An improved valve apparatus for the introduction of finely divided coal solids into a vessel in a controlled manner is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus includes substantially vertical and horizontal conduits interconnected to provide a generally continuous L-shaped flow path therethrough. Gas is introduced directly into the bottom portion of the vertical conduit upstream from the point where the vertical conduit and horizontal conduit interconnect. The flow rate of the gas introduced into the vertical conduit is controlled to adjust the amount of coal solids discharged from the discharge end of the horizontal conduit.