Abstract: A fluidized bed apparatus having a gas distribution plate containing a plurality of tuyeres, which tuyeres provide a uniform gas flow from the gas chamber of the apparatus to the reactor chamber of the apparatus and prevents particulate matter of the fluidized bed from backsifting from the fluid bed chamber through the gas distribution plate to the gas chamber. The tuyeres are secured in openings in the gas distribution plate and comprise a porous plate and preferably a perforated plate superposed within a flanged two-component structure which two components are screwed together or otherwise secured together to form the tuyere.

Abstract: A fluid bed reactor is provided having a grid baffle structure to provide increased theoretical stages within the reactor to enable the reactor to be used for time/temperature dependent reactions requiring a number of mixing stages and/or an increased particle residence time. The preferred baffle structure comprises a plurality of staggered first and second vertical members extending partly across the reactor from opposed sides of the reactor which form a path for the feed to travel therethrough from the inlet to the outlet of the reactor with the vertical members having vertical cross-members, preferably shorter than the vertical members, extending completely between adjacent vertical members and/or partly in the space between the members to form reaction stage sections whereby feed entering the reactor moves in a serpentine path and/or a sequential underflow and/or overflow path through the reaction stage sections of the baffle from the inlet of the reactor to the reactor outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for withdrawing a stream of relatively static bed material from an operating fluidized bed reactor and gravity feeding it through a conduit to an exterior classifying chamber into which a downward flow of air is introduced. The airflow is turned in the classifier to move in an upward direction countercurrent to the flow of bed material. The velocity of the air is such that coarse bed material passes downwardly through the airflow and accumulates in the classifying chamber, while the fines are entrained in the upwardly moving airflow and both air and fines are introduced into the fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: The stability of vanadium tetrachloride is improved by the addition of phosphorus trichloride such as phosphorus trichloride. Preferably, the vanadium tetrachloride is provided by the reductive chlorination of vanadium oxychloride in the presence of activated carbon having a sulfur content less than 1% by weight.