Abstract: A steam generator in which a plurality of vertically spaced fluidized beds are provided in a single enclosure, with one boundary wall of the enclosure having openings therein for permitting the discharge of effluent gases from the fluidized beds. A heat recovery enclosure is defined adjacent the beds for receiving their effluent gases and a fluidized bed is disposed in the heat recovery enclosure. A separator system is disposed adjacent the heat recovery enclosure and receives the effluent gases from the heat recovery enclosure and separates the entrained solid particles therefrom. The separated particles are reinjected into the fluidized bed in the heat recovery enclosure.

Abstract: A divided rotary valve feeder includes an inlet conduit, an outlet divided into a plurality of passages by webs, and rotor mounted between the inlet conduit and the outlet. The rotor includes vanes defining troughs and partitions dividing the troughs into a plurality of compartments. The partitions engage the webs to assure discharge of material from each compartment to an aligned passage, and the passages are in communication with conveyors for moving the material to a point of use. Tiltable splitter plates may be provided in the inlet conduit in engagement with the partitions to evenly distribute the flow of material to the compartments in each trough. Compressed air or other gas may be fed to each of the compartments to assist the discharge of material either by direct contact or by flexing a flexible boot in each compartment.

Abstract: A method of operating a fluidized bed heat exchanger in which a perforated plate is disposed within a housing for supporting a bed of particulate material which is introduced into the housing through an inlet. Air is passed through the plate to fluidize the particulate material and a drain pipe is provided for discharging the spent material from the bed. The flow rate of air introduced into the bed is increased in a direction across said bed from said inlet to said drain pipe to promote the circulation of the bed materials from the inlet to the drain pipe.

Abstract: A fluidized bed heat exchanger in which a perforated plate is disposed within a housing for supporting a bed of particulate material which is introduced into the housing through an inlet. Air is passed through the plate to fluidize the particulate material and a drain pipe is provided for discharging the spent material from the bed. The flow rate of air introduced into the bed is increased in a direction across said bed from said inlet to said drain pipe to promote the circulation of the bed materials from the inlet to the drain pipe.

Abstract: A fluidized bed boiler, and a method of operating same in which air is passed through a grate to fluidize a bed of particulate material containing fossil fuel disposed on the grate. A raw acceptor for the sulfur produced as a result of the combustion of the fuel is introduced into the housing and confined within an area of the housing isolated from the bed of particulate material. The area containing the acceptor is maintained at conditions optimal for calcining the acceptor, after which the latter is introduced into the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor in which a grate is disposed in a housing for receiving a single bed of particulate material. The interior of the housing below the grate is divided into a plurality of zones and air is selectively passed through portions of the grate to fluidize corresponding portions of the bed above the zones. A plurality of air distributors are provided in the bed for reducing the height of the particulate material accumulating in various portions of the bed.

Abstract: A fluidized bed heat exchanger in which a perforated plate is disposed within a housing for supporting a bed of particulate material. Air is passed through the plate to fluidize the particulate material and a mixture of air and additional particulate material is introduced to said bed and deflected into said bed in a manner to induce diffusion and circulation of the bed materials in the bed.

Abstract: A fluidized bed heat exchanger in which a perforated plate is disposed within a housing for supporting a bed of particulate material which is introduced into the housing through an inlet. Air is passed through the plate to fluidize the particulate material and a drain pipe is provided for discharging the spent material from the bed. A plurality of nozzles are provided in association with the perforations in the plate for directing air toward the drain pipe to promote the circulation of the bed materials from the inlet to the drain pipe.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor in which a grate is disposed in a housing for receiving a single bed of particulate material. The interior of the housing below the grate is divided into a plurality of zones and air is selectively passed through portions of the grate to fluidize corresponding portions of the bed above the zones. A plurality of pipes are provided in the bed for receiving excess particulate material accumulating in various portions of the bed and for blowing air into said latter portion, to reduce the build-up of particulate material in the bed.

Abstract: A fluidized bed boiler, and a method of operating same in which air is passed through a grate to fluidize a bed of particulate material containing fossil fuel disposed on the grate. A raw acceptor for the sulfur produced as a result of the combustion of the fuel is introduced into the housing and confined within an area of the housing isolated from the bed of particulate material. The area containing the acceptor is maintained at conditions optimal for calcining the acceptor, after which the latter is introduced into the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A system for supporting a fluidized bed in a boiler in which a plurality of support frames are supported in an abutting relationship spanning the interior of the boiler. One or more of the support frames are connected or attached relative to each other and to their supports in a manner to permit limited relative movement between the frames and between each frame and its support. A grid is supported by each frame and is connected or attached thereto in a maner to permit limited movement of the grid relative to the frame.

Abstract: A fluidized bed heat exchanger in which air is passed through a bed of particulate material containing fuel disposed in a housing. A steam/water natural circulation system is provided in a heat exchange relation to the bed and includes a steam drum disposed adjacent the bed and a tube bank extending between the steam drum and a water drum. The tube bank is located in the path of the effluent gases exiting from the bed and a baffle system is provided to separate the solid particulate matter from the effluent gases. The particulate matter is collected and injected back into the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A fluidized bed combustion or gasification unit in which a grate is disposed in a housing to divide the housing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A bed of particulate material including burning fuel is supported by the grate and extends in the upper chamber. The lower chamber has an inlet for receiving pressurized air for passing through the lower chamber, the grate, and the bed of particulate material to fluidize the particulate material. A cooling device is provided for receiving the particulate material from the bed and cooling same prior to the material being discharged to external equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the reaction efficiency of a fluidized bed combustor or reactor in which a combustion supporting gas is passed upwardly through a bed of particulate material to fluidize same and to entrain the relatively fine particulate material in the bed. The entrained material is separated from the gas and is agglomerated externally of the housing before being passed back into the fluidized bed.