Abstract A process and apparatus for preparing granular solid products by decomposition of a gaseous reactant to form a solid phase comprising, first preparing at least one bed of particulate solids including relatively small seed particles, the particles within said bed providing a surface on which a solid phase is deposited, The temperature within the vessel and bed are maintained appropriate to the decomposition reaction. Seed particles and the metal carbonyl compound are continuously introduced into the bed. The bed is vibrated so that individual grains move relative to adjacent grains with a slight amplitude and the bed, itself, is continuously turned as the individual grains move generally in a closed circuit. Gaseous byproducts are removed from the bed and granular solids are recovered therefrom.
A process according to claim 1 in which the metal carbonyl compound is the pentacarbonyl iron.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
29 words
A process according to claim 1 in which the seed materials are of the same composition as the solid phase formed by deposition of the gaseous metal carbonyl compound.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The process according to claim 1 in which the granular seed materials introduced into the bed are of a composition different from the solid phase deposited by decomposition of the gaseous metal carbonyl compound.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process according to claim 1 in which the metal carbonyl compound introduced in liquid form gasifies immediately passing through the bed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process according to claim 1 in which the diameter of the fully grown granules is between about 1 and 6 mm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The process according to claim 1 in which the vibration has a frequency between about 10 and 60 impulses a second and an amplitude between about 1 and 25 mm., said vibration directed on an angle between about 25* and 70* to the horizontal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process according to claim 1 in which the gaseous metal carbonyl compounds are introduced within the bed at temperatures below their decomposition temperatures.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process according to claim 1 in which the temperature of the vibrating bed is maintained between about 150* and 350* C.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A process according to claim 1 in which the granular seed material is sized less than about 0.1 mm.