Combustion apparatus

Abstract

To provide a combustion apparatus that includes an ozone device capable of maintaining strong sterilizing power by replenishing a neutralization container with ozone water for sterilization.SOLUTION: A combustion apparatus (1) includes a combustion part (2), heat exchangers (20, 25) and a neutralizer (7) that neutralizes and discharges drain generated in the heat exchanger (25) to outside. A neutralization container (30) includes a replenishment water passage (40) having an introduction part (31) to which drain is introduced, a neutralization part (32) that neutralizes the drain and a discharge part (34) that discharges the neutralized drain and capable of replenishing inside of the neutralization container (30) with clean water. In the combustion apparatus (1), an ozone device (43) that generates ozone water through electrolysis of the clean water is interposed in the replenishment water passage (40). While the ozone device (43) is being operated in the state where a detection water level obtained by a water level detection section is a water level enabling water sealing, the ozone water is replenished into the neutralization container (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a combustion device configured to introduce drain water composed of condensed water generated in a heat exchanger into a neutralization container, neutralize the drain water with a neutralizing agent, and then discharge the neutralized water.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, latent heat recovery type hot water heating devices have been put into practical use. In this type of hot water heating device, a heat exchanger is provided in the middle of a combustion gas passage through which combustion gas passes, and the configuration is such that not only sensible heat but also latent heat contained in the combustion gas can be recovered in the heat exchanger. In this latent heat recovery type hot water heating device, drain water is generated in the combustion gas passage during the combustion operation.

[0003] The drain water generated in the latent heat recovery type hot water heating device is exposed to the combustion gas, so it has a high acidity and is corrosive. Therefore, most of the conventional latent heat recovery type hot water heating devices are provided with a drain discharge system for discharging the drain water, and a neutralization container for neutralizing the drain water is provided in the middle of the drain discharge system, and the drain water is configured to be neutralized with a neutralizing agent and then discharged. By the way, when various fungi invade and grow in the drain water, a biofilm is formed on the surface of the neutralizing agent, the fluidity of the drain water decreases, and it becomes difficult to perform the neutralization treatment smoothly. Therefore, various techniques for sterilizing drain water have been proposed as follows.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for irradiating ultraviolet rays on the surface of the drain water in the neutralization container near the drain inlet in the neutralization container to sterilize the surface of the drain water and the neutralizing agent. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a silver ion generator is installed in a water supply pipe for supplying makeup water to the neutralization container, and silver ion water having a bactericidal effect is supplied to the drain water in the neutralization container.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the apparatus of Patent Document 1, since an irradiation unit for irradiating ultraviolet rays is provided near the drain inlet in the neutralization container, there is a risk that scattered drain droplets adhere to the irradiation unit and the sterilization power decreases. Also, since ultraviolet rays must be constantly irradiated when drain is generated, the power consumption increases.

[0007] In the apparatus of Patent Document 2, since the silver electrode of the silver ion generator is consumed, the silver electrode must be replaced during maintenance, so the maintenance cost of the silver ion generator becomes high.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a combustion apparatus provided with an ozone device capable of maintaining strong sterilization power by supplying ozone water to a neutralization container for sterilization.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The combustion device according to claim 1 includes a combustion unit, a heat exchanger for heating a fluid with the combustion gas generated in the combustion unit, and a neutralization device that collects the condensed water generated in the heat exchanger, introduces it as drain into a neutralization container, neutralizes the drain with a neutralizing agent housed inside the neutralization container, and discharges it to the outside. The neutralization container has its interior divided into at least an introduction part provided with an inlet through which the drain is introduced, a neutralization part in which the neutralizing agent is housed to neutralize the drain, and a discharge part provided with an outlet for discharging the neutralized drain. The neutralization part has a structure that stores the introduced drain and seals the introduction part and the discharge part with water. It has a water level detection part for detecting the water level of the drain in the neutralization container, determines whether the detected water level of this water level detection part is at a water-sealable level, and when it is below the water-sealable level, is equipped with a supply water passage for replenishing the neutralization container with make-up water to maintain the water-sealable level. In the combustion device, an ozone device that electrolyzes make-up water to generate ozone water is installed in the supply water passage, and ozone water is replenished into the neutralization container while operating the ozone device in a state where the detected water level of the water level detection part is at the water-sealable level.

[0010] According to the above configuration, since an ozone device that electrolyzes make-up water to generate ozone water is installed in the supply water passage, and ozone water is replenished into the neutralization container while operating the ozone device in a state where the detected water level of the water level detection part is at the water-sealable level, it is possible to sterilize the various bacteria thriving in the drain with ozone water and prevent the formation of a biofilm on the surface of the neutralizing agent. Moreover, since ozone water is replenished into the neutralization container in a state where the detected water level of the water level detection part is at the water-sealable level, there is no risk of ozone being discharged from the outlet. Moreover, since power is consumed only when replenishing ozone water, it is energy-saving. In addition, when an electrolytic ozone generator or the like is adopted as the ozone device, there is no need to replace consumables, so maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0011] The combustion device according to claim 2, in the invention of claim 1, when the water level of the drain in the neutralization container has been maintained at a level higher than the overflow reference water level for a preset time or more, ozone water is replenished into the neutralization container. According to the above configuration, when the water level higher than the overflow reference water level is maintained for a preset time or more, there is a high possibility that a biofilm is formed on the surface of the neutralizing agent. Therefore, by replenishing ozone water into the neutralization container, the drain and the neutralizing agent are sterilized.

[0012] The combustion device according to claim 3, in the invention of claim 1 or 2, when replenishing ozone water into the neutralization container, it is configured to spray ozone water from the upper part of the neutralization section toward the neutralizing agent. According to the above configuration, by spraying ozone water from the upper part of the neutralization section toward the neutralizing agent, ozone water can be widely sprayed on the surface of the neutralizing agent.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, various effects as described above can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Next, a hot water supply device 1 (hot water heating device) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that this hot water supply device 1 corresponds to a combustion device. The water heater 1 is a so-called latent heat recovery type hot water heating device including a combustion unit 2 (combustion means), a primary heat exchanger 20, and a secondary heat exchanger 25. The water heater 1 has a combustion case 3 and an exhaust gas collecting unit 5 below the combustion unit 2. Further, a soundproofing unit 6 is provided on the side of the combustion unit 2, and a neutralization device 7 is provided below the combustion case 3. The combustion case 3 and the soundproofing unit 6 communicate with the exhaust gas collecting unit 5 provided at the bottom side of the water heater 1, respectively. Thus, a space is formed in the water heater 1 that communicates from the combustion case 3 through the exhaust gas collecting unit 5 to the soundproofing unit 6 and has a substantially "U" - shaped cross - sectional shape.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the combustion unit 2 includes an air case 8, a fuel spray nozzle 10, a blower 11, a combustion cylinder 12, etc. The combustion unit 2 is composed of a so - called reverse combustion type combustion device and is capable of forming a flame downward. The combustion unit 2 introduces combustion air into the air case 8 by operating the blower 11 and sprays the liquid fuel supplied from a fuel supply source (not shown) downward from the fuel spray nozzle 10 so that combustion can occur in the combustion cylinder 12.

[0017] The combustion case 3 is located below the combustion unit 2 and is a part (combustion gas passage) through which the high - temperature combustion gas generated along with the combustion operation in the combustion unit 2 flows. Inside the combustion case 3, the primary heat exchanger 20 and the secondary heat exchanger 25 are provided. The primary heat exchanger 20 is located on the upstream side (upper side in the illustrated state) in the flow direction of the combustion gas flowing through the combustion unit 2. On the other hand, the secondary heat exchanger 25 is located on the downstream side (lower side in the illustrated state) in the flow direction of the combustion gas flowing through the combustion unit 2.

[0018] Between the water inlet (not shown) of the primary heat exchanger 20 and the water outlet (not shown) of the secondary heat exchanger 25, they are connected by a pipe (not shown). Also, to the water outlet 20a of the primary heat exchanger 20, a pipe leading to a device (hot water supply destination) such as a faucet or a bathtub that serves as a hot water supply destination is connected. Further, to the water inlet 25a of the secondary heat exchanger 25, a water inlet pipe 26 for supplying hot water to be heated from the outside is connected. Therefore, when there is a hot water supply request at the hot water supply destination and hot water is supplied from an external water supply source through the water inlet pipe 26, this hot water is supplied to the water inlet 25a of the secondary heat exchanger 25. The hot water supplied to the water inlet 25a flows through the secondary heat exchanger 25 and then through the primary heat exchanger 20, and is sequentially heat-exchanged and heated, and then is supplied from the water outlet 20a of the primary heat exchanger 20 toward the hot water supply destination.

[0019] The exhaust gas collecting part 5 is arranged below the combustion case 3 and is a part directly communicating with the combustion case 3. The exhaust gas collecting part 5 has an internal space extending in the width direction (left - right direction in FIG. 1) of the hot water supply device 1 at the bottom side of the hot water supply device 1. Also, the exhaust gas collecting part 5 communicates with a sound - proofing part 6 arranged on the side of the combustion case 3. Therefore, the exhaust gas collecting part 5 allows the combustion gas flowing downward from the combustion case 3 to flow in and discharges the combustion gas toward the sound - proofing part 6.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the sound - proofing part 6 has a cylindrical space 6b surrounded on four sides and communicating in the vertical direction. The space 6b inside the sound - proofing part 6 communicates with the exhaust gas collecting part 5 at the lower end side. Also, the sound - proofing part 6 has an exhaust port 6c at the upper end side, and through this, the space 6b communicates with the external atmosphere.

[0021] At the bottom of the exhaust gas collecting part 5, a drain discharge port 27 is provided. The drain discharge port 27 functions as a discharge port for discharging the drain falling from the secondary heat exchanger 25 to the outside of the exhaust gas collecting part 5.

[0022] Below the exhaust gas collecting section 5, a neutralization device 7 is disposed to receive the drain discharged from the drain outlet 27, neutralize it, and then discharge it. That is, the neutralization device 7 has both a function as a drain discharge system for discharging the drain generated in the water heater 1 and a function as a neutralization container for neutralizing the drain. As shown in FIG. 1, the neutralization device 7 includes a neutralization container 30 capable of storing the drain and a supply water passage 40 capable of replenishing hot and cold water to the neutralization container 30 from the outside.

[0023] The inside of the neutralization container 30 is divided into at least an introduction part 31 provided with an introduction port (drain outlet 27) into which the drain is introduced, a neutralization part 32 that stores the neutralizing agent C and neutralizes the drain, and a discharge part 34 provided with a discharge port 34a for discharging the neutralized drain. The neutralization part 32 stores the introduced drain and has a structure that seals the introduction part 31 and the discharge part 34 with a water seal.

[0024] The introduction part 31 and the neutralization part 32 are partitioned by a partition wall 33, and a communication passage 35 is formed between the lower end of the partition wall 33 and the bottom surface 30a. The neutralization part 32 and the discharge part 34 are partitioned by a partition wall 34b, and a discharge gap 39 for the flow of the drain is formed between the upper end of the partition wall 34b and the top surface 30b.

[0025] The volume of the neutralization part 32 is larger than that of the introduction part 31. The neutralization container 30 has a drain outlet 38 on the bottom surface on the side of the neutralization part 32. Two partition plates 32a and 32b are provided in the neutralization part 32. The space in the neutralization part 32 is divided into three partitioned spaces 32c, 32d, and 32e by the partition plates 32a and 32b. A predetermined flow gap 35a that allows the flow of the drain is formed between the lower ends of the partition plates 32a and 32b and the bottom surface 30a.

[0026] In the introduction part 31, a ground electrode 36 and three water level electrodes 37a, 37b, and 37c for detecting the liquid level are provided as a water level detection part. The ground electrode 36 and the water level electrodes 37a to 37c are electrically connected to a control device 50 for controlling the operation of the water heater 1.

[0027] The ground electrode 36 and the water level electrode 37a are each substantially hanging down from the top surface 30b side to the bottom surface 30a side of the neutralization container 30 in the introduction part 31. The ground electrode 36 and the water level electrode 37a each reach a position corresponding to the lower end part of the partition wall 33, in other words, the upper end part of the communication part 35. When it is detected that there is electrical continuity between the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrode 37a, the liquid level in the introduction part 31 is at a position equal to or higher than at least the position corresponding to the lower end of the water level electrode 37a (the upper end part of the communication part 35), and the communication part 35 is in a state of being sealed with drain water or hot and cold water. The water level electrode 37a has a function of detecting whether the neutralization container 30 is in a water-sealed state.

[0028] The water level electrode 37b is substantially parallel to the water level electrode 37a and is an electrode attached so as to substantially hang down downward from the top surface 30b side in the introduction part 31 of the neutralization container 30. The lower end part of the water level electrode 37b is at a position higher than the lower end part of the water level electrode 37a and at the middle height position of the introduction part 31. The water level electrode 37b is attached so that it can detect whether there is a liquid level at a position where it is assumed that the liquid level exists in the introduction part 31 in the combustion stop state when a drain of an amount that can maintain the water-sealed state and will not overflow even if there is a change in the liquid level in the neutralization container 30 during the combustion operation is stored.

[0029] The water level electrode 37c is provided to detect whether it has reached the blockage detection water level at which the fluidity of drain water or the like in the neutralization container 30 has decreased and is in a blocked state. The water level electrode 37c is attached so as to substantially hang down downward from the top surface 30b side of the neutralization container 30, similarly to the water level electrodes 37a and 37b. The water level electrode 37c can detect whether the neutralization container 30 is at a water level slightly exceeding the full water state, and its lower end part is at a position higher than the lower end parts of the above-described water level electrodes 37a and 37b and the overflow reference water level Lx (the position on the top surface 30b side), and is in the vicinity of the upper side of the upper end of the partition wall 34b.

[0030] The partition plates 32a and 32b extend vertically within the neutralization section 32, and a flow gap 35a is formed between the lower ends thereof and the bottom surface 30a of the neutralization container 30. Therefore, the three partition spaces 32c, 32d, and 32e formed by partitioning the space within the neutralization section 32 by the partition plates 32a and 32b are in a state of communicating with each other. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, etc., the upper ends of the partitions 32a and 32b protrude slightly above the overflow reference water level Lx defined by a horizontal plane passing through the lower ends of the openings 39 that communicate the neutralization section 32 and the discharge section 34. That is, the upper ends of the partition plates 32a and 32b are located slightly above the liquid level position when liquids such as drain water and hot water overflow from the neutralization section 32 side to the discharge section 34 side.

[0031] The discharge section 34 is a part attached to the side of the neutralization section 32 and communicates through an opening 39 provided at a position biased toward the upper end side of the neutralization section 32 (the top surface 30b side of the storage container 30). At the lower part of the discharge section 34, a discharge port 34a is provided for discharging drain water and the like that have overflowed from the neutralization section 32 through the opening 39.

[0032] Here, the above-mentioned neutralization container 30 is adjusted in consideration of the sizes (internal volumes) of the introduction section 31 and the neutralization section 32, and the position where the opening 39 that functions as a discharge port for discharging drain water and the like from the neutralization section 32 to the discharge section 34 side, taking into account the fluctuations in the assumed liquid level positions in the introduction section 31 and the neutralization section 32 during combustion operation in a normal combustion state. That is, in the water supply device 1 of the present embodiment, the combustion gas generated by performing combustion operation in the combustion section 2 flows from the exhaust collecting section 5 into the introduction section 31 of the neutralization container 30. Along with this, pressure acts on the liquid level of drain water and the like in the introduction section 31, the liquid level on the introduction section 31 side drops, while the liquid level on the neutralization section 32 side rises.

[0033] Therefore, for example, when water injection is performed until the liquid level reaches the overflow reference level Lx when the combustion operation stops as shown in Fig. 2(a), as the liquid level in the inflow tank 31 drops after the start of combustion, as shown in Fig. 2(b), the drain on the discharge tank 32 side overflows to the discharge part 34 side through the opening 39 and is discharged. Therefore, if water injection is performed until the above-mentioned overflow reference level Lx at the time of combustion stop, it becomes necessary to frequently perform water injection to replenish the overflowed drain and the like.

[0034] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the volume of the space surrounded by the liquid level on the neutralization part 32 side and the horizontal plane assumed to be at the position corresponding to the overflow reference level Lx in the combustion stop state is adjusted so as to be equal to or greater than the volume of the drain and the like pushed from the introduction part 31 side to the neutralization part 32 side due to the drop of the liquid level accompanying the inflow of combustion gas and the like in the introduction part 31. The position (height) of the opening 39 and the water level at the time of water injection by the supply water channel 40 are adjusted.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 1, the supply water channel 40 is configured such that a valve 42 is installed in the supply pipe 41. The supply pipe 41 is a pipe branched in the middle of the water inlet pipe 26 connected to the water inlet 25a of the secondary heat exchanger 25 described above, and can supply the hot water supplied from the outside toward the neutralization container 30. The supply pipe 41 is connected to the top surface 30b on the neutralization part 32 side of the neutralization container 30 and is structured to be able to inject water into the neutralization part 32 side.

[0036] Here, if miscellaneous bacteria in the drain in the neutralization container 30 form a biofilm on the surface of the neutralizing agent C, the fluidity of the drain decreases, and there is a risk that the neutralization device 7 will not function properly. Therefore, an ozone device 43, which is an electrolytic ozone generator that generates ozone water by electrolyzing tap water, for example, is installed in the supply pipe 41. This ozone device 43 is electrically connected to the control device 50 and is controlled by the control device 50.

[0037] Three branch pipes 41a branched from the supply pipe 41 are connected to the top surface 30b of the partition spaces 32c, 32d, and 32e so that the ozone water generated by the ozone device 43 can be sprayed onto the surface of the neutralizing agent C in the partition spaces 32c, 32d, and 32e. Although not shown, spray nozzles capable of spraying ozone water in fine droplets over a wide angle are attached to the tips of the three branch pipes 41a. Then, ozone water is supplied into the neutralizing container 30 while operating the ozone device 43 in a state where the detected water level detected by the water level electrodes 37a or 37b of the water level detection unit is at a water-sealable level.

[0038] Next, the operation of the water heater 1 will be described. In the water heater 1, for example, when a flow rate detection signal is input from a flow rate sensor (not shown) provided in the middle of the water inlet pipe 26 and on the downstream side (heat exchanger side) of the connection position of the supply pipe 41, the combustion unit 2 starts combustion operation. The combustion gas generated in the combustion cylinder 12 during the combustion operation in the combustion unit 2 flows downward in the combustion case 3. Then, the combustion gas flows into the exhaust gas collecting unit 5 provided at the bottom side of the water heater 1.

[0039] The combustion gas that has flowed into the exhaust gas collecting unit 5 flows horizontally (rightward in FIG. 1) in the exhaust gas collecting unit 5, and then the combustion gas flows toward the muffler 6 connected above the exhaust gas collecting unit 5. The combustion gas generated in the combustion unit 2 and flowing downward in the combustion case 3 changes its flow direction in the exhaust gas collecting unit 5, flows upward through the muffler 6, and is then discharged to the outside from the exhaust port 6c.

[0040] On the other hand, the hot water supplied from the outside through the water inlet pipe 26 flows into the secondary heat exchanger 25 through the water inlet 25a of the secondary heat exchanger 25. The hot water that has flowed into the secondary heat exchanger 25 mainly recovers the latent heat contained in the combustion gas and is thereby heated. Along with this, the moisture contained in the combustion gas is condensed, and drain is generated on the surface of the secondary heat exchanger 25 and the like.

[0041] The hot water heated by the secondary heat exchanger 25 flows out of the water outlet of the secondary heat exchanger 25 and into the primary heat exchanger 20 from the water inlet of the primary heat exchanger 20. The hot water flowing into the primary heat exchanger 20 is heated by heat exchange with the combustion gas generated by the combustion of fuel in the combustion section 2. In the primary heat exchanger 20, mainly the sensible heat contained in the combustion gas is recovered. The hot water thus heated in the primary heat exchanger 20 flows out from the water outlet 20a of the primary heat exchanger 20 and is supplied toward a faucet, a bathtub, or the like that is the hot water supply destination.

[0042] Drain is generated along with the heat exchange in the secondary heat exchanger 25 as described above. The drain generated here falls within the combustion case 3 and gathers in the exhaust collecting section 5. Thereafter, this drain flows from the drain outlet 27 provided at the bottom of the exhaust collecting section 5 into the introduction section 31 of the neutralization container 30 of the neutralization device 7 provided below the exhaust collecting section 5. The drain flowing into the introduction section 31 flows to the neutralization section 32, is neutralized by the neutralizing agent C contained in the neutralization container 30, then flows to the discharge section 34, and is discharged to the outside from the discharge port 34a.

[0043] Next, the operations of the neutralization device 7 and the ozone device 43 will be described. Immediately after installation or after draining the drain or hot water from the neutralization container 30 through the drain port 38, the hot water supply device 1 is in a state where there is no drain or hot water in the neutralization container 30. In such a state where there is no drain or hot water in the neutralization container 30 at all, the communication section 35 existing below the partition wall 33 separating the introduction section 31 and the neutralization section 32 is not in a water-sealed state sealed with drain or hot water.

[0044] As described above, when the combustion operation is performed in a state where the communication section 35 in the neutralization container 30 is not in a water-sealed state, the combustion gas flowing into the neutralization container 30 from the exhaust collecting section 5 passes through the neutralization container 30, and the combustion gas is discharged from an unexpected position for the user. To prevent this, before starting the combustion operation in the combustion unit 2, the control device 50 operates the replenishment water channel 40 to perform a replenishment operation of replenishing the neutralization container 30 with hot water. The control device 50 causes the replenishment operation to be performed until the liquid level of the drain in the neutralization container 30 reaches the level detected by the water level electrode 37b. When the replenishment operation is completed, the neutralization container 30 becomes in a water seal state, and the combustion operation in the combustion unit 2 can be started.

[0045] Also, as described above, in this embodiment, even if the water level in the introduction part 31 drops due to the combustion gas flowing from the exhaust gas collecting part 5 side to the neutralization container 30 side and pressure acting on the liquid accumulated in the neutralization container 30, the combustion operation is performed after the liquid is replenished into the neutralization container 30 by the replenishment water channel 40 so that the water seal state can be maintained. Therefore, even if the combustion gas flows into the inflow tank 31 and the water surface drops, the water seal state can be surely maintained, and leakage of the combustion gas can be prevented.

[0046] The control device 50 operates the ozone device 43 to supply ozone water on the condition that the introduction part 31 and the discharge part 34 are in a water seal state by the neutralization part 32. The control device 50, for example, operates the ozone device 43 at predetermined intervals (for example, every 12 hours) for a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes) to spray ozone water on the surface of the neutralizing agent in the neutralization part 32, thereby sterilizing the surface of the neutralizing agent C and preventing the formation of biofilms.

[0047] Alternatively, in addition to the above regular timing, when the water level higher than the overflow reference water level Lx is held for a preset time or more, ozone water is replenished into the neutralization container 30. In this case, while periodically (for example, every 10 minutes) detecting the water level of the drain in the neutralization container 30 by the water level detection part, when the drain is detected by the water level electrode 37c (when the clogging detection water level is reached), it is detected that the water level higher than the overflow reference water level Lx is held for a preset time or more.

[0048] When no biofilm is formed, drain water constantly flows in during combustion, so the water level of the drain is at the overflow reference water level Lx under normal conditions. However, when the biofilm begins to form, the fluidity of the drain water decreases, causing the water level of the drain to rise above the overflow reference water level Lx and reach the blockage detection water level.

[0049] In the neutralization device 7 described above, a configuration in which the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrodes 37a to 37c are combined is adopted as the configuration of the water level detection unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, instead of the water level detection means such as the combination of the ground electrode 36 and the water level electrode 37, a configuration using a conventionally known float sensor, ball tap, pressure sensor, optical sensor, etc. may be adopted.

[0050] The water heater 1 shown in the above embodiment includes a combustion unit 2 of a so-called reverse combustion method. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, like a conventionally known vaporization type combustion device, it may adopt any combustion form such as a type that burns vaporized liquid fuel or a type of combustion device that burns gas. Further, the water heater 1 is not limited to a type having only a so-called general hot water supply function, and may be a type having a bath supplementary heating function, a warm water heating function instead of the general hot water supply function, or a composite machine having a plurality of these functions.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0051] 1 Water heater (combustion device) 2 Combustion unit 3 Combustion case (combustion gas passage) 5 Exhaust collection unit 6 Sound absorption unit (exhaust unit) 7 Neutralization device 20 Primary heat exchanger 25 Secondary heat exchanger 30 Neutralization container 31 Introduction unit 32 Neutralization unit 34 Discharge unit 36 Ground electrode (liquid level detection means) 37a~37c Water level electrodes (liquid level detection means) 40 Makeup water channel 41 Makeup pipeline 43 Ozone device 50 Control device

Claims

1. A combustion device comprising a combustion section, a heat exchanger for heating a fluid with combustion gas generated in the combustion section, and a neutralization device that collects condensed water generated in the heat exchanger, introduces it as drain into a neutralization container, neutralizes the drain with a neutralizing agent housed inside the neutralization container, and discharges it to the outside, wherein the neutralization container is internally divided at least into an introduction section provided with an inlet through which the drain is introduced, a neutralization section in which the neutralizing agent is housed to neutralize the drain, and a discharge section provided with an outlet for discharging the neutralized drain; the neutralization section has a structure for storing the introduced drain and water-sealing the introduction section and the discharge section; the neutralization container has a water level detection section for detecting the water level of the drain inside the container; and a supply water passage is provided for determining whether the detected water level of the water level detection section is at a water-sealable level, and if it is below the water-sealable level, replenishing the neutralization container with make-up water to maintain the water-sealable level. In a combustion device, an ozone device for electrolyzing make-up water to generate ozone water is installed in the supply water passage, and the combustion device is characterized in that ozone water is replenished into the neutralization container while operating the ozone device in a state where the detected water level of the water level detection section is at a water-sealable level.

2. The combustion device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the water level of the drain in the neutralization container has been maintained at a level higher than an overflow reference level for a preset time or more, ozone water is replenished into the neutralization container.

3. The combustion device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when ozone water is replenished into the neutralization container, it is configured to spray the ozone water from the upper part of the neutralization section toward the neutralizing agent.

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