Patent ID: 6461672
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: B01J

Abstract:
A fluidized bed coating apparatus comprising a fluid inlet adapted to be connected to a source of fluidizing fluid, said fluid inlet comprising an entrance opening having a first diameter, an exit opening having a second diameter larger than said first diameter, an expanding inlet section between said entrance opening and said exit opening and having an average diameter that increases in a direction from said entrance opening to said exit opening, and a fluid distribution section of substantially constant average diameter adjacent said expanding inlet section;a fluid distribution plate adjacent said fluid distribution section and having a plurality of through-passages to allow the passage of fluid therethrough; a chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, wherein said fluid distribution plate is positioned between said fluid distribution section and said chamber inlet, said chamber including at least a first diverging section having an average diameter that increases in the direction from said chamber inlet downstream toward said chamber outlet, said first diverging section providing an air flow velocity downstream of said first diverging section that is substantially slower than the air flow velocity of fluid flowing upstream of the first diverging section; and a fluid outlet downstream of said chamber outlet for exhausting fluidizing fluid from said coater.