MXPA06009637A - Swinging agitator for a gypsum calcining apparatus and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

An agitation mechanism for a gypsum processing apparatus which includes a housing (12) having a top wall, a bottom wall, and at least one side wall. The housing can be constructed and arranged to receive and process gypsum-based products. An agitator frame (64) having a similarly shaped cross-section to the cross-section of the housing is provided and positioned adjacent the bottom wall (55) of the housing. The agitator frame (64)is pivotally connected (68, 70, 72) internally to the housing for reciprocating movement between first and second positions. The agitation mechanism is operable (74) for preventing fluid channeling to ensure good fluidization of the gypsum products from collecting adjacent the bottom wall of the housing.

Description

OSCILLATION AGITATOR FOR PLASTER AND SIMILAR CALCINATION APPARATUS The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for stirring gypsum products. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Calcining gypsum comprises converting calcium sulfate dihydrate by heating in calcium sulfate hemihydratadó ', better known as stucco. The previous apparatuses and methods of calcination have taken several forms. Traditionally calcination of gypsum was carried out in a large kettle, which had a thin base in the form of a dome, against which a gas-based flame was directed, with the kettle and the burner enclosed in a suitable refractory structure. There is usually an associated hot pit which is fed with calcined material. The kettle must withstand temperatures in a range between 1093 - 1315 degrees C (2000 - 2400 degrees F), thus requiring an expensive steel plate cooker at its dome-shaped base, which was typically 4.45 cm. (1-3 / 4 inch) thick. The U.S. Patent No. 3,236,509 typifies this type of construction. This approach had numerous disadvantages, such as the extreme waste * of heating gases, and the associated refractory bricks chamber, which when repairs of the kettle were needed or had to be turned off, first a long cooling period was required. After the plaster had calcined, a subsequent processing was required. The calcined gypsum, or stucco, could be placed in a stucco fluid bed cooling apparatus where water was sprayed into the apparatus to cool the stucco to a predetermined temperature. In addition, other types of stucco processing apparatus are known, such as stucco treaters based on cooling c in fluid beds, where the stucco is cooled with a cooling cthat is • placed inside the appliance to control the stucco temperature. Other processing apparatuses, such as stucco post-treatment retaining devices can be used in the manufacture of gypsum-based products. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a stirring mechanism for a gypsum processing apparatus, which includes a housing having an upper wall, a lower wall, and at least one side wall. The housing can be constructed and arranged to receive and process gypsum-based products. A fluidization mechanism can be supplied to send fluid to gypsum-based products. A stirring structure is provided having a cross section similar in shape to the cross section of the housing, and is positioned adjacent the bottom wall of the housing. The stirring structure is internally connected rotating to the housing by reciprocal movement between the first and second positions. The agitation mechanism is operable to avoid channeling the fluid through the plaster, ensuring good fluidization, and preventing plaster products from being collected adjacent to the bottom wall of the housing. The stirring mechanism may include a plurality of agitator members connected to the structure, to agitate the gypsum product adjacent to the bottom wall, when the agitator structure is moved. The stirring mechanism may also include at least one pivot support arm for rotary connection of the structure to the apparatus. The stirring mechanism can be used in a fluidized stucco cooler that uses water injection. The stirring mechanism can be used in a fluidized bed stucco cooler that uses cooling c. In addition, the stirring mechanism can also be used in a stucco post-treatment retainer. A method for stirring gypsum-based material in a processing housing is provided. The gypsum-based material is sent to the accommodation, and adjacent to the lower wall of the housing is placed a stirring mechanism having a structure with aggregate agitator members. The stirring mechanism moves between the first and second positions to agitate the fluidized material in the housing, in order to avoid coagulation of the material near the bottom of the housing and to avoid the channeling zones and dead zones of non-fluidized gypsum. Other applications of the present invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art, when the following description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a high efficiency calcining apparatus; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a fluidization support partially cut to show the layers; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a stirring mechanism; Figure 4 is the apparatus of Figure 1 showing a plurality of aggregate access panels; Figure 5 is the apparatus of Figure 1 with the burner conduit in the non-installed position; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the calcination apparatus of Figure 1 showing with arrows the gas flow conduit; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the agitation mechanism is placed inside a fluid bed stucco cooler with water spray; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the agitation mechanism is placed inside the fluid bed stucco cooler with cooling coil; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention, wherein the agitation mechanism is positioned within a stucco post-treatment device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to Figure 1, an apparatus 10 for calcining gypsum is shown. A housing 12 includes a lower wall 14, an upper opening 16, and a plurality of side walls 18 extending between the lower wall 14 and the upper opening 16. An input artifact 20 is located in the housing 12 to receive raw gypsum crushed or synthetic from a source (not shown) and to transfer the gypsum into the housing 12. At least one burner 22 is connected to the housing 12. The burner 22 is operable for the combustion of a mixture of air and fuel supplied by a duct forced air 24 and a fuel conduit 26. The burner 22 may be any type known to those skilled in the art, but will typically burn a hydrocarbon-based fuel. The heated exhaust from the burner 22 will flow through at least one burner duct in the form of coil 28 which extends through a plaster support floor 23 adjacent the lower wall 14 of the housing 12. The heat exhaust flowing from the burner 22 is used to heat the gypsum material to approximately 149 degrees C (300 degrees F). In a known manner, the heating process converts the gypsum into calcium sulfate hemihydrate, or stucco. Alternatively, the heating process can simply heat wet synthetic gypsum to a desired temperature, typically below 149 degrees C (300 degrees F) in order to dry the excess moisture from the wet synthetic gypsum for subsequent calcination in a separate process. Alternatively, the heating process can carry out the drying and calcination processes in the same container. The burner conduit 28 advantageously includes an elongated linear portion 30 extending away from the burner 22. The linear portion increases the useful service life of the burner conduit 28. That is, if the flames from the burner 22 were to directly impact the burner conduit. 28 along a curved or angled portion, the flames would overheat the side wall of the duct causing high stress which would shorten the useful life of duct 28. However, due to the initial presence of the elongated linear burner section 30 ( which can extend approximately 4.6 to 6.1 m [15 to 20 feet] in a commercial installation), the burner flames do not directly impact the burner duct, and this is due to the fact that the flames have been transformed, along the section 30, to heat the exhaust gases. It is important that the burner conduit 28 which includes a plurality of curved sections 32 for connecting the linear portions 30, 31 and 33, provide the serpentine shape. The burner conduit 28 may include at least a reduced diameter section 34 for supplying the increased velocity of the exhaust flow to thereby increase the effectiveness of the heat transfer of the conduit 28. The exhaust temperature is cooled proportionally to the distance away from the burner 22, therefore the speed can be increased to maintain an adequate heat transfer rate. The burner conduit 28 may also include a multiple conduit portion 36 in which a plurality of relatively smaller diameter conduits 38 are formed., to be in fluid communication with relatively larger single conduit portions 32. The smaller diameter conduits 38 provide greater surface area for a given effective flow area and, then, increase the relative heat transfer to the larger conduit 32. The multiple conduit portions 36 may be connected to the single conduit portions 32 through a plurality of means known to those skilled in the art, such as weld welding, strong welding, and forced fit, fasteners. mechanics, etc. The burner conduit 28 can be added to the burner 22 via a flange 40 with a plurality of threaded fasteners 42. The burner conduit 28 can likewise be added at the discharge end 44 to an outlet conduit 46 that extends through the support floor 23. The burner conduit 28 can be added to the outlet conduit 46 via a flange 48 with a plurality of threaded fasteners 50. A fluidization base 52, shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6 (best seen in Figure 2) can be placed in a lower portion of the housing 12, to receive the exhaust flow from the burner conduit 28. The fluidization base 52 has a plurality of side walls 53 extending upwardly from the floor 55. The fluidization base 52 can having a fluidization support 54 placed on the floor 55 of the fluidization base 52. The fluidization support 54 forms at least a portion of the support floor 23 of the housing 12. The fluidization support Ation 54 is operable to contain the gypsum product along the lower portions of the housing 12, and to equally distribute the exhaust flow when it passes from the fluidization base 52 directly into the gypsum. The fluidization base 52 sends the aeration, the agitation ensures good fluidization, especially of cohesive powders which, otherwise, do not fluidize. The fluidizing support 54 includes the first and second outer perforated plates, 56, 58. The plates 56, 58 include a plurality of openings 57 that allow the exhaust flow to pass therethrough. A bore 59 is formed in the fluidization support 54 to provide access to the conduit 46 (see Figure 1) to pass and send the exhaust flow to the fluidization base 52. At least one intermediate porous layer 60, formed from a mat of Porous fibers or a stainless steel fabric is placed between the outer plates 56, 58. The intermediate layer 60 of the medium can be made of compressed silica fibers, a mesh of stainless steel fabric or similar materials suitable for fluidization, as it is known by those who have skills in the art, to resist high temperatures of exhaust gases. The perforated plates 56, 58, more preferably are made of metal such as stainless steel or the like. The fluidization support 54 operates by allowing the diffusion of exhaust gases bubbling through generally the equally spaced apertures 57 of the perforated plate 56. An advantage of using a medium made of stainless steel fabric is that perforated plates are not required. , 58, except to provide support and protection of perforations for the medium.

A stirring mechanism 62, shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 (better views in Figure 3), can be placed just above the fluidizing support 54. The stirring mechanism 62 includes a structure of agitation 64 having a pair of side beams 65. The agitation structure 64 has a plurality of agitator members 66 connected to the agitation structure 64, to agitate the gypsum product adjacent to the fluidization support 54 along the floor of support 23. In one embodiment, the agitation members 66 may take the form of a crossbar pattern. The stirring mechanism 62 locally stirs the hot gypsum product when the stirring shaker structure 64 is set in motion. At least one pivot support arm 68 rotatably connects the agitator structure 64 to the housing 12 (shown in Figure 1). The connection to the housing 12 can be formed with an angular plate 70 secured to the housing 12 in a suitable manner, such as welding or mechanical securing, etc. The support arm 68 can be secured to the angle plate 70 via a threaded clip 72 or the like. The pivot support arm 68 is preferably a cable or similar structure to further facilitate the oscillating movement of the agitation structure 64 on a common rotation axis, when the movement is imparted to the agitation structure 64. The present invention it contemplates alternate motion patterns by the agitation structure 64. For example, a person skilled in the art would readily understand how to impart movement to the agitation structure 64 in a vertical, horizontal or arched pattern, or any combination thereof. A drive power source, such as an electric motor or pneumatic cylinder 74, can be connected to the stirring mechanism 64, via an actuator arm 76. An expandable seal 78 is coupled with the actuator arm 76 and the housing 12 ( not shown in Figure 2) to prevent gypsum product leakage from the housing 12 with respect to the actuator arm. The seal 78 expands and contracts as the actuator arm 76 moves between the first and second positions as the agitator structure 64 oscillates. Alternatively, the actuator arm 76 may be connected with mechanical leverage joints (not shown) that may extend from a drive power source (not shown) positioned in the upper part of the housing 12 down to the agitator structure 64, as is known to those skilled in the art. The seal 78 may be made of any suitable material that can withstand temperatures greater than 149 degrees C (300 degrees F) and pressures of up to 7,030,696 kg / m2 man. (10 psig (pounds per square inch gauge)). Referring again to Figure 1, an overflow tube 80 is fluidly connected to the housing 12 to allow processed gypsum to exit the housing 12 into the overflow tube 80. An overflow valve 82 is associated with the overflow tube 80 to prevent overflow. plaster out of housing 12 before being heated to a predetermined condition. A discharge port 84 includes a discharge valve 86 that allows selective drainage of the contents in the housing 12. The valves 82 and 86 can be of any type known to those skilled in the art, but should preferably be operated electrically or pneumatically . Referring now to Figure 4, a conduit support 88 is slidably connected to the housing 12, to support the burner conduit 28 during installation. The support 88 is operable to slide between an external position and at least a position partially external to the housing 12 (shown in Figure 4) and the installed position within the housing 12. The conduit support 88 holds the conduit during installation and removal of housing 12. Support 88 includes a pair of side rails 9092 slidably connected to the sliding elements 91 formed in the parallel walls 18 of the housing 12. A plurality of crossbars 94 extend between the side rails 90, 92 to provide support surfaces for the burner conduit 28 to rest there. The housing 12 includes a side panel 96 operable to open when the burner duct 28 is installed. A plurality of cross members 97 structurally connect the side walls 18 of the housing 12 together to prevent external buckling of the walls 18, when the housing 12 is full. with plaster. The cross members 97 may be welded or otherwise secured by any of the conventional means. Referring now to Figure 5, the apparatus 10 includes access panels 98 located on the side of the housing 12 to allow service to the internal components, such as the burner 22 and the conduit 28, etc. A decoupling chamber 100 is positioned above the upper opening 16 of the housing 12 and is constructed to allow access thereto for internal service of the components of the housing 12. A dust collector 102 can be placed over the decoupling chamber 100 to collect the gypsum powder particles and recycle them in the housing 12 for calcination. The dust collector 102 may include a plurality of replaceable filters 104. The filters 104 may be of any desired type such as round cartridge filters, bag filters, or the like. Filters 104 may be cleaned periodically by intermittently injecting air across the opposite side from where the powder is collected, or shaking them as known to those skilled in the art. An exhaust chimney 106 allows removal of the exhaust from the apparatus 10 after the dust particles have been removed by the filters 104. In operation, the gypsum powder is fed to an inlet fitting 20 to fill the housing 12. The air and fuel are supplied by ducts 24 and 26, respectively, to burner 22. Burner 22 burns the air and fuel mixture and supplies hot exhaust gases which flow in the direction of the arrows shown in Figure 6. The Exhaust flows through the serpentine burner conduit 28, within the fluidization base 52. From the fluidization base 52, the exhaust flows horizontally and then upwards through the fluidization support 54 positioned on the base 52. The fluidization support 54 distributes the exhaust gases through the gypsum product in such a way that the heated exhaust gases are uniformly distributed through them. The outer surface of the burner conduit 28 supplies heat to the plaster through the heat transfer conduit. In this way, the gypsum product is heated both when the exhaust gas flows through the burner conduit 28, and also through the plaster after traveling through the fluidization support 54. The present invention provides increased fuel efficiency compared with the previous technique, because the dual heating method removes the maximum amount of heat from the exhaust and transfers it to the plaster. The exhaust gas continues to flow up through the decoupling chamber 100, allowing some of the gypsum particles to separate from the exhaust flow and fall back into the housing 12. The dust collector 102 cleans the gypsum particles. transported by the air from the exhaust gases before the exhaust gases exit through the exhaust chimney 106.

Gypsum particles can periodically be detached from the filter cartridges (or bags) back to the plaster bed. Advantageously, a stirring mechanism 62 is provided to ensure good fluidization by preventing the pipeline from escaping directly through the gypsum powder. Natural gypsum typically includes a fine powder that can be very cohesive to achieve good fluidization without agitation. The stirring mechanism 62 is operated by oscillating between the first and second positions to locally mix the plaster and detach it from the fluidization support 54. The calcining apparatus 10 has high efficiency because substantially all of the heat produced by the burner 22 is used in the plaster heating and is not lost through the exhaust process. The exhaust gas temperature left by the gypsum product is approximately 149 degrees C (300 degrees F), which is the approximate temperature required for the gypsum to be processed in stucco. Synthetic plaster that is manufactured with a standard particle size may not require agitation to ensure good fluidization. Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a fluid bed fluid bed stucco treatment vessel 110, for cooling stucco. The hot stucco can enter the water spray treatment vessel unit 110 through the inlet 118. The cooled stucco and the fluidizing gas can exit through the outlet 119. The stucco treatment unit by spray Water 110 includes a stirring mechanism 62 having a stirring structure 64. The stirring mechanism 62 includes a stirring structure 64 having a pair of side beams 65. The stirring structure 64 has a plurality of stirring members 66, in the cross-bar pattern form, connected to the frame 64 to agitate the gypsum product adjacent to the support base 23. The stirring mechanism 62 locally stirs the gypsum product when the frame 64 is set in motion. At least one support arm of pivot 68 rotatably connects the agitator structure 64 to the stucco treatment apparatus 110. The connection to the apparatus 110 can be formed with an angle plate 70 fixed to the housing in a suitable manner such as welding or mechanical securing, etc. The support arm 68 can be secured to the angle plate 70 via a threaded clip 72 or the like. The rotating support arm 68 is more preferably a cable or similar structure to further facilitate an oscillatory movement of the agitator structure 64 on a common axis of rotation when the movement is imparted to the agitator 64. A source of energy may be connected to the agitator structure 64. energy, such as an electric motor 74 through the actuating arm 76. The electric motor 74 can be used to oscillate the stirring mechanism 62 on a rotary axis, to stir the stucco and prevent the channeling of the fluidization gases, the dead zones, and accumulation anywhere in the fluidized bed, especially along the lower portion of the apparatus 110. A blower (not shown) injects fluid, such as air, or the like through an inlet 116 formed in the stucco treatment vessel 110, to create a fluidized bed of stucco to prevent the stucco from hardening and coagulating adjacent to the fluidizing support 54 of the st cooling time with water spray 110. Apparatus 110 may also include a fluidization base 52 as described above. The water sprinkler cooler 110 includes a water manifold 112 for sending water to the plurality of roller nozzles 114. The spray nozzles 114 are operable to sprinkle water on the apparatus 110 and thereby cool the stucco to a predetermined temperature. Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a fluid bed stucco cooler with a cooling coil 120. The hot stucco enters the water spray treatment unit 110 through the inlet 118. The cooled stucco and the gas fluidization can exit through the exit 119. The stucco treatment apparatus with cooling coil 120Includes an agitation mechanism 62 having an agitator frame 64. The agitation mechanism 62 includes an agitator frame 64 having a pair of side beams 65. The agitator frame 64 has a plurality of agitator members 66 connected to the agitator frame 64 to agitate the gypsum product adjacent to the support base 23. The agitation mechanism 62 locally stirs the gypsum product when the frame 64 is set in motion. At least one pivot support arm 68 rotatably connects the agitator structure 64 with the stucco treatment apparatus 120. The connections to the apparatus 120 may be formed with an angular plate 70 fixed to the housing in a suitable manner such as welding or mechanical fasteners, etc. The support arm 68 can be secured to the angle plate 70 via a threaded clip 72 or the like. The rotating support arm 68 is more preferably a cable or similar structure to facilitate the movement of oscillation by the frame 64 on a common axis of rotation when motion is imparted to the frame 64. A power source, such as an electric motor 74 may connecting to the frame 64 through an actuating arm 76. The electric motor 74 can be used to oscillate the stirring mechanism 62 on a rotating shaft, in order to stir the stucco and prevent its accumulation along the lower portion of the apparatus 120. A blower (not shown) injects fluid, such as air, through the inlet 128 formed in the stucco treatment vessel 120 to create a stucco fluidized bed and the agitation mechanism 62 prevents coagulation of the stucco adjacent to the fluidizing support 54 of stucco treatment of the cooling coil 120. The apparatus 110 may also include a fluidization base 52 as described before. The treatment vessel stucco cooling coil 120 ncludes a coil cooling serpentine designed to transport a suitable cooling fluid such as ethylene glycol, frozen water or the like through the stucco. The cooling coil 122 includes a coolant inlet 124 into which coolant from a source of supply (not shown) enters. The refrigerant follows the coil coil 122 and exits through a coolant outlet 126. The coolant traverses the cooling coil 122 to cool the stucco to a predetermined temperature. Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown a stucco post treatment treatment device 130. The stucco can enter the water spray treatment apparatus 110 through an inlet 118. The stucco and the fluidization gas can exit through an outlet 119. The stucco post-treatment retention device 130 includes a stirring mechanism 62 having an agitator structure 64 that spans a plurality of agitation members 66. The agitation members 66 are connected to the frame 64 and are operable for agitating the gypsum product adjacent the support base 23. the agitation mechanism 62 locally scrambles the deyeso product when put in motion the frame 64. at least one support arm pivot 68 rotatably connects the stirring structure 64 to the stucco holding device 130. The connections to the apparatus 130 can be formed with an angular plate 70 fixed to the housing suitably such as welding or mechanical fasteners, etc. The support arm 68 can be secured to the angle plate 70 via a threaded clip or fastener 72 or the like. The pivot support arm 68 is more preferably a cable or similar structure to further facilitate the oscillation movement by the frame 64 on a pivot axis when the frame 64 is set in motion. A power source, such as an engine electrical 74 can be connected to the frame 64 through an actuation arm 76. The electric motor 74 can be used to oscillate the stirring mechanism 62 with respect to a turning axis, to agitate the stucco and prevent its accumulation along the lower portion of the apparatus 130. In the illustrative embodiment, the stucco post-treatment retaining device 130 is shown as having a rounded cross-section; however, various cross-sectional geometries may be used with the stirring mechanism 62. The stucco post-treatment retaining device 130 will typically include a blower (not shown) for supplying fluid, such as pressurized air, through an inlet. 132 formed in the retention device 130. While the foregoing text presents a detailed description of numerous different embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims presented at the end of this patent. The detailed description should be interpreted only as examples and does not describe each possible embodiment of the invention since it describes all possible modalities would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative modalities could be implemented, using either the current technology or the technology developed after the date of presentation of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims defining the invention.

Claims (38)

1. CLAIMS 1. A stirring mechanism for a gypsum processing apparatus comprising: a housing having an upper wall, a lower wall, and at least one side wall; the housing built and suitable to receive and process plaster powder; a fluidization mechanism for sending fluid to the gypsum-based product, and an agitator structure having a cross-section similar to a cross-section of the housing, the agitator structure is internally connected rotating to the housing to have reciprocating movement between the first and second positions, the operable stirring mechanism to prevent the collection of fluidized gypsum product along a support base adjacent the lower wall of the housing. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that the agitating mechanism includes a plurality of agitator members connected to the agitator structure to agitate the gypsum product adjacent to the support base when the agitator structure is moved. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that the reciprocating movement is an oscillating movement. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that the agitating mechanism includes at least one pivot support arm for rotary connection of the agitator structure to the apparatus. The apparatus of claim 4, characterized in that at least one pivot support arm is a cable connected rotating internally to the housing at one end and to the stirring structure at the other end, the stirring structure being operable to oscillate about an axis of rotation. Turn when you are imparted movement. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that the agitation mechanism includes an energy source for moving the agitator frame. The apparatus of claim 6, characterized in that the power source includes one of an electric motor and an energized air cylinder. The apparatus of claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises: an actuator arm extending through the housing to provide a connection between the motor and the agitator frame. The apparatus of claim 8, characterized in that the agitating mechanism further comprises: an expandable seal coupled with the actuation arm and housing to prevent the plaster product from leaking from the housing. The apparatus of claim 9, characterized in that the seal expands and contracts when the actuating arm moves between the first and second positions. The apparatus of claim 8, characterized in that the actuation arm slidably engages through the side wall of the housing to connect the agitation mechanism to the motor. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that the stirring structure corresponds to a housing having a rectangular cross section. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that the stirring structure corresponds to a housing having a circular cross section. 14. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that the agitator structure corresponds to a housing having one of any geometric cross section constructed and suitable for processing gypsum-based product. 15. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that the process includes gypsum calcination. 16. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus is a fluidized stucco bed cooler that uses water injection. 17. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus is a fluidized bed fluid cooler that uses cooling coils. 18. The apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus is a stucco post-treatment retention device. 19. A stirring mechanism for a fluidized gypsum processing apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a housing having an upper wall, a lower wall and, at least, a side wall, the housing constructed and suitable for receiving and processing products based on in plaster; an agitator structure having a cross section generally the same shape as the cross section of the housing, the connected stirring structure rotatable internally to the housing for reciprocating movement between the first and second positions, the stirring mechanism operable to prevent fluid channeling , dead cavities of non-fluidized plaster, and to avoid picking up the plaster product adjacent to the side wall of the housing; and at least one pivot support arm for rotary connection of the agitator structure to the apparatus, wherein at least one pivot support arm is a rotating cable added internally to the housing at one end and to the frame at the other end, the structure The agitator is operable to oscillate on an axis of rotation when it is imparted movement. The apparatus of claim 19, characterized in that the agitation mechanism includes a plurality of agitation members connected to the agitator structure, to agitate the gypsum product adjacent to the bottom wall when the agitator frame is moved. The apparatus of claim 20, characterized in that the agitating members comprise transverse members. 22. The apparatus of claim 19, characterized in that the stirring mechanism includes a source of energy for moving the stirring frame. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, characterized in that the power source includes one of an electric motor and a pneumatic actuator. 24. The apparatus of claim 22, characterized in that it further comprises: an actuating arm extending through the housing for supplying a connection between the power source and the agitator frame. 25. The apparatus of claim 24, characterized in that the actuation arm includes a plurality of mechanical connections for connecting the agitation mechanism to the power source. 26. The apparatus of claim 24, characterized in that the agitating mechanism further comprises: an expandable seal coupled with the actuation arm and housing, to prevent leakage of plaster product from the housing. 27. The apparatus of claim 26, characterized in that the seal expands and contracts as the actuating arm moves between the first and second positions. The apparatus of claim 19, characterized in that a cross-section of the stirring structure corresponds to a housing having a rectangular cross-section. 29. The apparatus of claim 19, characterized in that a cross section of the agitating structure corresponds to a housing having a circular cross section. 30. The apparatus of claim 19, characterized in that a cross section of the agitating structure corresponds to a housing having any geometric cross section constructed and suitable for processing a gypsum-based product. 31. The apparatus of claim 19, characterized in that the process includes calcination of gypsum. 32. The apparatus of claim 19, characterized in that the apparatus is a fluidized bed stucco cooler that uses water injection. 33. The apparatus of claim 19, characterized in that the apparatus is a fluidized stucco bed cooler that utilizes cooling coils. 34. The apparatus of claim 19, characterized in that the apparatus is a stucco post-treatment retention device. 35. A method for stirring a gypsum-based material, comprising the steps: providing a housing having a bottom wall for processing the gypsum material; transferring material from a source to the apparatus; fluidization of the material by fluid flow through the material; and stirring the fluidized material with a stirring mechanism that is movable between the first and second positions adjacent to the bottom wall. 36. The method of claim 35, characterized in that it further comprises: preventing coagulation of the material along the lower wall of the housing. 37. The method of claim 35, characterized in that the stirring step further comprises: placing a stirring structure having mixing members adjacent to a fluidized medium; and the movement of the agitator structure along predetermined route and frequency. 38. The method of claim 35, characterized in that it further comprises: the removal of any cavities with stagnant material.