Patent ID: 8516968
Filing Date: 2013-08-27
Classification: F23G

Abstract:
1. A fluidized bed, comprising: a multiplicity of fluidizing manifolds disposed in predetermined spaced relationship one to the others; particulate matter supported on, and above, the fluidized manifolds and which is further sized to pass between the respective fluidizing manifolds, and wherein during the operation of the fluidized bed a product is combusted in the presence of the particulate matter so as to produce, at least in part, a non-combustible waste material which becomes mixed with the particulate matter; an enclosure having a first intake end located in gravity receiving relationship relative to the multiplicity of fluidizing manifolds, and a second discharge end defining a discharge aperture, and wherein the first intake end of the enclosure receives the particulate matter and any non-combustible waste material which passes between the respective fluidizing manifolds following the combustion of the product which produces the non-combustible waste material; a moveable gate assembly mounted on the second discharge end of the enclosure, and operable for selectively occluding the discharge aperture and wherein the gate assembly includes a first gate, and a second multiple portion gate, and wherein the respective portions of the second multiple portion gate are individually, selectively moveable one relative to the others, and wherein the first, and second multiple portion gates are alternately, individually moveable so as to be located in occluding relation relative to the discharge aperture of the enclosure, and wherein the second, multiple portion gate, when located in an occluding position relative to the discharge aperture, is operable to move selective portions of the second, multiple portion gate to a non-occluding position relative to the discharge aperture so as to allow particulate matter, and any non-combustible waste material to be gravitationally drained, and removed from the enclosure by passing through the discharge aperture; and a selectively rotatable engagement assembly mounted within the enclosure and located between the first intake end and the second discharge end thereof, and wherein the selective rotation of the engagement assembly facilitates the substantially uniform movement of the particulate matter and the non-combustible waste material, under the influence of gravity, from the first intake end of the enclosure to the second discharge end thereof.