Abstract: A design and method of operation for the floor of solid fuel boilers is described. The combustion region includes a stepped-floor that improves combustion in the lower furnace. In some embodiments, the fuel is moved between the steps of the floor by a gas, rather than by mechanical means, and the fuel is moved from an upper to a lower step as it is burned. In some embodiments, the steps are fixed steps having a layer of a refractory material.

Abstract: A system for drying solid fuels prior to injection and burning in solid fuel boilers is described. High moisture content solid fuels such as bark, sludge, wet coal, are preferably dried to some degree before they can burn. The present invention incorporates a delivery chute in which combustion gases dry the solid fuel before it reaches the combustion chamber of the boiler. In one embodiment, the combustion gases are drawn through the delivery chute to remove moisture from the incoming fuel and then the gases flow back into the boiler. A second embodiment directly exposes the wet fuel to the combustion in the boiler for a sufficient time to remove a substantial amount of moisture before the fuel is spread onto the solid fuel combustion region.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for cleaning linearly translating rods is described. Embodiments of the invention are suitable for use where a rod, such as a cleaning rod, is moved linearly through a stationary support, generally a cylindrical tube, such as a pneumatic cylinder, with bushings fixed inside the tube through which the rod slides. Preferred embodiments of the present invention allow the rod scraper to be attached or removed without disassembling the complete hydraulic cylinder rod apparatus. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also allow the rod scraper to float radially while its motion is constrained axially. This allows the invention to compensate for lateral displacement of a translating cylindrical cleaning rod due to normal working clearances between the cleaning rod and bushings or by bushing wear over time.

Abstract: A pneumatic fuel distributor for solid fuel boilers is described incorporating in various embodiments one or more of the following features: a converging nozzle section, a converging adjustable orifice section and an integral trajectory plate. The nozzle, orifice and trajectory plate are preferably all interconnected and rotate together about a common axis. The orifice damper is, in one embodiment, a rotating convergent section and independently adjustable. The unit preferably incorporates a viewing glass and access port and the rotating components are preferably removable for maintenance. The unit is preferably reversible for left or right hand installation and the trajectory plate is easily replaceable.

Abstract: A design and method of operation for the floor of solid fuel boilers is described. The combustion region includes a stepped-floor that improves combustion in the lower furnace. In some embodiments, the fuel is moved between the steps of the floor by a gas, rather than by mechanical means, and the fuel is moved from an upper to a lower step as it is burned. In some embodiments, the steps are fixed steps having a layer of a refractory material.