Fuel equalization system

Abstract

A fuel equalization system includes a filter box for accepting an air stream and a fuel stream, the air stream and the fuel stream mixing to form a mixed air / fuel stream. A blower is provided that has an inlet for accepting the mixed air / fuel stream from the filter box. An air deflection member is positioned in the path of the mixed air / fuel stream, between the filter box and the inlet, so as to reduce the turbulence of the mixed air / fuel stream.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 680,805, filed on May 13, 2005, and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates, in general, to a fuel equalization system, and deals more particularly with a fuel equalization system that is capable of maintaining proper air / fuel mixtures even during times of decreased or blocked air flow. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Burners are utilized in many integrated systems, such as in boilers, furnaces and water heater applications. These burners are typically fed an enriched air stream containing a predetermined concentration of fuel mixed therein. Of great importance, therefore, is the ability of the system to maintain a proper air / fuel mixture during operation of the system. [0004] Typically, a filter box includes one or more orifices to accept incoming air and fuel streams. A blower is operative...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] It is another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel equalization system which is capable of maintaining a desired air / fuel ratio even during times of blocked air flow.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention is to provide a fuel equalization system which reduces the turbulence of a blocked air flow.

[0012] A further object of the invention is to position the air and fuel inlet orifices some distance from the blower inlet, thereby isolating the air and fuel inlet orifices from excessive turbulence caused by any blockages.

[0013] A further object of the invention is to decrease the number of clips that are engaged about the respective connected adjacent flange portions to prevent leakage.

[0014] A further object of the invention is to provide a fuel equalization system which substantially eliminates the creation of harmful gas build-up during times of partially or completely blocked air flows.

[0015] In accordance, therefore, with one embodiment, it is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel equalization system includes a filter box for accepting an air stream and a fuel stream, the air stream and the fuel stream mixing to form a mixed air / fuel stream. A blower is provided that has an inlet for accepting the mixed air / fuel stream from the filter box. An air deflection member is positioned in the path of the mixed air / fuel stream, between the filter box and the inlet, so as to reduce the turbulence of the mixed air / fuel stream.

Problems solved by technology

Any blockage of the incoming air or fuel streams, or of the flue leading to the burner, will cause a change in the air / fuel mixture being fed to the burner, with a corresponding potential for the harmful buildup of CO.

While these systems operate reasonably well during normal times, they suffer under blocked-flue or blocked-air inlet conditions due to the swirling air currents created by these adverse conditions.

Thus, during times of blockages, the sensors of known systems are incapable of accurately controlling the desired air / fuel mixture, due to the swirling and turbulent implied flows washing over the sensors.

Known systems are therefore unable to accurately control the air / fuel mixture during times when the air inlet, or flue, is partially or completely blocked.

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