Gypsum Calcining Apparatuses and Methods

A method of calcining gypsum, the method comprising:

• providing gypsum to an inlet of a housing of a calcining apparatus;
• directing the flow of gypsum through the housing and around at least one baffle disposed in the housing, the baffle attached to one of a first and a second lateral wall of the housing and extending at least partly across the housing toward the other of the first and second lateral walls;
• heating the gypsum via conduction heat transfer with at least one serpentine burner conduit disposed in the gypsum in the housing as the gypsum is directed through the housing and around the at least one baffle, the serpentine burner conduit extending from a burner and through the housing;
• flowing exhaust gas from the serpentine burner conduit through a fluidization plenum disposed adjacent a bottom wall of the housing;
• and
• fluidizing and further heating the gypsum via convection heat transfer by flowing the exhaust gas from the at least one serpentine burner conduit through the gypsum in the housing.