WO2001036887A1 - A fluidized bed apparatus - Google Patents

A fluidized bed apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001036887A1
WO2001036887A1 PCT/IB2000/001648 IB0001648W WO0136887A1 WO 2001036887 A1 WO2001036887 A1 WO 2001036887A1 IB 0001648 W IB0001648 W IB 0001648W WO 0136887 A1 WO0136887 A1 WO 0136887A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hollow body
lower section
gas
internal space
particulate
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2000/001648
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Michael John Basil Oliver
Original Assignee
Energy Engineering International (Pty) Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Energy Engineering International (Pty) Ltd. filed Critical Energy Engineering International (Pty) Ltd.
Priority to AU11682/01A priority Critical patent/AU1168201A/en
Publication of WO2001036887A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001036887A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B3/00—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat
    • F26B3/02—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat by convection, i.e. heat being conveyed from a heat source to the materials or objects to be dried by a gas or vapour, e.g. air
    • F26B3/06—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat by convection, i.e. heat being conveyed from a heat source to the materials or objects to be dried by a gas or vapour, e.g. air the gas or vapour flowing through the materials or objects to be dried
    • F26B3/08—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat by convection, i.e. heat being conveyed from a heat source to the materials or objects to be dried by a gas or vapour, e.g. air the gas or vapour flowing through the materials or objects to be dried so as to loosen them, e.g. to form a fluidised bed
    • F26B3/084—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat by convection, i.e. heat being conveyed from a heat source to the materials or objects to be dried by a gas or vapour, e.g. air the gas or vapour flowing through the materials or objects to be dried so as to loosen them, e.g. to form a fluidised bed with heat exchange taking place in the fluidised bed, e.g. combined direct and indirect heat exchange

Definitions

  • THIS I NVENTION relates to a fluidized bed apparatus More particularly, the invention relates to a spouting fluidized bed apparatus
  • Known fluidized bed apparatus have many different applications including the drying of particulate products, the gasification of particulate products, the combustion of particulate products, and the like
  • the present invention provides particularly for a spouting fluidized bed apparatus for drying particulate products
  • Each known spouting fluidized bed apparatus known to the Applicant generally comprises a hollow body that defines an internal space including a downwardly tapering lower section, the hollow body defining a gas inlet opening at its operative lower end which communicates, directly or indirectly, with a gas feed duct
  • the internal space defined by the hollow body includes also an upper section that extends operatively upwardly from the lower section, leading gas to a gas outlet duct that leads from the hollow body and that provides for the passage of gases from the hollow body
  • the apparatus provides also for the feed of particulate products into the internal space defined by the hollow body and for the discharge of particulate products from the hollow body, which can take place in various different modes In operation, for example for drying a particulate product, the particulate product to be dried is fed into the internal space defined by the hollow body of the apparatus via the gas outlet duct, the particles forming the product effectively dropping under gravity into the tapering lower section of the said internal space Heated gas is fed into the internal space defined by the hollow body via a gas feed
  • the particles behave like a fluid insofar as a specific particle level can be detected, this level being controllable and facilitating also the removal of particles from the hollow body of the apparatus via overflow weirs, or the like, in order to be conveyed to a following process stage.
  • a spouting fluidized bed apparatus for drying particulate products which includes
  • a hollow body that defines an internal space including a downwardly tapering lower section, which terminates in a gas inlet opening defined by the hollow body at its operative lower end, and an upper section that extends operatively upwardly from the upper end of the lower section, the hollow body defining a gas outlet leading from a location near the upper end of the upper section of the internal space and a particulate product inlet through which particulate products can be fed into the lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body;
  • a plenum chamber body that defines a chamber that surrounds at least partially the operative lower part of the hollow body, including the gas inlet opening defined by the hollow body, and that defines a gas inlet opening connectable to a gas supply to permit a gas to enter the chamber and pass from the chamber into the hollow body via the gas inlet opening defined at the operative lower end of the hollow body;
  • a particulate product discharge means for discharging particulate product from the hollow body
  • a heat exchanger arrangement comprising at least one fluid conduit defining an elongate fluid flow path in the tapering lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body, through which a heated medium can pass to transfer heat from the conduit to particulate product in the said lower section, in use of the apparatus, for enhancing drying of the particulate product.
  • the spouting fluidized bed apparatus as defined above will operate essentially conventionally insofar as a heated gas can pass through the internal space defined by the hollow body to create a fluidized bed of particles to be dried therein, the additional heating of the particles due to their contact with the fluid conduit while a heated medium passes through the conduit, enhancing the effective drying of the particulate product Clearly, the heated gas passing through the internal space defined by the hollow body also will be heated by the exposure thereof to the fluid conduit, which will also enhance the effective drying of the particulate product
  • the lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body may define an inverted frusto-conical configuration with the gas inlet opening being a circular opening defined at the lower end of the hollow body
  • the lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body may define a longitudinal axis and a truncated V-shaped profile in cross-section along the length thereof and, as such, the gas inlet opening defined at the lower end of the hollow body defines an elongate slot-like configuration
  • the chamber defined by the plenum chamber body particularly defines a gas flow path therethrough leading from its gas inlet opening to the gas inlet opening defined at the lower end of the hollow body, along which gases can flow and then enter the hollow body with an intensity that will permit a fluidized bed of particles to be generated within the lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body
  • the configuration of the hollow body and of the plenum chamber body may be essentially conventional, although individual features can be specially designed to accommodate particular applications of the apparatus
  • the particulate product discharge means of the apparatus may be a discharge weir disposed at an elevated level above the operative lower end of the hollow body, over which weir, in use of the apparatus, particulate product in a fluidized state can be discharged .
  • the particulate product discharge means may comprise discharge pipes leading from the hollow body at a location where, in use of the apparatus, particulate product in a fluidized state can be discharged from the hollow body.
  • the fluid conduit forming the heat exchanger arrangement has opposite ends thereof disposed externally of the hollow body, permitting connection to a heated medium flow line for feeding a heated medium through the fluid conduit, with the conduit section of the fluid conduit disposed within the lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body providing, in use of the apparatus, for heat transfer to particulate products in a fluidized state within the said lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body.
  • the said conduit section of the fluid conduit located within the hollow body may define an extended flow path within the said lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body, while the formation of a fluidized bed of particles in the lower section is still permitted, in use of the apparatus.
  • the particulate product inlet for feeding particulate products to be dried into the hollow body may be defined near the operative upper end of the hollow body.
  • the apparatus also may include product feed means for feeding particulate products at a controlled feed rate into the hollow body via the particulate product inlet.
  • the apparatus of the invention also may include a gas displacement means for displacing a heated gas to the chamber defined by the plenum chamber and through the internal space defined by the hollow body.
  • the gas displacement means typically comprises a fan-type gas displacement means.
  • the apparatus particularly includes a continuous gas flow line that incorporates the hollow body, the plenum chamber body and the gas displacement means and that provides for a continuous gas circulation through the flow line.
  • the continuous gas flow line may include, in line therewith, a dust separator for separating impurities within heated gas circulating through the flow line, in use of the apparatus.
  • the dust separator typically is a cyclone-type separator.
  • the apparatus further may include a scrubber apparatus, in line with a branch from the said gas flow line, the scrubber apparatus serving to clean gases guided from the flow line to provide a required gas quality which will permit emission thereof to the atmosphere.
  • a scrubber apparatus in line with a branch from the said gas flow line, the scrubber apparatus serving to clean gases guided from the flow line to provide a required gas quality which will permit emission thereof to the atmosphere.
  • Gases released from the scrubber apparatus may be exposed to thermal oxidation, or the like, to enhance still further the quality of gases emitted to the atmosphere.
  • a spouting fluidized bed apparatus for drying particulate products is designated generally by the reference numeral 10.
  • the apparatus 10 includes a hollow body 1 2 that defines an internal space 13.
  • the space 1 3 defines a longitudinal axis and has a lower section 14 which defines a truncated V-shaped profile in cross section along the length thereof.
  • the internal space 1 3 defined by the hollow body 1 2 further has an upper section 1 6 that extends operatively upwardly from the upper end of the lower section 14 and that leads to a gas outlet 1 8 defined by the hollow body 1 2 at a location near the upper end of the upper section 1 2 of the space 1 3.
  • An inlet 20 for feeding a particulate product into the internal space 1 3 defined by the hollow body 1 2 is provided at the operative top end of the hollow body 1 2, permitting particulate product to drop into the lower section 14 of the space 1 3 defined by the hollow body 1 2.
  • the lower section 1 4 of the space 1 3 defined by the hollow body 1 2 further has a heat exchanger arrangement 22 located therein, the heat exchanger arrangement 22 comprising an elongate fluid conduit 21 defining an elongate fluid flow path within the said lower section 14 of the space 1 3.
  • the fluid conduit 21 defines an extended outer surface area whereby heat can be transferred to particulate product contacting the conduit, during use of the apparatus, for drying the product.
  • the opposite ends of the conduit 21 forming the heat exchanger arrangement 22 are disposed externally of the hollow body 1 2 (as shown), the conduit particularly being connectable in line with a heated medium supply that can feed a heated medium through the conduit, to create a heated outer surface of the conduit section of the conduit disposed within the hollow body 1 2.
  • a boiler 23 may feed steam to the conduit 21 and condensate may be released from the outlet end 25 of the conduit. The condensate clearly can be recycled to the boiler 23.
  • the operative lower end of the hollow body 1 2 defines a gas inlet 24 which is in the form of an elongate slot-like opening, the gas inlet 24 having a tray formation 26 disposed operatively beneath the inlet 24.
  • the tray formation 26 defines side walls 28 that are disposed in a parallel, spaced, overlapping relationship with the walls defining the tapering lower section 14 of the hollow body 1 2, as illustrated .
  • the lower section 14 of the hollow body 1 2 is partially surrounded by a plenum chamber body 30 which is connectable in line with a gas supply line 32.
  • the plenum chamber body 30 provides a flow path for gas entering the chamber defined thereby, to be introduced into the hollow body 1 2 via the inlet 24, having passed through the slot-like openings 34 defined between the walls of the tapering lower section 14 of the hollow body 1 2 and the side walls 28 of the tray formation 26.
  • a predetermined flow path for gas through the hollow body 1 2 thereby is provided for, but insofar as this does not form a part of the present invention, this is not described in further detail herein.
  • the configuration of the conduit forming the heat exchanger arrangement 22 within the lower section 14 of the internal space 13 defined by the hollow body 1 2 must be such that the formation of a fluidized bed is not unduly inhibited, while at the same time providing for the maximum exposed surface area so that a heated medium passing through the heat exchanger can heat particles forming the fluidized bed due to contact with the conduit, to cause additional heating of the particles and thereby to enhance effective drying of the particles for which the apparatus 10 is provided .
  • the heated medium passing through the heat exchanger arrangement 22 also can heat the gas passing through the internal space 1 3 defined by the hollow body 1 2 which induces the formation of the fluidized bed of particles and, thereby, the effective drying of the particles is still further enhanced.
  • heat exchanger arrangement 22 is particularly suitable for use in a spouting fluidized bed apparatus provided for drying particulate products.
  • the apparatus 10 is associated also with an air displacement fan 40 which is disposed in line with a gas flow line leading to the plenum chamber body 30 and leading from the gas outlet 1 8 defined by the hollow body 1 2, a cyclone-type particle filter 42 also being provided in line with this gas flow line to provide for the removal of solid particles passing through this flow line.
  • a scrubber arrangement 44 also is provided, through which gases to be released to the atmosphere must pass, effectively to clean the gases to the extent that the gas quality of the gases to be released, is suitable for emission to the atmosphere Downstream of the scrubber arrangement 44, an arrangement 45 within which thermal oxidation can occur is also provided, particularly to deal with odours and to enhance still further the quality of gases emitted to the atmosphere
  • the apparatus 10 includes also a discharge arrangement (not shown) for discharging dried particulate product from the hollow body 1 2, the discharge line 46 being provided for guiding discharged particulate product to a required destination for further processing

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Microbiology (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a spouting fluidized bed apparatus (10) that comprises a hollow body (12) defining an internal space (13) including a downwardly tapering lower section (14) and an upper section (16) that extends operatively upwardly from the lower section (14). The hollow body (12) defines a gas inlet opening (24) at its operative lower end, that communicates with a gas feed duct (32), and a gas outlet (18) that leads from the hollow body near its operative upper end. A heat exchanger arrangement (22) comprising an elongate fluid conduit (21) is located within the tapering lower section (14) of the hollow body (12). The conduit (21) defines an extended flow path for a heated medium within the lower section (14) and thereby provides for heat transfer from the conduit to particulate product and gases in the said lower section, during use of the apparatus and with the particulate product defining a fluidized bed of particles in the said lower section.

Description

A FLUIDIZED BED APPARATUS
THIS I NVENTION relates to a fluidized bed apparatus More particularly, the invention relates to a spouting fluidized bed apparatus
Known fluidized bed apparatus have many different applications including the drying of particulate products, the gasification of particulate products, the combustion of particulate products, and the like The present invention provides particularly for a spouting fluidized bed apparatus for drying particulate products
Each known spouting fluidized bed apparatus known to the Applicant generally comprises a hollow body that defines an internal space including a downwardly tapering lower section, the hollow body defining a gas inlet opening at its operative lower end which communicates, directly or indirectly, with a gas feed duct The internal space defined by the hollow body includes also an upper section that extends operatively upwardly from the lower section, leading gas to a gas outlet duct that leads from the hollow body and that provides for the passage of gases from the hollow body The apparatus provides also for the feed of particulate products into the internal space defined by the hollow body and for the discharge of particulate products from the hollow body, which can take place in various different modes In operation, for example for drying a particulate product, the particulate product to be dried is fed into the internal space defined by the hollow body of the apparatus via the gas outlet duct, the particles forming the product effectively dropping under gravity into the tapering lower section of the said internal space Heated gas is fed into the internal space defined by the hollow body via a gas feed duct leading to the gas inlet opening defined at the operative lower end of the hollow body, the heated gas thus passing through the bed of particles formed in the said tapering lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body As the gas flow rate increases through the bed of particles formed in the tapering lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body, a point is reached where the gas pressure drop marginally exceeds the mass of the particles forming the particulate product bed, the particles thereby becoming partially suspended in the air stream As gas flow increases even further, an expansion of the bed of particles takes place, a vigorous boiling action being created similar to a boiling liquid Thereby, the bed of particles is said to be fluidized The fact that the gas is heated, clearly provides for drying of the particles
The flow pattern of gas through the bed of particles results in a spouting action of the particles in the upper region of the fluidized bed, this region being referred to as the free-board space from which particles will drop back into the bed of particles
In its fluidized state, the particles behave like a fluid insofar as a specific particle level can be detected, this level being controllable and facilitating also the removal of particles from the hollow body of the apparatus via overflow weirs, or the like, in order to be conveyed to a following process stage.
The exact operation and functioning of a spouting fluidized bed apparatus is well known and as this does not constitute a part of the present invention, this is not described in further detail herein It is an object of this invention to provide an improved spouting fluidized bed apparatus, particularly for drying particulate products.
According to the invention there is provided a spouting fluidized bed apparatus for drying particulate products, which includes
a hollow body that defines an internal space including a downwardly tapering lower section, which terminates in a gas inlet opening defined by the hollow body at its operative lower end, and an upper section that extends operatively upwardly from the upper end of the lower section, the hollow body defining a gas outlet leading from a location near the upper end of the upper section of the internal space and a particulate product inlet through which particulate products can be fed into the lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body;
a plenum chamber body that defines a chamber that surrounds at least partially the operative lower part of the hollow body, including the gas inlet opening defined by the hollow body, and that defines a gas inlet opening connectable to a gas supply to permit a gas to enter the chamber and pass from the chamber into the hollow body via the gas inlet opening defined at the operative lower end of the hollow body;
a particulate product discharge means for discharging particulate product from the hollow body; and
a heat exchanger arrangement comprising at least one fluid conduit defining an elongate fluid flow path in the tapering lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body, through which a heated medium can pass to transfer heat from the conduit to particulate product in the said lower section, in use of the apparatus, for enhancing drying of the particulate product. In use, the spouting fluidized bed apparatus as defined above will operate essentially conventionally insofar as a heated gas can pass through the internal space defined by the hollow body to create a fluidized bed of particles to be dried therein, the additional heating of the particles due to their contact with the fluid conduit while a heated medium passes through the conduit, enhancing the effective drying of the particulate product Clearly, the heated gas passing through the internal space defined by the hollow body also will be heated by the exposure thereof to the fluid conduit, which will also enhance the effective drying of the particulate product
The lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body may define an inverted frusto-conical configuration with the gas inlet opening being a circular opening defined at the lower end of the hollow body
Alternatively, the lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body may define a longitudinal axis and a truncated V-shaped profile in cross-section along the length thereof and, as such, the gas inlet opening defined at the lower end of the hollow body defines an elongate slot-like configuration
The chamber defined by the plenum chamber body particularly defines a gas flow path therethrough leading from its gas inlet opening to the gas inlet opening defined at the lower end of the hollow body, along which gases can flow and then enter the hollow body with an intensity that will permit a fluidized bed of particles to be generated within the lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body For the remainder, the configuration of the hollow body and of the plenum chamber body may be essentially conventional, although individual features can be specially designed to accommodate particular applications of the apparatus
The particulate product discharge means of the apparatus may be a discharge weir disposed at an elevated level above the operative lower end of the hollow body, over which weir, in use of the apparatus, particulate product in a fluidized state can be discharged . Instead, the particulate product discharge means may comprise discharge pipes leading from the hollow body at a location where, in use of the apparatus, particulate product in a fluidized state can be discharged from the hollow body.
The fluid conduit forming the heat exchanger arrangement has opposite ends thereof disposed externally of the hollow body, permitting connection to a heated medium flow line for feeding a heated medium through the fluid conduit, with the conduit section of the fluid conduit disposed within the lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body providing, in use of the apparatus, for heat transfer to particulate products in a fluidized state within the said lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body. The said conduit section of the fluid conduit located within the hollow body may define an extended flow path within the said lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body, while the formation of a fluidized bed of particles in the lower section is still permitted, in use of the apparatus.
The particulate product inlet for feeding particulate products to be dried into the hollow body may be defined near the operative upper end of the hollow body. The apparatus also may include product feed means for feeding particulate products at a controlled feed rate into the hollow body via the particulate product inlet.
The apparatus of the invention also may include a gas displacement means for displacing a heated gas to the chamber defined by the plenum chamber and through the internal space defined by the hollow body. The gas displacement means typically comprises a fan-type gas displacement means.
The apparatus particularly includes a continuous gas flow line that incorporates the hollow body, the plenum chamber body and the gas displacement means and that provides for a continuous gas circulation through the flow line. The continuous gas flow line may include, in line therewith, a dust separator for separating impurities within heated gas circulating through the flow line, in use of the apparatus. The dust separator typically is a cyclone-type separator.
The apparatus further may include a scrubber apparatus, in line with a branch from the said gas flow line, the scrubber apparatus serving to clean gases guided from the flow line to provide a required gas quality which will permit emission thereof to the atmosphere.
Gases released from the scrubber apparatus may be exposed to thermal oxidation, or the like, to enhance still further the quality of gases emitted to the atmosphere.
It will be appreciated that the overall configuration of the apparatus is greatly variable and that various different arrangements are envisaged for accommodating different requirements associated with the drying of particulate products. The invention extends also to such alternative configuration apparatus.
The invention is now described, by way of an example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawing which illustrates schematically the configuration of a spouting fluidized bed apparatus, in accordance with the invention.
Referring to the drawing, a spouting fluidized bed apparatus for drying particulate products, in accordance with the invention, is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. The apparatus 10 includes a hollow body 1 2 that defines an internal space 13. The space 1 3 defines a longitudinal axis and has a lower section 14 which defines a truncated V-shaped profile in cross section along the length thereof. The internal space 1 3 defined by the hollow body 1 2 further has an upper section 1 6 that extends operatively upwardly from the upper end of the lower section 14 and that leads to a gas outlet 1 8 defined by the hollow body 1 2 at a location near the upper end of the upper section 1 2 of the space 1 3. An inlet 20 for feeding a particulate product into the internal space 1 3 defined by the hollow body 1 2 is provided at the operative top end of the hollow body 1 2, permitting particulate product to drop into the lower section 14 of the space 1 3 defined by the hollow body 1 2.
The lower section 1 4 of the space 1 3 defined by the hollow body 1 2 further has a heat exchanger arrangement 22 located therein, the heat exchanger arrangement 22 comprising an elongate fluid conduit 21 defining an elongate fluid flow path within the said lower section 14 of the space 1 3. The fluid conduit 21 defines an extended outer surface area whereby heat can be transferred to particulate product contacting the conduit, during use of the apparatus, for drying the product. The opposite ends of the conduit 21 forming the heat exchanger arrangement 22 are disposed externally of the hollow body 1 2 (as shown), the conduit particularly being connectable in line with a heated medium supply that can feed a heated medium through the conduit, to create a heated outer surface of the conduit section of the conduit disposed within the hollow body 1 2. For example, a boiler 23 may feed steam to the conduit 21 and condensate may be released from the outlet end 25 of the conduit. The condensate clearly can be recycled to the boiler 23.
The operative lower end of the hollow body 1 2 defines a gas inlet 24 which is in the form of an elongate slot-like opening, the gas inlet 24 having a tray formation 26 disposed operatively beneath the inlet 24. The tray formation 26 defines side walls 28 that are disposed in a parallel, spaced, overlapping relationship with the walls defining the tapering lower section 14 of the hollow body 1 2, as illustrated .
The lower section 14 of the hollow body 1 2 is partially surrounded by a plenum chamber body 30 which is connectable in line with a gas supply line 32. The plenum chamber body 30 provides a flow path for gas entering the chamber defined thereby, to be introduced into the hollow body 1 2 via the inlet 24, having passed through the slot-like openings 34 defined between the walls of the tapering lower section 14 of the hollow body 1 2 and the side walls 28 of the tray formation 26. A predetermined flow path for gas through the hollow body 1 2 thereby is provided for, but insofar as this does not form a part of the present invention, this is not described in further detail herein. The flow rate of gas entering the lower section 1 4 of the internal space 1 3 defined by the hollow body 1 2, however, is such that a fluidized bed of particles forming a particulate product can be formed in the lower section 1 4 of the internal space 1 3 defined by the hollow body 1 2, essentially in a conventional manner as is associated with spouting fluidized bed apparatus.
It must be appreciated in this regard that the configuration of the conduit forming the heat exchanger arrangement 22 within the lower section 14 of the internal space 13 defined by the hollow body 1 2 must be such that the formation of a fluidized bed is not unduly inhibited, while at the same time providing for the maximum exposed surface area so that a heated medium passing through the heat exchanger can heat particles forming the fluidized bed due to contact with the conduit, to cause additional heating of the particles and thereby to enhance effective drying of the particles for which the apparatus 10 is provided . Clearly, the heated medium passing through the heat exchanger arrangement 22 also can heat the gas passing through the internal space 1 3 defined by the hollow body 1 2 which induces the formation of the fluidized bed of particles and, thereby, the effective drying of the particles is still further enhanced.
It must therefore be understood that the heat exchanger arrangement 22 is particularly suitable for use in a spouting fluidized bed apparatus provided for drying particulate products.
In practice, the apparatus 10 is associated also with an air displacement fan 40 which is disposed in line with a gas flow line leading to the plenum chamber body 30 and leading from the gas outlet 1 8 defined by the hollow body 1 2, a cyclone-type particle filter 42 also being provided in line with this gas flow line to provide for the removal of solid particles passing through this flow line. A scrubber arrangement 44 also is provided, through which gases to be released to the atmosphere must pass, effectively to clean the gases to the extent that the gas quality of the gases to be released, is suitable for emission to the atmosphere Downstream of the scrubber arrangement 44, an arrangement 45 within which thermal oxidation can occur is also provided, particularly to deal with odours and to enhance still further the quality of gases emitted to the atmosphere
The apparatus 10 includes also a discharge arrangement (not shown) for discharging dried particulate product from the hollow body 1 2, the discharge line 46 being provided for guiding discharged particulate product to a required destination for further processing
The Applicant submits that the heat exchanger arrangement as used in conjunction with the fluidized bed apparatus of the invention will significantly improve the drying efficiency with which particulate product can be dried It must be appreciated also that the exact configuration of apparatus, in accordance with the invention, is greatly variable and that the invention also extends to such alternative configuration apparatus which includes the main features and principles of the invention as are hereinabove defined and described

Claims

1 . A spouting fluidized bed apparatus for drying particulate products, which includes
a hollow body that defines an internal space including a downwardly tapering lower section, which terminates in a gas inlet opening defined by the hollow body at its operative lower end, and an upper section that extends operatively upwardly from the upper end of the lower section, the hollow body defining a gas outlet leading from a location near the upper end of the upper section of the internal space and a particulate product inlet through which particulate products can be fed into the lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body;
a plenum chamber body defining a chamber that surrounds at least partially the operative lower section of the hollow body, including the gas inlet opening defined by the hollow body, and that defines a gas inlet opening connectable to a gas supply to permit a gas to enter the chamber and pass from the chamber into the hollow body via the gas inlet opening defined at the operative lower end of the hollow body;
a particulate product discharge means for discharging particulate product from the hollow body; and
a heat exchanger arrangement comprising at least one fluid conduit defining an elongate fluid flow path in the tapering lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body, through which a heated medium can pass to transfer heat from the conduit to particulate product in the said lower section, in use of the apparatus, for enhancing drying of the particulate product.
An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , in which the lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body defines an inverted frusto-conical configuration with the gas inlet opening being a circular opening defined at the lower end of the hollow body
An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , in which the lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body defines a longitudinal axis and a truncated V- shaped profile in cross section along the length thereof and in which the gas inlet opening defined at the lower end of the hollow body defines an elongate slot-like configuration
An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the chamber defined by the plenum chamber body defines a gas flow path therethrough leading from its gas inlet opening to the gas inlet opening defined at the lower end of the hollow body, along which gases can flow and then enter the hollow body with an intensity that will permit a fluidized bed of particles to be generated within the lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body
An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the particulate product discharge means is a discharge weir disposed at an elevated level above the operative lower end of the hollow body, over which weir, in use of the apparatus, particulate product in a fluidized state can be discharged
An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the particulate product discharge means comprises discharge pipes leading from the hollow body at a location where, in use of the apparatus, particulate product in a fluidized state can be discharged from the hollow body
7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the fluid conduit forming the heat exchanger arrangement has opposite ends thereof disposed externally of the hollow body, permitting connection to a heated medium flow line for feeding a heated medium through the fluid conduit, with the conduit section of the fluid conduit disposed within the lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body providing, in use of the apparatus, for heat transfer to particulate products in a fluidized state within the said lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body.
8. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, in which the said conduit section of the fluid conduit located within the hollow body defines an extended flow path within the said lower section of the internal space defined by the hollow body, while the formation of a fluidized bed of particles in the lower section is still permitted, in use of the apparatus.
9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the particulate product inlet for feeding particulate products to be dried into the hollow body is defined near the operative upper end of the hollow body
10. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, which includes product feed means for feeding particulate products at a controlled feed rate into the hollow body via the p,artιculate product inlet.
1 1 An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes a gas displacement means for displacing a heated gas to the chamber defined by the plenum chamber and through the internal space defined by the hollow body
1 2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 1 , in which the gas displacement means is a fan-type gas displacement means.
1 3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 1 or Claim 1 2, which includes a continuous gas flow line that incorporates the hollow body, the plenum chamber body and the gas displacement means and that provides for continuous gas circulation through the flow line.
14. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 3, in which the continuous gas flow line includes, in line therewith, a dust separator for separating impurities within heated gas circulating through the flow line, in use of the apparatus.
1 5. An apparatus as claimed Claim 1 3 or Claim 1 4, which includes a scrubber apparatus connected in line with a branch from the continuous gas flow line, the scrubber apparatus permitting cleaning of gases guided from the continuous gas flow line, before emission thereof to the atmosphere.
1 6. A spouting fluidized bed apparatus for drying particulate products substantially as described in the specification with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
PCT/IB2000/001648 1999-11-15 2000-11-14 A fluidized bed apparatus WO2001036887A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU11682/01A AU1168201A (en) 1999-11-15 2000-11-14 A fluidized bed apparatus

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US6841515B2 (en) 2001-01-22 2005-01-11 Unified Enviromental Services Group, L.L.C. Production and use of biosolid granules
EP1801088A1 (en) * 2005-12-19 2007-06-27 VESTOLIT GmbH & Co. KG Oxichlorination method
EP1933104A1 (en) * 2006-12-14 2008-06-18 Braunschweigische Maschinenbauanstalt AG Method and device for conditioning free-flowing fluidisable bulk solids
US8864868B2 (en) 2005-09-15 2014-10-21 Vitag Corporation Organic containing sludge to fertilizer alkaline conversion process
US8920733B2 (en) 2009-12-30 2014-12-30 Vitag Corporation Bioorganically-augmented high value fertilizer
US8992654B2 (en) 2011-03-28 2015-03-31 Vitag Corporation High value organic-enhanced inorganic fertilizers
US9695092B2 (en) 2006-02-23 2017-07-04 Anuvia Plant Nutrients Corporation Process for treating sludge and manufacturing bioorganically-augmented high nitrogen-containing inorganic fertilizer
US9856178B2 (en) 2015-06-05 2018-01-02 Anuvia Plant Nutrients Corporation High value organic containing fertilizers and methods of manufacture
US10870609B2 (en) 2018-08-16 2020-12-22 Anuvia Plant Nutrients Corporation Reactive inorganic coatings for agricultural fertilizers

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EP0343407A1 (en) * 1988-05-11 1989-11-29 Waagner-Biro Aktiengesellschaft Apparatus for introducing matter to be fluidized to a fluid bed, particularly a drying plant
EP0537637A1 (en) * 1991-10-14 1993-04-21 Tsukishima Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha A system for drying moist sludge
EP0819901A1 (en) * 1996-07-17 1998-01-21 GEA Wärme- und Umwelttechnik GmbH Browncoal drying plant

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US2843942A (en) * 1953-12-07 1958-07-22 Phillips Petroleum Co Process for drying wet carbon black pellets
CH519691A (en) * 1970-04-17 1972-02-29 Inst Teplo I Massoobmena Akade Dispersion drying plant - for sensitive or easily clogging materials using pulsed gas intake assisted by vortex generation
US4167819A (en) * 1977-12-05 1979-09-18 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy Pressure regulator
DE3045134A1 (en) * 1980-01-16 1981-08-27 VEB Schwermaschinenbau Kombinat "Ernst Thälmann" Magdeburg, DDR 3011 Magdeburg Jet film dryer for sticky material - with mesh panels in jet chamber above profiled distributor plate
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EP0343407A1 (en) * 1988-05-11 1989-11-29 Waagner-Biro Aktiengesellschaft Apparatus for introducing matter to be fluidized to a fluid bed, particularly a drying plant
EP0537637A1 (en) * 1991-10-14 1993-04-21 Tsukishima Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha A system for drying moist sludge
EP0819901A1 (en) * 1996-07-17 1998-01-21 GEA Wärme- und Umwelttechnik GmbH Browncoal drying plant

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6841515B2 (en) 2001-01-22 2005-01-11 Unified Enviromental Services Group, L.L.C. Production and use of biosolid granules
US9233882B2 (en) 2005-09-15 2016-01-12 Anuvia Plant Nutrients Corporation Organic containing sludge to fertilizer alkaline conversion process
US8864868B2 (en) 2005-09-15 2014-10-21 Vitag Corporation Organic containing sludge to fertilizer alkaline conversion process
EP1801088A1 (en) * 2005-12-19 2007-06-27 VESTOLIT GmbH & Co. KG Oxichlorination method
US9695092B2 (en) 2006-02-23 2017-07-04 Anuvia Plant Nutrients Corporation Process for treating sludge and manufacturing bioorganically-augmented high nitrogen-containing inorganic fertilizer
EP1933104A1 (en) * 2006-12-14 2008-06-18 Braunschweigische Maschinenbauanstalt AG Method and device for conditioning free-flowing fluidisable bulk solids
US8920733B2 (en) 2009-12-30 2014-12-30 Vitag Corporation Bioorganically-augmented high value fertilizer
US9328030B2 (en) 2009-12-30 2016-05-03 Anuvia Plant Nutrients Corporation Bioorganically-augmented high value fertilizer
US9586869B1 (en) 2009-12-30 2017-03-07 Anuvia Plant Nutrients Corporation Bioorganically-augmented high value fertilizer
US8992654B2 (en) 2011-03-28 2015-03-31 Vitag Corporation High value organic-enhanced inorganic fertilizers
US9856178B2 (en) 2015-06-05 2018-01-02 Anuvia Plant Nutrients Corporation High value organic containing fertilizers and methods of manufacture
US10870609B2 (en) 2018-08-16 2020-12-22 Anuvia Plant Nutrients Corporation Reactive inorganic coatings for agricultural fertilizers
US11542213B2 (en) 2018-08-16 2023-01-03 Anuvia Plant Nutrients IP Holdings, LLC Reactive inorganic coatings for agricultural fertilizers

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