What is a Chain Grate and What Are Its Types?

Chain grate boilers are widely used industrial boilers with mechanized combustion systems. How much do you know about their core combustion equipment? Here, ZOZEN Boiler explains what a chain grate is, its types, and the advantages of ZOZEN chain grate boilers.

What is a Chain Grate and What Are Its Types?
To understand chain grates and their types, we first explore their definition and working principle.
A chain grate is a mechanized combustion device extensively applied in industrial settings. Its role is to ensure uniform solid fuel combustion. The chain grate operates via a moving firebed system, where fuel ignition occurs under "limited ignition" conditions. Fuel enters the grate through a coal hopper and moves into the combustion chamber as the grate advances. Burned residues are discharged into the ash pit at the tail end. Compared to reciprocating, vibrating, or fluidized-bed boilers, chain grates demand higher coal quality. Mechanical spreader stokers, however, belong to the "unlimited ignition" category and accommodate broader fuel adaptability.

Types of Chain Grates
What are the types and structural designs of chain grates? ZOZEN Boiler offers diverse chain grate models, categorized into three main types: chain-and-belt grates, scale-type grates, and beam-type grates.

Chain-and-Belt Grate & Features
Named for its belt-like structure, it forms a broad loop supported by sprockets on front/rear axles. ZOZEN’s packaged chain grate boilers adopt large-block chain-and-belt grates, suitable for capacities of 1–20 t/h.

Scale-Type Grate & Features
What advantages do ZOZEN chain grates offer? Scale-type grates excel with minimal coal leakage, replaceable scales without shutdown, uniform airflow, and a small ventilation cross-section (6%). Crucially, high-temperature sections bear no mechanical stress, while load-bearing parts avoid heat exposure—enhancing durability and operational efficiency.

Beam-Type Grate & Features
ZOZEN chain grates stand out with beam-type designs that allow significant width/length scalability, supporting boilers up to 240 t/h. These grates feature exceptional longevity, flat coal-bed alignment, and simplified maintenance.

The above clarifies chain grates, their types, and ZOZEN’s strengths. For further details, explore ZOZEN Boiler’s product portfolio.