Gas-solids separation system having a partitioned solids transfer conduit

A solids discharge system (SDS) configured to separate solids from gas, the system comprising:

• (a) a solids separation device (250) having:
• (a1) an interior (251);
• (a2) a separation input (252) configured to receive a gas;
• (a3) a separation solids output (254);
• (a4) a separation gas output (256);
• (b) a first solids transfer conduit (234A) configured to receive solids from the solids separation device (250) and comprising:
• (b1) a first solids transfer conduit input (261A) in fluid communication with the separation solids output (254) of the solids separation device (250);
• (b2) a first isolation valve (YV1A), a second isolation valve (YV2A), and a third isolation valve (YV3A) spaced apart from one another along the length of the first solids transfer conduit (234A) with the second isolation valve (YV2A) positioned between the first and third isolation valves such that the first solids transfer conduit (234A) is partitioned into an upper section (Y06), an upper-middle section (Y08), a lower-middle section (Y10), and a lower section (Y12);
• (b3) an output (Y13) connected to said lower section (Y12) that is configured to discharge solids (232A);
• (c) a gas supply conduit (Y20) in fluid communication with said lower-middle section (Y10) for introducing a gas into the lower-middle section (Y10);
• (d) a gas discharge conduit (Y34) in fluid communication with said lower-middle section (Y10) for removing a gas from the lower-middle section (Y10);
• (e) a lower-middle section pressurization valve (YV4A) that is positioned on the gas supply conduit (Y20);
• (f) a lower-middle section depressurization valve (YV5A) that is positioned on the gas discharge conduit (Y34);
• (g) a filter (Y33) in fluid communication with the lower-middle section (Y10) and configured to prevent solids from leaving the lower-middle section (Y10) through the gas discharge conduit (Y34);
• (h) a computer (COMP) configured to control the solids discharge system (SDS);
• wherein:
• the filter (Y33) has pore sizes or openings ranging from 0.1 microns to 100 microns;
• and
• the filter (Y33) has an area ranging from 5 square inches to 10,000 square inches.