Method and apparatus of a fluidised bed treatment including seals and a powder screen to prevent loss of powder

摘要

An apparatus for and a method of thermal treatment for stress relief or change in microstructure of a component using a bed of powder fluidised by a gas flow has a treatment chamber 10 for receiving at least part of the component and for containing the fluidised bed. An inlet 20 provides fluidising gas to and an outlet removes it from the treatment chamber 10. A powder screen is located between the chamber and the fluidising gas outlet to prevent loss of powder. The chamber 10 can be small and moveable with respect to the source of pressurized gas or the remote heat exchange unit. Parts of a component with non-planar and non-horizontal surfaces may be annealed with the non-treatment parts extending out of the treatment chamber, sealed to reduce loss of granulate. The fluidising gas may be recycled and thermal energy may be recovered during this process.