Patent ID: 7921786

Claim:
A grate system for a boiler, the grate system comprising: a grate unit for supporting fuel during combustion thereof, the grate unit having an upper surface and a lower surface and upturned lateral edges; and a side header guard arranged along a side wall of the boiler, the side header guard having upwardly and downwardly projecting fin portions, the upwardly projecting fin portion being adapted and configured to extend over and protect the boiler side wall from abrasion by fuel, the downwardly projecting fin portion being adapted and configured to extend over the upturned lateral edge of the grate unit, inhibiting passage of fuel therebetween, wherein the upper surface of the grate near the outer lateral edges thereof slopes toward a centerline of the grate unit to urge fuel carried thereon away from lateral edges of the grate unit, and wherein the side header guard is vibrationally isolated from the grate unit in at least a vertical direction with respect to the upwardly and downwardly projecting fin portions.