In India’s rapidly growing industrial sector, the demand for efficient, reliable, and eco-friendly energy solutions is at an all-time high. Among the technologies leading this transformation are Travelling Grate Biomass Boilers, which are increasingly preferred for industrial steam generation and waste-to-energy applications.
Cheema Boilers, based in Mohali, India, has been a pioneer in providing high-efficiency Travelling Grate Boilers tailored to the diverse needs of Indian industries. This article delves into everything you need to know about these boilers — from their working principle and design to applications, advantages, and cost considerations.
What Is a Travelling Grate Biomass Boiler?
A Travelling Grate Biomass Boiler is an industrial steam-generating system designed to burn solid fuels such as biomass, municipal waste, or refuse-derived fuel (RDF) in a continuous and controlled manner. Unlike stationary grates, travelling grate boilers move fuel mechanically across a combustion chamber, allowing for uniform combustion and efficient ash removal.
These boilers are widely used in sectors such as:
Power generation
Cement and chemical industries
Food processing
Waste-to-energy plants
With its expertise, Cheema Boilers provides Travelling Grate Biomass Boilers in Mohali and across India, ensuring high performance and reliability.
Working Principle of Travelling Grate Boilers
Understanding the working principle is crucial for industries planning to invest in a Travelling Grate Biomass Boiler.
Step-by-Step Working Process:
Fuel Feeding: Solid fuel (biomass, RDF, coal, or waste) is fed onto the travelling grate using automated feeders.
Drying Zone: As the fuel moves forward, it passes through the drying zone, where moisture is removed using hot gases from the combustion process.
Ignition Zone: The fuel ignites with the help of primary and secondary air supply, starting the combustion process.
Combustion Zone: In this central zone, fuel burns completely, producing high-temperature flue gases.
- Primary air is supplied beneath the grate to sustain combustion.
- Secondary air is introduced above the fuel bed to ensure complete combustion of volatile gases.
Ash Discharge Zone: After combustion, residual ash is mechanically moved to the ash collection area at the end of the grate.
Heat Transfer: The hot flue gases pass through boiler tubes, transferring heat to water or steam, which can then be used for industrial processes or power generation.
This continuous fuel movement and controlled air supply enable high-efficiency combustion, low emissions, and consistent steam output.
Design and Operation of Travelling Grate Boilers
The design of a Travelling Grate Boiler combines mechanical precision with advanced thermal engineering.
Key Design Components:
Travelling Grate Mechanism:
Heat-resistant steel plates or chains move fuel along the combustion chamber.Combustion Chamber:
Optimized to handle variable fuel sizes, moisture content, and calorific value.Air Distribution System:
Multi-zone primary and secondary air ensures efficient combustion.Heat Recovery Section:
Includes superheaters, economizers, and air preheaters for maximum energy utilization.Automation and Controls:
Modern systems incorporate PLC/SCADA-based controls for monitoring temperature, feed, and air supply.
Operational Benefits:
Handles variable biomass and waste fuels efficiently
Continuous ash removal reduces downtime
Maintains uniform steam pressure and temperature
Robust construction for long-term operation
Types of Travelling Grate Boilers
Travelling Grate Boilers can be categorized based on their mechanical movement and fuel handling:
Chain Grate Boilers:
Use a continuous chain for moving fuel; suitable for medium and large capacity biomass plants.
Reciprocating Grate Boilers:
Alternate grate movements agitate the fuel, ensuring uniform combustion and better burnout.
Vibrating Grate Boilers:
Use vibration for fuel movement, ideal for high-moisture fuels or RDF.
Waste-to-Energy Travelling Grate Boilers:
Designed specifically to burn municipal solid waste or industrial residues efficiently.
Difference Between Travelling Grate and Fluidized Bed Boilers
While both technologies burn solid fuels, they operate differently:
| Parameter | Travelling Grate Boiler | Fluidized Bed Boiler |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Biomass, RDF, coal | Coal, biomass, pet coke |
| Combustion | Layer combustion on moving grate | Suspension combustion in fluidized bed |
| Fuel Size | Handles larger, uneven fuel | Requires uniform, fine fuel |
| Maintenance | Easier, cost-effective | Complex, higher maintenance |
| Ash Handling | Mechanical ash discharge | Pneumatic or bed ash removal |
| Best Use | Waste-to-energy, biomass | Coal-based power generation |
Travelling Grate Boilers offer better fuel flexibility, whereas Fluidized Bed Boilers excel in controlled, uniform combustion of fine fuels.
Applications of Travelling Grate Biomass Boilers
Travelling Grate Boilers have broad industrial applications:
Waste-to-Energy Plants:
Converts municipal solid waste and RDF into clean energy.Biomass Power Plants:
Uses agricultural residues like bagasse, rice husk, wood chips, and sawdust for power generation.Industrial Steam Generation:
Provides high-pressure steam for cement, chemical, textile, and food industries.District Heating Systems:
Supplies thermal energy to local communities sustainably.
Cheema Boilers provides industrial Travelling Grate Boiler solutions in India that cater to these sectors efficiently.
Advantages of Travelling Grate Boilers
High Efficiency:
Controlled combustion ensures maximum fuel utilization.
Fuel Flexibility:
Can handle a wide variety of solid fuels including biomass and RDF.
Low Emissions:
Meets India’s environmental standards for NOx, CO, and particulate emissions.
Continuous Operation:
Automatic fuel feeding and ash removal reduce downtime.
Durability:
Robust construction ensures long operational life with minimal maintenance.
Eco-Friendly:
Reduces landfill dependency and promotes sustainable energy generation.
Cost-Effective:
Lower fuel costs and energy savings improve ROI.
Technical Specifications and Efficiency
Typical Travelling Grate Biomass Boiler specifications include:
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Steam Capacity | 1 – 100 TPH |
| Pressure | Up to 110 kg/cm² |
| Temperature | Up to 540°C |
| Fuel Type | Biomass, RDF, coal blends |
| Efficiency | 78% – 88% |
| Grate Type | Chain or Reciprocating |
| Automation | PLC/SCADA based controls |
Cheema Boilers customizes each system for high efficiency and minimal emissions according to client requirements.
Cost of Travelling Grate Biomass Boilers in India
Factors Influencing Cost:
Boiler capacity and pressure rating
Fuel type (biomass or waste fuel)
Grate mechanism and automation level
Materials of construction and emission control equipment
Turnkey installation and commissioning
Indicative Price Range: ₹50 Lakh – ₹10 Crore+ depending on specifications.
Operating Costs:
Fuel procurement
Auxiliary power
Routine maintenance
Water treatment and labor
Payback Period: Most industries recover investment in 2–3 years, especially when switching from conventional fossil fuel boilers.
Waste-to-Energy Travelling Grate Boilers
Waste-to-energy applications are a significant growth area in India.
Key Benefits:
Converts municipal solid waste into steam or power
Reduces landfill usage
Promotes renewable energy generation
Compliant with CPCB and MoEF emission norms
Cheema Boilers designs Waste-to-Energy Travelling Grate Boilers for Indian industries that need sustainable energy solutions.
Cheema Boilers – Leading Travelling Grate Boiler Manufacturers in India
Cheema Boilers Limited (CBL), headquartered in Mohali, has over three decades of experience in industrial boiler engineering.
CBL’s Expertise Includes:
Biomass Fired Travelling Grate Boilers
Industrial Steam Generation Solutions
Waste-to-Energy Boiler Systems
Turnkey Project Execution
Cheema Boilers ensures high-efficiency, customized designs and after-sales support across India.
Why Choose Cheema Boilers?
✅ Proven Track Record: Reliable performance across multiple industries.
✅ Custom Engineering: Solutions tailored for biomass, waste, and RDF fuels.
✅ Turnkey Capability: Design, supply, installation, and commissioning.
✅ High Efficiency & Low Emissions: Compliant with Indian environmental norms.
✅ Pan-India Service Network: Ensures minimal downtime and reliable maintenance.
Whether it’s a biomass-fired Travelling Grate Boiler or a waste-to-energy system, Cheema Boilers delivers durable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient solutions.
Conclusion
Travelling Grate Biomass Boilers are revolutionizing energy generation in India’s industrial and municipal sectors. Their fuel flexibility, high efficiency, and low emissions make them an ideal choice for sustainable power and steam generation.
Cheema Boilers Limited, Mohali, as a trusted Travelling Grate Boiler manufacturer in India, offers turnkey solutions, technical expertise, and high-performance systems tailored for industrial, biomass, and waste-to-energy applications.
🔧 Ready to Upgrade Your Industrial Energy System?
Contact Cheema Boilers Limited, Mohali today for high-efficiency Travelling Grate Biomass Boilers in India.
📍 Location: Mohali, Punjab, India
🌐 Website: www.cheemaboilers.com
📞 Reach out for a customized solution and cost estimate!