Scraper assembly for use with a fluidized bed condenser

A fluidized bed condenser for condensing zirconium tetrachloride or hafnium tetrachloride to a free flowing solid comprising:

• a vertically oriented water cooled vessel;
• inlet means defined in a wall of said water cooled vessel for conducting fluid zirconium tetrachloride or hafnium tetrachloride into said water cooled vessel;
• a fluidized bed in said water cooled vessel for condensing zirconium tetrachloride or hafnium tetrachloride vapor to a free flowing solid;
• a heater surrounding said inlet means for maintaining zirconium tetrachloride or hafnium tetrachloride in a vapor state as those products enter said water cooled vessel, said heater producing enough heat to maintain said zirconium tetrachloride or hafnium tetrachloride in a vapor state until such vapor enters said fluidized bed;
• an unheated scraper means mounted on said vessel and located within said vessel only immediately adjacent said wall located inlet means, said scraper means being cooled by particles in said fluidized bed and including at least one arm and means connected to said arm for moving that arm, said arm dislodging solid zirconium tetrachloride or hafnium tetrachloride from adjacent and within said inlet to prevent solid build up in said inlet means;
• and
• outlet means for conducting solids out of said vertical vessel, said solids being removed by gravity flow.