Patent Application
20090151609
The invention relates in general to waste disposal and, more particularly, to waste disposal by incineration.
In a traditional incinerator system, waste is moved into a furnace where it is burned at high temperatures. The furnace includes a grate on which the garbage is supported while it is burned. To facilitate combustion, air is supplied from below the grate. The air travels up through openings in the grate.
During the incineration process, some materials, such as glass and plastic, may melt before they burn. Some of the melted material collects on the grate. Over time, the amount of material that collects on the grate begins to appreciably inhibit airflow, which in turn adversely affects the combustion process. If the amount of airflow blockage becomes too great, then the grate must be replaced or cleaned. Both of these options are time consuming, labor intensive and expensive.
Thus, there is a need for an incineration system that can minimize such concerns.
In one respect, aspects of the invention are directed to an incinerator system. The system includes a combustion chamber and a grating system. The grating system includes a first panel and an opposite second panel. Each of the first and second panels supports a plurality of bricks. At least a portion of each panel is housed within the combustion chamber. The first panel and the second panel are angled relative to each other so as to be arranged in a generally v-shaped configuration.
Each of the first and second panels are pivotable. The first and second panels can be independently pivotable. The first panel can include an associated pivot point, and the second panel includes an associated pivot point. The pivot point of the first panel and/or the pivot point of the second panel can be located in an upper end region of each panel. The first panel and/or the second panel can be pivotably mounted to any suitable structure, including structure located outside of the combustion chamber. In such case, a portion of the first panel and/or second panel can extend outside of the combustion chamber.
An arm can be operatively connected to each of the first and second panels. Pivoting movement of the first and second panels can be achieved by movement of the arm. The arm can be a hydraulic arm. In one embodiment, a timer can be operatively associated with the hydraulic arm. Thus, the panels can be pivoted on a predetermined timed basis.
At least one of the bricks can have a channel extending therethrough. Each channel can be fluidly connected to an air source. As a result, air can enter and flow along the channel.
In another respect, aspects of the invention are directed to an ash removal system. The system can include a first auger and a second auger. The second auger can be located below the first auger. The first auger can have a rib that can break up combustion products, such as ash. The first auger can include a plurality of passages therein to deliver dense air to the combustor help in the final burning of the garbage. The second auger can be used to transport the products of the incineration process out of the combustor for disposal. The first auger and/or the second auger can rotate at a variable speed. The direction of rotation of the first auger and/or the second auger can be reversible. The first and second augers can be at least partially submerged in a fluid, such as water.
In another respect, aspects of the invention related to a method of incinerating garbage. Garbage can be supplied to a combustion chamber which can includes a grating system with a first panel and an opposite second panel arranged in a generally v-shaped configuration. Each of the first and second panels can support a plurality of bricks. Each of the first and second panels can be pivotably mounted in the combustion chamber. According to the method, garbage can be supplied to the combustion chamber and supported on the grating system. The garbage can be burned. To facilitate burning, the garbage can be agitated by pivotally moving the first panel and/or the second panel, thereby allowing air to mix with the garbage. To further facilitate burning, pre-heated air can be to the combustion chamber by passing air in heat exchanging relation through a channel in one or more of the bricks.
In still another respect, aspects of the invention can be directed to a brick for an incinerator. The brick can be made of a refractory material. The brick can provide one or more planar regions for engagement with other bricks. One or more channels can extend through the brick. The brick can be positioned so that a portion of the brick overhangs an exit end of each channel.
In yet another respect, aspects of the invention are directed to a grating panel for an incinerator. The panel can include a support rack formed by frame members connected by a plurality of rods. A plurality of bricks can be removably mounted on the support rack. The bricks can be arranged in a cascading manner on the support rack.
Aspects of the present invention relate to incinerator components, systems and associated methods that can enhance the performance of an incinerator. Embodiments according to aspects of the invention are shown in
In one respect, aspects of the invention are directed to bricks for an incinerator. The brick can be a part of an improved grating system. Referring to
The following description of the brick 10 includes several relative terms, including, for example, “inner,” “outer,” “upper,” and “lower.” These terms refer to the relative position of the brick 10 when it is installed in its operational position. It will be understood that these terms are used to facilitate the description and are not intended to be limiting.
The body 12 can include an inner lateral side 14 and an outer lateral side 16. A substantial portion of the inner and outer lateral sides 14, 16 can be substantially planar. The term “substantially planar,” as used here and in other places herein, is intended to mean true planar and slight variations therefrom. In one embodiment, the inner lateral side 14 can be substantially parallel to the outer lateral side 16. The term “substantially parallel,” as used here an in other places herein, is intended to mean true parallel and slight variations therefrom. The thickness of the brick 10 can be defined as the distance between the inner and outer lateral sides 14, 16. In one embodiment, the thickness of the brick 10 can be about 9 inches.
The brick 10 can also include an outer peripheral surface 18. Generally, the outer peripheral surface 18 can be divided into an outer portion 20 and an inner portion 22. The outer portion 20 can have any suitable contour. In one embodiment, the outer portion 20 can include a first upper planar region 24 and a first lower planar region 26 with an upper transition region 28 therebetween. It should be noted that the term “planar” can include a single continuous surface as well as a plurality of surfaces that collectively define a plane. The upper transition region 28 can have any suitable form. For instance, the upper transition region 28 can be generally rounded. Alternatively, the upper transition region 28 can be angular.
The inner portion 22 of the outer peripheral surface 18 can have any suitable contour. For instance, the inner portion 22 can include a second upper planar region 30 and a second lower planar region 32 with a lower transition region 34 therebetween. The lower transition region 34 can have any suitable form. For instance, the lower transition region 34 can be generally rounded. Alternatively, the lower transition region 34 can be angular. The lower transition region 34 can be contoured so that a lower trench 38 is formed. In one embodiment, the lower trench 38 can be formed by one or more wave-like contours 36 in the outer peripheral surface 18. The first upper planar region 24 can be substantially parallel to the second lower planar region 32. Alternatively or in addition, the first lower planar region 26 can be substantially parallel to the second upper planar region 30.
There can also be an upper end region 40 between the first upper planar region 24 and the second upper planar region 30. In the upper end region 40, the outer peripheral surface 18 can be contoured, such as by proving an upturn portion 42, so that an upper trench 44 is formed. Similarly, there can be a lower end region 46 between the first lower planar region 26 and the second lower planar region 32. In the lower end region 46, the outer peripheral surface 18 can have any suitable conformation, including, for example, a rounded end (as shown in
Referring to
The channels 48 can be provided in any suitable location. In one embodiment, one or more first channels 50 can be formed in the body so that each first channel 50 opens to the inner portion 22 of the outer peripheral surface 18. The channels 50 can have an inlet end 52 and an exit end 54. When a plurality of first channels 50 is provided, the first channels 50 can be substantially identical to each other. The term “substantially identical,” as used here and in other places, is intended to mean exactly identical and slight variations therefrom. Alternatively, at least one of the first channels 50 can differ from the other first channels 50 in at least one respect, including, for example, size, shape, cross-sectional area, length or any other respect described herein. Further, the plurality of first channels 50 can be substantially parallel to each other. Alternatively, at least one of the first channels 50 can be non-parallel to the other first channels 50. The first channels 50 can be recessed from the end of the lower end region 46 when the brick 10 is installed in the operational position, which can result in a portion of the brick 10 overhanging the exit end 54 of each first channel 50.
In one embodiment, the brick 10 can have a full first channel 50a and a partial first channel 50b, as shown in
Alternatively or in addition to the first channels 50, one or more second channels 56 can extend through the body 12 of the brick 10. The second channels 56 can have an inlet end 58 and an exit end 60. One example of such an arrangement is shown in
The brick 10 can include one or more features to facilitate installation and assembly. For example, the brick 10 can include one or more recesses 62 in the outer lateral side 16 of the brick 10. Each recess 62 can have any suitable shape and size. Examples of the use of such recesses 62 will be described in more detail below.
In one embodiment, the bricks 10 can be provided in pairs, which includes a first brick 10a and a second brick 10b, as shown in
The first and second bricks 10a, 10b can be arranged so that the inner lateral side 14 of the first brick 10a is substantially adjacent the inner lateral side 14 of the second brick 10b, as is shown in
Instead of providing a pair of bricks 10a, 10b, a single brick with all of the above features can be provided. However, depending on the material selection and other considerations, such a brick may not be feasible at least from a weight standpoint during transportation and/or installation.
In another respect, aspects of the invention are directed to a grating system 70. The grating system 70 can be formed by opposing panels 72 arranged in a V-shaped configuration, as is shown in
Referring to
The frame members 76a, 76b can include a series of protrusions 78. The protrusions 78 can be substantially identical to each other. Alternatively, at least one of the protrusions 78 can be different from the other protrusions 78 in one or more respects. Each of the frame members 76a, 76b can include a first set of passages 80; each of the first set of passages 80 can be provided in a respective protrusion 78 on the frame members 76a, 76b. The first set of passages 80 can be substantially aligned along the length of each frame member 76a, 76b. The term “substantially aligned,” as used here and in other places, means true alignment and slight variations therefrom. However, in one embodiment, at least one of the passages of the first set of passages 80 can be offset from the other passages 80 in the respective frame member 76a or 76b. Each of the frame members 76a, 76b can also include a second set of passages 82 and a third set of passages 84. The second set of passages 82 can be substantially aligned along the length of each frame member 76a, 76b. Likewise, the third set of passages 84 can be substantially aligned along the length of each frame member 76a, 76b. However, in one embodiment, at least one of the passages of the second set of passages 82 and/or in the third set of passages 84 can be offset from the other passages 82 or 84 in the frame members 76a, 76b.
The first and second frame members 76a, 76b can be positioned so that each of the first set of passages 80 in the first frame member 76a is substantially aligned with a respective one of the first set of passages 80 in the second frame member 76b. Similarly, each of the second set of passages 82 in the first frame member 76a can be substantially aligned with a respective one of the second set of passages 82 in the second frame member 76b. Each of the third set of passages 84 in the first frame member 76a can be substantially aligned with a respective one of the third set of passages 84 in the second frame member 76b.
The frame members 76a, 76b can be structurally connected together in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the frame members 76a, 76b can be structurally by a plurality of rods 86. The rods 86 can be made out of any suitable material, such as steel. The rods 86 can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, including substantially circular, rectangular, triangular and polygonal, just to name a few possibilities. The rods 86 can have any suitable size. In one embodiment, the rods 86 can have a diameter of about 1 inch. At least one of the plurality of rods 86 can be different from the other rods 86 in one or more respects, including any of those described above.
Each rod 86 can be passed through aligned a pair of passages in the frame members 76a, 76b. For instance, one rod 86 can be passed through one of the second plurality of passages 82 in the first frame member 76a and an aligned one of the second plurality of passages 82 in the left frame member 76b. Similarly, one rod 86 can be passed through one of the third plurality of passages 84 in the first frame member 76a and an aligned one of the third plurality of passages 84 in the second frame member 76b. The rods 86 can be secured to the frame members 76a, 76b in any suitable manner, including by welding, interference fit, mechanical engagement, fasteners, or adhesives. The frame members 76a, 76b and the rods 86 can cooperate to form the structural support for the panel 72.
At least one of the frame member members 76a, 76b can include one or more features to allow the panel 72 to be pivoted in it its operational position. For instance, at least one of the frame members 76a, 76b can include a pivot protrusion 88 having a cutout 90 formed therein, as shown in
Bricks 10 in accordance with aspects of the invention can be removably installed on the support rack 74 to form a grate panel 72. The bricks 10 installed on the support rack 74 can be substantially identical to each other, or at least one of the bricks 10 can be different. The support rack 74 can provide one or more features to facilitate such mounting. For instance, a mounting rod 94 can be passed through each of the first set of passages 80 in the first frame member 76a and through an aligned one of the first plurality of passages 80 in the second frame member 76b. In one embodiment, the mounting rod 94 can be undersized relative to the passages 80 so that there is clearance therebetween. In one embodiment, there can be about ⅛ inch clearance. Such clearance can allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the mounting rod 94 during incinerator operation. In such case, the ends of each mounting rod 94 can be held in place by any suitable retainer. In one embodiment, the retainer can be a fastener, such as a cotter pin.
In one embodiment, a first pair of first and second bricks 10a, 10b, as described above, can be received in between the frame members 76a, 76b, as shown in
It should be noted that the upper end region 40 of each brick 10 can be proximate one of the rods 86. In some instances, a brick 10 may contact one of the rods 86. Alternatively, the upper end region 40 of each brick 10 can be spaced from one of the rods 86. In one embodiment, there can be a clearance of about 3/16 inch between the upper end region 40 of a brick 10 and the rod 86. The rods 86 can act as a stop to help prevent the bricks 10 from falling out of place if a brick 10 should become loose.
The outer lateral sides 16 of each brick 10a, 10b can abut a respective one of the frame members 76a, 76b. A second pair of bricks 10a, 10b can be installed in a similar manner, as described above in connection with the first pair of bricks 10a, 10b. It should be noted that the collective upper trench 44 formed by the second pair of bricks 10a, 10b can engage the second mounting rod 94. As a result, the second mounting rod 94 can be substantially surrounded by the upper trench 44 formed by the second pair of bricks 10a, 10b and the lower trench 38 formed by the first pair of bricks 10a, 10b, as is shown in
It should also be noted that the second lower planar region 32 formed by the first pair of bricks 10a, 10b can engage the first upper planar region 24 formed by the second pair of bricks 10a, 10b. The second lower planar region 32 and the first upper planar region 24 can be adapted for substantial mating engagement.
It will be appreciated that the bricks 10 can be held in place by their engagement with the support rack 74 and neighboring bricks 10 and by gravity. The bricks 10 can be mounted without the use of mortar or other bonding agent. Further, each of the protrusions 78 on the frame members can be received in a respective recess 62 in the outer lateral side of a brick 10, as is shown in
The grate panel 72 can be as long and as wide as desired. In order to make the grate panel 72 longer, the length of the frame members 76a, 76b can be increased. If a wider grate panel 72 is desired, additional frame members 76 can be added to the support rack 74 in any of the manners described above. An example of a wider grate formed by additional frame members 76 is shown in
The grate panel 72 can be pivotably mounted on any suitable structure. In one embodiment, a portion of the grate panel 72, such as pivot protrusion 88, can extend outside of the combustion section of the incinerator system, as is generally shown in
Each of the grate panels 72 can be operatively associated with any suitable device or structure that can cause the grate panels 72 to pivot, including, for example, a hydraulic arm 96. The hydraulic arm 96 or other suitable structure can be operatively connected with any portion of the grate panel 72. Each grate panel 72 can be independently pivotable from the other grate panels 72. A timer 98 can be operatively associated with each hydraulic arm 96 or other structure so that the grate panel 72 can be pivoted on a predetermined timed basis at any desired interval. Alternatively, the hydraulic arm 96 or other structure can be manually operated.
In a grating system 70 according to aspects of the invention, a pair of grate panels 72 can be arranged in a combustion chamber 100 in a generally V-shaped configuration, as shown in
The incinerator system 102 according to aspects of the invention can also include an ash removal system 104, as shown in
The ash removal system 104 includes a reservoir 106 filled with a fluid, such as water 108. The fluid level can be adjustable so that the fluid can be selectively added or removed as needed. The supply of new water to the reservoir can help keep the water at a relatively cool temperature. In an upper region 110, the reservoir 106 can include one or more slanted walls 114. The slanted walls 114 can help to minimize the likelihood of ash and other combustion products sticking to the walls of the reservoir 106. The reservoir can be made out of any suitable material, including, for example, stainless steel.
In its non-pivoted position, a lower end portion 116 of each grate panel 72 can directly contact a portion of the reservoir 106. In such a position, a chamber 118 can be formed behind each panel 72. The chamber 118 can be in fluid communication with an air supply device, such as a blower 120 or vents. Preferably, the air supply device can deliver air to the chamber 118 at variable rates. The chamber 118 can be in fluid communication with the channels 50, 56 in the bricks 10, thereby allowing any air received in the chamber 118 to enter and flow through the channels 50, 56.
The ash removal system 104 can also include a first auger 122 and a second auger 124, as is shown in
The first auger 122 can be disposed at a higher elevation than the second auger 124. The first auger 122 can be at least partially submerged in the water 108. The second auger 124 can be completely submerged in the water 108. The first auger 122 can have a larger diameter than the second auger 124. The first and second augers 122, 124 can be substantially parallel to each other. Further, the first and second augers 122, 124 can be substantially aligned in the vertical direction.
The first auger 122 can have an outer peripheral surface 126 and a hollow interior 128 (
A gas, such as air, can be supplied to the hollow interior 128 of the first auger 122. The air can be supplied in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, a blower 136 can be in fluid communication with the hollow interior 128 of the first auger 122. The blower 136 can be a variable speed blower. The blower 136 can supply ambient air to the hollow interior 128. As will be explained in greater detail later, the air supplied to the hollow interior 128 can be kept relatively cool due to the at least partial submergence of the first auger 122 in the water 108. The air can be expelled through at least the passages 132 that are above the water 108.
The first auger 122 can be rotatably mounted in the reservoir 106 in any suitable manner. The first auger 122 can be rotated in any suitable manner, including, for example, by a motor, hydraulics and/or gear reduction. In one embodiment, the speed of rotation of the first auger 122 can be varied. In one embodiment, the first auger 122 can turn at about one revolution per minute. The first auger 122 can be run continuously during incinerator operation. The direction of rotation of the first auger 122 can be reversible. Reversing of the direction of rotation during operation can help to dislodge any materials that may build up on the rib 130 and/or outer peripheral surface 126 of the first auger 122. In one embodiment, the first auger 122 can be rotated in a first direction for a first period of time, and then rotated in a second opposite direction for a second period of time. Such cycling between the direction of rotation can be repeated as needed.
The second auger 124 can have an outer peripheral surface 138. The second auger 124 can have any suitable size. In one embodiment, the diameter of the second auger 124 can be about ¼ the size of the diameter of the first auger 122. A rib 140 can extend helically along the outer peripheral surface 138 of the second auger 124. The rib 140 can have any suitable size or cross-sectional geometry. The second auger 124 can be rotatably mounted in the reservoir 106 in any suitable manner. The second auger 124 can be rotated in any suitable manner, including, for example, by a motor, hydraulics and/or gear reduction. In one embodiment, the speed of rotation of the second auger 124 can be varied. The second auger 124 can be run continuously during incinerator operation.
The ash removal system 104 can also include a conveyor 142. The conveyor 142 can be operatively positioned relative to the second auger 124 to receive any materials transported by the second auger 124. The materials can be removed from the conveyor 142 and disposed of in any suitable manner. The conveyor 124 is located in a chamber 144 that is filled with water 146. The chamber 144 can capture water from the reservoir 106, at least some of which can be transported out of the reservoir 106 by the second auger 124. A portion of the second auger 124 can extend into the chamber 144.
The conveyer 142 can include an exit end 148 that has a hook-like shape or includes a hook attached thereto. As a result, the exit end 148 can facilitate engagement by a front end loader, which can position its blade under the exit end 148 and lift up the exit end 148 of the conveyor 142. The front end loader can back up so as to pull the conveyor out of the chamber 144. To facilitate removal of the conveyor 142, a roller 150 can be provided on underside of the conveyor 142. Such features can avoid the need for providing a crane, thereby minimizing expense and downtime.
Having described the various individual components of an incinerator system according to aspects of the invention, one manner of using the system will now be described. It will be understood that the following description is illustrative and is not intended to be limiting.
From the crusher 154, the crushed garbage can be transported on a conveyor 160. On this conveyor 160, the crushed garbage can be observed or tested to detect the presence of valuables and/or other desired materials. Such things can be removed by hand or other suitable means. For example, certain metals can be removed by the use of magnets. The conveyor 160 can transport the crushed garbage over a wall 162 and can drop the crushed garbage onto a first location 164 on the plant floor. A mound of crushed garbage 166 can collect on the floor. Garbage from this mound 166 can be transferred to a second location 168 on the plant floor 164. Such transfer can be achieved by a skid loader, other suitable machinery or a shovel, just to name a few possibilities.
At this second location 168, an overhead loader 170, such as a crane or gantry can pick up the garbage. The overhead loader can be slidably mounted on a wall 172 of the plant. In one embodiment, the loader can be adapted to pick up from about 600 to about 800 pounds of garbage per grab. A second overhead loader (not shown) can be slidably mounted on the wall 172 as a backup to the other overhead loader.
The loader 170 can transport the garbage to one or more feeders 174. An operator can select the feeder 174 into which the garbage will be deposited based on the content of the garbage. For instance, one of the feeders 174 can be dedicated to receiving rubber and another can be reserved for household products. The overhead loader 170 can include systems to weigh the garbage it transfers to each feeder 174. Such a measurement can be used to verify the weight of garbage measured earlier on the scales 152.
In one embodiment, there can be three feeders 174a, 174b, 176c (collectively referred to as feeders 174). Each of the feeders 174 can be connected to a respective combustion chamber 176a, 176b, 176c (collectively referred to as combustion chambers 176). However, it will be understood that there can be any number of feeders 176. Referring to
With the inlet door 180 closed, the exit door 184 can be opened so as to permit communication with the combustion chamber 176. The garbage 188 can be supplied to the combustion chamber 176 by any suitable means, including, for example, by being pushed by a ram 186. The garbage 188 can be selectively pushed into the combustion chamber 176 at different speeds, which can be selected by an operator depending on the type of garbage being burned. For wet garbage, the garbage can be moved into the combustion chamber 176 relatively slowly. By doing so, the high temperatures of the combustion chamber 176 can flash evaporate moisture out of the garbage. As a result, the garbage will be substantially dry as it enters the combustion chamber 176, allowing it to be burned more easily. On the other hand, dry waste can be moved into the combustion chamber 176 relatively rapidly in order to keep it from burning too quickly, which can create fly ash.
When it exits the feeders 174, the garbage 188 can fall into the combustion chamber 176 and is supported by the grating system 70. Initially, the grate panels 72 can be arranged in their most horizontal position when the garbage 188 enters and can be slowly lowered thereafter. Exposure to the high temperatures in the combustion chamber 176 can cause the garbage to burn.
The burning of the garbage 188 can be facilitated by air exiting the channels 48 in the bricks 10, as shown in
As the garbage 188 burns, the grating system 70 according to aspects of the invention is configured to minimize the problem of air blockage associated with previous incinerator systems. In particular, the fact that a portion of lower end region 46 of each brick 10 overhangs the channels 48 can minimize the possibility of blockage. The overhanging portion and the generally downward angle of the bricks 10 can ensure that the molten materials, such as glass 190, plastic or non-ferric metals, will fall off the lower end region 46 of one brick 10 and onto the brick below, as is generally shown in
During incineration, the grate panels 72 can be moved in a pivoting manner, as shown in
Incineration can further be fostered by the first auger 122. As noted above, air can be supplied to the hollow interior 128 of the first auger 122. The pressure at which the air is supplied can be varied as needed. In one embodiment, the pressure of the air can be sufficient to prevent any appreciable quantity of air from exiting the passages 132 that are submerged in the water 108. The pressure of the air can be sufficient to prevent water 108 from entering the hollow interior 128 of the first auger 122.
This air can be kept at a relatively cool temperature because of the water 108 surrounding at least a portion of the first auger 122. The temperature of the air can be regulated at least in part by the depth of the water 108 and/or the temperature of the water 108. Because this air is at a relatively cool temperature compared to the air in the combustion chamber 100, the air in the first auger 122 is denser than the relatively hot air in the combustion chamber 100. Such air can supply a sufficient amount and/or concentration of oxygen to help complete the final burn before the ash falls into the water 108. Depending on the material being burned, more or less time may be needed to complete the final burn. To provide sufficient time for the final burn, the water level in the reservoir 106 can be selectively adjusted accordingly by adding or removing water from the reservoir 106.
Once the garbage is burned, the combustion products, such as ash, can rise to the stack where they can be treated, or they can fall into the ash removal system 104. The combustion products can be quenched when they drop into the water 108 in the reservoir 106. Larger pieces of material, including large pieces of glass and/or metal sometimes referred to as “clinkers,” can be broken up or torn apart by the rib 130 on the first auger 122. After passing the first auger 122, the materials can fall down further in the reservoir 106 to the second auger 124. In the lower region 112 surrounding the second auger 124, the reservoir 106 can narrow to ensure that a substantial portion of the combustion products are engaged by the second auger 124.
The second auger 124 can transport the combustion products to a conveyor 142 located in an adjacent chamber 144, as shown in
The incineration and ash removal system according to aspects of the invention can provide numerous advantages. The system can efficiency burn waste and collect and dispose of ash. In many cases, additional pollution control measure may not necessary to meet the legally mandated standards. The system can provide great flexibility. For instance, the system can burn several different types of waste in parallel. The system can handle new garbage or old waste, wet or dry. The grating system is configured so that the panels can readily accommodate different types or combinations of bricks to improve efficiency. Because the bricks are removably installed on the support rack, the system can be relatively easy to service. These and other advantages can be realized with a system in accordance with aspects of the invention.
It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
