Procedyne fluid bed technology is primarily based on dense-phase fluidization, at the lower end of the fluidization regime. The low fluidizing velocities - and accordingly low gas flows - typically employed in Procedyne fluid bed systems translate to very effective, efficient and low-cost operation.

This capability for processing of very fine and/or lightweight materials arises from the unique design features we can employ. Prominent among these are:

Procedyne Patented Screw Plate Gas Distributor
Our proprietary design gas distributor allows for full cross-sectional distribution of the fluidizing gas, even at very low velocities and pressure drop. This design is both flexible and robust; it can be tailored to suit a wide range of conditions, and will withstand very harsh process environments.

Indirect Heating
As Procedyne systems typically operate at very low gas flow rates, indirect heating of the process is possible. This feature allows for processing at bed temperatures up to 1200C, with capability to maintain specific atmospheric conditions. Virtually 100% of the process heat requirement is via the indirect through-wall radiant/convective heat transfer mechanism.

Integral High-Temperature Gas Filtration
Even at very low gas velocities, elutriation of fine particles from the fluidized bed can be an issue. Procedyne has a solution in its high-temperature gas filtration system, which can be integral to the fluid bed process vessel, for virtually 100% solids retention in the process environment and particulate-free exhaust.

The complete physical separation of the heat source from the process imparts several distinct advantages, such as:

• True maintenance of a specific process atmosphere, to facilitate a desired solids/gas phase reaction, or conversely, prevent or inhibit undesirable reactions, either inside or outside the process retort. Unlike many other types of indirectly-heated process equipment, Procedyne units are truly positively sealed against leakage in or out of the process. Operating pressures from atmospheric to up to nominal 100 psig can be facilitated. Our units can thus effectively and safely operate under virtually any process atmosphere, including:

  • inert
  • reducing
  • oxidizing
  • nitriding
  • chloriding
  • dehumidified or dessicated

• Capability for temperature and heat-input profiling of a continuous process, as the temperature of the retort can be varied along its length.

• No dilution or contamination of the process gas exiting the process retort, allowing for effective and economical treatment and recycling of the process gas.

• In a fuel-fired system, the furnace exhaust gas is free from any potential gaseous or particulate contaminant or pollutant from the process side of the operation, suitable for direct heat recovery or exhaust to atmosphere.

The test was preformed to illustrate the temperature uniformity achievable in a Procedyne fluid bed. The pilot unit is an indirectly-heated system, with capability for preheating of the fluidizing gas. In this test, no gas preheating was utilized, and the maximum bed temperature was targeted, to present the most difficult conditions for temperature uniformity.

The temperatures were recorded using a three-point measurement in a radial direction, with the points of measurement at the vessel centerline [A], vessel wall [C], and midpoint between the two [B]. The temperature probe was traversed in the axial direction from top to bottom (nominal 2" above the gas distributor) in 4" increments. Temperatures were recorded in the downward and upward traverses of the fluidized bed. The time duration for these traverses was roughly one hour. The data shown in the table below is from the downward traverse; the upward traverse yielded values within the tolerance displayed in the downward traverse

The mechanical agitation of the solids bed can often facilitate effective fluid bed processing of materials that otherwise would not be suitable, including fibers and flakes, and materials which tend to adhere or agglomerate.

These agitated units are available for both batch and continuous processors, large or small, and operating at low or high temperature.

Procedyne performs fluidization trials on all candidate materials, to determine the fluidizing characteristics of the material.