Abstract: This invention relates to a novel horizontal fluid bed reactor, which in a single unit, provides for the polymerization of monomer to polymer and mixed monomers to copolymers. Within one reactor shell the reactor contains a plurality of polymerization stages which permit the achievement of narrow residence time distribution of the produced polymer. This arrangement also creates a sufficiently tight subdivision of the reactor volume which permits a plurality of gas circulation stages of different gas compositions, as well as, polymerization temperatures.

Abstract: A heating mantle for heating materials, such as metals, alloys or inorganic chemicals in a retort, includes a tubular wall and annular chambers cooperating with said wall for forming a tortious path around the retort for hot gases. The mantle provides a very high convective heat transfer coefficient.

Abstract: A heating mantle for heating materials in a retort includes a housing for a chamber holding the retort, a source of hot gases and a porous wall. The gases pass through the porous will which heats the retort. The heating takes place in a so-called porous wall radiation barrier process. In the first step, the gases passing through the wall heating it be convection. In the second stage, the heated porous wall radiates heat towards said retort.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for pyrolytic decomposition of polymeric materials into lower molecular weight products involving the heat treatment of raw polymeric material within reactive conduits submerged in a fluidized bed furnace operated at pyrolizing temperatures.

Abstract: A device for thermal shock testing and thermal cycling of workpieces is provided which comprises at least one fluidized bed chamber for thermally treating a workpiece. Agitation of the area about the workpiece is accomplished by movement of the workpiece, by baffles, or by providing a supplementary gas distributor. The agitation provided increases the flow rate of particles of the fluidized bed particulate media in a localized area about the workpiece, thus increasing the rate of heat transfer between the bed media and the workpiece, and increasing thermal shock capacity of the thermal shock tester.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a diffusion plate to partition one space from another and pass a gas through ports in the plate in a flow pattern which is uniform over the area of the partition. Specifically, the disclosure relates to a diffusion plate, sometimes referred to as a distributor plate, having the aforesaid functions in connection with fluidized bed apparatus.