Abstract: A system for heat exchange processing of particulate solid material is disclosed. The particulate solids are flowed by gravity through a housing packed with flat, internally cooled (or heated) heat exchange panels spaced apart to define generally vertical channels for the passage of the solid particulate. The panels are formed of opposed metal sheets, sealed around their edges, spot welded together in limited areas of joinder, in a predetermined pattern over their surfaces, and hydrostatically expanded in the areas between to form surfaces that are quilt-like in appearance. The panels are configured in two alternate forms such that, when a plurality of panels are assembled in a stack, the hydrostatically expanded portions of one panel are disposed opposite the areas of joinder of an adjacent panel of alternate configuration, creating a sinuous, but relatively uniform flow path for the flow of particulate solids between panels.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a combination feeder and sifter for particulate material. The apparatus includes a vertically elongated hopper for holding a bulk supply of the particulate material. A vibratory unit is positioned below the hopper and is movable independently thereof. An upper panel of the vibratory unit constitutes a bottom-forming panel of the hopper and is in direct contact with the bulk supply of particulate material. The bottom-forming panel has an adjustable feed rate device thereon which, when the vibratory mechanism is in operation, provides for a controlled rate of flow of particulate material from the hopper on to a vibrating sifting screen supported directly underneath the panel. The configuration and arrangement of the supply hopper and the bottom-forming panel are such that the mass of particulate material affecting the operation of the vibratory panel approximates that of an imaginary conical pile of the material.