Abstract: A reactor for drying solids in a heated fluidized bed comprising over the fluidized bed a vapor-collecting space provided with a vapor outlet. Means for feeding the water-containing solids are provided over the vapor-collecting space. A conical distributor surface, which is rotatable about a vertical axis, is provided in the vapor-collecting space below the supplying means and slopes at an angle of 25.degree. to 70.degree. from the horizontal and is formed with at least one aperture. The aperture occupies 10 to 90% of the theoretical overall area of the distributor surface. The distributor surface is rotated at a speed of 20 to 250 revolutions per minute.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for regenerating used foundry sand, whose original molding sand contained, as the molding material, inorganic binders such as, for example and especially, bentonite ("inorganic used sand") and/or organic binders such as, for example and especially, phenolic resins and/or furan resins ("organic used sand"), wherein the used sand to be reconditioned is impregnated with water and then transferred in the moist state into a heated fluidized bed.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor in which partitions disposed within a vessel form first and second furnace sections, first and second troughs and a heat exchange section such that the first trough is disposed between the first furnace section and the heat recovery section and the second trough is disposed between the second furnace section and the heat recovery section. A fluidized bed is formed in each of the furnace sections for the combustion of fuel to generate heat and to generate a mixture of combustion gases and entrained particulate solids. The mixtures from the furnace sections are received in first and second horizontal cyclone separators, both formed within the vessel for separating the entrained particulate solids from the combustion gases. Outlet means extend from the horizontal cyclones to discharge the separated solids to the first and second troughs respectively.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor in which partitions disposed within a vessel form first and second furnace sections, first and second troughs and a heat exchange section such that the first trough is disposed between the first furnace section and the heat recovery section and the second trough is disposed between the second furnace section and the heat recovery section. A fluidized bed is formed in each of the furnace sections for the combustion of fuel to generate heat and to generate a mixture of combustion gases and entrained particulate solids. The mixtures from the furnace sections are received in first and second horizontal cyclone separators, both formed within the vessel for separating the entrained particulate solids from the combustion gases. Outlet means extend from the horizontal cyclones to discharge the separated solids to the first and second troughs respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for heat treating a granular material. The apparatus includes a retort having a volume sized to receive a bed of fluidizing particles at a predetermined elevation within the volume and a plurality of electrically powered infrared radiation sources. The sources are submerged within the bed. The apparatus includes a deflector plate for deflecting granular material from an upper elevation of said bed to close proximity to said radiation sources.

Abstract: Dynamic fluidized-bed reactor for carrying out a chemical or physical multi-component process, which said reactor comprises a preferably vertical, cooled or uncooled reactor chamber and a preferably horizontal cyclone that discharges the solid matter through the side of the separator chamber and the gases through one end or both ends of the separator chamber. The reactor further comprises a discharge pipe with no gas lock, which allows the solid matter to fall freely. In different applications, the reactor may include feed and discharge means for solid matter as well as a gas distributor grate. Exemplifying embodiments are a fire-tube boiler and a reactor for purification and cooling of hot gases.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decontaminating contaminated microspheres of a patient support system employing a fluidizing medium to fluidize the microspheres to provide support for the patient, includes a tank for containing the microspheres. The tank includes a diffuser mounted inside the tank to form a plenum in the bottom of the tank. A rigid shell surrounds heat-insulating material around the outside of the tank. A recirculation channel is defined in the shell. A cover seals the tank. An air heater member and a gas blower provide hot air to fluidize the microspheres inside the tank. A valve permits a heating mode of operation, a cooling mode of operation, and a holding temperature mode of operation. The valve is switched between modes by action of a solenoid or a motor. A temperature probe monitors the temperature inside of the tank. A control circuit controls the air heater, the valve, and the gas blower according to a predetermined timed sequence of actuation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for thermal agglomeration of high melting temperature ashes in fluidized bed processes is disclosed. Carbonaceous material to be combusted, incinerated or gasified is introduced into a fluidized bed supported on a perforated sloping supported grid through which a fluidizing gas is injected. An upflowing discharge control gas is injected through a density/size solids withdrawal conduit in communication with the base of the perforated sloping support grid. Positioned within the solids withdrawal conduit is a central jet pipe through which fuel and oxidant are injected into the base of the fluidized bed forming a hot temperature zone in which ash melts and agglomerates. Positioned above the perforated sloping support grid and peripherally mounted through the reactor wall are one or more burners through which fuel and oxidant are injected into the fluidized bed forming supplemental hot temperature zones in which ash melts and agglomerates.

Abstract: A method of attaining a uniform flow in an elongated fluidized bed furnace, used for the purpose of preventing the expansion and uniting of bubbles in the fluidized bed, and setting the fluidized bed in a uniform flow state, so as to keep the flow condition of the bubbles excellent at all times. The purpose of this method can be achieved by withdrawing a fluidized gas from an arbitrary portion of a fluidized bed (13) through a fluidization gas venting or purging means (A).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluidized bed apparatus comprising a fluidization grid arranged in the lower part of this apparatus, this grid being provided at its center with a circular aperture communicating with a discharge chamber and occurring in the form of a surface of revolution consisting of the joined lateral surfaces of at least two coaxial truncated cones of revolution, virtual vertices of which are oriented downwards.

Abstract: A method of rapidly quenching articles in a fluidized bed or in a collapsed bed, wherein the bed comprises fine solid particles. A high conductivity gas may be used to transfer heat to or from the fluidized bed or the collapsed bed during at least a portion of the quenching. The high conductivity gas may be used to fluidize the bed during at least a portion of the quenching. The rate of heat transfer from or to the article quenched is improved by moving the article being quenched relative to the quenching bed or by moving the quenching bed about the article.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for the thermal treating of articles, particulary for the quench hardening of metal alloys in an improved fluidized bed containing from 21 to 60 weight percent of fine alumina particles having a size from 20 to 100 microns and from 40 to 79 weight percent of coarse alumina particles having a size from 150 to 2000 microns.

Abstract: A fluidized bed system comprises at least three cells constituting a fluidized bed. One of the cells interposed between other cells may function as a non-fluidized bed cell in response to the operating condition of the system.

Abstract: In a fluidized bed thermal reactor. It includes a main housing including a waste inlet, an exhaust gas outlet, an incombustible solids outlets, a base member, a fluidizable medium located on the base member, a plurality of gas inlets in the base member.

Abstract: A process for thermal treatment of solid particles in a fluidized bed wherein the solid particles by thermal treatment form a lighter weight fraction and a heavier weight fraction, relative to the total contents of the bed. The process is characterized by use of a selective heavier particle discharge conduit in the sloping bed support and maintenance of a discrete fluid fueled flame in close proximity to and above the opening to the heavier particle discharge conduit. This forms a higher temperature zone in and surrounding the flame, at least about 100.degree. F. higher than the remainder bed temperature. Circulation of solid particles through the flame and its surrounding higher temperature region is promoted both by directing of fluidization gas jets in the fluidized bed support and by the jetting action of the upwardly flowing heavier particle discharge gas.

Abstract: A bed 26 of particulate material is moved in a band continuously along an annular path by passing fluid media having both circumferential and vertical components through the bed along that path. The fluid media comprises combustion gases which are passed through the bed along a portion of the path for heating the particulate material as it passes therethrough and fluid matter to be heated which passes through the bed along another portion of its path such that the fluid matter is heated as it passes through the particulate material which has been heated by the combustion gases.

Abstract: A fluidized-bed activation furnace for activated carbon is disclosed. The furnace is provided with a central hollow pillar having an outlet for discharging activated carbon granules at the upper portion thereof, a bowl-shaped cap covering the top portion of the central hollow pillar and a perforated plate fixed to the outer periphery of the central hollow pillar below the outlet for discharging activated carbon granules. After the granules of carbon are activated while a fluidized-bed is formed of the activated carbon granules, the substantially whole amount of granular activated carbon is discharged in a short time maintaining a high temperature.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for fluidized bed mixing of fluids and gases in which the fluid is injected with a high angular velocity through a relatively narrow, preferably single, orifice (3). The angular velocity may be imparted by injecting the fluid at high velocity tangentially at the periphery of the squate chamber (4) so that angular momentum is gained as it spirals inwards towards orifice (3). Optionally, an open-topped hopper (5) for solids is suspended above orifice (3). The lower end of the hopper (5) terminates in a second orifice (7) located vertically above orifice (3). The solid particles are thereby swept radially outwards towards the wall of the chamber (1) in co-current admixture with the fluid.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained apparatus and method for expanding loose fill foam material for packaging includes an eductor having a fan, a venturi chamber, and a wire mesh cage arrangement for automatically feeding expandable loose fill material to a hopper. The loose fill material is then uniformly fed through the hopper by air pressure in conjunction with gravity to an expansion chamber. The expansion chamber includes a stepped conveyance platform disposed over a stepped steam chamber, and a track arrangement for simultaneously conveying and tumbling the loose fill material across each conveyance platform step. A condensing unit disposed above the expansion chamber removes excess moisture from the expansion chamber and provides warm dry air to a discharge housing from which the expanded loose fill material is discharged from the expansion chamber.

Abstract: A fluid bed reactor for treatment of refractory materials with a hot fluidizing gas and a method to use same. Both the refractory materials and the fluidizing gas are introduced from the top of the reactor. Unusually high reaction temperatures of up to 2000.degree. C. are maintained in the reaction chamber due to the presence of heating elements within the reactor and due to countercurrent heat transfer.

Abstract: A grain drying system includes a fluidized bed for burning grain dust. The hot gases produced by the combustion of the grain dust are directed to a cyclone for cleaning and then to a known grain dryer. The ashes or other particles removed from the hot gases by the cyclone are returned to the fluidized bed.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely calcining a slurry or solution feed stream of toxic or hazardous material, such as ammonium diurante slurry or uranyl nitrate solution, is disclosed. The calcining apparatus includes a vertical substantially cylindrical inner shell disposed in a vertical substantially cylindrical outer shell, in which inner shell is disposed a fluidized bed comprising the feed stream material to be calcined and spherical beads to aid in heat transfer. Extending through the outer and inner shells is a feed nozzle for delivering feed material or a cleaning chemical to the beads. Disposed in and extending across the lower portion of the inner shell and upstream of the fluidized bed is a support member for supporting the fluidized bed, the support member having uniform slots for directing uniform gas flow to the fluidized bed from a fluidizing gas orifice disposed upstream of the support member.

Abstract: Tendrillar carbonaceous material is used as a fluidization aid for fluidized beds. The tendrillar carbonaceous material can be used to fluidize cohesive solids. Further, it can be used to improve fluidization of particulate solids by reducing entrainment, eliminating bubbling, and/or eliminating channelling. The tendrillar carbonaceous material can be a fibrous, particulate carbonaceous material comprising carbon fibers and a ferrous group metal component dispersed thoughout the carbon fibers as nodules. The tendrillar carbonaceous material has a bulk density of from about 0.01 to about 0.7 g/cm.sup.3 and comprises an agglomeration of tendrils having a diameter of from about 0.01 to about 1 micron and a length to diameter ratio of from about 5:1 to about 1000:1.

Abstract: Tendrillar carbonaceous material is used as a fluidization aid for fluidized beds. The tendrillar carbonaceous material can be used to fluidized cohesive solids. Further, it can be used to improve fluidization of particulate solids by reducing entrainment, eliminating bubbling, and/or eliminating channelling. The tendrillar carbonaceous material can be a fibrous, particulate carbonaceous material comprising carbon fibers and a ferrous group metal component dispersed throughout the carbon fibers as nodules. The tendrillar carbonaceous material has a bulk density of from about 0.01 to about 0.7 g/cm.sup.3 and comprises an agglomeration of tendrils having a diameter of from about 0.01 to about 1 micron and a length to diameter ratio of from about 5:1 to about 1000:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reclaiming contaminated industrial sand including the steps of subjecting the sand to the influence of heat in a fluidizing bed, forcing sand fed to said bed to follow a flow path including a plurality of generally heightwise directed path portions including at least one generally upwardly directed path portion and at least one generally downwardly directed path portion. In an example of the invention, the heat is applied to the sand in a first group of path portions and the sand is cooled in a second group of path portions.

Abstract: Nitrogen oxide pollutants are substantially reduced and sulfur dioxide minimized in multisolid fluidized beds by staged combustion of the fuel. The lower combustion region is operated at substoichiometric conditions such that NO.sub.x is reduced by carbon and carbon monoxide to nitrogen gas. The upper combustion region is operated at excess oxygen conditions to complete the combustion of char and carbon monoxide. Elevated temperature excursions in the upper region which deter sulfur capture are prevented by recycling cool entrained bed particles therethrough.

Abstract: A process for thermal treatment of solid particles in a fluidized bed wherein the solid particles by thermal treatment form a lighter weight fraction and a heavier weight fraction, relative to the total contents of the bed. The process is characterized by use of a selective heavier particle discharge conduit in the sloping bed support and maintenance of a discrete fluid fueled flame in close proximity to and above the opening to the heavier particle discharge conduit. This forms a higher temperature zone in and surrounding the flame, at least about 100.degree. F. higher than the remainder bed temperature. Circulation of solid particles through the flame and its surrounding higher temperature region is promoted both by directing of fluidization gas jets in the fluidized bed support and by the jetting action of the upwardly flowing heavier particle discharge gas.

Abstract: A device for varying the height of a bed in a fluidized combustion chamber inside a pressurized housing. Bed material is supplied to the chamber from hoppers or returned back to the hoppers from the chamber through a supply line. The supply line connects the chamber and the hoppers. The hoppers have means of increasing or decreasing the pressure. To improve the means of both increasing and decreasing pressure in the known device and of cleaning the gas that enters into contact with the material in the hopper, each hopper contains a hot-gas filter that gas can flow through in two directions and each hopper communicates above the filter with a gas connection that can be maintained at either a higher or a lower pressure than the fluidized combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method of calcining in a fluidized reactor wherein fluid petroleum coke is utilized as the reactor fuel. The method of the present invention utilizes fluid coke as the fuel for a calcining reactor. The fluid coke is introduced into the pneumatic stream with the lime feed material, ahead of the reactor feed header, to achieve an intimate mixing of the fuel and the feed material. This facilitates calcination of the calcium carbonate and results in more efficient utilization of fuel than in methods of the prior art. Advantages of using fluid coke as the fuel include that it is of a size fine enough to provide efficient utilization as a fuel but not so large that inefficient utilization, unstable temperatures, and carry-over into the final product result. Another advantage is that the fluid coke typically contains 5-7% by weight sulphur, a necessary ingredient in proper calcination of calcium carbonate in a fluidized reactor and one that has been required to be added in methods of the prior art.

Abstract: Hearth and process for the fluidized bed treatment of a fuel consisting of solid particles. The grid (1) for conveying gaseous fluidization and/or forcing fluid to a treatment chamber (2) comprises two separately supplied circuits of channels, respectively a first circuit of channels (11) with orifices widened towards the top, for the fluidization of a particulate material, and a second circuit of tubular channels (14), opening out above widened orifices, for forcing the particulate material.

Abstract: An apparatus for calcining a granular or powdered mineral, more specifically hydrated calcium sulphate, comprising a vessel the side wall or walls of which slope inwardly toward a bottom of small cross-sectional area, as compared with an upper region of the vessel, and provided with a downwardly extending heating tube connectable in an upper portion to a gas source and an opening in a lower portion into the interior of the vessel adjacent to the bottom thereof, the arrangement being such that, in use, hot gases issuing from the lower portion of the heating tube will mix and heat substantially all the contents of the vessel.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for the regeneration of adsorbent particles containing carbon in which the particles are introduced into downwardly moving shafts of a fluidized quartz sand bed spaced along a regenerator and are then deflected downwardly at the bottoms of the shaft by rhomboidal guide segments. The regenerated particles are withdrawn in a gas stream from above the bed and the gas is separated from the particles.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying gas to a fluidization grid which has two separate supply circuits, one for compressed air and one for fluidizing air, the orifices of each circuit ending at the pyramids of the grid. The orifices of each circuit, are arranged in groups, and are connected by pipes to a stator cylinder in which a rotatable rotor tube extends. A motor is arranged to rotate the rotor tube to a number of predetermined positions. The rotor tube is connected to a supply pipework and is pierced with passage openings which are arranged upon rotation of the rotor tube to correspond to the pipes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a carbonization plant in which coking furnaces are periodically charged with preheated coal and the obtained coke is subjected to a dry cooling by a gaseous cooling medium, heat discharged from the dry cooling of the coke is used for the preheating of the coal, involving preheating the coal in a traveling bed drier having a heat exchange tube that is heated with hot gas or waste-heat vapor from the dry cooling of the coke. Preferred embodiments include withdrawing exhaust gas-containing vapors produced in the traveling bed drier from different levels; and superposing a fluidized bed drier upon the traveling bed drier.

Abstract: A method of removing cadmium from raw phosphate material in an apparatus comprising a preheater section (2,13) a reactor section (3,4,5), a cooler section (7) and an exit gas cleaning section having a cadmium condenser (6,20,21), where the reactors (3,5) work in series and are formed as suspension reactors, or alternatively as a suspension reactor and a fluid-bed reactor, and where the treated raw phosphate in the first reactor having a short material retention time is suspended in a gas/fuel mixture and through a flash-process heated to a reaction temperature of 750.degree.-1050.degree. C.

Abstract: Tendrillar carbonaceous material is used as a fluidization aid for fluidized beds. The tendrillar carbonaceous material can be used to fluidize cohesive solids. Further, it can be used to improve fluidization of particulate solids by reducing entrainment, eliminating bubbling, and/or eliminating channelling. The tendrillar carbonaceous material can be a fibrous, particulate carbonaceous material comprising carbon fibers and a ferrous group metal component dispersed throughout the carbon fibers as nodules. The tendrillar carbonaceous material has a bulk density of from about 0.04 to about 0.7 g/cm.sup.3 and comprises an agglomeration of tendrils having a diameter of from about 0.01 to about 1 micron and a length to diameter ratio of from about 5:1 to about 1000:1.

Abstract: In reheating and conveying a granular heat carrier, such as sand, which is transportable by a gas and is used for desorption by heating a charged lumpy adsorber, such as activated carbon pellets, the sand is passed upwardly in a cylindrically shaped pipe element in the form of a fluidized bed. The sand is heated during its upward passage through the fluidized bed. Air introduced into the lower part of the pipe element is used as the fluidizing medium and also as combustion air. Further, fuel is supplied into the lower part of the pipe element. From the upper end of the pipe element, the heated sand flows downwardly by gravity to a sand separator, where it is separated from flue gas, into a desorber where it is contacted by the absorbent and then into a device for separating the sand and the adsorbent so that the sand can be returned into the lower end of the pipe element.

Abstract: Tendrillar carbonaceous material is used as a fluidization aid for fluidizing cohesive materials in fluidized beds. The tendrillar carbonaceous material can be a fibrous, particulate carbonaceous material comprising carbon fibers and a ferrous group metal component dispersed throughout the carbon fibers as nodules. The tendrillar carbonaceous material has a bulk density of from about 0.04 to about 0.7 g/cm.sup.3 and comprises an agglomeration of tendrils having a diameter of from about 0.01 to about 1 micron and a length to diameter ratio of from about 5:1 to about 1000:1.

Abstract: A fixed-bed charge in a tube reactor is heated, and at the same time heat is conducted away from, or into, the fixed bed, by a method in which the fixed bed is heated by means of a fluidized material which conducts away and supplies heat and flows through the voids in the charge, and the heat is conducted away or supplied by means of a heat-transfer medium flowing in a heat exchanger, the latter being located in the fixed bed or in a fluidized layer formed above the fixed bed and consisting of the fluidized material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating granular materials which require to be heated to drive off volatile constituents and which require to be cooled, for example foundry sand containing an organic binder. The method comprises the step of maintaining a mass of the material at a treatment temperature lying in the range 250.degree.-400.degree. C. for between four and thirty hours. The mass may be initially heated by virtue of a manufacturing process in which the mass has been previously used. Alternatively, the mass may be initially heated by a pre-heating step such as heating in a fluidized bed. Alternatively, the mass may be heated by being placed in heat transfer relationship with a second mass of the material which has been previously heated, for example, in a fluidized bed. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: For processing matter in a turbulent mass of particulate material, a substantially annular processing region (14; 104; 206) is provided and is preferably in the form of a substantially annular processing chamber having a radially inner wall which includes a waist (38; 122). A flow of fluid and matter to be processed are admitted to the processing region through one or more inlets (28, 46; 108, 124; 214, 220) with the flow of fluid being directed generally circumferentially into the processing region. In the processing region, matter to be processed is embedded in a compact turbulent band of particulate material for processing. Once processing is complete, the processed matter is withdrawn from the processing region, preferably by entrainment in an exhaust flow of the fluid.

Abstract: Raw phosphate material is calcined to remove pollutants, such as organic compounds and sulphides, by heat treatment in two suspension calciners (3,5) arranged in series. Fuel supplied at burners (8) is burnt in the calciners with air, supplied in parallel through pipes (9) from a cooler (7) for the treated material. The material is preheated in a preheater, for instance a pipe (13) and cyclone (2) by exit gases from the calciner before entering the calciners and, after leaving the calciners, is separated from the gas streams in separators (4,6).

Abstract: A chamber for the treatment of particulate matter in a fluidized bed, e.g. at elevated temperatures, comprises an apertured bottom for the admission of carrier gas into the overlying space. The latter is divided by upstanding partitions into at least one medial compartment and at least two additional compartments adjoining the at least one medial compartment at the opposite sides of the latter. The apparatus further comprises a duct of substantially triangular cross-section with a horizontal base and an upwardly sloping side walls located in the at least one medial compartment, with the side walls of the duct extending in directions parallel to the partitions, and the base of the duct being imperforate and resting on the wall of the chamber and preventing the entry of the carrier gas into the at least one medial compartment from below; and a nozzle arrangement in each of the upwardly sloping side walls of the duct.

Abstract: A support structure for a distribution grid to be mounted in a reaction vessel wherein the reaction vessel is formed with an inwardly-extending annular shoulder portion to which is mounted, such as by welding, a ring-member whereby the distribution grid is mounted on such support structure.

Abstract: In a method for regeneration of moist powder adsorption agent, the moist-charged adsorption agent is first fed into the lower area of a fluidized bed which is provided with an aeration and heat-carrying material; the agent then is fed upwardly through the heat-carrying material while being simultaneously dried, and then the agent is withdrawn together with the vortex gas from the fluidized bed. The agent is separated from the vortex gas in a successively switched separator, and is then fed to a further fluidized bed which is provided with a further aeration and heat-carrying material. The agent is fed in that further bed upwardly through the further heat-carrying material and is simultaneously regenerated. The agent is then discharged together with the further vortex gas from the further fluidized bed. The vortex gases which are withdrawn can be reused as mixing gases during the vortex gas generation.

Abstract: In all refractory gas distributor is used to distribute fluidization gas to a fluidized bed reactor. The distributor slabs contain cast-in gas passages which distribute the gas to uniformly distributed grid holes to the surface. The slabs are continuously supported by a bed of refractory filling the bottom head of said reactor vessel and pressure equalization passages are provided to place the lower surface of the grid plate in fluid communication with the upper surface of the grid plate.

Abstract: A fluid bed reactor system for olefin polymerization composed of a cylindrical reaction vessel equipped with a distribution plate and an agitator, characterized in that the distribution plate satisfies the following conditions,(i) each of many passage holes provided in the distribution plate for passage of the fluidizing gas medium is covered with a cap having an opening,(ii) the opening in said cap is provided only on one side of the cap, and the direction (A) of the opening is not opposite to the direction (B) of the rotational flow,(iii) the direction (A) of the opening varies with the distance (d) from the center (X) of the plate to the center (Y) of the hole,(iv) the opening direction (A) of a cap or caps at a hole or holes whose distance (d) is minimum is directed nearer to the center (X) than is the tangential direction of a circle having the center (X) as a center and the distance (d.sub.min.

Abstract: In a reactor for gasification of solid carbonaceous materials in a fluidized bed under elevated pressure and at high temperatures using a hot gasification agent, a feed device for the gasification agent is installed in the lower part of the reactor chamber and traverses this chamber in the form of a bridge, which has an arch joined to the walls of the reactor chamber, said arch consisting of refractory brick and supporting a section of metal pipe. The latter is shielded from the outside by the arch and by a top-mounted structure of refractory material. On the inside, the metal pipe is also provided with a tubular lining of refractory material. Metal pipe, lining, and arch have openings for passage of the gasification agent. The size and shape of the openings are selected to assure passage of the gasification agent even if the parts undergo changes in length as a result of the effects of temperature.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a process vessel, containing a process bed of fluidized particles, having a first submerged port at a first end and a second submerged port at a second end. Both ports are inclined in the same sense so that particles leave the second end of the bed at a higher level than they enter the first end. Fluidized bed material entering the second port becomes defluidized and slides down the port, optionally with the assistance of a fluid injected into the port. The first port conducts particles into the process bed from a second fluidized bed and the second port conducts particles out of the process bed (e.g. into the second bed). The process bed rests on a fluid distributor having a horizontal first part adjoining, and no higher than the level of, the lower end of the first port and a horizontal second part adjoining, and at the level of, the second port, there being a vertical step connecting the first and second distributor parts at a location between the first and second ports.

Abstract: A method for producing a dried particulate coal fuel having a reduced tendency to spontaneously ignite from a low rank coal by drying the low rank coal in a fluidized bed, cooling the resulting dried coal in a fluidized bed cooler, separating coal particles smaller than about 80 Tyler Mesh from the cooled dried coal and treating the cooled dried coal with a deactivating fluid.