US 12,264,020 B2
System for pneumatic transport of particles of a hazardous substance
Alex Tilton, Knoxville, TN (US)
Assigned to X-Energy, LLC, Rockville, MD (US)
Filed by X-ENERGY, LLC, Rockville, MD (US)
Filed on May 2, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/310,917.
Prior Publication US 2024/0367921 A1, Nov. 7, 2024
Int. Cl. B65G 53/46 (2006.01); B65G 53/12 (2006.01); B65G 53/66 (2006.01)
CPC B65G 53/12 (2013.01) [B65G 53/46 (2013.01); B65G 53/66 (2013.01); B65G 2201/042 (2013.01); B65G 2203/044 (2013.01); B65G 2812/1625 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for pneumatically conveying particles, comprising:
a pneumatic conveyer for conveying the particles to an exit using a carrier gas; and
at least one input mechanism for conveying the particles to the pneumatic conveyer, each input mechanism comprising:
a tubular chamber for receiving the particles;
an input pipe extending from the tubular chamber for conveying the particles into the tubular chamber;
an output pipe extending from a bottom of the tubular chamber;
a series of valves in the output pipe, comprising:
an upper valve movable between a closed position and an open position,
a middle valve movable between a closed position and an open position, and
a lower valve; and
a monitoring system configured to optically monitor a volume of the particles within the tubular chamber;
wherein:
the upper valve and the middle valve in their respective closed positions define a storage chamber;
the upper valve in its open position allows a portion of the particles to enter the storage chamber;
the middle valve in its open position allows the portion of the particles to flow to the lower valve; and
the lower valve is configured to convey the portion of the particles from the storage chamber to the pneumatic conveyer in a gradual fashion.