Method for controlling the gravity flow of pulverulent or granular material

A method for controlling a mass flow rate of a gravity flow of a pulverulent material fluidised in a closed container is specified, in which the fluidised pulverulent material is introduced into the conveyor line in such a way that it falls downwards along the line as a consequence of gravity. A bent section, a horizontal section, an obliquely extending section, a fixed throttle point, a weir and the like are provided in the lower section of the conveyor line, which extends approximately in a vertical direction, as a result of which the density of the gravity flow of the pulverulent material in the conveyor line is kept approximately equal to that in a plant having a moving bed. A gas is fed to the intermediate section of the conveyor line, and the feed rate of the gas is controlled, as a result of which the friction force of the pulverulent material is reduced at a second side of the conveyor line, so that the mass flow rate of the gravity flow of the pulverulent material can be controlled. The mass flow rate of the pulverulent material is determined on the basis of a pressure drop in a predetermined section of the conveyor line, on the basis of a fluctuation phenomenon due to fluctuations in noise or pressure, or on the basis of a differential pressure between the pressure at the end of the conveyor line near the ground and the pressure in a main confluence line, ... Original abstract incomplete.