FEEDING FUEL TO COMBUSTION APPARATUS

Description

F23K covers fuel supply systems and mechanisms for delivering solid, liquid, or gaseous fuels into combustion chambers of furnaces, boilers, engines, and similar equipment. This subclass includes fuel feeding devices such as injectors, burners, stokers, and fuel metering systems, as well as related control and regulation mechanisms for managing fuel flow rates and distribution. The classification excludes fuel preparation and treatment processes (covered under F23D) and focuses specifically on the mechanical and functional aspects of fuel introduction into the combustion zone.

Filing statistics

IPC subclass F23K recorded 17,228 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 1,169 in 2013 to 1,709 in 2023 (+46%), peaking at 2,026 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class F23 are GE (GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY) (2,124 applications), XIAN THERMAL POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE COMPANY (1,369 applications) and NINGBO FOTILE KITCHENWARE COMPANY (1,363 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings