An Apparatus for handling flowable material, such as sludge or granular or powder materials, a pneumatically operated annular closure member located in an annular casing is retracted to allow the material to flow into a space at the bottom of the apparatus and is extended to close this space and entrap the material within it. Air pressure is applied to this enclosed space to transport the material from that space through an outlet tube. Opening and closing of the closure member and the application of air under pressure to the material are controlled pneumatically.