US3710808A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pressure lock for feeding particulate material to and removing it from a pressure vessel
Assignee: Fierro Esponja SA
•
Filing: 1970-09-08
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Granted: 1973-01-16
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Expires: 1990-09-08
Abstract
Abstract A pressure lock for feeding particulate iron ore to a moving bed, gaseous reduction sponge iron reactor and removing sponge iron therefrom comprising a pressure hopper with valve assemblies at the inlet and outlet thereof. Each valve assembly comprises a pair of valves, one of which performs a flow control function and the other of which performs a pressure sealing function. The construction is such that contact between the flowing material and the sealing surfaces of the sealing valve is avoided, thereby eliminating abrasion and erosion of these surfaces and prolonging the effective life of the pressure lock.
Inventors
- 👤 J Celada
- 👤 Kay P Mac
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 22:21
CPC Classifications
F; F27; F27D; F27D3/00; F27D3/10; B; B65; B65G; B65G53/00; B65G53/34; B65G53/40; B65G53/46; B65G53/4608; B65G53/4625; B65G53/4658; B65G53/4691; F16; F16K; F16K1/00; F16K1/16; F16K1/18; F16K1/22; F16K1/221; F16K1/223; F16K1/224; F27D3/0025; F27D3/0032; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/0318; Y10T137/8593; Y10T137/86292; Y10T137/86324
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 29
Claim 1
Independent Claim
207 words
A pressure lock adapted to be used in the gravity feeding of particulate material to, or the gravity removal of particulate material from, a pressure vessel, said pressure lock comprising a pressure hopper, a first valve assembly connected to the top of said hopper and a sEcond valve assembly connected to the bottom of said hopper, each of said valve assemblies comprising a substantially vertically disposed casing communicating with said hopper, a concavo-convex valve member pivotally mounted in the upper side walls of said casing for swinging movement about a substantially horizontal axis, a feed tube positioned at the top of said casing for conducting particulate material into said casing above said valve member, said valve member being selectively swingable from a position in which its concave surface confronts the lower end of said feed tube to a position at one side of said feed tube, and a plug valve comprising a valve plug and seat substantially horizontally arranged in the lower portion of said casing, said valve plug seat having a passage therethrough and said plug valve having a port adapted to register with said plug valve seat passage, said valve plug being selectively rotatable to bring said port into registry with said valve seat passage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
207 words
A pressure lock adapted to be used in the gravity feeding of particulate material to, or the gravity removal of particulate material from, a pressure vessel, said pressure lock comprising a pressure hopper, a first valve assembly connected to the top of said hopper and a sEcond valve assembly connected to the bottom of said hopper, each of said valve assemblies comprising a substantially vertically disposed casing communicating with said hopper, a concavo-convex valve member pivotally mounted in the upper side walls of said casing for swinging movement about a substantially horizontal axis, a feed tube positioned at the top of said casing for conducting particulate material into said casing above said valve member, said valve member being selectively swingable from a position in which its concave surface confronts the lower end of said feed tube to a position at one side of said feed tube, and a plug valve comprising a valve plug and seat substantially horizontally arranged in the lower portion of said casing, said valve plug seat having a passage therethrough and said plug valve having a port adapted to register with said plug valve seat passage, said valve plug being selectively rotatable to bring said port into registry with said valve seat passage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A pressure lock according to claim 1 wherein said hopper is provided with venting means and gas pressurizing means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A pressure lock according to claim 1 wherein said hopper is provided with venting means, gas purging means and gas pressurizing means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
226 words
A pressure lock adapted to be used in the gravity feeding of particulate material to, or the gravity removal of particulate material from, a pressure vessel, said pressure lock comprising a pressure hopper, a first valve assembly connected to the top of said hopper and a second valve assembly connected to the bottom of said hopper, each of said valve assemblies comprising a substantially vertically disposed casing communicating with said hopper, a concavo-convex valve member pivotally mounted in the upper side walls of said casing for swinging movement about a substantially horizontal axis, a feed tube positioned at the top of said casing for conducting particulate material into said casing above said valve member, said valve member being selectively swingable from a position in which its concave surface confronts the lower end of said feed tube to a position completely at one side of said feed tube, and a plug valve comprising a valve plug and seat substantially horizontally arranged in the lower portion of said casing, said plug valve seat having a passage therethrough and said valve plug having a port adapted to register with said plug valve seat passage, said port having a cross-sectional area at least as large as the cross-sectional area of said feed tube, said valve plug being selectively rotatable to bring said port into registry with said valve seat passage.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
226 words
A pressure lock adapted to be used in the gravity feeding of particulate material to, or the gravity removal of particulate material from, a pressure vessel, said pressure lock comprising a pressure hopper, a first valve assembly connected to the top of said hopper and a second valve assembly connected to the bottom of said hopper, each of said valve assemblies comprising a substantially vertically disposed casing communicating with said hopper, a concavo-convex valve member pivotally mounted in the upper side walls of said casing for swinging movement about a substantially horizontal axis, a feed tube positioned at the top of said casing for conducting particulate material into said casing above said valve member, said valve member being selectively swingable from a position in which its concave surface confronts the lower end of said feed tube to a position completely at one side of said feed tube, and a plug valve comprising a valve plug and seat substantially horizontally arranged in the lower portion of said casing, said plug valve seat having a passage therethrough and said valve plug having a port adapted to register with said plug valve seat passage, said port having a cross-sectional area at least as large as the cross-sectional area of said feed tube, said valve plug being selectively rotatable to bring said port into registry with said valve seat passage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
251 words
A pressure lock adapted to be used in the gravity feeding of particulate material to, or the gravity removal of particulate material from, a pressure vessel, said pressure lock comprising a pressure hopper, a first valve assembly connected to the top of said hopper and a second valve assembly connected to the bottom of said hopper, each of said valve assemblies comprising a substantially vertically disposed casing communicating with said hopper, a concavo-convex valve member pivotally mounted in the upper side walls of said casing for swinging movement about a substantially horizontal axis, a feed tube positioned at the top of said casing for conducting particulate material into said casing above said valve member and extending downwardly to a point below said horizontal axis, said valve member being selectively swingable from a position in which its concave surface confronts the lower end of said feed tube to a position completely at one side of said feed tube, and a plug valve comprising a valve plug and seat substantially horizontally arranged in the lower portion of said casing, said plug valve seat having a vertical passage therethrough and said valve plug having a port adapted to register with said plug valve seat passage, said port having a cross-sectional area at least as large as the cross-sectional area of said feed tube, said valve plug being selectively rotaTable to bring said port into registry with said valve seat passage and said valve plug and valve seat having a layer of sealing lubricant therebetween.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
251 words
A pressure lock adapted to be used in the gravity feeding of particulate material to, or the gravity removal of particulate material from, a pressure vessel, said pressure lock comprising a pressure hopper, a first valve assembly connected to the top of said hopper and a second valve assembly connected to the bottom of said hopper, each of said valve assemblies comprising a substantially vertically disposed casing communicating with said hopper, a concavo-convex valve member pivotally mounted in the upper side walls of said casing for swinging movement about a substantially horizontal axis, a feed tube positioned at the top of said casing for conducting particulate material into said casing above said valve member and extending downwardly to a point below said horizontal axis, said valve member being selectively swingable from a position in which its concave surface confronts the lower end of said feed tube to a position completely at one side of said feed tube, and a plug valve comprising a valve plug and seat substantially horizontally arranged in the lower portion of said casing, said plug valve seat having a vertical passage therethrough and said valve plug having a port adapted to register with said plug valve seat passage, said port having a cross-sectional area at least as large as the cross-sectional area of said feed tube, said valve plug being selectively rotaTable to bring said port into registry with said valve seat passage and said valve plug and valve seat having a layer of sealing lubricant therebetween.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
172 words
A valve assembly adapted to be used in a pressure lock for the gravity feeding of particulate material to, or removal of particulate material from, a pressure vessel, said valve assembly comprising a substantially vertically disposed casing, a concavo-convex valve member pivotally mounted in the upper side walls of said casing for swinging movement about a substantially horizontal axis, a feed tube positioned at the top of said casing for conducting particulate material into said casing above said valve member, said valve member being selectively swingable from a position in which its concave surface confronts the lower end of said feed tube to a position at one side of said feed tube, and a plug valve comprising a valve plug and seat substantially horizontally arranged in the lower portion of said casing, said plug valve seat having a passage therethrough and said valve having a port adapted to register with said valve plug seat passage, said plug valve being selectively rotatable to bring said port into registry with said valve seat passage.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
172 words
A valve assembly adapted to be used in a pressure lock for the gravity feeding of particulate material to, or removal of particulate material from, a pressure vessel, said valve assembly comprising a substantially vertically disposed casing, a concavo-convex valve member pivotally mounted in the upper side walls of said casing for swinging movement about a substantially horizontal axis, a feed tube positioned at the top of said casing for conducting particulate material into said casing above said valve member, said valve member being selectively swingable from a position in which its concave surface confronts the lower end of said feed tube to a position at one side of said feed tube, and a plug valve comprising a valve plug and seat substantially horizontally arranged in the lower portion of said casing, said plug valve seat having a passage therethrough and said valve having a port adapted to register with said valve plug seat passage, said plug valve being selectively rotatable to bring said port into registry with said valve seat passage.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
192 words
A valve assembly adapted to be used in a pressure lock for the gravity feeding of particulate material to, or removal of particulate material from, a pressure vessel, said valve assembly comprising a substantially vertically disposed casing, a concavo-convex valve member pivotally mounted in the upper side walls of said casing for swinging movement about a substantially horizontal axis, a feed tube positioned at the top of said casing for conducting particulate material into said casing above said valve member, said valve member being selectively swingable from a position in which its concave surface confronts the lower end of said feed tube to a position completely at one side of said feed tube, and a plug valve comprising a valve plug and seat substantially horizontally arranged in the lower portion of said casing, said plug valve seat having a passage therethrough and said valve plug having a port adapted to register with said plug valve seat passage, said port having a cross-sectional area at least as large as the cross-sectional area of said feed tube, said valve plug being selectively rotatable to bring said port into registry with said valve seat passage.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
192 words
A valve assembly adapted to be used in a pressure lock for the gravity feeding of particulate material to, or removal of particulate material from, a pressure vessel, said valve assembly comprising a substantially vertically disposed casing, a concavo-convex valve member pivotally mounted in the upper side walls of said casing for swinging movement about a substantially horizontal axis, a feed tube positioned at the top of said casing for conducting particulate material into said casing above said valve member, said valve member being selectively swingable from a position in which its concave surface confronts the lower end of said feed tube to a position completely at one side of said feed tube, and a plug valve comprising a valve plug and seat substantially horizontally arranged in the lower portion of said casing, said plug valve seat having a passage therethrough and said valve plug having a port adapted to register with said plug valve seat passage, said port having a cross-sectional area at least as large as the cross-sectional area of said feed tube, said valve plug being selectively rotatable to bring said port into registry with said valve seat passage.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
217 words
A valve assembly adapted to be used in a pressure lock for the gravity feeding of particulate material to, or removal of particulate material from, a pressure vessel, said valve assembly comprising a substantially vertically disposed casing, a concavo-convex valve member pivotally mounted in the upper side walls of said casing for swinging movement about a substantially horizontal axis, a feed tube positioned at the top of said casing for conducting particulate material into said casing above said valve member and extending downwardly to a point below said horizontal axis, said valve member being selectively swingable from a position in which its concave surface confronts the lower end of said feed tube to a position completely at one side of said feed tube, and a plug valve comprising a cylindrical valve plug and seat substantially horizontally arranged in the lower portion of said casing, said plug valve seat having a passage therethrough and said valve plug having a port adapted to register with said plug valve seat passage, said port having a cross-sectional area at least as large as the cross-sectional area of said feed tube, said valve plug being selectively rotatable to bring said port into registry with said valve seat passage and said valve plug and valve seat having a layer of sealing lubricant therebetween.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
217 words
A valve assembly adapted to be used in a pressure lock for the gravity feeding of particulate material to, or removal of particulate material from, a pressure vessel, said valve assembly comprising a substantially vertically disposed casing, a concavo-convex valve member pivotally mounted in the upper side walls of said casing for swinging movement about a substantially horizontal axis, a feed tube positioned at the top of said casing for conducting particulate material into said casing above said valve member and extending downwardly to a point below said horizontal axis, said valve member being selectively swingable from a position in which its concave surface confronts the lower end of said feed tube to a position completely at one side of said feed tube, and a plug valve comprising a cylindrical valve plug and seat substantially horizontally arranged in the lower portion of said casing, said plug valve seat having a passage therethrough and said valve plug having a port adapted to register with said plug valve seat passage, said port having a cross-sectional area at least as large as the cross-sectional area of said feed tube, said valve plug being selectively rotatable to bring said port into registry with said valve seat passage and said valve plug and valve seat having a layer of sealing lubricant therebetween.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
A valve assembly according to claim 8 wherein the cross-sectional area of said feed tube is less than the cross-sectional area of said port.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
A valve assembly according to claim 8 wherein the cross-sectional area of said port is at least as large as the cross-sectional area of said plug valvE seat passage.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
A valve assembly according to claim 8 wherein the valve plug has a valve surface in sealing relation with said seat and said valve surface is provided with lubricant grooves.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
31 words
A valve assembly according to claim 11 wherein said valve plug has a stem with a lubricant supply passage formed therein and said lubricant supply passage communicates with said lubricant grooves.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
30 words
A valve assembly according to claim 11 in which the valve surface of said valve plug has both circumferential and axial lubricant grooves formed therein and intercommunicating with one another.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
165 words
A method of gravity charging particulate material to a pressurized reduction reactor of the type in which the material to be fed passes in sequence from a supply hopper through a first valve assembly, a pressure hopper and a second valve assembly to said pressure vessel, each of said valve assemblies comprising a materials flow control valve and a lubricated plug type sealing valve arranged in series, said method comprising the steps of opening the sealing valve of said first valve assembly, opening the control valve of said first valve assembly to cause particulate material to flow from said supply hopper to said pressure hopper, closing the control valve of said first valve assembly, closing the sealing valve of said first valve assembly, pressurizing said pressure hopper to about the pressure of said pressurized reactor, opening the sealing valve of said second valve assembly and opening the control valve of said second valve assembly to cause said particulate material to flow into said pressure reactor.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
165 words
A method of gravity charging particulate material to a pressurized reduction reactor of the type in which the material to be fed passes in sequence from a supply hopper through a first valve assembly, a pressure hopper and a second valve assembly to said pressure vessel, each of said valve assemblies comprising a materials flow control valve and a lubricated plug type sealing valve arranged in series, said method comprising the steps of opening the sealing valve of said first valve assembly, opening the control valve of said first valve assembly to cause particulate material to flow from said supply hopper to said pressure hopper, closing the control valve of said first valve assembly, closing the sealing valve of said first valve assembly, pressurizing said pressure hopper to about the pressure of said pressurized reactor, opening the sealing valve of said second valve assembly and opening the control valve of said second valve assembly to cause said particulate material to flow into said pressure reactor.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
172 words
A method of gravity charging particulate material to a pressurized reduction reactor of the type in which the material to be fed passes in sequence from a supply hopper through a first valve assembly, a pressure hopper and a second valve assembly to said pressure vessel, each of said valve assemblies comprising a materials flow control valve and a lubricated plug type sealing valve arranged in series, said method comprising the steps of opening the sealing valve of said first valve assembly, opening the control valve of said first valve assembly to cause particulate material to flow from said supply hopper to said pressure hopper, closing the control valve of said first valve assembly, closing the sealing valve of said first valve assembly, purging said hopper with an inert gas, pressurizing said pressure hopper to about the pressure of said pressurized reactor, opening the sealing valve of said second valve assembly and opening the control valve of said second valve assembly to cause said particulate material to flow into said pressure reactor.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
172 words
A method of gravity charging particulate material to a pressurized reduction reactor of the type in which the material to be fed passes in sequence from a supply hopper through a first valve assembly, a pressure hopper and a second valve assembly to said pressure vessel, each of said valve assemblies comprising a materials flow control valve and a lubricated plug type sealing valve arranged in series, said method comprising the steps of opening the sealing valve of said first valve assembly, opening the control valve of said first valve assembly to cause particulate material to flow from said supply hopper to said pressure hopper, closing the control valve of said first valve assembly, closing the sealing valve of said first valve assembly, purging said hopper with an inert gas, pressurizing said pressure hopper to about the pressure of said pressurized reactor, opening the sealing valve of said second valve assembly and opening the control valve of said second valve assembly to cause said particulate material to flow into said pressure reactor.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein after purging of said pressure hopper the hopper is pressurized with a reducing gas.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein fresh lubricant is forced between the valve plug and seat of said lubricated plug type valves after each charge is introduced into said reactor.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
193 words
A method for the gravity removal of particulate material from a pressurized reduction reactor of the type in which the material to be removed passes in sequence from a storage hopper communicating with the bottom of said reactor through a first valve assembly, a pressure hopper and a second valve assembly to a point of discharge at atmospheric pressure, each of said valve assemblies comprising a materials flow control valve and a lubricated plug type sealing valve arranged in series, said method comprising the steps of purging said pressure hopper with an inert gas, pressurizing said pressure hopper to about the pressure of said reactor, opening the sealing valve of said first valve assembly, opening the control valve of said first valve assembly to cause particulate material to flow from said storage hopper to said pressure hopper, closing the control valve of said first valve assembly, closing the sealing valve of said first valve assembly, venting said pressure hopper to the atmosphere, opening the sEaling valve of said second valve assembly and opening the control valve of said second valve assembly to cause said particulate material to flow out of said pressure hopper.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
193 words
A method for the gravity removal of particulate material from a pressurized reduction reactor of the type in which the material to be removed passes in sequence from a storage hopper communicating with the bottom of said reactor through a first valve assembly, a pressure hopper and a second valve assembly to a point of discharge at atmospheric pressure, each of said valve assemblies comprising a materials flow control valve and a lubricated plug type sealing valve arranged in series, said method comprising the steps of purging said pressure hopper with an inert gas, pressurizing said pressure hopper to about the pressure of said reactor, opening the sealing valve of said first valve assembly, opening the control valve of said first valve assembly to cause particulate material to flow from said storage hopper to said pressure hopper, closing the control valve of said first valve assembly, closing the sealing valve of said first valve assembly, venting said pressure hopper to the atmosphere, opening the sEaling valve of said second valve assembly and opening the control valve of said second valve assembly to cause said particulate material to flow out of said pressure hopper.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 18 wherein said pressure hopper is pressurized with a reducing gas.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 18 wherein fresh lubricant is forced between the valve plug and seat of said lubricated plug type valves after removal of each charge from said pressure hopper.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-16 | 1976-07-17 | 1977-01-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-16 | 1980-07-17 | 1981-01-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-16 | 1984-07-17 | 1985-01-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |