Patent ID: 6125549
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: F26B

Abstract:
An apparatus for thermally processing material comprising a housing having a processing zone, an inlet at one end of the processing zone for receipt of said material and an outlet at the opposite end of the processing zone for discharge of the material, a separate entry defined by the processing zone, a particulate medium, infrared radiant heaters for heating said medium to a processing temperature, means for introducing the heated medium into said processing zone through said separate entry for admixture of the medium with said material, a rotary conveyor for moving the medium and material in the processing zone toward said outlet, said housing including a heating zone provided with said infrared heaters, and a shrouded zone located between said processing zone and said heating zone, said rotary conveyor extending into said shrouded zone and said heating zone, means for introducing said medium to said heating zone for heating said medium to said processing temperature, said rotary conveyor providing means for moving the heated medium into said processing zone, the dimensions of said housing in said shrouded zone substantially corresponding to the diameter of said rotary conveyor whereby a dust and gas lock is formed between the processing zone and the heating zone, and means for removing the medium and material from said outlet.