Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out a reaction in a fluidized bed comprises a rotatable drum with a circumferential wall which is permeable to gases. A bed of particles is supported on the circumferential wall of the rotating drum during operation and the reactants are fed into the bed, at least a fluidizing gas through the circumferential wall. A receiver is provided to retain during operation small particles carried from the bed by the fluidizing gas. The small particles are returned to the bed when operation ceases. A reservoir for discharging larger particles into the bed after operation has commenced may be provided.

Abstract: A furnace for carrying out combustion of refuse or for reclaiming particles contaminated with combustible material comprises a bed of particles which is fluidized by feeding air and gaseous fuel into the bed. The refuse or contaminated material is fed into the bed and it is heated by combustion of the fuel therein. Incombustible residue is discharged from the bed over a weir. The furnace includes a heat exchanger for extracting heat from a part of the bed which can be fluidized selectively.