Abstract: Solid fuel combustion equipment in the form of a grate assembly comprises longitudinally extending support elements on which are mounted laterally orientated grate bars. The support elements are pivotable about their horizontal axes and are provided with sealing means at their adjacent margins to effect a seal to prevent in use passage of air when the elements are horizontally aligned. De-ashing of the grate assembly in use is achieved by tipping the support elements, whereupon ash falls to a receiving area when it is removed.

Abstract: A shell boiler is disclosed having apparatus for feeding solid fuel to a furnace grate, contained within a furnace tube of the boiler, downwardly through the steam and/or water space of the boiler. The apparatus for feeding solid fuel to the furnace grate comprises a device for classifying and separating fine particles of fuel, having a particle size below a predetermined size, from the remainder of the fuel and feeding the fine particles into the furnace tube at a different location to that at which the remainder of the fuel is introduced into the furnace tube. The fine particles may be fed through a grit arrestor and fed into the furnace tube along with the grit separated by the grit arrestor.

Abstract: A boiler comprising a furnace box, having a peripheral wall, from which products of combustion pass to a smoke box wherein the furnace box comprises a lower compartment, means to establish a fluidized bed in the lower compartment, an upper compartment, an exit connected to said upper compartment for passage of products of combustion from said furnace box, means to isolate said lower compartment from said exit except by communication through said upper compartment and through a foraminous element located in the path of the products of combustion from said lower compartment to said upper compartment.