Feeding systems and methods of using feeding systems
AssigneeElysis Limited Partnership
InventorsRoy A. Glisan, Leroy E. D'Astolfo, Derrick Lucey, Mark Ripepi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In one embodiment, a feed system for distributing fluidized feed material, comprises: a distribution unit configured to fluidize feed material; and a control unit fluidly coupled to the distribution unit, wherein the control unit comprises: a chamber configured to hold the feed material provided from the distribution unit; and a feeder unit fluidly coupled to the chamber: and a second gas inlet configured to provide gas to the chamber; and a material discharge pipe fluidly coupled to the chamber and the second gas inlet.
Claims20
A feed system for distributing fluidized feed material, comprising:
- a distribution unit configured to fluidize feed material;
- and
- a control unit fluidly coupled to the distribution unit, wherein the control unit comprises:
- a chamber configured to hold the feed material provided from the distribution unit;
- and
- a feeder unit fluidly coupled to the chamber:
- and
- a second gas inlet configured to provide gas to the chamber;
- and a material discharge pipe fluidly coupled to the chamber and the second gas inlet.
A method of feeding a smelting cell, comprising:
- providing a feed material to a distribution unit,
- flowing gas through the distribution unit, wherein the gas fluidizes the feed material;
- and
- flowing a controlled amount of fluidized feed material from the distribution unit to a smelting cell via a control unit.
A method of feeding alumina to a smelting cell, comprising:
- providing alumina to a distribution unit;
- flowing gas through the distribution unit, wherein the gas fluidizes the alumina;
- and
- flowing the fluidized alumina to a control unit comprising:
- a chamber configured to hold the alumina provided from the distribution unit,
- wherein the alumina may de-fluidize in the chamber, and
- a feeder unit fluidly coupled to the chamber;
- providing gas for a first period of time to the feeder unit to fluidize the alumina in the chamber;
- and
- discharging a controlled amount of the fluidized alumina from a discharge spout in the feeder unit to the smelting cell.
A method of feeding feed material to a destination, comprising:
- providing feed material to a distribution unit;
- flowing gas (e.g. air) through the distribution unit, wherein the gas fluidizes the feed material;
- and
- flowing the fluidized feed material to a control unit comprising:
- a feeder unit fluidly coupled to the distribution unit;
- providing gas for a first period of time to the feeder unit to fluidize the feed material in the control unit;
- and discharging a controlled amount of the fluidized feed material from a discharge spout in the feeder unit to the smelting cell.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.