Fluidized Bed Systems
JOEST fluidized bed systems are specialized solutions for the controlled drying, cooling, heating, and conditioning of bulk materials through convective heat transfer. Thermal energy is transferred directly to the product via process air, enabling particularly efficient, uniform, and gentle treatment.
Whether used as a dryer, cooler, or heater – the integration of JOEST vibratory conveying technology based on the micro-throw principle ensures continuous and even material flow through the fluidized bed. Individual adjustment of amplitude, frequency, throw angle, and air velocity provides maximum process control, even with varying product characteristics or operating conditions.
JOEST supplies both stand-alone machines and complete systems including air handling, exhaust air purification, structural steelwork, and control systems – all precisely tailored to your application. Industries such as plastics, chemicals, food, and fertilizers benefit from high energy efficiency, proven system technology, and hygienic design – all from a single source.
FUNcTION
JOEST fluidized bed systems operate on the principle of convective heat transfer: Thermal energy is delivered directly to the bulk material via temperature-controlled process air. The product is passed through a perforated air distribution plate with warm, cool, or hot air, causing fluidization of the product layer. This ensures highly efficient airflow around each particle and optimal heat exchange.
Material transport is achieved through JOEST’s proven micro-throw vibration technology, driven by customized excitation systems such as unbalance motors, crank drives, or exciter cells. These are precisely adapted to the specific bulk material, system size, and required residence time. Adjustable vibration parameters – including frequency, throw angle, and amplitude – allow for accurate control of the product’s dwell time within the process.
Optimized air distribution is achieved through multi-zone air chambers and tailored perforated plates. The air supply can be configured for fresh air, exhaust air, or partial recirculation. This enables consistent drying, cooling, or heating results – even with varying bed heights and product types.
To further improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs, fan performance can be minimized by selecting a product-specific air velocity. An optional electronic throw angle control system is also available, offering even greater process flexibility.
Product details
JOEST fluidized bed systems are modular solutions for the thermal processing of bulk materials – with precise control of drying, cooling, or heating processes via accurately directed process air. These systems typically consist of a vibration-driven trough with a perforated air distribution deck through which the product is fluidized from below using fresh, hot, or cool air.
The combination of fluidization and vibration conveying ensures a uniform and controlled material flow with highly efficient heat transfer. Residence time can be precisely regulated via the drive system and the adjustable throw angle, enabling consistent product quality even under changing operating conditions.
The systems are available in single- or multi-zone configurations, allowing for various process steps – such as preheating, drying, and cooling – to be integrated into a single machine. JOEST also supplies the complete air handling system, including air distribution, filtration units, heat recovery, and control – all from a single source.
Systems are available in various sizes and can be supplied in gas-tight, hygienic, or ATEX-compliant designs on request. Materials, surface finishes, cleaning options, as well as feed and discharge systems, are tailored specifically to your application.
Technical data
Air Inlet Width: Standard from 200 mm to 2,500 mm; custom sizes available
Air Inlet Length: Standard up to 14,000 mm; custom sizes available
Air Inlet Area: Up to 60 m²
Process Air Temperature: Standard up to 400 °C
Energy Sources for Process Air Heating: Steam, hot water, electric power, natural gas, and fuel oil
Construction Materials: Stainless steel in various surface finishes, as well as carbon steel and special alloys
Options
- Single- or multi-zone design (e.g. for preheating, drying, cooling)
- Adjustable air distribution chambers and perforated decks
- Electronic throw angle control
- Various drive systems (e.g. unbalance motors, crank drive, exciter cells, directional exciters)
- Dust- and gas-tight construction available
- ATEX-compliant versions available
- Hygienic design with easy access for cleaning
- Application-specific air handling (fresh air, exhaust air, recirculated air)
- Optional thermal insulation
- Integration into complete production lines
- Customized system control
Fields of Application
Our fluidized bed systems are used wherever bulk materials need to be dried, cooled, or heated in a controlled manner – gently, evenly, and with high energy efficiency. The combination of vibration conveying and convective heat transfer enables reliable thermal processing of a wide range of materials, while ensuring high process stability and adaptability to changing conditions.
Plastic granulates (PVC-U, PVC-P, PVCP, CPVC, PA, PMMA, PP, EPDM, XLPE, POM, HFFR, etc.), recyclates, additives, and fillers
Powdered or crystalline chemicals, energetic products, intermediates with residual moisture, salts, synthetic rubber (EPDM, SBR, E-SBR, etc.)
Dried vegetables, spices, grains, flakes, flours
NPK, N-NPK, P-PK, limestone, urea
Equipment Options
To ensure optimal adaptation to the product, process, and environment, JOEST offers a wide range of equipment options – technically refined, field-proven, and flexibly configurable.
Single- or multi-zone design
Multiple process zones for preheating, drying, or cooling in a single unit – with separate air supply per zone for maximum efficiency.
Adjustable air distribution chambers
Flexible air volume control and uniform flow distribution for optimal adjustment to product, bed height, and process requirements.
Individually designed perforated decks
Interchangeable air outlet plates with defined perforation patterns for product-specific air distribution and easy cleaning during product changeovers.
Electronically adjustable throw angle
Continuously adjustable conveying angle for variable residence times – ideal for changing products, moisture levels, or bulk weights.
Selectable drive systems
Unbalance motors, exciters, or crank drives – each selected to match trough size, conveying capacity, and thermal process requirements.
Dust- and gas-tight design available
Enclosed versions with seals and process ventilation – ideal for sensitive or potentially explosive bulk materials.
ATEX-compliant versions available
Systems can be designed in accordance with ATEX directives for Zone 21 or 22 – including certified components and full documentation.
Hygienic design for cleaning & inspection
Smooth trough surfaces, inspection openings, and integrated drainage options for easy cleaning and maintenance access.
Complete air handling from a single source
Includes fresh and exhaust air systems, heat recovery, sound insulation, fan stations, and process air control.
Custom enclosures & sound insulation
Machine housings with thermal and acoustic insulation to reduce noise emissions and energy loss.
Design Variants
Our fluidized bed coolers are available in various design versions, flexibly adaptable to the specific requirements of your application. Whether basic cleanability, strict hygiene standards, or maximum accessibility are needed – JOEST offers well-engineered solutions for a wide range of industry demands with its Standard Design, Easy-Clean Design, and Ultra-Clean Design.
1
Standard Design – The Solid Foundation
The Standard Design is suitable for applications with low requirements for cleaning and accessibility. The perforated air distribution deck is designed as a one-piece U-shaped trough with an approximate trough height of 200 mm and is clamped between the exhaust hood and the vibrating trough. Spacers and flat gaskets ensure a reliable seal. The exhaust hood features rectangular inspection openings with quick-release fasteners and gas struts, allowing easy access for maintenance and inspection.
2
Easy-Clean Design – Hygienic and Gap-Free
For applications with elevated hygiene requirements, such as those in the food industry, we offer the Easy-Clean Design. All product-contact surfaces are constructed entirely without gaps – ideal for minimizing product buildup. The perforated air distribution deck is seamlessly welded directly into the exhaust hood. The bolted hood can be quickly and safely opened using quick-release fasteners and gas struts – enabling efficient cleaning and minimizing downtime.
3
Ultra-Clean Design – Maximum Hygiene and Accessibility
The Ultra-Clean Design meets the highest standards for hygiene and product purity – ideal for sensitive applications in the food and plastics industries. The vibratory-mounted exhaust hood can be hydraulically opened to approx. 90° and is supported by gas struts and a manual pump unit for easy handling. The segmented perforated air distribution deck is mounted with O-ring seals and can be easily removed. The gap-free construction is designed for maximum cleanability and minimal downtime.
Advantages
JOEST fluidized bed systems combine precise vibration conveying technology with efficient heat transfer via process air – delivering maximum control in the thermal processing of bulk materials. Each system is individually tailored to the product, temperature requirements, and throughput, offering a range of technical advantages that ensure reliable performance in continuous operation as well as under frequently changing production conditions.