Pumping apparatus

A granular material feeder operable to generate a discontinuous output flow of granular material from a continuous input flow of granular material,

• wherein the discontinuous output flow comprises discrete volumes of granular material output periodically by the granular material feeder, and
• wherein the granular material feeder comprises:
• at least one inlet for receiving the continuous input flow of granular material;
• at least one outlet for outputting the discontinuous output flow of granular material;
• a granular material flow conduit movable between:
• a charging configuration, in which the granular material flow conduit is aligned with an inlet for receiving granular material;
• and
• a discharging configuration, in which the granular material flow conduit is aligned with an outlet for discharging granular material;
• and
• an actuator configured to drive periodic movement of the granular material flow conduit between the charging and discharging configurations.

A pumping apparatus comprising:

• a granular material pump assembly and a distributor having a distribution end for distributing granular material, wherein:
• the granular material pump assembly is configured to pump granular material through the distributor towards the distribution end, the distributor comprises a valve assembly having a valve configured to open to permit granular material to exit the distributor at the distribution end responsive to an amount of granular material pumped towards the distribution end exceeding a threshold,
• the granular material pump assembly comprises a granular material feeder for regulating a flow of granular material into the distributor and a gas flow generator for pumping the flow of granular material through the distributor, and
• the valve assembly comprises a vent configured to vent gas from the flow of granular material in the distributor in a vent region upstream of the valve.