A non-contact valve (24, 26) for controlling the flow of particulate
material (M) includes a body (102) and a gas-porous element (106)
associated with the body (102). A first orifice (122) is defined by the
gas-porous element (106). The gas-porous element (106) directs a flow of
pressurized gas into the first orifice (122). A plug member (104)
receivable within the first orifice (122) is movable into and out of the
first orifice (122). A channel (C) is conjunctively defined at least in
part by the first orifice (122) and the plug (104). The channel (C)
defines a flow path (124) for the particulate material (M). The length of
the channel (C) is adjusted to thereby adjust the velocity of gas flowing
through the channel (C) and, thereby, adjust the flow of material (M)
therethrough.