Method and apparatus for introducing materials into a rotary kiln

A method for introducing a material into a rotary kiln system, the system comprising a rotary kiln having a kiln opening, a vessel disposed above the kiln at a discharge position above the rotary kiln, the vessel comprising an open top, an open base and a discharge gate connected to the vessel, the method comprising:

• providing the material into the vessel through the open top of the vessel;
• holding the material within the vessel with the discharge gate;
• supplying low-pressure air to the vessel;
• and
• opening the discharge gate to allow discharge of the material through the open base of the vessel, open discharge gate, and through the kiln opening under the force of the low-pressure air.

A kiln system for the manufacture of cement comprising:

• a rotary kiln having a sidewall;
• an opening formed in the sidewall of the rotary kiln, the opening being adapted for the introduction of a material into the rotary kiln;
• a movable vessel for supporting the material, the vessel comprising an open top and an open base;
• wherein the vessel is movable between a collection position and a discharge position;
• a discharge gate supported by the vessel, the discharge gate being movable between an open position and a closed position, such that the gate prevents discharge of the material from the vessel when the gate is in the closed position;
• an actuable vessel cover adapted to cover the open top of the vessel when the vessel is in the discharge position;
• and
• a low-pressure air injection assembly supported by the vessel cover and adapted to force discharge of the material through the open base of the vessel, the discharge gate and the opening formed in the sidewall of the kiln.