초록 ▼

A process and apparatus for spheridizing irregularly shaped minute particles, and the spheres produced thereby, in which a thin carbonaceous coating is applied to the particles in a unique manner, and in a preferred embodiment the particles are then advanced through successive fluidizing beds. The f

A process and apparatus for spheridizing irregularly shaped minute particles, and the spheres produced thereby, in which a thin carbonaceous coating is applied to the particles in a unique manner, and in a preferred embodiment the particles are then advanced through successive fluidizing beds. The first bed has an inert atmosphere and is maintained at an elevated temperature sufficiently high to allow surface tension to shape the particles into spherical form while in a fluidized condition in the first bed. The spherical particles are then advanced through successive additional beds where they are cooled to an intermediate temperature sufficient to solidify the particles, are subjected to an oxidizing atmosphere which completely removes the coating, and are then further cooled while being maintained in a fluidized condition. The inert gaseous atmosphere within the first bed is continuously withdrawn and recycled through the system.

대표청구항 ▼

A process for making spheres from a multiplicity of minute particles, the process comprising, in combination: introducing a multiplicity of the particles into a fluidizing bed; directing a fluidizing material into the bed to suspend the particles therein and thereby fluidize the same, the fluidized

A process for making spheres from a multiplicity of minute particles, the process comprising, in combination: introducing a multiplicity of the particles into a fluidizing bed; directing a fluidizing material into the bed to suspend the particles therein and thereby fluidize the same, the fluidized particles moving substantially randomly within said bed but without appreciable vertical movement of the mass of particles; heating the particles to an elevated temperature sufficiently high to allow surface tension to shape the particles into spherical form while in a fluidized condition in said bed; and thereafter cooling the spherical particles while maintaiing the particles in a fluidized condition for a period of time sufficient to cause the setting of the spheres.