Grate block for a refuse incineration grate

A grate block for an incinerator, the grate block comprising:

• a top wall having a top surface;
• a front wall having a front surface;
• a pair of side walls, each side wall having an outer surface for engaging the adjacent grate block and extending from the top surface and the front surface;
• an angled corner edge wall having an outer surface interposed between the top surface, the front surface, and the pair of side walls;
• and
• at least one groove formed in the angled corner edge wall, and an opening in the groove for the passage of a stream of air.

An incinerator grate system comprising:

• a plurality of rows of fixed grate blocks;
• a plurality of rows of movable grate blocks, each row of movable grate blocks interposed between a pair of movable grate blocks;
• a reciprocal mechanism connected to each of the rows of moveable grate blocks for moving the rows relative to the rows of the fixed grate blocks;
• each of the rows having a plurality of grate blocks;
• the grate blocks defining a cavity under the rows;
• each of the grate blocks having an upper wall, a front wall, a pair of side walls, each side wall extending from the top wall and the front wall;
• and a foot carried by the front wall and engaging an upper wall of a grate block;
• the walls defining a cavity under the upper wall;
• each of the side walls of the grate blocks engaging the side wall of the adjacent grate block, each side wall having a recess disposed in an interface where the front wall and upper wall meet such that the recess extends from the top wall to the front wall;
• the recess defining a gap between the side walls of the adjacent grate blocks;
• and
• an opening through the recess of the sidewall for the flow of air from the cavity within the grate block.

A method of incinerating refuse comprising the steps of:

• providing a grate having a plurality of fixed rows and a plurality of moving rows of grate blocks;
• moving the moving rows of grate blocks in a back and forth motion to move the refuse along the grate;
• creating a void in the refuse by movement of the moving row;
• forcing air through an opening in the grate block to the refuse and away from the void;
• and
• directing the air through an opening in the sidewall of the grate block and redirecting the air prior to passing the sidewall.