Like a Fluidized Bed Dryer,
the Fluidized Bed Cooler
also uses the principle
of Fluidization for maximum
exposure of surface for
cooling action. These are
simple, compact units designed
to cool hot solid materials
quickly down to any temperature
above ambient.
The Fluidized Bed Cooler
consists of Two Cylindrical
body, separated by a Distributor
plate. The Distributor plate,
which is the top plate of
the “Wind Box”,
has a number of Air Nozzles
through which Cold atmospheric
Air is admitted to fluidize
the material.
The material to be Cooled,
forms a fluidized bed due
to the aeration of the same
and thus maximum surface
comes in contact with the
cold air being supplied
by the nozzles. The bed
contains number of tubes
carrying water in it. The
spacing of the tubes is
such that it provides maximum
heat transfer area without
interfering the fluidization.
Material to be cooled
is fed from one end of the
fluid bed, moves along the
bed in a fluid state to
the other end of the fluid
bed. The Cooled material
leaves the Cooler via the
discharge chute in to the
Vibrating feeder/conveyor.
Cold Water flows in the
counter current through
the tubes that are completely
immersed in the material
bed.
This is a system where
no direct contact of cold
water occurs with the material.
Most of the heat is removed
by the cold water, air only
assists in keeping the material
in fluid state. The cooling
water can be used in another
process or recirculated
via a cooling tower/ spray
pond.