Powder transfer from supersack containers and dispersion into a homogeneous slurry

Abstract

Apparatus with a horizontally stretched flexible membrane is used to sealingly support a lower, openable end portion of an air-permeable sack containing powder material. A conical funnel-like sealable portion of the apparatus immediately beneath the membrane may be connected to a mechanism for applying a suction. This suction uses inward air flow from the ambient atmosphere through the air-permeable wall of the sack and the powder material contained therein, to generate a fluidized air/powder material outflow from the lower opening of the sack. The funnel-like element guides this flow and enables transfer of the air-fluidized powder material flow. To form a slurry, a conventional disperser/mixer mechanism dipped into a quantity of liquid in a tank may be connected to a suction duct to apply the desired suction. Fluidized air/powder material flow then is intensely and rapidly stirred with the liquid to form a slurry.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.