Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to multi-stage falling particle receivers and methods of falling particle heating. As the particles fall through the receiver, the particles are periodically collected and released by flow retarding devices. The periodic catch-and-release of the particles falling through the receiver reduces particle flow dispersion, increases particle opacity and solar absorption, and reduces erosion and damage to surfaces caused by direct particle impingement.

Abstract: Pyrolysis methods and apparatuses that allow effective heat removal, for example when necessary to achieve a desired throughput or process a desired type of biomass, are disclosed. According to representative methods, the use of a quench medium (e.g., water), either as a primary or a secondary type of heat removal, allows greater control of process temperatures, particularly in the reheater where char, as a solid byproduct of pyrolysis, is combusted. Quench medium may be distributed to one or more locations within the reheater vessel, such as above and/or within a dense phase bed of fluidized particles of a solid heat carrier (e.g., sand) to better control heat removal.

Abstract: A coffee roasting apparatus is disclosed comprising a compartment for holding coffee beans, a heating arrangement for heating the coffee beans in the compartment during a roasting process of the coffee beans, a volatile organic compound sensor for determining a total concentration of volatile organic compounds residing in the compartment, and a controller for controlling the heating arrangement. The controller is adapted to determine whether a rate of change in the total concentration of volatile organic compounds exceeds a predefined threshold and control the heating arrangement based on a determination that the rate of change in the total concentration of volatile organic compounds exceeds the predefined threshold. A coffee brewing apparatus including such a coffee roasting apparatus and a coffee roasting method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular distillation system incorporating a removable capsule for containing source material for extraction. Through the action of the invention, the steam distillation process described herein produces a substantially larger amount of volatile oil than a distillation system that does not use an enclosed, modular system. The present invention provides for an apparatus that allows for greater contact between the steam and plant matter during the distillation process through the use of a closed removable capsule containing relatively small amount of plant matter. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a system that allows the generation of higher quality distillate and considerably higher quantity of volatile oil extracts by forcing the steam to evenly disperse through a removable capsule, and by preventing the condensed liquid to return back to the boiling water within the vessel.

Abstract: A heat storage system using sand as a solid heat storage medium has a fluidized bed heat exchanger (3) arranged between and separated from a storage tank (1) for cold sand and a storage tank (2) for hot sand by weirs (4, 5). The heat exchanger (3) is divided into a plurality of chambers (7) by weirs (6). The weirs (4, 5, 6) are arranged as a combination of overflow and underflow weirs. Fluidized sand is produced in the chambers (7) by a blower (14) positioned underneath the heat exchanger (3). Heat is transferred from a heat source to the sand fluidized and from the fluidized sand to a heat transport medium by transferring mechanisms (8, 9) in the chambers (7). The sand is redirected in a horizontal direction by horizontally acting blowers and/or installations (12) projecting into a respective chamber from a side.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein provide a method for producing primary roasted coffee beans where green coffee beans are roasted only until the point where the beans have reached the end of the primary roasting phase, where the beans are then quenched to stop the roasting process. In some embodiments, the end of the primary roasting phase is marked by the beans reaching the first crack stage. A disposable package containing primary roasted beans is also disclosed. A device for roasting and brewing ground coffee beans is also disclosed, the device having a porous container which accepts the ground coffee beans; a roasting container which accepts the porous container and has a sidewall containing an aperture; a fan and heating element positioned to force hot air through the aperture; a water containment vessel and heating subassembly positioned above the roasting container; and a water release valve assembly positioned between the water containment vessel and the roasting container.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a fuel gasification system includes optimizing a conversion of solid components in the fuel to gaseous fuel components, controlling the flux of solids entrained in the product gas through equipment downstream of the gasifier, and maximizing the overall efficiencies of processes utilizing gasification. A combination of models, when utilized together, can be integrated with existing plant control systems and operating procedures and employed to develop new control systems and operating procedures. Such an approach is further applicable to gasification systems that utilize both dry feed and slurry feed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for continuously treating solids in a fluidized bed apparatus, comprising a round process chamber with a solids inlet and a solids outlet, and a distributor plate which is adapted to the inner contour of the process chamber and beneath which a media inlet is arranged to produce and maintain the fluidized bed. According to the invention, on the distributor plate (1) there is a separating wall (2) that protrudes radially inwards from the process chamber (3, 9) inner wall (10) and into the process chamber (3, 9). The solids inlet (5) is located on one side close to the separating wall (2), and the solids outlet (6) is on the other side close to the separating wall (2). It is particularly advantageous to arrange, on the distributor plate (1) and along the axis of the process chamber (9), a displacer element (8) that is connected to the separating wall (2).

Abstract: A device for removing fluids from particulate materials, including a container having a circular process chamber with a cylindrical external contour, an input device for inputting the materials into the process chamber, a discharge device for discharging the particulate materials freed of the fluid from the process chamber, a feed device for feeding a fluidizing agent from below into the process chamber, and at least one conditioning device for conditioning the fluidization agent in the direction of flow prior to the feed device.

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 technology relates to spray dried plasma and methods of making the same. The method includes providing plasma to a spray drying apparatus, spray drying the plasma, at the spray drying apparatus, to form physiologically active plasma powder, the spray drying apparatus configured utilizing one or more parameters, and storing the physiologically active plasma powder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biomass product drying system having a fluidized bed for mixing, drying and transporting the biomass product through one or more stages in order to sufficiently dry the biomass product for commercial markets.

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: Methods and apparatus for manufacturing particleboard (PB), medium density fiberboard (MDF), oriented strand board (OSB) and board products and the like employ density control for producing a board product having a desired configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to an appliance (1) for the removal of fluids and/or solids from a mixture of particulate materials with a container (2) that constitutes a ring-shaped processing space (20) with a cylindrical outer contour with devices for the charging and discharging of the particulate material into and out of the processing space (20) and with a fan device (5) for supplying a fluidization agent from underneath into the processing space (20) as well as devices (6) for the processing of the fluidization agent in the flow direction in front of the fan device, whereby in the processing space (20), cells (15, 16, 17) are formed extending in the vertical direction where one cell constitutes a discharge cell (17) through which there is no fluidization agent flow from underneath where at the lower end of the discharge cell the discharge device is arranged and where another cell (15) is provided with a charge device and where the cells (15, 16, 17) are open at their upper ends in order to facilitate transport

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for continuous heat treatment of granulated materials, especially to the crystallization of polymer granulate, such as polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) for example. The device comprises several adjacent fluidization chambers respectively provided with a sieve plate through which a fluidization gas used to fluidize the granulate can be insufflated into the respective chamber from below via a gas inlet, the gas being able to escape via a gas outlet in the top area of the device. The first chamber takes up the greater part of the overall volume of all chambers and neighboring chambers are, respectively, fluidically connected by product throughflow openings in the separating walls arranged therebetween.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed herein to reduce and/or eliminate agglomerations and deformations of pellets comprised of crystallizable thermoplastic polymer material during a crystallization or crystallization of the pellets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering and drying a product. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a container having a plurality of porous walls and a plurality of solid walls that divide the container into a plurality of product chambers, a plurality of vacuum chambers, and, preferably, a plurality of heat transfer chambers. Each product chamber shares at least one porous wall with an adjacent vacuum chamber. Each product chamber preferably shares at least one solid wall with an adjacent heat transfer chamber. According to the method of the present invention, a product is introduced into the product chambers, where the product is held while a substance is filtered from the product through the porous walls and the product is dried by reducing the pressure in the vacuum chambers and the product chambers.

Abstract: A cyclone which includes an upper cylindrical portion opening into the wider end of a lower frustro-conical portion, with a primary air inlet such that the inlet air is substantially tangential to the circumference of the cyclone, and an exhaust outlet at or adjacent the top of the cylindrical portion; a control valve is associated with the exhaust outlet and can be used to partially or completely shut off the outlet; a secondary air inlet is associated with the narrow end of the frustro-conical portion and is provided with an air flow stabilising device adapted to admit a stream of air substantially along the longitudinal axis of the cyclone; also including means for withdrawing processed product from the frustro-conical portion.

Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated and dried fibers. In accordance with the process a feed pulp is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated and dried fibers. In accordance with the process a feed pulp is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.

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: The present invention provides a method of treating board-like material with a gaseous treatment agent and an apparatus for implementing the method. According to the method, a gaseous treatment agent is passed through the board-like material being treated. The board-like material is introduced into at least one treatment zone, where the gaseous treatment agent is contacted with at least one side of the board-like material and is caused to pass through the thickness of the material. The properties of the gaseous treatment agent, including its temperature, moisture content and/or composition, are controlled as needed in order to achieve a desired effect on the board-like material being treated. The apparatus includes a chamber and a support for the board-like material in the chamber. When positioned in the chamber, the board-like material forms at least part of a partition separating the chamber into two regions.

Abstract: Improved spray drying apparati, and methods of use thereof, have been developed. The spray drying equipment includes a primary drying chamber and a secondary drying apparatus which includes tubing having a length sufficient to increase the contact time between the drying gas and the droplets/particles to dry the particles to the extent desired, at a drying rate and temperature which would be too low to provide adequate drying without the secondary drying apparatus. The secondary drying apparatus increases the drying efficiency of the spray dryer system without increasing the drying rate, while minimizing loss in yield The ratio of the length of tubing to the length of the primary drying chamber is at least 2:1. The tubing diameter is substantially smaller than the diameter of the primary drying chamber, such that the particles move at higher velocity through the tubing to minimize product losses.

Abstract: A drying tunnel applicable to products of fruits and vegetables for drying, using ambient temperature dry air. The tunnel has an outer casing fitted with two independent stories which has openings at the ends of the upper floor, which crossed inside in an upward direction by a conveyor belt which is in turn crossed in a counterflow direction by a particular flow of drying air at ambient temperature. Humidity of the products is absorbed by traveling along the conveyor belt which passes through the upper flow. The upper floor is blown by fans treated by air passing through a refrigeration evaporator, condenser, and compressor located on the upper floor. Air curtains are at the tunnel openings to minimize escaping air. Air filters are included to eliminate suspended particles from the product surface.

Abstract: A particle movement controller, being disposed between a first fluidized bed, to where particles are supplied, and a second fluidized bed, from where particles are discharged, which controls the moving amount of the particles from the first fluidized bed to the second fluidized bed, is improved to have a substantially proportional characteristic without a hysteresis. Flow rate control nozzle pipes 30a, 30b, . . . , 30j made of horizontal pipes are disposed vertically at intervals and nozzle holes 31 are formed in a lower surface of each of the nozzles. An amount of air emitted from each nozzle hole 31 is controlled using opening and closing valves 33a, 33b, . . . , 33j or flow rate adjustment valves 35a, 35b, . . . , 35j (FIG. 2).

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously granulating powder material has a feeder for continuously supplying powder material, and a granulation vessel. The granulation vessel includes a granulation zone and a drying zone. The apparatus also has a spray nozzle disposed so as to be declined above the granulation zone for adding binder to the powder material, a perforated plate disposed below the granulation zone and the trying zone, an intermediate weir disposed between the granulation zone and the drying zone so as to provide a space between the intermediate weir and the perforated plate, an outlet weir disposed at an outlet side of the drying zone, and a heated air supplying device for supplying from below heated air to the granulation zone and the drying zone so as to form a fluidized bed of the material.

Abstract: A method and drying apparatus for drying a quantity of sludge.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for condensing moisture from an air stream. The condensing comprises an outer container, a middle container within the outer container, and an inner container within the middle container. The outer container contains a cooling material, such as water, and upon contact therewith, the air stream is cooled and moisture contained therein is condensed. The inner container also can contain a cooling material.

Abstract: A method has been found to improve the efficiency of a cyclone system for a fluidized bed. The typical plurality of cyclones arranged in series in communication with the fluidized bed is replaced by a plurality of similarly-sized cyclones arranged in parallel, so that the residence time in each of the cyclones is greater than it was in the original system, thereby greatly improving the recovery of particulate material while greatly reducing the energy consumption of the system.

Abstract: A wood treating apparatus for efficiently treating wood with a chlorine-based organic solvent includes: a solvent tank storing a mixture of chlorine-based solvent and water, which solvent tank is provided with a heater for heating the mixture to generate vapor of chlorine-based solvent and water; a treating chamber for containing wood to be treated, which treating chamber receives the vapor from the solvent tank; and a cooling chamber contacting an upper portion of the treating chamber for cooling and condensing the vapor. The treated wood dries rapidly, and can uniformly be dyed.

Abstract: A device for preparing a spray-dried product is described, the distance between the distribution element and a fluidized bed in the device being such that the particles have essentially reached their critical moisture content. A method showing the mixing of the primary liquid droplets delivered by the distribution element and solid particles is also specified.

Abstract: Apparatus for fluidizing a pulverulent material in a stream of fluidizing gas includes a membrane through which the fluidizing gas can flow but the pulverulent material cannot, a first fluidizing gas gallery on a first side of the membrane, a second fluidized pulverulent material gallery on a second side of the membrane, a passageway out of the second gallery for the removal of fluidized pulverulent material therefrom, and apparatus for generating a signal indicative of fluidizing gas pressure inside the second gallery and controlling fluidizing gas pressure in the second gallery in response to the generated signal. The passageway accommodates a conveyor having multiple conveying sections. At least a first of the multiple conveying sections is located adjacent an inlet opening of a housing for the conveyor. The first conveying section is generally coextensive with the inlet opening. A conveyor drive mechanism is selectively engageable with the conveyor.

Abstract: Particle fluidization method in which particles are swirled up by a flow of a fluidizing gas to form a fluidized bed and pressure measurements are performed in or along the fluidized bed, and in which a parameter for the distribution of the measured values from these pressure measurements is determined and is used as a basis for regulating the flow rate of the stream of fluidizing gas.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the drying or kilning of malt in a substantially continuous operation. The malt is transported through one or more separate drying zones by means of fluid bed dryer units at which time tempered or conditioned air at a predetermined temperature and moisture content is passed through the malt to effect a drying of the malt. The rate of malt movement through the drying zones is varied according to the moisture content of the malt at predetermined points in its travel whereby to acheive a desired drying rate and moisture content in the malt as it travels through the various drying zones. Sulfur dioxide gas is selectively infused with the air in the drying zones to minimize carcinogens within the malt. Optional treatments are provided for the malt as it passes through the drying zones, including subjecting the malt to a vacuum to facilitate moisture removal and to effect a sanitizing of the malt.

Abstract: In a procedure for continuously crystallizing and polymerizing polyester and polyamide materials, amorphous material is first precrystallized, preferably in a fluidized bed (1,2), then heated up to the reaction temperature in a preheating zone (4) and finally polymerized and largely liberated from byproducts in a reactor (3). In this procedure, material from the discharge area of the preheating zone (4), of the reactor (3) or of a cooler (8) is subjected to an optical analysis in an analyzing unit whereby the degree of polymerization of the material and/or the contents of byproducts can be determined. The result of the analysis as actual value is compared in an comparator unit with a predetermined nominal value obtained in at least one calibration procedure for forming at least one controlled value serving to form at least one control signal that can be supplied to at least one final control element.

Abstract: A method for metering solid present in the gas/solid stream of a fluidized-bed apparatus, in which gas and solid are present as a prehomogenized, free-flowing mixture in a fluidized bed and in which at least one outlet orifice for removal of the gas/solid stream is provided in an outflow pipe. The method provides for feeding a particulate phase and a gas phase, homogenizing the two phases in a fluidized bed, discharging the two-phase flow via a discharge pipe and injecting gas into the discharge pipe.

Abstract: A flowable solid material, such as wet-milled corn germ, is continuously fed into the upper portion of a large vessel having a cylindrical shell with a vertical axis and a series of vertically spaced horizontal decks. Each deck has concentrically spaced annular zones of holes or perforations, and heated air from a set of blowers and a gas-fired or steam heat exchanger is forced countercurrently or upwardly through the perforations to produce a recirculating bed of material above each deck with an upward spouting flow of the material above the zones of perforations and a downward flow of material between the zones of perforations. The recirculating material forming the lower beds is also heated by cylindrical steam heat exchangers which extend vertically between the zones of perforations, and the material is fed progressively downwardly through the vessel to form the beds and for discharge from the lowermost bed.

Abstract: A system for classifying and cooling particulate material produced by a fluid bed boiler comprises a vertical housing having an inlet for incoming particulate material and a first outlet for discharging exhaust and a second outlet for discharging solids. A fluidized bed of material is contained within the housing and is located directly above a bed of material. A gas distribution grid provides air to both beds for cooling the particulate material, and temperature measurement is used along with flow measurement to control gas velocity through the beds.

Abstract: A fluidized bed assembly, such as an ash cooler, includes first and second fluidized bed chambers each having a bottom portion and side walls. Fluidizing gas is introduced into the bottom portions to fluidize particulates within the chambers. A flow equalizer (such as a barrier having a number of openings associated with it) separates the chambers and provides a substantial uniform flow of particulates from the first chamber to the second chamber so that no dead spots or corners form in the chambers adjacent the flow equalizer. Heat exchanger components are typically provided in the barrier for circulating heat exchange fluid through the barrier. Also, heat exchangers are provided in one or both of the chambers to cool the particulates. The particulates mix in the second chamber, and after cooling may be recirculated to a gasifier/combustor for supplying ash to the first chamber. A classifier chamber is connected between the reactor and the first chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dryer for uniform drying of moisture laden particulate material. The dryer comprises a substantially vertical tower having a top, a bottom, side walls, a moist material inlet, a moist material distribution section below the inlet, a drying section below the distribution section and a cooling section below the drying section. The drying section contains a heated air inlet and air exhaust assemblies, wherein the air exhaust assemblies are formed from a plurality of discharge chambers extending horizontally across the tower between the side walls for flow of particulate material therebetween. Each discharge chamber contains at least one horizontally disposed exhaust tubular member having an aperture in the lower portion of the tubular member for exhausting air. Each discharge chamber also contains at least one aperture in the upper portion thereof for receiving air.

Abstract: A flowable solid material, such as wet-milled corn germ, is continuously fed into the upper portion of a large vessel having a cylindrical shell with a vertical axis and a series of vertically spaced horizontal decks. Each deck has concentrically spaced annular zones of holes or perforations, and heated air from a set of blowers and a gas-fired or steam heat exchanger is forced countercurrently or upwardly through the perforations to produce a recirculating bed of material above each deck with an upward spouting flow of the material above the zones of perforations and a downward flow of material between the zones of perforations. The recirculating material forming the lower beds is also heated by cylindrical steam heat exchangers which extend vertically between the zones of perforations, and the material is fed progressively downwardly through the vessel to form the beds and for discharge from the lowermost bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for drying particulate materials such as seeds and grains in which an air dryer having at least one drying stage is accompanied by means to create an upwardly vertical air flow having a velocity in the mesh openings at least equal or larger than the suspension speed of the particles to be dried so that they are temporarily suspended until enough accumulate to provide sufficient weight or downward pressure for the particles to overcome the upward air flow, pass downward through one or more mesh screens and reach the bottom of the dryer. The present invention also relates to a method and apparatus for effecting chemical and/or physical reactions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of operating a fluidized bed reactor for combusting refuse derived fuel is disclosed. The reactor includes a fluidized furnace section 30 and stripper/cooler section 80. A downwardly sloping grid 28 extends across the furnace section 30 and stripper/cooler section 80 to a drain 78 in the stripper/cooler section 80, and directional nozzles 38 disposed in the grid fluidize the beds in the furnace section 30 and stripper/cooler section 80 and forcibly convey relatively large particulate material across the grid 28, through the furnace section 30 and stripper/cooler section 80, and to the drain 78 for disposal. A refractory layer 36 is provided along the grid 28 surface to reduce the height of the nozzles 38 within the furnace section 30, thereby helping to prevent relatively large particulate material from becoming entangled with or stuck to the nozzles 38.

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 co-polymers. 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 bulk material reactor which has a travelling bed (3) made up of the bulk material held inside a reactor housing (1), with an input assembly (14, 15) on the top and an outlet assembly (4) on the bottom of the travelling bed, a gas supply line (10) and a gas discharge line (18) at different ends of the travelling bed (3), wherein the travelling bed (3) is disposed around a central column (2), the floor (6) of which adjoins the discharge assembly (4), holding the bulk material at an angle of repose; it possesses an advantageous gas supply and can thereby be combined into major reactor assemblies without difficulty, because the interior of the central column (2) constitutes the gas line (10) and the central column (2) has an outlet opening (11) in its floor (6).

Abstract: The subject invention is an integrated process for economically drying and briquetting coal to produce strong briquettes. The subject invention utilizes a conditioner to output dried coal having a selected moisture content and temperature and mean particle size and size distribution for briquetting. The conditioner reduces the moisture content of coal particles by contacting them with steam. The preferred conditioner fluidizes a bed of coal particles with steam generated during the coal drying process. The moisture content of the dried coal is in the form of steam which fills the pores and inter-particle void spaces of the coal particles. The moisture content of the dried coal is controlled by supplying heat to heat exchange tubes in the coal bed in response to coal bed temperature. The bed temperature is related to the moisture content of the dried coal.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying a moist particulate material having a nonuniform particle size with superheated steam, which apparatus comprises a cylindrical vessel (2) comprising a number of parallel, substantially vertical elongated chambers (6) located in ring form, one or more of the chambers (7) having a closed bottom and the remaining chambers having a steam-permeable bottom (8), wherein means for emitting flows of superheated steam substantially parallel to the chamber bottom (8) are located at the lowermost portion of at least some of the chambers (6) having steam-permeable bottoms (8).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for cooling coal dried in a fluid bed reactor are disclosed in which heated dried coal is separated into coarser and finer fractions and the coarser and finer fractions are separately cooled.

Abstract: A fluidized bed apparatus comprising a pair of separated fluid bed enclosures, each enclosing a fluid bed carried on an air distributor plate supplied with fluidizing air from below the plate. At least one equalizing duct extending through sidewalls of both fluid bed enclosures and flexibly engaged therewith to communicate the fluid beds with each other. The equalizing duct being surrounded by insulation which is in turn encased by an outer duct having expansion means and being fixed between the sidewalls of the fluid bed enclosures.