Fluidized bed apparatus for drying or cooling of powder and a process

Abstract

A fluidized bed apparatus and process for using the same for drying or cooling powder. The apparatus includes a structure defining first and second fluidizing chambers separated by an air dispersing floor plate having a plurality of openings formed therethrough. The first fluidizing chamber receives fluidizing air introduced into the structure and passes the fluidizing air through the plurality of openings in the air dispersing floor plate to disperse the fluidized air. The second fluidizing chamber containing the powder receives the fluidized air dispersed by the air dispersing floor plate. The apparatus further includes a heat transfer unit including a plurality of rectangular heat transfer metal plates disposed vertically above the air dispersing floor plate. The heat transfer metal plates are arranged in parallel relationship to and horizontally spaced from each other to define vertically-extending external passages therebetween, which allow the fluidizing air to pass therethrough and suspend the powder. The heater transfer metal plates define at least one internal passage therein associated with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe at each end for respectively receiving and discharging a heat transfer medium. At least a portion of the internal passage extends in a horizontal direction.