Fluidized bed systems and methods including micro-jet flow

US8439283B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• New Jersey Institute of Technology · US
• ORION ENGINEERED CARBONS GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Robert Pfeffer · Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, DE
• Jose A. Quevedo · Brick, US
• Juergen Flesch · Rayong, TH

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 30, 2012
• Grant date: May 14, 2013
• Expiry date: Jan 30, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B82Y30/00
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Methods and systems for enhancing fluidization of nanoparticle and/or nanoagglomerates are provided. A fluidization chamber is provided with a fluidizing medium directed in a first fluidizing direction, e.g., upward into and through a bed containing a volume of nanoparticles and/or nanopowders. A second source of air/gas flow is provided with respect to the fluidization chamber, the secondary air/gas flow generally being oppositely directed relative to the fluidizing medium. Turbulence created by the secondary gas flow is advantageously effective to aerate the agglomerates and the shear generated by the jet is advantageously effective to break apart nanoagglomerates and/or reduce the tendency for nanoagglomerates to form or reform. A downwardly directed source of secondary gas flow located near the main gas distributor leads to full fluidization of the entire amount of powder in the column. The oppositely directed fluid flow facilitates powder circulation within the fluidization chamber, thereby enhancing fluidization results.