Patent ID: 7829031

Claim:
A multistage system for continuous processing of fluidized particulate solids, the system comprising: (a) at least two stage vessels arranged side-by-side, each stage vessel comprising: (i) a containing wall to contain the fluidized solids; (ii) a solids inlet for the fluidized solids; (iii) a solids outlet for the fluidized solids; (iv) at least one gas inlet for fluidizing gas; and (v) a gas outlet for the fluidizing gas; (b) a volume extending around each stage vessel; (c) at least one transfer tunnel, the or each transfer tunnel connecting between two adjacent stage vessels to permit transport of fluidized solids between the two adjacent stage vessels; and (d) a common integral gas distributor plate extending across and forming the bottoms of the at least two stage vessels, the gas distributor plate being communicable with a fluidizing gas supply and comprising the fluidizing gas inlets of the at least two stage vessels.