Abstract: A fluidized bed coating apparatus is provided and includes a fluid inlet adapted to be connected to a source of fluidizing fluid. The fluid inlet has an entrance opening having a first diameter and an exit opening downstream of the entrance opening. The exit opening has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The inlet also includes an expanding inlet section, between the entrance opening and the exit opening, that has an average diameter that increases in a direction from said entrance opening to said exit opening. A fluid distribution plate is provided adjacent the exit opening and includes a plurality of through-passages to allow the even and distributed passage of a fluidizing fluid therethrough. A chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet is provided and the fluid distribution plate is positioned between the exit opening and the chamber inlet.