Abstract: An improved fluid bed furnace is disclosed which is useful in heat treating products or particles which are to undergo a change due to exposure to high temperatures. The bed is heated by lamps effectively buried in the bed radiating energy to the fluidized particles. In one embodiment, the lamps are protected by a ceramic tube with the lamps heating the tubes which in turn heat the fluid bed.

Abstract: The structure of the present invention rapidly heats metal strapping, wire and the like to a temperature in the range of about 800.degree. F. up to about 1800.degree. F. while maintaining accurate control on the final temperature using a simple control system. The heating process is also relatively simple and easily installed and controlled. The process and structure is easily adjusted for other applications such as paint drying. Short wave high intensity lamps have been closely spaced to provide for the rapid increase in product temperatures and gas flow through the heat zone maintains the structural elements at temperatures well below the heat treating temperatures and preferrably below about 500.degree. F.