Abstract: A process controller is disclosed for controlling a process. The process controller includes a process supervisor for accessing process control data clusters from a library. Each data cluster provides control data, e.g., setpoints, deadbands, execution frequencies and alarm ranges for process actuator controllers. Each actuator controller maintains a related process attribute within a deadband by controlling at least one process actuator. Data clusters for the library are provided in substantially real-time by a learning unit. Data continuously output from process related sensors are transformed and supplied to the learning unit as training data for learning at least one relationship between process control data and data for at least one substantially uncontrollable process influencing factor (e.g., processing site environmental factors such as temperature and barometric pressure).

Abstract: A fluid bed reactor is provided with a loosely mounted, flexible multiperforate gas distributor plate so that in use the interaction of the flow of fluidizing gas, the plate and fluidized solids causes the plate to be flexed thereby cleaning the plate.

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.