Abstract

An apparatus for the transfer of a dry chemical is formed having a sealed solvation hopper positioned between a liquid driven eductor and a fitting for connection to a storage container, e.g. a railcar. At the inlet end of the solvation hopper is a chemical inlet pipe which connects the interior to the exterior of the hopper. Surrounding the chemical inlet pipe are a plurality of nozzles for the introduction of solvation liquid into the hopper. The nozzles are disposed such that the solvation liquid washes the interior surface of the hopper to prevent plugging by hydrates (solvates) which may be formed. At the outlet end of the hopper, the hopper is connected to the suction opening of a liquid eductor. In use, the exterior end of the chemical inlet pipe is connected to the dry chemical storage container. Liquid flowing through the liquid eductor creates a suction and draws dry chemical out of the storage container and into the hopper. In the hopper, solvation liquid is supplied through the nozzles to wet the dry chemical and to wash the surfaces of the hopper, pushing the wetted material toward the outlet end of the hopper. At the outlet end of the hopper, the wetted material is sucked out into the eductor where it is combined with the flow of eductor liquid. The material leaving the eductor is recovered and sent either to storage or directly for processing.