Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus is provided for transferring a liquid, particularly liquids, such as molten sulfur which are difficult to handle, from a liquid supply, such as a molten sulfur tank truck, to another location, such as a pug mill in which a sulfur/asphalt pavement material is blended. The apparatus comprises a relatively small transfer vessel, which is connected, through a shutoff valve, to the liquid for receiving a gravity flow of liquid therefrom, and an air compressor for pressurizing the transfer vessel through a pressurized air conduit. A check valve installed in the transfer vessel adjacent the liquid inlet of the vessel prevents the trasfer of liquid from the vessel back into the supply when the vessel is pressurized. An electrically-controlled valve in the pressurized air conduit enables an associated control unit to control the flow of pressurized air into the vessel. When the vessel is connected to the source and is unpressurized, liquid flows from the source into the vessel through the check valve; pressurization of the vessel by the compressor then closes the check valve and forces the liquid contained in the vessel out of the vessel and to the other location. An elevated loop in the pressurized air conduit prevents liquid from the liquid supply or the vessel from flowing into the compressor. A corresponding process is provided for transferring a liquid, in discrete amounts or 'slugs,' from a liquid supply to another location.

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First Claim