable walls within the vicinity of the propulsion device. Improved granules installed to provide for particulate matter passing through the inlet at Material transport equipment. 49. 48. The improved particulate matter transport device of claim 47, wherein An improved particulate matter transport device wherein the propulsion device comprises an outer ring device. 50. 48. The improved particulate matter transport device of claim 47, wherein An improved particulate matter transport device wherein the propulsion device comprises a drive roller device. 51. 48. The improved particulate matter transport device of claim 47, wherein An improved particulate matter transport device wherein the propulsion device comprises a fluid ejection device. 52. 48. The improved particulate matter transport device of claim 47, wherein The device further comprises a first wall arranged downstream of the inlet with respect to the direction of movement of the movable wall. The first wall is configured such that at least a part of the particulate matter passing through the inlet is provided by the movable wall. The propulsion device is arranged adjacent to the first wall and is oriented to face one wall Improved particulate matter transport device. 53. An inlet for forming a transport channel and receiving particulate matter within the channel A movable wall structure having an outlet for discharging particulate matter from the channel, The movable wall structure exerts a force toward the outlet on particulate matter entering the channel from the inlet. Forming at least one wall that can move from the inlet to the outlet to give Of improved particulate matter transport devices of Particulate matter that is placed downstream of the inlet with respect to the direction of motion of the movable wall and that passes through the inlet Is arranged so that at least a part of is directed toward the first wall by the movable wall. The first wall, Located downstream of the inlet with respect to the direction of motion of the movable wall and in the transport channel At least some of the particulate matter that extends and passes through the inlet is moved to the second wall by the movable wall. A second wall arranged so as to be directed away from the The improvement is that the second wall forms a concave surface at the entrance adjacent to the transport channel. Improved particulate matter transport device. 54. 54. The improved particulate matter transport device of claim 53, An improvement was made that the first wall forms a concave surface at the entrance adjacent to the transport channel. Improved particulate matter transport device. 55. 54. The improved particulate matter transport device of claim 53, In addition, the moving wall does not exert a force on the particulate matter as it passes through the inlet. A collection of shrouds having a first plate covering a portion of the movable wall adjacent to the entrance for restraining Improved particulate matter transport device with coalescing. 56. The improved particulate matter transport device of claim 55, wherein: The movable wall structure further comprises a second wall movable from the inlet toward the outlet. , The shroud assembly allows the second movable wall to move the particulate matter into the particulate matter as it passes through the inlet. A second play that covers a part of the second movable wall adjacent to the entrance to suppress the application of force Improved particulate matter transport device having a grate. 57. Forming transport channels between each other and receiving particulate matter within the channels A pair of mutually having an inlet for discharge and an outlet for discharging particulate matter from the channel It has movable walls that are spaced apart, where the movable wall structure is channeled from the entrance. Direction from the inlet to the outlet to exert a force on the particulate matter entering the outlet toward the outlet. An improved particulate matter transport device of the type that forms at least one wall that is once movable. In the A first wall placed downstream of the entrance in relation to the direction of motion of the movable wall, passing through the entrance Arranged so that at least part of the granular material is directed toward the first wall by the movable wall Is the first wall, Located downstream of the inlet with respect to the direction of motion of the movable wall and in the transport channel A second wall extending through which at least a portion of the particulate matter passing through the inlet is A second wall arranged so as to face away from the wall, The inlet forms an inlet opening between the first wall and the second wall and between the pair of movable walls. , Through this inlet opening the particulate matter enters the channel and the inlet opening is A cross section having a first width on the first wall side and a second width on the second wall side of the opening. And improved that the first width is wider than the second width. grain Material transport device. 58. 58. The improved particulate matter transport device of claim 57, The improved granular material transport device wherein the first width is about three times as wide as the second width. Place. 59. An inlet for receiving the particulate matter and an outlet for discharging the particulate matter A transport duct forming a channel with The channel for applying a force toward the exit from the particulate matter entering the channel from the inlet Adjacent to the first wall that can move from the inlet to the outlet, Prevents moving walls from exerting force on particulate matter as it passes through the inlet And a shroud assembly having a first plate covering a part of the movable wall adjacent to the entrance And a particulate matter transporting device. 60. The granular material transport apparatus according to claim 59, Inlet to outlet direction, opposite the first movable wall and adjacent to the channel With a second wall that can move towards When the particulate matter passes through the inlet, the second movable wall of the shroud assembly is the particulate matter. A second plate that covers a portion of the second movable wall adjacent to the inlet to reduce force on the quality. A particulate matter transport device having a rate. 61. The granular material transport apparatus according to claim 60, At least a portion of the shroud assembly extends into the channel between the two movable walls. Granular material transport equipment. 62. The granular material transport apparatus according to claim 59, Further, the particles passing through the inlet are arranged downstream of the inlet with respect to the moving direction of the movable wall. Arranged so that at least a part of the substance is directed toward the first inlet wall by the movable wall Is the first entrance wall, Located downstream of the inlet with respect to the direction of movement of the movable wall and extending into the channel At least part of the particulate matter passing through the inlet is separated from the second wall by the movable wall. A second inlet wall arranged so as to be oriented in a direction The particulate matter transport device wherein the second inlet wall forms a concave surface at the inlet adjacent the channel. 63. 63. The particulate matter transport device of claim 62, The first inlet wall is a particulate matter transport device that forms a concave surface at the inlet adjacent the channel. 64. In the manufacturing method of the granular material transport device, Providing a first movable wall forming a transport channel; Providing an inlet in communication with the transport channel for particle flow; A step for placing the first shroud in the inlet and extending over a portion of the first movable wall. And a method of manufacturing a particulate matter transporting device including: 65. A method of making a particulate matter transport device according to claim 64, The second movable wall, which is installed adjacent to the first movable wall and spaced apart from each other, Providing the space between the movable wall and the second movable wall in the form of a transport channel When, A second shroud is located within the entrance and extends over a portion of the second movable wall. And a method of manufacturing a particulate matter transporting device including: 66. 66. A method of making a particulate matter transport device according to claim 65, The step of providing a first movable wall and a second movable wall includes a first disc member and a second disc portion. Placing the members adjacent to each other and spaced apart from each other; Supporting the two disc members for rotatably actuation, a particulate matter transport device comprising: How to make a table. 67. In the method of transporting particulate matter in the channel between two movable walls Passing particulate matter through an inlet that is in fluid communication with the channel, A step covering at least a portion of each movable wall with a shroud located adjacent to the entrance. And passing particulate matter through the channel from the inlet adjacent the shroud into the channel. A method of transporting particulate matter in a channel between two movable walls including.