Steam system for continuous cleaning of hood fan

Abstract

A device and method for cleaning fans in range or stove hoods by spraying steam onto the fan impeller area on which soot and cooking fumes condense to clean the impeller and wash the accumulated condensates down a drain. By using steam above atmospheric pressure as the cleaning fluid, the device uses significantly less water that other devices that spray water or an aqueous solution to clean the fan blades.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is based on U.S. provisional application 60 / 772,182, filed Feb. 10, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to a system for continuously cleaning fans operating in a ventilation hood for a stove or other cooking device.[0003]Kitchen vent or exhaust systems are commonly used to remove steam, odors, and other airborne vapors resulting from cooking on stoves. The exhaust systems often include grease filters to capture grease carried by the airborne vapors. For homes and smaller establishments, the most common is an up draft system utilizing a hood covering a portion or all of the stove burners to capture the rising air. The hood is attached to the wall, or in the case of a kitchen island, is suspended from the ceiling. Conventional vent hoods typically are cone shaped and include a centrally positioned fan which provides a centralized suction to draw air into the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]In light of the foregoing, an object of this invention is to provide a better cleaning system for hood fans. In particular, by using steam, the condensed aerosols and volatiles and smoke particles are more easily removed from the fan blades. Also, by using steam there is no need to add a detergent or surfactant to an existing source of water.

Problems solved by technology

Accordingly, all that is needed for such devices is a valve, which may be essentially controlled by a pump (e.g., the cost of an electronic control valve using the existing water system pressure can be more expensive than a small electric pump connected to a valve at the fan housing).

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