Fluid Bed Systems

Benefits and Applications

An ACT fluid bed sends a powerful stream of air up through your particulate material, suspending and circulating the particles like a boiling fluid. This churning action, or "fluidization," produces an even distribution of air among the particles, making the fluid bed perfect for heating, cooling, or drying processes. The fluidized particles can also be easily and evenly coated or otherwise treated using a variety of techniques. And since the fluid action is achieved using nothing more than air, your material is handled as gently as possible. Whatever your production needs, ACT fluid beds offer a proven, low cost solution.

ACT Fluid Beds are Ideal for:

• Heating
• Cooling
• Drying
• Coating
• Reacting
• Granulating
• Special Handling
• Conveying
• Mixing
• Impregnating
• Dedusting
• Classifying
• Decontaminating
• Scrubbing

Standard Fluid Bed Features

ACT can provide you with a variety of fluid bed models suitable for any application. Our fluid beds offer batch or continuous operation and are available in vibrating designs for even greater efficiency in certain applications. We also build complete process systems to handle every aspect of your product needs. Many of our models include baghouse systems, heating and cooling units, or other built-in features to save you space and money. Sizes of our standard models range from our bench top laboratory fluid bed (capable of approximately 2 kg production batches, depending on material) to industrial scale continuous models with operating capacities of 50 tons per hour.

ACT standard fluid beds include the following:

• Batch or continuous operation
• Static or vibrating designs
• Push, pull or combination air flow
• Positive, negative or atmospheric pressure
• Particle size capacity ranging from 2 inches to sub-microns
• 1/4 sq.ft. to 1000 sq. ft. bed sizes
• 2 kg batch to 50 ton/hour continuous production
• Optional ACT spray systems and bed inserts
• Modular or complete system designs
• Salability
• Easy operation and clean up
• Full compatibility with all ACT industrial equipment

Specialty Designs and Modifications

At ACT we understand that one size does not fit all. That's why all of our fluid beds can be easily modified to suit your specific needs. Where necessary, we can build your fluid bed from specialty materials ranging from food and pharmaceutical grade stainless steel to high temperature Inconel 600 or other specialty alloys. We are a certified ASME Code Shop - whatever you need, we can build.

Your specialty fluid bed could include:

• Complete custom engineering and design
• Custom size and shape
• Food/Pharmaceutical grade stainless steel
• Specialty alloys or other specialty materials
• High temperature operation (1400° Fahrenheit or more)
• Explosion resistant design
• Corrosion resistant material
• Hazardous chemical systems
• Recirculating contained gas design
• Specialty inserts, screens and spraying systems
• Fully automated operation

Technical and Engineering Support

ACT offers complete engineering services to take your project from start to finish. Our engineering and design team will evaluate your process, production and site requirements to develop the fluid bed system that is right for you. Once fabrication is complete, your fluid bed undergoes rigorous performance testing at our facilities. Our technicians will then install your fluid bed at any site you choose. We'll also oversee your startup operations to ensure that your fluid bed works perfectly for your process and production needs. We can also train your employees to operate your new equipment, either on site or at our own complete pilot plant facilities. And should you wish to make later changes or need other assistance, our engineering team is readily available to meet your needs.

ACT Engineering and Technical Services include:

• Chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering
• Raw materials, process, product and site evaluation
• Custom research, development, engineering and design
• Automation/Computer control
• Lab and pilot plant testing
• On-site installation
• Equipment testing at ACT
• Star-tup
• Operator training
• Test production runs at ACT
• Complete technical support
• Equipment and process modification

Combination Fluid Bed/Baghouses

Applied Chemical Technology's Combination Fluid Bed/Baghouses combine process operations and environmental control in a single unit, reducing space requirements and allowing greater flexibility in plant layout. The continuous operation design offers non-stop production capabilities for almost unlimited process applications, while the integrated baghouse easily captures undersized particles for elimination or recirculation. We offer a versatile range of fluid bed sizes to meet any need, from research and development operations to full-scale production plants.

Standard Features (All Models)

Baghouse Features

• ACT's specialty integrated design
  • Low air velocity, low turbulence in transition phase
  • Laminar flow minimizes particle carryover to bags
  • Ideal for one blower recycle air systems
  • operating at atmospheric pressure
  • Little or no ductwork required
  • Space-saving design
• Polyester bag filters
  • 99% filtration efficiency for particles larger than 1 micron
  • Side removable bags
• Pulse jet bag cleaning system

Fluid Bed Features

• ACT's exclusive air distribution plenum for even fluidization
• Replaceable distributor plate
  • Standard plate punched to your requirements
  • Wide range of open areas
• Adjustable material retention dam
  • 1" height increments, up to 12" total bed depth
• Differential pressure gauge
• Multi-function removable access door
• Window at discharge end
• Bolted plenum access door
• Wash out drains
• End air feed
• Pressure rating ±20" water column
• Handles materials up to 90 lbs/ft² bulk density
• Up to 250°F operating temperature standard
• Can be configured to operate under positive, negative or atmospheric pressures
• Carbon steel construction, primed and painted
• Mounting lugs

Confidentiality & Patents

At Applied Chemical Technology we understand the sensitive nature of every project, particularly when a project involves new or proprietary technology. That's why we offer every client the security of signed secrecy agreements. With ACT your project is kept completely confidential, both during the project and afterwards. ACT also believes that our work for you belongs to you. We will assign any patentable developments from your project to you, and assist in applying for these patents with the United States Patent Office and the patent authorities of other countries.