Fluidised bed treatment

摘要

An apparatus and process is disclosed for the treatment of a component using a fluidised bed of powder. The apparatus includes a treatment chamber for receiving at least a treatment part of the component and a powder reservoir. The powder reservoir has heating or cooling means for controlling the temperature of the powder. A flexible powder conveyor (e.g. educator) links the treatment chamber and the powder reservoir, continuously conveying powder from the reservoir to the treatment chamber for use in the fluidised bed. The powder reservoir and the treatment chamber are independently positionable, so that the position of the treatment chamber is variable with respect to the powder reservoir during operation of the apparatus.