Spouted bed processing can be considered a special processing option in particle technology. In contrast to standard fluidized beds, particles are fluidized by a gas jet in a strongly conical or prismatic process chamber. Based on this technology, Glatt developed the innovative ProCell processing unit in order to carry out various processes like spray granulation, coating, agglomeration and heat transfer. The first part of this paper is an introduction into the principle of ProCell units. In the main part results of basic research activities on fluid mechanical behaviour of ProCell apparatuses are explained and discussed. Studies on particle movement are shown which are simulated based on CFD using the Euler-granular approach. Finally a short overview on the main fields of application closes the article. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.