FIELD: pulp-and-paper industry. SUBSTANCE: hollow adapter part is positioned between main part of housing, which is formed as straight round cylinder having first diameter, and non-vibrating discharge pipe of second diameter, normally equal to or less than 1/3 of first diameter. Adapter part has first upper section formed as straight rectangular parallelepiped and including opposite triangular side surfaces. Such configuration of upper section provides linear flow and side discharge of material. Adapter has second section with its upper part formed as rectangular parallelepiped and lower part with round configuration. Second section has opposite triangular side surfaces, which are tightly fit to triangular side surfaces of first section so as to define rhomboid walls. Adapter is preferably provided with third section similar to but smaller than first section and connected with lower part of second section, and fourth lowest section similar to but smaller than third section, and discharge pipe. Method involves directing steam into main part of housing and into hollow adapter part via pipelines extending through triangular surfaces of second section. Air blaster is adapted to eliminate wood chip bridges that may be formed in hollow adapter part. Chip hopper with maximum diameter of 3.66 m has construction providing uniform discharge of chips upon low-temperature steaming process without employing vibrating discharge pipe. EFFECT: increased efficiency, simplified method and construction and enhanced reliability in operation. 40 cl, 21 dwg
