Abstract: A tank fill control apparatus comprising: a tank-installed switch, including: a tubular body including an upper end, a lower end, and an annular mounting flange on an outer surface between the upper end and the lower end; a liquid level sensor including a detector, a float in and moveable along a length of the lower end and a rod connecting the float to the detector, the liquid level sensor configured to sense a liquid level relative to the lower end and further configured to generate a signal when at least a maximum selected liquid level is sensed; and a control unit in communication with the tank-installed switch including: a liquid level monitoring function for receiving the signal from the liquid level sensor; and a control function for generating at least one of (i) an alert signal indicating that the maximum selected liquid level is sensed and (ii) a valve control to modify a fill operation from a tank fill system.

Abstract: A circulating fluidized bed boiler, comprising a furnace, a loopseal, and a loopseal heat exchanger arranged in the loopseal. The loopseal heat exchanger comprises at least an inlet chamber, a bypass chamber, and a first heat exchange chamber, heat exchanger pipes arranged in the first heat exchange chamber, and a primary particle outlet for letting out bed material from the first heat exchange chamber. The primary particle outlet has at least a first part and a second part separated from each other by a barrier element in such a way that the first part of the primary particle outlet has a first height and a first width, wherein a ratio of the first height to the first width is less than 0.5 or more than 2. Use of the circulating fluidized bed boiler such that fluidizing gas and bed material are let out from the first heat exchange chamber via the primary particle outlet.

Abstract: A system and method for the calcination of minerals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for heat-treating water-absorbing polymeric particles at a temperature in the range of from 100 to 250° C. in a fluidized bed dryer under specifically adapted apparatus and method conditions, the use of a fluidized bed dryer for heat-treating water-absorbing polymeric particles in continuous or batch mode as well as to the heat-treated polymeric particles obtained by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Gas distribution units of fluidized bed reactors are configured to direct thermally decomposable compounds to the center portion of the reactor and away from the reactor wall to prevent deposition of material on the reactor wall and process for producing polycrystalline silicon product in a reactor that reduce the amount of silicon which deposits on the reactor wall.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a drying conveyer apparatus capable of efficiently and uniformly drying coarse particles. [Solution] The present invention is characterized in that a gas get portion (29) is provided on a bottom part of a conveyance member (25), a wind box (35) is provided for supplying drying gas (49) from blow the conveyance member (25), an object to be conveyed (2) is inputted within the conveyance member (25), the drying gas (35) is jetted from the gas jet portion (29) into the conveyance member (25) when the conveyance member (25) passes over the wind box (35), and the object to be conveyed (2) is dried while a fluidized bed thereof is formed.

Abstract: Fluidized bed reactor systems and distributors are disclosed as well as processes for producing polycrystalline silicon from a thermally decomposable silicon compound such as trichlorosilane. The processes generally involve reduction of silicon deposits on reactor walls during polycrystalline silicon production by use of a silicon tetrahalide.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for heat treatment capable of heat-treating toner particles efficiently and uniformly while suppressing increase of coarse particles due to coalescence, to thereby enable stable toner production. The apparatus for heat-treating powder particles each of which contains a binder resin and a colorant includes: a cylindrical treatment chamber in which the powder particles are heat-treated; a columnar member (6) provided so as to protrude from a lower end part of the treatment chamber toward an upper end part thereof; a powder particle supply unit (2) for supplying the powder particles to the treatment chamber; a hot air supply unit (3) for heat-treating the supplied powder particles; and a collection unit (5) for collecting the heat-treated powder particles discharged outside the treatment chamber through a toner discharge port provided on the lower end part side of the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A heat treating apparatus for powder particles including a cylindrical treating chamber; a powder particle-supplying unit; a hot air-supplying unit that supplies hot air for heat-treating powder particles; a cold air-supplying unit that supplies cold air for cooling the heat-treated powder particles; a regulating unit for regulating a flow of the supplied powder particles; and a recovering unit that recovers the heat-treated powder particles. The regulating unit is a substantially circular columnar member, the hot air-supplying unit has an outlet opposite to the upper end portion of the columnar member, and the regulating unit is equipped with a substantially conic distributing member for distributing the supplied hot air in a circumferential direction and a rotating member for rotating the distributed hot air in a spiral manner, on the center of the upper end portion.

Abstract: A device for thermally treating a pourable plant product includes a receiving device configured to receive the pourable plant product and a gas supply channel configured to supply a heated gas to the receiving device. The gas supply channel is divided directly upstream of the receiving device, in a gas flow direction, into a first gas supply sub-channel and a second gas supply sub-channel which follow each other in a direction of gravity, and which are configured to supply the heated gas to the receiving device. A cross section of at least the first gas supply sub-channel is configured to be closed or reduced before the receiving device independently of the second gas supply sub-section so as to eliminate or reduce a volume of the heated gas to the receiving device via the first gas supply sub-channel.

Abstract: The invention refers to a distributor plate (12) for fluidized bed equipment (9) with openings (3) and deflector strips (1) arranged directly above them. It is characterised by the deflection strips (1) having an oblong shape, being mounted longitudinally in the fluidized bed equipment (9), in parallel to the main flow direction (19) of the product above the openings (3) in the base plate (2), and having spacers (6) that form an outflow cross-section around the periphery of the deflection strip (1) for the fluidizing gas, where the base plate openings (3) can be designed advantageously with an oblong cross-section. This ensures good fluidization of the material, while also conveying it.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to pulse combustion dryer apparatus and associated methods. The pulse combustion dryer apparatus may include a combustor that defines a combustion chamber that is in fluid communication with a tailpipe passage defined by a tailpipe. An air inlet communicates air into the combustion chamber through an air inlet passage. A fluid diode disposed within the air inlet passage allows airflow into the combustion chamber through the air inlet passage, and may generally prevent backflow of heated combustion products from the combustion chamber through the air inlet passage.

Abstract: The disclosures described herein provide for an apparatus suitable for fluidizing fuel. In one embodiment, a system includes a fluidization vessel. The fluidization vessel includes a first inlet configured to receive a particulate fuel and a round chamber comprising a first aerator, wherein the round chamber is fluidly coupled to the first inlet and is configured to receive the particulate fuel. The system further includes a first outlet fluidly coupled to the round chamber and configured to convey a fluidized particulate fuel outwardly from the round chamber, wherein the first aerator is configured to discharge a first fluid into an interior of the round chamber to fluidize the particulate fuel into the fluidized fuel.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to pulse combustion dryer apparatus and associated methods. The pulse combustion dryer apparatus may include a combustor that defines a combustion chamber that is in fluid communication with a tailpipe passage defined by a tailpipe. An air inlet communicates air into the combustion chamber through an air inlet passage. A fluid diode disposed within the air inlet passage allows airflow into the combustion chamber through the air inlet passage, and may generally prevent backflow of heated combustion products from the combustion chamber through the air inlet passage.

Abstract: The invention refers to a distributor plate (12) for fluidized bed equipment (9) with openings (3) and deflector strips (1) arranged directly above them. It is characterised by the deflection strips (1) having an oblong shape, being mounted longitudinally in the fluidized bed equipment (9), in parallel to the main flow direction (19) of the product above the openings (3) in the base plate (2), and having spacers (6) that form an outflow cross-section around the periphery of the deflection strip (1) for the fluidizing gas, where the base plate openings (3) can be designed advantageously with an oblong cross-section. This ensures good fluidization of the material, while also conveying it.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing fluids into a solids flow of a spouted bed apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a spray nozzle which opens into a reaction space of the spouted bed apparatus. A lower region of the reaction space is provided with a rectangular cross section for the spouted bed apparatus and is limited in an axial direction by at least one inclined stream return flow wall and an oppositely inclined stream inlet wall with the formation of an axial gap through the reaction space for supplying inlet air. At least one nozzle is also provided for introducing fluid above the gap opens into the reaction space.

Abstract: In some variations, this invention provides a method of drying and gasifying a carbon-containing feedstock, comprising combusting methane to generate heat and a flue gas; drying the carbon-containing feedstock using part of the flue gas; and gasifying the dried feedstock to generate syngas. Some embodiments provide an apparatus for drying comprising a vessel; a primary channel for flowing the solid feedstock and a gas for drying the solid feedstock; a secondary channel for flowing the gas; and a plurality of internal screens or sieve plates suitable for passage of the gas. Other variations provide an apparatus including a primary vessel having a channel for axially flowing the solid feedstock; a pipe contained within the primary vessel, with a plurality of openings for radially distributing a gas for drying the solid feedstock; and a plurality of exit ports at the walls for removal of the gas from the primary vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for gas phase polymerization are provided. The method can include polymerizing one or more olefins at gas phase conditions in a reactor comprising one or more process exposed surfaces in the presence of a catalyst system; and treating at least a portion of the one or more process exposed surfaces prior to injecting the catalyst system to reduce the number of surface hydroxyls or access of the catalyst system to the surface hydroxyls on the process exposed surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a powder transfer device that has a simple construction, yet enables the powder discharge rate to be easily controlled, as well as a polyolefin powder production process using such a powder transfer device. A powder transfer device includes a downcomer which extends downward, and a gas slider situated below the downcomer. The gas slider has, on a side thereof facing an opening at a bottom end of the downcomer, a gas dispersion plate in which a plurality of gas outlets are formed.

Abstract: According to a method for drying fuels in the form of dust, particularly to be fed to a gasification process, such as coal, petroleum coke, biological waste, or the like, wherein the fuel (1) is crushed in a mill (2) and fed to a filter/separator (3) by means of a propellant and drying gas, and at least part of the propellant/drying gas in the circuit is returned to the mill (2) after heating, the known disadvantages are not only to be avoided, but particularly a cost-effective milling and drying method and a corresponding system are to be provided, having low emissions and a low inert gas requirement. This is achieved according to the method in that part of the propellant/drying gas flow is cooled down and dehumidified in a spray tower (6), or the like, wherein part of the dried gas exiting the spray tower is fed to the environment and/or a firing process, and the other part is returned to the propellant/drying gas flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhanced drying of bulk agricultural products is provided in a transport trailer. The apparatus includes a perforated false bottom below the product, an air manifold buried within the product, and baffles for air distribution. Product unloading capabilities are enhanced as well. These capabilities enhance the uniformity and reproducibility of drying, ease of product handling, and greater safety in unloading the product.

Abstract: A drier unit comprising a housing with an air inlet and an air outlet, a flow duct through the housing linking the air inlet to the air outlet; a fan disposed in the flow duct so as to displace air along the duct from the inlet to the outlet characterised in that the air outlet includes more than one outlet aperture, each aperture being directed to provide for the passage of air into a drying region adjacent the housing, air flow from one aperture being caused to interact with air flow from another aperture to generate swirling of air in the drying region. The invention further envisages means providing for air flow through the apertures to be coupled so that in the event of one or some of the apertures being blocked flow through the remaining unblocked aperture or apertures is increased.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuous polymerization of olefin(s), and a method for transferring a polymer powder from one reactor to another in the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of serially disposed gas-phase polymerization reactors including a combination of an upstream and downstream reactors and a gas exchange vessel disposed between both reactors. The gas exchange vessel is connected to the upstream and downstream reactors by a first and second transfer conduits, respectively. The gas exchange vessel has a gas distributor plate therein which partitions the gas exchange vessel into an upper section having a gas exchange chamber and a lower section. In the gas exchange chamber, the gas transferred from the upstream reactor together with a polymer powder is exchange at least partly with fresh gas introduced through the gas distributor plate via the lower section. The polymer powder is then transferred to the downstream reactor.

Abstract: A grid construction for a fluidized bed reactor, the reactor including a reaction chamber defined by substantially vertical walls, in which a fluidized bed of solid particles is maintained, and a windbox under the reaction chamber, in a lower portion of the reactor. The grid construction is positioned between the reaction chamber and the windbox and includes (a) multiple continuous nozzle lines for distributing fluidizing gas from the windbox into the reaction chamber, for suspending the fluidized bed in the reaction chamber, and (b) continuous trenches between the nozzle lines. The nozzle lines include multiple gas outlets, having a main gas flow direction, at side faces of said nozzle lines, for directing fluidizing gas jets towards an adjacent trench.

Abstract: Ethylenically unsaturated monomers are polymerized in a gas-phase fluidized-bed reactor comprising a reactor space (1) in the form of a vertical tube, a calming zone (2) adjoining the upper part of the reactor space, a circulated gas line (3), a circulated gas compressor (4), a cooling apparatus (5), a gas distributor plate (6) which forms the lower boundary of the reactor space and, if desired, a flow divider (7), wherein the gas distributor plate (6) has a plurality of gas flow orifices (8) whose outlet sides are widened conically.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating particulate material has an elongated, tunnel-like process chamber, along which the material to be treated can be moved from an inlet to an outlet. A bottom of said process chamber is designed in that two flows of introduced process air are oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction and impinge on each other along a breaking-up zone. Arranged in the bottom are air guide elements which can be adjusted by an adjustment device in that the process air can have superimposed on it a variable movement component in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus is provided for the transport of transfer objects such as glass substrates or semiconductor devices in which cleanliness and secure transport are of major concern. A plurality of air nozzles inject air through the plurality of air nozzles to hold a transfer object in place above or below the plurality of air nozzles without the plurality of air nozzles making contact with the transfer object. The plurality of air nozzles are positioned perpendicular to the transfer object to stop and/or engage the transfer object in a rest position. The plurality of air nozzles are inclined to a specified angle to move the transferred object in a desired direction. Advantageously, because the transfer object is moved without physical contact between the structure of the air nozzles and the transfer object, the transfer is secure, clean, and efficient.

Abstract: A transportable portable tank for storing, transporting and drying a hygroscopic material and a transportable portable tank assembly. The portable tank comprises an upper, a middle and a lower region. The upper region comprises a materials inlet, a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The middle region comprises a gas disperser. The lower region comprises a materials discharge outlet. The portable tank has a capability to effectively remove and/or exclude moisture and a capability to effectively break up agglomerates of caked hygroscopic material, such as iodine. The present invention further provides a process for drying a hygroscopic material such as iodine within a portable tank.

Abstract: Instead of desiccating articles of clothing by spinning the articles, the method and apparatus according to the invention removes moisture from these articles by pressing or drying them with the aid of hot air. Desiccation of the clothing articles occurs gently and with a low expenditure of energy by subjecting the articles to the action of at least one gas jet and, in particular, of a compressed air jet, which is not aligned parallel to the surface of the article of clothing to exert a force upon the article. Advantageously, the article of clothing is subjected to the action of gas jets on both sides.

Abstract: Conventional spray-drying methods are improved by incorporation of a pressure nozzle and a diffuser plate to improve the flow of drying gas and a drying chamber extension to increase drying time, such improvements leading to the formation of homogeneous solid dispersions of drugs in concentration-enhancing polymers.

Abstract: A nozzle for distributor devices of granule's growth liquid substance in fluid bed granulators, is distinguished by the fact that it comprises a duct (2) having, at one end, at least one inlet opening (3) for a flow (F) of a chosen granule's growth liquid substance, and, at the other end, a supply opening (5) for such substance, a gaseous flow distributor (6) externally associated to the duct (2) in predetermined spaced relationship from the supply opening (5) and in fluid communication with the inside of the duct (2), and emulsifying means (8) associated to the inlet opening (3) and the distributor (6) to obtain, inside the duct (2), an emulsion of the gaseous flow in the growth liquid substance.

Abstract: A continuous gravity flow apparatus for heating and/or drying of particulate material is vertically disposed and is provided with an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom. The apparatus includes a flow passage for the particulate material which is defined between an outer housing and an inner housing. Each of the outer and inner housing defines perforated wall sections allowing for the flow of hot gas through the wall of one housing, into contact with the particulate material, and then out through the wall of the other housing. Manifolds are associated with the outer and inner housings to provide for uniform flow of the gas through the material. The perforated wall sections are positioned and designed to enhance particle-to-particle movement of the material to thereby avoid particle sticking and bridging problems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating gas for a processing system is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for generating gas for a processing system includes an unitary, isolatable, transportable canister having a plurality of first spacing elements, a plurality of second spacing elements and a solid material disposed within the canister. The spacing elements have different mean diameters. The solid material is adapted to produce a gas vapor when exposed to a temperature above a predetermined level at a predetermined pressure. In another embodiment, an apparatus for generating gas includes a gas source coupled to a processing chamber by a first gas line. A canister is coupled in-line with the first gas line and contains a solid material that produces a process gas when heated. A heater is disposed between the gas source and the canister to heat gas flowing into the canister.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seed dryer having an air kettle. The air kettle defines a seedbed. A plenum and diffuser direct air from an air supply to the bottom of the seedbed without the need for screens. The air from the air supply is provided with sufficient pressure that the seedbed is fluidized which decreases the need for mechanical agitation of the seeds. Dry seeds tend to accumulate on a surface of the seedbed. Removal of the accumulated seeds is facilitated by at least one perforation in and deflector cap that direct a portion of the air supply to a top surface of the seedbed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating fluidized bed apparatus for powder particle. A gas circulation path is formed at the periphery of the treatment chamber 2 via the circumferential faceplate 202, 212, and the circumferential faceplate is adapted to rotate around an axis. Behavior of powder particles can be controlled by introducing gas from the periphery of the treatment chamber via the circumferential plate 212 to exert centripetal force on the powder particle, while exerting centrifugal force on the powder particles accompanying rotation of the circumferential plate 212.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seed dryer having an air kettle. The air kettle defines a seedbed. A plenum and diffuser direct air from an air supply to the bottom of the seedbed without the need for screens. The air from the air supply is provided with sufficient pressure that the seedbed is fluidized which decreases the need for mechanical agitation of the seeds.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying a wafer includes a rotating chuck configured to rotate the wafer. A movable de-ionized water supply member and an organic solvent supply member are positioned adjacent a face of the wafer. The de-ionized water supply member supplies de-ionized water onto the wafer, and the organic solvent supply member has a plurality of solvent supply nozzles disposed to supply an organic solvent onto the wafer. The organic solvent supply member includes a first solvent supply member and a second solvent supply member. The de-ionized water supply member and the first solvent supply member move radially between a position adjacent the central portion of the wafer and the edge portion of the wafer.

Abstract: Conventional spray-drying methods are improved by incorporation of a pressure nozzle and a diffuser plate to improve the flow of drying gas and a drying chamber extension to increase drying time, such improvements leading to the formation of homogeneous solid dispersions of drugs in concentration-enhancing polymers.

Abstract: A novel flow deflector employed in a fluidized bed reactor for olefin polymerization is disclosed, which is installed on the entry conduit of the reactor, comprising an annular plate and a cone plate and providing at least three paths for the recycle stream to enter the mixing chamber, thereby permitting all the liquid and/or solid material to achieve a more complete and uniform mixing.

Abstract: A bottom element for a device for treating particulate has a two-dimensional body having numerous apertures. Means for imposing to a treatment medium passing said bottom are provided. Said bottom being designed as blade-shaped body, said apertures being designed as slots, said slots being generated by a removal of material from said plate-shaped body. Said slots having side walls sloping towards a plane of said body. For facilitating a cleaning of said bottom said side walls of said slots further consecutively tapers to a direction of a side of said bottom a particulate material rests.

Abstract: Ethylenically unsaturated monomers are polymerized in a gas-phase fluidized-bed reactor comprising a reactor space (1) in the form of a vertical tube, a calming zone (2) adjoining the upper part of the reactor space, a circulated gas line (3), a circulated gas compressor (4), a cooling apparatus (5), a gas distributor plate (6) which forms the lower boundary of the reactor space and, if desired, a flow divider (7), wherein the gas distributor plate (6) has a plurality of gas flow orifices (8) whose outlet sides are widened conically.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for the removal of moisture from particulized, solid food products, comprising; a housing (9); a perforated plate (2), creating two chambers (3, 4) in the housing (1), gas-inlets (5, 6), present below the perforated plate (2); an outlet (8) in the perforated plate (2), provided with a removable plug (9); heating means (15, 18) for the gases. The invention further concerns a process for the removal of moisture from solid, small particles, by subjecting these particles, while in an annular, fluidized bed to a heat treatment for a specific time.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for preventing a wafer mapping system of an SMIF system from being polluted by a corrosive gas remaining on wafers according to the present invention are disclosed. The wafer mapping system includes a plurality of mirrors and sensors used to detect the positions of the wafers. The apparatus of the prevent invention comprises a pipe having a plurality of holes thereon and a purge gas flowing inside the pipe, and is characterized in that the purge gas is emitted out from the plurality of holes toward the mirrors of the wafer mapping system, thereby preventing the mirrors from being polluted by the corrosive gas remaining on the wafers. The method of the prevent invention is characterized by emitting a purge gas from a pipe toward the mirrors of the wafer mapping system, thereby preventing the mirrors from being polluted by the corrosive gas remaining on the wafers.

Abstract: For a single chamber air drier in a compressed air system on a vehicle the volume of dry regeneration air required to regenerate a desiccant in the air drier has to be determined. This can be accomplished in that data regarding system pressure, outdoor temperature and supplied air volume are continuously provided to a compute, which in relation to these parameters controls the supply of regeneration air to the air drier.

Abstract: A pre-treatment device for wood chips for pulping comprises a tube through which the wood chips fall into a digester. Steam is injected into the tube through rings of nozzles, which are angled circumferentially to impart a rotary and turbulent motion to the falling chips. Some nozzles are angled downwardly to encourage the chips to flow freely through the tube, some are horizontal to encourage a longer dwell time near the nozzles. Digesting liquor is also sprayed onto the chips from spray nozzles after the first ring of steam nozzles. The heat and steam expel air and other non-condensable gases and volatiles from the chips, allowing them to absorb the liquor. At the bottom of the tube, the chips are propelled down and outwards by jets of higher-pressure steam, spreading and packing them into the digester.

Abstract: A drier for a lacquering line in a known manner comprises inside a drier housing a plurality of drier sections, in which heated circulating air is circulated with the aid of fans. Heating of the circulating air is effected with the aid of a heating unit, which is common to all drier sections, and a common fresh-air heat exchanger, which is disposed downstream of the heating unit and to which fresh air is supplied from the environment via a pressure regulator. The fresh air heated in said manner is directed via branch lines to the individual drier sections. The quantity of heated fresh air supplied and hence ultimately the temperature in the respective drier section is determined by control flaps in branch lines, which connect a common fresh-air distribution line to the respective sections.

Abstract: A device for treating particulate product has a process chamber for receiving and treating the product. A bottom of the process chamber is constructed from substantially plane baffle plates overlapping each other with slots formed between said overlapping plates. Process air can be introduced into the process chamber via said slots between said plates with a substantially horizontal component of motion. Said baffle plates and the resulting slots are arranged in such a way that two opposite flows of incoming process air are produced. Said two opposite flows are directed along a substantially horizontal path and meet along a breaking-up zone and are then deflected to form an upwardly directed, substantially vertical flow.

Abstract: A sparger includes a conduit for conducting an oxygen feed, a nozzle connected to the conduit for passage of the oxygen feed from the conduit to the outside of the sparger, the nozzle including an orifice and a shroud, and insulation surrounding the conduit and also the shroud substantially the full length of the shroud. A method is provided for producing acrylonitrile via propane ammoxidation, comprising introducing propane and ammonia feeds into a fluid bed of a fluid bed reactor, and introducing an oxygen feed into the fluid bed through at least one insulated and jacketed sparger nozzle for reacting with at least one of the propane feed and ammonia feed in the presence of a fluid bed catalyst.

Abstract: A process used to coat particles in an upward flowing fluidized bed dryer includes an insert disposal within the dryer. The insert includes a vertically adjustable cylindrical partition and a vertically adjustable spray nozzle wherein the cylindrical partition has a diameter-to-length ratio greater than 1. The particles are fluidized using a gas and are processed through a coating zone containing the cylindrical partition and become coated with the liquid spray. The particles exit the coating zone and enter the reconditioning zone wherein the liquid is allowed to dry onto the particles. The particles fall into the fluidized bed and are reprocessed through the coating zone by a draft effect created by the atomizing gas in the spray nozzle. The insert provides liquid coating flexibility allowing for the coating of liquid fat onto the particles. Additionally, since less fluidizing gas is required and not all of the particle bed needs to be fluidized, the coating process is more efficient and gentle.

Abstract: A fluidized-bed drying and classifying apparatus is provided with a main body (10) in which a fluidized bed is formed to dry a granular material and to classify the same into fine particles and coarse particles. A perforated gas-distributing plate (12) is disposed in a lower part of a region in which a fluidized bed (14) is formed in the main body (10), a wind box having the shape of a hopper is disposed below the perforated gas-distributing plate. A dropped material discharge device (29) is connected to the lower end of the hopper-shaped wind box (16) to discharge the material dropped into the wind box (16). A gas supply system (110) is connected to the wind box (16) to supply a fluidizing gas that serves as a drying hot gas and a classifying gas into the wind box. A material supply opening portion (20) is mounted to the main body (10) to feed the granular material. A discharge chute (24) is connected to the main body (10) to discharge dried coarse particles.