RPI ID: 2004-086-201

Innovation Summary:
This invention presents an enhanced system for handling, mixing, and treating particulate materials using a second-generation Draft Tube Spout Fluid Bed (DTSFB) design. The system integrates a pneumatic/hydraulic mixing device with a particle separation and collection unit, such as a bag house, to improve performance and scalability. Key innovations include precise control of flow conditions within the draft tube and the ability to regulate pressure drop to manage particulate flow. The system supports multiple operations including blending, reacting, and coating of particulate materials, with demonstrated improvements in mortar production using cementitious additives like fly ash and silica fume.

Challenges / Opportunities:
Traditional DTSFB systems lacked controllability within the draft tube, limiting their industrial utility. This invention overcomes those limitations by introducing mechanisms to regulate pressure drop and flow parameters such as particle velocity and solids fraction. The system is scalable from lab to industrial scale with predictable performance. It opens opportunities for high-performance material processing, including binder manufacturing and particulate coating.

Key Benefits / Advantages:
✔ Improved control over particulate flow and mixing dynamics
✔ Scalable design from small to large industrial units
✔ Versatile functionality: mixing, reacting, coating
✔ Enhanced mortar properties with reduced cement content
✔ Integration with standard bag house systems for recovery and pollution control
✔ Applicable to a wide range of particulate materials

Applications:
• Mortar and binder production
• Powder blending and coating
• Particulate material reaction systems
• Air pollution control and solids recovery

Keywords:
Particulate handling, DTSFB, pneumatic mixing, binder manufacturing, fluid bed reactor, particle coating

Intellectual Property:
US Issued Patent 7,621,668