Abstract: A supply container contains therein a supply of granular or pulverulent solid fuel material. A air supply conduit extends into the supply container and has an outlet end at a position within the supply container to be embedded within the solid fuel material. The fuel outlet conduit extends into the supply container and has an inlet end at a position within the supply container to be embedded within the solid fuel material. The outlet end of the air supply conduit and the inlet end of the fuel outlet conduit confront each other and are separated from each other by a space. A feed flow of air is supplied through the air supply conduit outwardly through the outlet end thereof, to entrain and blow particles of the solid fuel material positioned in the space into the fuel outlet conduit. The feed flow of air and particles entrained thereby are then discharged into a transport conduit and conveyed to a burner.