Detroit® Combustion Equipment – Proven Across a Broad Range of Fuel Types
Detroit Stoker Company designs combustion equipment capable of efficiently processing a diverse range of fuels. With extensive experience handling everything from agricultural and municipal refuse to engineered biomass and fossil fuels, Detroit® combustion systems are trusted worldwide for their adaptability and performance.
Our combustion solutions have successfully processed agricultural byproducts such as bagasse, corn stover, grape pomace, and poultry litter; industrial wastes including tire-derived fuel, sludges, and carpet scraps; and engineered fuels like RDF pellets, coal pellets, and wood pellets.
Detroit® combustion equipment is also optimized for conventional and alternative fossil fuels, including bituminous coal, lignite, and powder river basin coal, as well as various wood residues—from sawdust and bark to demolition debris and urban wood waste. This extensive fuel flexibility ensures our systems can meet the evolving needs of energy producers, industrial processors, and waste-to-energy facilities around the world.
Stokers/Grates
Detroit® RotoGrate Stoker – Air-Cooled Traveling Grate with Continuous Ash Discharge
The Detroit® RotoGrate Stoker is a traveling grate spreader stoker designed for high-ash and low fusion fuels. It features continuous ash discharge and is suitable for biomass and waste fuels ranging from low-ash poultry litter to high-ash coal. Its unique hinged bar design allows ash siftings to be discharged at the lower portion of the catenary while promoting air flow through the fuel bed. Heat-resistant grate bars are available in several material options. The system also includes automatic air seals, a high-pressure overfire/secondary air system for effective staged combustion, and thermocouple assemblies to monitor grate temperature.
Detroit® Hydrograte Stoker – Water-Cooled Grate for High Moisture Biomass
The Detroit® Hydrograte Stoker combines spreader stoker technology with water-cooled grates and automatic ash discharge, providing reliable combustion under varying load conditions. It is ideal for burning high-moisture, low-ash biomass fuels. Fine particles burn in suspension while heavier material forms a fast-burning bed. The system maintains the higher air temperatures needed to burn moist fuels without damaging the grates. The Hydrograte can minimize undergrate/primary airflow and maximize overfire/secondary air for effective staged combustion, supporting lower emissions. With few moving parts and shop-assembled modules, it offers lower maintenance, continuous operation, and reduced installation time for new or retrofit applications.
Detroit® RotoStoker VCG – Low-Profile Air-Cooled Stoker with Automatic Ash Discharge
The Detroit® RotoStoker VCG is an air-cooled spreader stoker designed to burn a wide range of fuels with efficiency. It features a low setting height, making it suitable for installations without basements. Ash is discharged automatically using intermittent grate vibration, while the fuel bed is moved forward by an eccentric drive mechanism similar to the Hydrograte. Its simple design includes few moving parts and requires no bearings or shafts. Factory-assembled modules help reduce installation time. Effective air seals between stationary and moving surfaces allow precise control of excess air and support efficient combustion.
Detroit® Reciprograte Stoker – Mass Burning of Refuse and Solid Waste
The Detroit® Reciprograte Stoker is engineered for mass burning of unprepared municipal and industrial solid waste. Refuse is fed from a storage pit to a charging hopper and then forced into the furnace by a hydraulically operated ram. The grate system features alternating rows of stationary and moving grates, which push refuse through the furnace for complete combustion. Grate frames are supported by roller bearings to reduce wear. Overfire/secondary air promotes mixing of volatile gases, while undergrate/primary air is supplied separately to each grate section for optimal combustion. An automatic sifting removal system conveys material to the residue hopper for discharge.
DSC-GTS Reciprocating Grate – Biomass Grate for Engineered Wood Applications
Detroit Stoker Company is the OEM of the GTS Energy Reciprocating Grate system, used in biomass combustion and gasification systems around the world, especially in MDF, OSB, and particleboard manufacturing. The inclined reciprocating grate moves fuel through drying, gasification, combustion, and burn-out zones. Ash is automatically discharged at the end of the grate. Grates are made of high-alloy materials and use air cooling for durability. This system handles a wide range of fuels, including wood chips, bark, sawdust, forest waste, and agricultural byproducts. It is conservatively sized to support capacity and reduce emissions while offering a heavy-duty design for reliable, long-term operation.
Burner Systems
Detroit® Burner Systems – High-Performance Burners for Multi-Fuel Applications
Detroit® Burner Systems are designed for durability, flexibility, and reliable performance across a wide range of industrial and utility boiler applications. With fuel input capacities ranging from 15 to 290 MBTU/HR per register, these burner systems accommodate natural gas, propane, No. 2 through No. 6 oils, biodiesel, and other fuels upon request. Robust design and precise flame control minimize maintenance and ensure a long service life. Low and ultra-low NOx configurations help reduce emissions while maintaining boiler efficiency. Each burner system is engineered for reliable startup, high turndown capability, and rapid load response, making them suitable for both new installations and retrofits.
Detroit® Co-Fired Burners – Fuel Flexibility and Emissions Solutions
Detroit® Co-Fired Burners are developed to enhance the performance of existing solid fuel, grate-fired combustion systems. Designed for startup and auxiliary firing, these burners offer increased fuel flexibility and improved response to load swings. Co-firing can help reduce operating costs, support fuel switching, and recover derated boiler capacity. These burners are particularly effective in addressing emissions compliance challenges and improving overall combustion efficiency.
Detroit® Vertical Fired Burners – Optimized Conversion and Heat Transfer
Detroit® Vertical Fire Technology uses a single, upward-firing burner installed in the furnace floor, eliminating flame impingement on boiler water walls. This vertical configuration allows a single burner to deliver the input capacity of multiple side-wall burners while optimizing heat transfer within the furnace cavity. The design simplifies the combustion system by removing the need for multiple gas trains and complex burner management systems. Ideal for coal-to-gas conversions, Detroit® Vertical Fired Burners support turnkey retrofits with improved reliability, reduced maintenance, and lower capital cost.
Detroit® Packaged Boiler Burners – Integrated, Compliant, and Reliable
Detroit® Packaged Boiler Burner systems are fully integrated and factory-tested to ensure reliable performance and simplified installation. These combustion systems offer a single-source solution for burner applications, with system designs that meet both federal and state air quality standards. Built to support both new and retrofit boiler projects, Detroit® Packaged Burners deliver efficient combustion with streamlined support from one trusted provider.
Detroit® Burner System Equipment – Pre-Engineered for Easy Integration
Detroit® Burner System Equipment includes pre-engineered fuel trains and burner management systems (BMS) designed to simplify installation, integration, and ongoing operation. Fuel trains are manufactured per NFPA54, NFPA85, FM, and ASME codes, and are available for gas, oil, pilot, and atomizing systems. These systems feature dual safety shutoff valves, precise 4–20mA fuel metering, and custom manifolds to meet specific site needs. The Burner Management Systems use Allen-Bradley PLC components, customizable HMIs, and provide full burner sequencing, diagnostics, and Ethernet connectivity for DCS integration. Both systems are available as windbox-mounted or remote-mounted to suit a variety of installation environments.
Aggregate Burner Drying Equipment
Detroit® HADES Burner – High-Efficiency Burner for Aggregate Drying
The Detroit® HADES Burner is a sealed-in burner developed for hot aggregate drying applications. Designed with durability and efficiency in mind, it features a compact footprint, energy-saving low horsepower fan motors, and variable frequency drive (VFD) operation for even greater savings. The HADES Burner incorporates primary flame stabilization and secondary flame shaping to support wide turndown ranges, rapid production changes, and maximum dryer efficiency. With low NOx levels, ultra-low CO emissions, and simplified maintenance requirements, the system offers a low cost of ownership. It supports natural gas, propane, No. 2 oil, and heavy or waste oils with compressed air atomization and is backed by Detroit Stoker’s engineering and service team.
Detroit® HADES Burner Control (HBC) – Smart Panel for Dryer Efficiency
The Detroit® HADES Burner Control (HBC) panel offers advanced control and monitoring for the HADES Burner system. Its characterized air/fuel ratio control maximizes fuel efficiency, while built-in features like ‘first-out’ annunciation and hot-stop functionality reduce downtime and support rapid restarts. The system allows seamless switching between fuel oils and includes intuitive HMI displays for operational clarity. It supports flue gas recirculation, integrated draft control, and baghouse temperature alarms. With options for manual or automatic operation and built-in data logging, the HBC panel is engineered for production efficiency, flexible fuel use, and long-term system reliability—all within a compact, standardized enclosure.
Material Handling
Detroit® Rotary Seal Feeders – For Abrasive and High-Temperature Materials
Detroit® Rotary Seal Feeders are engineered to handle abrasive and high-temperature materials with durability and efficiency. Constructed entirely of cast iron, these feeders include spring-loaded tension bolts for a secure air seal and oversized rotor pockets for effective material flow. Access panels allow easy internal inspection and maintenance, while heavy-duty packing glands and high-temperature packing prevent leakage at the rotor shaft. The shear pin assembly protects the drive mechanism from jamming, and external pillow block bearings ensure long service life. Rotary Seal Feeders are typically installed vertically but may operate at up to 35° angles from vertical. Available in standard and high-capacity sizes ranging from 6″ to 14″.
Detroit® Double Flap Airlock – Durable Material Seal for Challenging Applications
The Detroit® Double Flap Airlock is built to maintain an air-tight seal while handling hot, sticky, and abrasive materials. Designed for use in systems such as CFB boilers, kilns, silos, dust collectors, and bulk material handling applications, the airlock ensures continuous material flow using dual discharge chambers that alternate to prevent seal breakage. Built from high-temperature, abrasion-resistant materials, the valve features Detroit’s proprietary wear-resistant alloy seat and flap, and its all-cast internals are precision machined for long-term performance. A large removable access panel allows for in-place maintenance, and its full-throat design reduces the risk of bridging, making it suitable for recycling, pulp & paper, incineration, and other demanding industries.
Ash Handling Systems
Detroit® Ash Handling Systems – Effective Ash Collection and Transport
Detroit® Ash Handling Systems are designed to transport ash from combustion units burning coal or solid refuse fuels, ensuring safe, clean, and economical ash disposal. These systems serve a wide range of applications including cogeneration, institutional and industrial power plants, and waste-to-energy facilities. Ash from stoker-fired, pulverized coal-fired, and fluid bed-fired boilers is conveyed pneumatically to silos for storage and scheduled disposal. Key system components include abrasion-resistant Ni-Hard fittings, offset ash intakes with hardened seats, and Detroit’s VacPak ash receiver, Ultraflo Mixer, and Clinker Grinder. Systems are supported by Detroit Stoker Company’s global network for service, maintenance, and on-site start-up assistance.
Detroit® VacPak – Compact Ash Receiver with Built-In Filtration
The Detroit® VacPak combines separation and filtration in one space-saving ash handling unit. Using abrasion-resistant materials, the VacPak includes an ash receiver and separator that removes heavy particles, while a high-efficiency filter traps fine particulate. The result is 99.9% separation efficiency. Supplied as a complete system, it includes pre-assembled dust collectors and blower units. The system eliminates the need for redundant discharge valves and reduces condensation-related maintenance issues. With side-access or walk-in doors for easy maintenance and optional filter media for various conditions, the VacPak is rated to 20″ Hg vacuum and is compatible with air lock discharge for high-capacity operations.
Detroit® Rotary Sand Classifier – Improve Efficiency in Wood Char Combustion
The Detroit® Rotary Sand Classifier is designed to enhance combustion efficiency in wood and bark-fired systems by separating unburned carbon from sand in wood char. This process reduces boiler wear, improves reinjection of high-carbon particles, and extends maintenance intervals. The classifier removes smaller, noncombustible sand particles while retaining larger, carbon-rich material for reinjection. Built for durability, the unit features heavy-duty cast iron wheels and corrosion-resistant stainless steel sizing screens available in 10–18 mesh. A quick-clamp top cover provides easy internal access, while a fan-cooled gear motor can be positioned at either the inlet or discharge end to suit various installation layouts. During downstream maintenance, an integrated diverter allows fly ash to be redirected to the waste stream, ensuring continuous operation. Available in 18″ and 27″ diameters, the Detroit® Rotary Sand Classifier supports fly ash capacities of 1,200 to 1,800 lbs./hr.
Detroit® Ultraflo Mixer – Conditioning and Blending of Ash and Sludge
The Detroit® Ultraflo Mixer is built to condition and blend dry materials such as ash, sludge, or abrasives with water. It uses a dual-shaft paddle design to provide consistent, controlled mixing while maintaining a clean operating environment. Its totally enclosed design, low-speed operation, and rugged drive system minimize wear and noise. The Ultraflo Mixer supports uniform wetting, consistent discharge, and minimal material buildup. It is ideal for new installations or as a retrofit for old drum-type conditioners and pug mills. Multiple sizes and materials of construction are available to meet specific site needs, and the unit is shop-assembled for simplified installation.
Detroit® Clinker Grinder – Built for Hostile Ash Handling Environments
The Detroit® Clinker Grinder is engineered for use in demanding environments, particularly power plants handling ash clinkers and other friable materials. Its robust design features a rigidly reinforced steel housing and Ni-Hard cast components for high wear resistance. Grinder teeth are bolted for easy replacement, and the crusher roll is supported by flanged roller bearings positioned externally for better durability. The seals are designed to withstand continuous high-temperature operation. Whether handling clinkers from combustion systems or other tough materials, the Detroit® Clinker Grinder delivers reliable crushing performance in the most challenging conditions.
Fuel Distributors
Detroit® Fuel Distributors – Precise Fuel Control for Solid Fuel Systems
Detroit Stoker Company designs a range of fuel distributors to meet the specific demands of solid fuel combustion systems, ensuring precise and even fuel delivery across the stoker grate surface. From coal and biomass to bagasse and pelletized fuels, Detroit® fuel distribution equipment is engineered to deliver consistent fuel feed and optimize combustion performance. The product line includes the Air Swept Distributor, Combination Fuel Distributor, Ultrafeed Coal Distributor, Underthrow Distributor, Bagasse Triple Drum Feeder, and Pellet Metering Feeder, each designed for specific fuel types, operating conditions, and furnace configurations.
Detroit® Air Swept Distributor – High Pressure Fuel Delivery for Biomass
The Detroit® Air Swept Distributor uses high-pressure air to evenly spread biomass and refuse-derived fuels across the grate surface, both side to side and front to rear. Trajectory is controlled by adjustable air dampers, while factory-assembled components simplify installation. Built with durable materials like cast iron, stainless steel, and chromium carbide, the spout resists erosion, heat, and impact. Available in widths ranging from 18 to 36 inches, this distributor is ideal for stringy biomass, bark, bagasse, and other renewable fuels that benefit from fine, controlled fuel layering on the grate surface.
Detroit® Pellet Metering Feeder – Engineered for Pelletized Fuel Control
Detroit Stoker Company’s Pellet Metering Feeder and Distributor Spout are specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of pelletized biomass fuel. Traditional feed systems often result in flooding, erratic flow, and combustion instability. Detroit’s solution delivers consistent, even pellet distribution, preventing fuel degradation, overfeeding, or suspension burning. The system eliminates common issues such as suction-related fuel loss and slug feeding, allowing for better furnace stability and load control when using pelletized biomass.
Detroit® Bagasse Triple Drum Feeder – Uniform Bagasse Feeding for Sugar Mills
The Detroit® Bagasse Triple Drum Feeder provides a steady, controlled feed rate for bagasse, the fibrous byproduct of sugarcane. Its three-drum arrangement separates and distributes the fuel while coordinating with other elements of the stoker-feeder system. Available in 30″ and 36″ widths, this feeder is ruggedly built with heavy-duty drive components and internal deflectors to prevent entanglement. The system is an ideal retrofit solution for outdated single-drum feeders in sugar mills, offering reliable fuel flow under varying loads.
Detroit® Combination Fuel Distributor – Flexible Dual-Fuel Capability
The Detroit® Combination Fuel Distributor enables flexible combustion of both coal and biomass or refuse fuels—individually or in combination—offering operators more control over fuel costs and combustion characteristics. Designed with pivoting blades, water-cooled bearings, and an adjustable fuel gate, the system helps mitigate jams while accommodating lower quality fuels. The design supports optimal energy recovery from high-calorific industrial waste streams and enhances adaptability in mixed-fuel boiler operations.
Detroit® Underthrow Distributor – Designed for Fines and Moisture-Rich Coal
The Detroit® Underthrow Fuel Distributor is optimized for spreader stokers burning coal with high fines or moisture content. Its under-rotor discharge design allows prolonged blade contact with fuel, enhancing distribution consistency. A pneumatic plate ensures a more horizontal trajectory, helping spread fine particles across the grate bed. This model features jam-resistant pivoting blades, a rugged chain-conveying carriage, VFD-driven motors, and replaceable internal assemblies—all suited for lower-quality fuels and longer throw distances.
Detroit® Ultrafeed Coal Distributor – Precision Fuel Metering and Rotor Control
The Detroit® Ultrafeed is a chain conveyor distributor with independent drive systems for both the fuel metering conveyor and the overthrow rotor. This design supports precise coal distribution across the entire stoker grate surface. It allows close response to modern combustion control signals and is ideal for high-volume coal applications or system upgrades. Features include VFD-driven motors, water-cooled bearings, oversized fuel passageways, and an adjustable conveyor position for controlling feed trajectory and fuel distribution.
Overfire/Secondary Air Control Systems
Overfire Air Systems – Emissions Control and Combustion Efficiency
Detroit Stoker Company’s Overfire Air (OFA) and Secondary Air Control Systems are designed to enhance combustion and reduce emissions. Originally developed to control particulates, OFA systems now minimize carbon monoxide and NOx while improving combustion efficiency. Customizable to specific fuels and boiler conditions, Detroit® OFA systems use fully ported stainless-steel nozzles with adjustable airflow. They provide effective mixing of volatiles and air high in the furnace, making them a valuable addition to Detroit® stokers and a vital tool for emission compliance.
Grates Drives
Detroit® Planetary Grate Drive – Load Cell-Integrated Drive System
The Detroit® Planetary Grate Drive with Load Cell offers a modern solution to common stoker drive problems. This system can be retrofitted to any traveling grate and replaces older hydraulic systems with a mechanical, planetary gear design. Direct shaft coupling improves efficiency, while continuous load cell monitoring helps protect internal components. The drive is capable of variable speed adjustment based on demand and includes forward/reverse jog capability to relieve jams from tramp material, improving system reliability and maintainability.
Replacement Parts
Detroit® Replacement Parts – OEM and Multi-Brand Aftermarket Solutions
Detroit Stoker Company offers genuine Detroit® replacement parts engineered for longevity and peak performance. Each component benefits from ongoing improvements in metallurgy and design. In addition to Detroit® stokers and systems, Detroit supplies aftermarket parts for a broad range of combustion equipment brands including Babcock & Wilcox, Foster Wheeler, Riley Power, and others. Parts available include grate castings, tuyeres, seals, bearings, and specialty components for fluid bed and PC burner systems. With over 8,000 part types in stock and a 24/7 support line, Detroit Stoker Company also offers a Factory Rebuild Program that restores existing Detroit® equipment—including chain, reciprocating, and rotary seal feeders and ash conveying components—to like-new or improved condition using genuine Detroit® quality parts and castings.
Services
Detroit® Service & Support – Maintenance, Upgrades, and Grate System Expertise
Detroit Stoker Company provides comprehensive service and support for solid fuel combustion systems, specializing in the maintenance, inspection, and upgrade of stokers/grates, fuel handling, and ash systems. With over 125 years of combustion experience, our global support organization is trusted by operators worldwide to deliver expert engineering, site supervision, labor, and dependable Detroit® equipment and parts. Whether performing routine preventative maintenance, conducting system tune-ups, or executing complex retrofits, our service team helps ensure maximum plant availability, optimal performance, and extended equipment life.
We support not only Detroit® equipment but also combustion systems from other major manufacturers. Our services include full system inspections, combustion tuning, flue gas testing, and operational adjustments to improve efficiency and emissions control. While our primary focus is on grate-fired and solid fuel systems, we also offer burner conversion solutions—retrofitting existing equipment with Detroit® DB low NOx burner systems and turnkey burner installations for auxiliary or low-load applications. From field repairs to full-scale upgrades, Detroit Stoker Company is your partner in combustion system reliability.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modeling – Optimize Combustion and Emissions
Detroit Stoker Company uses Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling as part of its engineering process design to enhance combustion system performance and reduce emissions. CFD modeling allows Detroit Stoker engineers to estimate flue gas properties within a unit and evaluate the design and operation of primary and secondary air systems. A computer model of the client’s furnace is developed to establish baseline temperature, flow behavior, and flue gas conditions. Simulations are then run to test new overfire or secondary air injection strategies, with system configurations adjusted to optimize performance. Results are compared against baseline data to identify improvements. Clients provide boiler dimensions, operational data, and energy inputs/outputs to support this evaluation process.
History/About Us
A Legacy of Innovation Since 1898
Since its founding in 1898, Detroit Stoker Company has remained a global leader in solid fuel combustion systems and equipment. From the development of the original Detroit® “V” Type Stoker and the issuance of its first patent in the same year, to new innovations like the Detroit® HADES Burner, Pellet Metering Feeder, and Bagasse Triple Drum Feeder the company has continually advanced combustion technology. Over the decades, Detroit Stoker has expanded its capabilities through product development, and acquisitions—including the creation of groundbreaking technologies like the RotoGrate, Hydrograte, and RotoStoker VCG. Headquartered in Monroe, Michigan since 1922, Detroit Stoker has played a pivotal role in shaping industrial steam generation using coal, biomass, municipal solid waste, and other renewable fuels. With over 125 years of proven experience, Detroit Stoker Company continues to deliver environmentally responsible solutions that support industrial heat, processing, and electric power generation around the world.
Why Choose Detroit Stoker Company – Trusted Engineering, Service, and Support
Detroit Stoker Company brings over a century of proven expertise to every combustion solution we deliver. As the world’s leading manufacturer of solid fuel burning stokers, our skilled engineering team works closely with clients from design through operation to ensure high system availability, improved efficiencies, and extended equipment life. We are fully committed to aftermarket parts and service, offering genuine Detroit® replacement components that incorporate continuous design improvements for peak performance—even on equipment from other manufacturers. Our global support network includes a dedicated sales team, trained field technicians, and sales representatives across multiple regions. With solid financial backing, a complete service portfolio, and 24/7 emergency support, Detroit Stoker Company delivers reliable performance and responsive service that power our customers’ long-term success.