Patent ID: 6689417
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: A23G,F26B

Abstract:
A process for coating and drying a plurality of particles in a generally circular bed, said bed having a substantially centered annular inner bed wall, an outer bed wall and an irregular bottom, said process comprising:a) displacing said bed at a predetermined frequency vertically and horizontally to produce a particle flow in the x, y and z directions, wherein said particle flow in the x and y planes for a majority of said particles is in a dominant direction; b) applying a coating material to said particles for a first predetermined period of time; c) providing a temperature controlled airflow; and d) directing said temperature controlled airflow tangentially to said bed via a generally circular intake manifold substantially corresponding in circumference to said circular bed and positioned below said irregular bottom after a second predetermined period of time has passed after said coating material has been applied, wherein said airflow moves in a circumferential pattern around the interior of said intake manifold, through said irregular bottom and into said bed to dry said particles.