DE2518975

A process for the production and maintenance of a fluidized layer in a heterogeneous system includes the steps of: (1) setting a heterogeneous mass stream having a liquid as the continuous phase and a solid and/or gas as the disperse phase into fluidized motion in a column between two plates arranged superimposed and inclined in opposition to each other with respect to the horizontal, said plates forming a fluidizing cell and said fluidized motion being promoted by the force of gravity; (2) enriching a heavier phase above the lower plate, especially in the lower region thereof, and causing said heavier phase to flow from there into the space below the lower plate; (3) enriching a lighter phase below the upper plate, especially in the upper region thereof, and causing the lighter phase to flow from there into the space above the upper plate and/or to be discharged from there from the column; and (4) conducting the disperse phase in case of a density higher than that of the continuous phase, in a direction from the top toward the bottom through the column; or (5) conducting the disperse phase in case of a density lower than that of the continuous phase, in a direction from the bottom toward the top through the column.