Multi-stage solids feeder system and method

A system, comprising:

• a multi-stage solids feeder, comprising:
• a first solids feeder comprising a first rotary mechanism disposed in a first chamber between a first inlet and a first outlet;
• and
• a second solids feeder comprising a second rotary mechanism disposed in a second chamber between a second inlet and a second outlet, wherein the first and second solids feeders are disposed adjacent one another, the first outlet is coupled to the second inlet, and the multi-stage solids feeder is configured to substantially block gas flow while enabling a solids flow, wherein the system comprises at least one of a plurality of features comprising:
• the multi-stage solids feeder is configured to create a first dynamic plug of the solids flow at the first inlet, or a second dynamic plug of the solids flow in a conduit downstream of the first outlet or at the second inlet, or a third dynamic plug of the solids flow at the second outlet, or at least two dynamic plugs of the solids flow;
• or
• the multi-stage solids feeder is configured to depressurize the solids flow from the first inlet to the second outlet;
• or
• the multi-stage solids feeder is configured to maintain a third pressure between the first outlet and the second inlet that is less than both a first pressure at or upstream of the first inlet and a second pressure at or downstream of the second outlet;
• or
• the multi-stage solids feeder is configured to receive a buffer gas;
• or
• a controller configured to independently control a first solid feed rate of the first solids feeder and a second solid feed rate of the second solids feeder, or configured to control the first and second solids feeders to maintain at least one dynamic plug of the solids flow;
• or
• a gasifier disposed upstream of the first inlet;
• or
• the first and second solids feeders are spaced relative to each other such that a ratio between a minimum linear dimension from the first solids feeder to the second solids feeder and a maximum feeder dimension of the first and second solids feeders is less than approximately 0.5;
• or
• the first and second solids feeders are configured to cooperatively create at least one intermediate dynamic plug;
• or
• the first and second solids feeders are configured to operate at a common operational speed;
• or
• any combination thereof.

A method, comprising:

• feeding a solids flow through a first solids feeder from a first inlet, along a first rotary mechanism within a first chamber, and out through a first outlet;
• feeding the solids flow from the first outlet through a second solids feeder from a second inlet, along a second rotary mechanism within a second chamber, and out through a second outlet, wherein the first and second solids feeders are disposed adjacent one another as a multi-stage solids feeder;
• and
• creating at least one dynamic plug of the solids flow in the multi-stage solids feeder to substantially block gas flow while enabling the solids flow through the multi-stage solids feeder, wherein the method comprises at least one of:
• creating a first dynamic plug of the solids flow at the first inlet, or a second dynamic plug of the solids flow in a conduit downstream of the first outlet or at the second inlet, or a third dynamic plug of the solids flow at the second outlet, or at least two dynamic plugs of the solids flow;
• or
• depressurizing the solids flow from the first inlet to the second outlet;
• or
• independently controlling a first solid feed rate of the first solids feeder and a second solid feed rate of the second solids feeder;
• or
• controlling the first and second solids feeders to maintain the at least one dynamic plug of the solids flow;
• or
• receiving the solids flow into the first inlet from a gasifier disposed upstream of the multi-stage solids feeder;
• or
• any combination thereof.