Solids pump

Solids pump

A device used to move solids upward through a chamber or conduit. It is able to overcome the large dynamic forces at the base of a solids bed and cause the entire bed to move upward.

Solids pumps are used to cause motion of solids in process-type equipment in which treatment of solids under special conditions of temperature, oxidation, and reduction can be combined with upward motion and discharge of the spent solids overhead from the reacting vessel. The solids pump has found its principal application in the operation of oil-shale retorts.

Solids pumps are inherently of the positive displacement type. One practical method uses a reciprocating piston mounted on a trunnion permitting it to swing into an inclined position for filling and then to swing back into vertical position for discharge. The illustration shows a mechanically driven solids pump in four positions through its cycle of operation. See Bulk-handling machines