Improved water heater and methods of use

Abstract

An improved large-scale horizontal heater and methods of use are provided, the heater operative to divert portions of the fluids to be heated along opposed, counterflow fluid flow channels multiple times.

Description

Improved Water Heater and Methods of UseCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 594,110 filed October 30, 2023, entitled “Improved Water Heater and Methods of Use”, which is specifically incorporated by reference herein for all that it discloses.FIELD

[0002] Embodiments herein are generally related to improved water heaters, specifically large-scale, horizontal water heaters.BACKGROUND

[0003] The demand for energy efficient large-scale water heaters for industrial purposes continues to grow, particularly where substantial volumes of hot water at precise temperatures are required. Known heaters, such as described in CA Patent No. 2,843,663, use indirect gas-fired burners to heat water flowing horizontally along the sidewall of a cylindrical tank. In such embodiments, the sidewall of the tank is configured to provide at least one fluid channel where water flowing through the channel is heated by the burner without direct contact.

[0004] Known water heaters, however, suffer from overheating or ‘hot spots’, caused by air being trapped within the fluid channels. Problems become exacerbated where the heaters are not level on the ground surface, which can commonly occur where the heater is used on site in the field. Known water heaters also require complicated and costly fluid distribution manifold systems, resulting in heaters that are difficult to maintain, inspection, and / or repair (e.g., access often requiring liftequipment, boom lift or cherry picker, or an elevated work platform) and increasing safety risks to operators on site.

[0005] There remains a need for an improved heating system and methods of use, the heating system configured to quickly and precisely heat large volumes of water, while minimizing hot spots.SUMMARY

[0006] According to embodiments, an improved counterflow heating apparatus is provided, the apparatus being operably connected to a heat source for heating at least one fluid stream introduced in the apparatus and an exhaust flue for venting heat from the apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a body, having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall forming a central bore extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end.

[0007] In some embodiments, the sidewall may form a first plurality of fluid flow channels for receiving at least a first portion of the at least one fluid stream, and a second plurality of fluid flow channels for receiving at least a second portion of the at least one fluid stream. In some embodiments, the first and second plurality of fluid flow channels being fluidically distinct.

[0008] In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise at least one first fluid inlet for introducing the first portion of the fluid stream into the first plurality of fluid flow channels, the first plurality of fluid flow channels configured to divert the first portion of the fluid stream from the first end of the body to the second end of the body and back again, and at least one second fluid inlet for introducing the second portion of the fluid stream into the second plurality of fluid flow channels, the second pluralityof fluid flow channels configured to direct the second portion of the fluid stream from the second end of the body to the first end of the body and back again.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first and second plurality of fluid flow channels divert the first and second portions of the fluid stream in opposed, counterflow directions.

[0010] In some embodiments, the at least one first fluid inlet may be positioned at or near the heat source of the apparatus. In some embodiments, at least one second fluid inlet may be positioned at or near the exhaust flue of the apparatus.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first plurality of fluid flow channels may be positioned at or near a lower portion of the body. In some embodiments, the second plurality of fluid flow channels may be positioned at or near an upper portion of the body. In some embodiments, each of the first and second plurality of fluid flow channels may comprise at least one divider separating each of the first and second flow channels into multiple fluid flow channels.

[0012] In some embodiments, the at least one divider may comprise at least one fluid port allowing fluid to flow between each of the first and second plurality of fluid flow channels. In some embodiments, the first portion of the fluid stream may pass through the first plurality of fluid flow channels travels in an opposite, counterflow direction from the second portion of the fluid stream passing through the second plurality of fluid flow channels. In some embodiments, the central bore may extend horizontally between the first end and the second end of the body.

[0013] According to embodiments, methods method for heating at least one fluid stream are provided, the method comprising providing an apparatus operablyconnected to at least one heat source and having a body having a sidewall forming a first plurality of fluid flow channels for receiving at least a first portion of the at least one fluid stream, and a second plurality of fluid flow channels for receiving at least a second portion of the at least one fluid stream. In some embodiments, the methods compromise introducing the first portion of the at least one fluid stream into the first plurality of fluid flow channels for diverting the first portion of the at least one fluid stream from a first end of the body to a second end of the body and back again, and the second portion of the at least one fluid stream into the second plurality of fluid flow channels for diverting the second portion of the at least one fluid stream from the second end of the body to the first end of the body and back again in opposed, counterflow directions from the first plurality of fluid flow channels. In some embodiments, the first and second plurality of fluid flow channels being fluidically distinct.

[0014] In some embodiments, the methods comprise heating, via the at least one heat source, the first and second portions of the at least one fluid stream and recovering the heated at least one fluid stream from the apparatus.

[0015] In some embodiments, the methods comprise introducing the at least one first portion of the fluid stream at or near the heat source.

[0016] In some embodiments, the methods comprise introducing the at least one second portion of the fluid stream at or near an exhaust flue.

[0017] In some embodiments, the methods further comprise discharging the first and second portions of the fluid stream to flow into an exhaust flue.

[0018] In some embodiments, the methods comprise reintegrating the first and second portions of the at least one fluid stream before or after being discharged into the exhaust flue. In some embodiments, the methods comprise passing the reintegrated fluid stream into a central bore of the apparatus.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures.

[0020] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of an improved heating apparatus, according to embodiments;

[0021] Figure 2 is side perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 , where outer sidewalls not shown for explanatory purposes, according to embodiments;

[0022] Figure 3A is a zoomed in perspective side view of a first ‘burner’ end of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2, according to embodiments;

[0023] Figure 3B is a zoomed in perspective side view of a second ‘exhaust’ end of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2, according to embodiments;

[0024] Figure 4 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 , according to embodiments; and

[0025] Figure 5 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4, outer sidewalls not shown for explanatory purposes, according to embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] According to embodiments, an improved fluid heating apparatus and methods of use will now be described having regard to FIGS. 1 - 5.

[0027] According to embodiments, having regard to FIG. 1 , a perspective side view of an improved heating apparatus 10 is provided. Generally, apparatus 10 may comprise at least a main body 12 having a first end 11 and a second end 13, where at least a portion of main body 12 may be substantially horizontal. In some embodiments, body 12 may be operably connected to an indirect heat source (e.g., a gas-fired burner, not shown) and to an exhaust flue 14. As will be described, heat from the heat source may enter body 12 to indirectly heat fluids flowing through apparatus 10, with excess heat venting from flue 14.

[0028] Advantageously, the size and length of the substantially horizontal portion of body 12 may be optimized to provide an extended combustion chamber (e.g., inner sidewall of body 12 comprising a long, smooth chamber devoid of surfaces that cause flames within the chamber to divert backwards, eliminating unwanted turbulence within the system).

[0029] Advantageously, the size and length of apparatus 10 may further be configured to ensure that air trapped within apparatus 10 is expelled from the system, mitigating the need for the apparatus 10 to be level when used. Advantageously, apparatus 10 may be mobile, i.e. , configured to be transportable or towable via a trailer platform, or the like.

[0030] Advantageously, the presently improved heating apparatus 10 may be configured to direct a fluid stream to be heated along multiple, counterflow fluids channels, optimizing heat transfer from the heat source, eliminating the occurrence of air pockets (i.e., ‘hot spots’).

[0031] According to embodiments, having regard to FIG. 2, body 12 of the presently improved apparatus 10 may comprise a substantially cylindrical portion (or ‘tank’) having a sidewall 16 forming a central bore 15 extending therethrough. At its first end 11 , body 12 may be configured for operable connection with the at least one conventional gas burner, such as a gas-fired combustion type burner (not shown). For example, in some embodiments, body 12 may form a least one opening 2 into central bore 15 configured for receiving and containing a flame from the at least one burner, wherein the flame extends into central bore 15. As would be appreciated, the at least one burner may be positioned such that heat therefrom extends into central bore 15 (or ‘belly’) of body 12 for effective and efficient heat transfer from bore 15 to fluids flowing through apparatus 10.

[0032] In some embodiments, at its second end 13, body 12 may be configured to form at least one exhaust flue 14 for venting excess heat from body 12. Embodiments herein describing the at least one burner and at least one flue 14 positioned at opposite first and second ends 11 ,13 of body 12 are for explanatory purposes only. Any other suitable configuration of burner and flue 14 configuration is contemplated. As will be described, flue 14 may advantageously configured to form a plurality of fluid channels, whereby fluids passing through the flue fluid channels are indirectly heated by the air being vented from flue 14 (e.g., efficiently capturing additional heat therefrom before heated air is being vented from apparatus 10). In some embodiments, flue 14 may form exhaust sleeve 24, sleeve 24 forming a plurality of fluidically distinct channels 28.

[0033] In some embodiments, as above, body 12 may form sidewall 16, at least a portion of which may comprise at least one fluid channel 20 extending substantially between first and second ends 11 , 13 of apparatus 10. In some embodiments, sidewall 16 may comprise an outer sleeve, i.e. , sidewall 16 may be dual walled, comprising a first inner wall 17 and a second ‘sleeve’ or outer wall 19. Sidewall 16 may be configured to form at least one fluid channel 20 extending longitudinally along body 12, i.e., between inner and outer walls 17,19. For example, sidewall 16 may form a plurality of fluid channels 20, the channels 20 being positioned about the circumference of body 12 so as to encircle the heat being introduced into central bore 15 by the heat source.

[0034] According to embodiments, having further regard to FIG. 2, body 12 may be configured to provide at least one fluid inlet for introducing a fluid stream to be heated into apparatus 10. In some embodiments, advantageously, apparatus 10 may be configured to provide at least two fluid inlets 18a, 18b, such inlets 18a, 18b serving to divert the fluid stream to be heated into at least two distinct fluid streams directed through apparatus 10, i.e., where a first of the at least two distinct fluid streams is heated in isolation from any of the other at least two fluid streams. In this manner, without limitation, apparatus 10 may be configured such that each of the at least two distinct fluid streams may be introduced into, and directed to travel along, different fluids pathways in different sections of body 12, each distinct fluid stream making multiple, counter-flow passes along the length of apparatus 10, enhancing the heating thereof (e.g., enabling a temperature change in the fluid stream to be heated of at least approximately 38°C, with a fluid flow of approximately 900 gal / min).

[0035] According to embodiments, FIG. 3A shows a zoomed in perspective view of first end 11 of apparatus 10 (outer sidewalls removed for explanatory purposes). In some embodiments, a first fluid stream (F1 ) may be introduced to apparatus 10 via at least one first inlet 18a. In some embodiments, first inlet 18a may be positioned at or near first end 11 or second end 13 of apparatus. Herein, for explanatory purposes, first inlet 18a is shown to be positioned at or near first end 11 of apparatus 10. In some embodiments, advantageously, first inlet 18a may be positioned at or near the heat source, or burner, e.g., such that a first portion of the fluid stream F1 to be heated may be introduced into apparatus 10 at or near the burner.

[0036] In some embodiments, without limitation, first inlet 18a may direct or divert fluids to be heated into the sleeved sidewall 16, i.e., into fluid channels 20 formed between inner and outer sidewalls 17,19 and traveling longitudinally along the of substantially horizontal portion of body 12. In some embodiments, without limitation, first inlet 18a may be positioned at or near a lower portion of body 12. In this manner, first inlet 18a may direct fluids to be heated into fluid channels traveling along the lower circumferential half of body 12 (see fluid arrows F1 ).

[0037] According to embodiments, FIG. 3B shows a zoomed in perspective rear view of apparatus 10 (front and side panels / walls removed from flue 14, and outer sidewall 19 removed from body 12, for explanatory purposes). In some embodiments, a second fluid stream (F2) may be introduced to apparatus 10 via at least one second inlet 18b. In some embodiments, second inlet 18b may be positioned at or near first 11 or second end 13 of apparatus 10. Herein, for explanatory purposes, second inlet18b is shown to be positioned at or near second end 13 of apparatus 10. In some embodiments, advantageously, second inlet 18b may be positioned at or near exhaust tower or flue 14, e.g., such that a second portion of the fluid stream to be heated (F2) may be introduced into apparatus 10 at or near exhaust 14.

[0038] In some embodiments, without limitation, second inlet 18b may be positioned at or near an upper portion of body 12. In this manner, second inlet 18b may direct fluids to be heated into fluid channels traveling along the upper circumferential half of body 12 (see fluid arrows F2).

[0039] According to embodiments, as above, body 12 may form sidewall 16, at least a portion of which may comprise at least one fluid channel 20 extending substantially between first and second ends 11 ,13. In some embodiments, sidewall 16 may comprise an outer sleeve, i.e. , sidewall 16 may be dual walled, comprising a first inner wall 17 and a second ‘sleeve’ or outer wall 19.

[0040] In some embodiments, having regard to FIG. 4, sidewall 16 may be configured to form at least one fluid channel 20 extending longitudinally along body 12, i.e., between inner and outer walls 17,19. For example, sidewall 16 may form a plurality of fluid channels 20, the channels 20 being positioned about the circumference of body 12 so as to encircle the heat being introduced into central bore 15 by the burner.

[0041] In some embodiments, returning to FIG. 3A, the plurality of fluid channels 20 may be positioned to provide at least one first fluid channel 20a and at least one fluidically distinct second fluid channel 20b, each first and second channels 20a, 20b each receiving and heating distinct, isolated portions of a fluid stream beingheated. With limitation, in some embodiments, the at least one first fluid channel 20a may be in fluid communication with the at least one first fluid inlet 18a, for receiving a first portion of the fluid stream to be heated (F1 ). Without limitation, having regard to FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the at least one second fluid channel 20b may be in fluid communication with the at least one second fluid inlet 18b, for receiving a second portion of the fluid stream to be heated (F2).

[0042] In some embodiments, first and second channels 20a, 20b may extend longitudinally along different portions of body 12. For example, without limitation, first fluid channels 20a may be configured to direct a first portion of the fluid stream along a lower portion of body 12 (e.g., along a bottom half of the circumference of body 12), while second fluid channels 20b may be configured to direct a second portion of the fluid stream along an upper portion of body 12 (e.g., along a top half of the circumference of body 12). In this manner, advantageously, each first and second channels 20a, 20b may be configured to pass along distinct, isolated portions of the fluid stream to be heated along the longitudinal length of body 12 multiple times, enhancing the heating of fluids flowing therethrough.

[0043] In some embodiments, having regard to FIG. 5, each fluid flow channel 20 may comprise a channel divider 21 therebetween, divider 21 forming at least one aperture or fluid port 22 for controllably directing fluids between channels 20 (as will be described). In this manner, fluid flow within channels 20 may be controlled so as to optimize heat transfer from the burner (i.e. , ensuring, for example, that cooler water is not passed into a channel having warmer water, and vice versa). In some embodiments, fluid flow through channels 20 may be optimized so as to avoid heatspots (i.e., zones where heating of water is uneven or causes overheating / boiling), while achieving significant heating of the water, such as a AT of approximately 40°C - 45°C (e.g., from an input fluid temperature of approximately 4°C, or colder, where approximately 900 gallon / min of fluid flowing through apparatus 10). As such, fluid flow through apparatus 10 may be optimized so as to permit larger volumes of water to undergo larger, more effective increases in temperature.

[0044] In some embodiments, returning to FIG. 3A, a first portion of a fluid stream to be heated (arrows F1 ) may be introduced to apparatus 10 via a first inlet 18a. In some embodiments, the first fluid stream F1 may flow through inlet 18a and be introduced to apparatus 10 at or near first end 11 of apparatus 10, and advantageously at or near burner, e.g., via a fluid passageway or front panel sleeve 27 formed on the front panel of body 12.

[0045] In some embodiments, fluid stream F1 may enter apparatus 10 via first inlet 18a as one single fluid stream and / or may be divided into more than one fluid stream. For example, in some embodiments, fluid stream F1 entering apparatus 10 via inlet 18a may be divided into at least two fluid input streams, each fluid stream be introduced into different and distinct at least one fluid channel 20a positioned at or near a lower portion of apparatus 10. Without limitation, the at least one first fluid stream F1 introduced to apparatus 10 via inlet 18a may be directed to a first fluid channel 20 / positioned at or near the bottom of tank 12, the first fluid stream F1 passing through fluid channel 20 / so as to make a ‘first pass’ along the length of sidewall 16 (i.e., from first end 11 towards second end 13 of apparatus 10). As the firstfluid stream F1 flows along channel 20 / , the fluid stream F1 is heated by heat from burner within longitudinal bore 15.

[0046] In some embodiments, returning to FIG. 3B, once the at least one first fluid stream F1 reaches the opposite end of channel 20 / from where it was introduced, the fluid stream F1 may be directed, via fluid flow ports 22 formed in dividers 21 (e.g., as shown on FIG. 2), to at least one next adjacent fluid channel 20 / 7.

[0047] In this manner, a first portion F1 of the fluid stream to be heated may be introduced into fluid inlet 18a and sleeve 27 and directed into at least one fluid channel 20 / (i.e., with two channels - on opposite sides of body 12 - being shown for explanatory purposes). The now further-divided first fluid stream F1 is directed to flow along the longitudinal length of tank 12 to the opposite end thereof. Once the fluid stream F1 reaches the opposite end of channel(s) 20 / (i.e., after a ‘first pass’), the fluid stream F1 may be directed through ports 22 in dividers 21 into at least one adjacent fluid flow channel 20 / 7 (i.e., with two channels - on opposite sides of body 12 - being shown for explanatory purposes), the fluid stream F1 traveling back along longitudinal length of tank 12, i.e., a ‘second pass’. The foregoing ‘multiple-pass’ configuration of channels 20a (e.g., along channels 20 / , 20 / 7, ...20 / 7) may continue for as many passes along body 12 as desired. It is understood that, with each ‘pass’ along the length of tank 12, the at least one first fluid stream F1 is being continuously heated indirectly by heat from burner within longitudinal bore 15. It should be understood that the presently described multiple passes are for explanatory purposes only, and that any other fluid flow passageway configurations may be designed to achieve the same or similar multipass fluid flow along tank 12.

[0048] Once the at least one fluid stream F1 travels along the longitudinal length of tank 12, returning to second end 13 and completing a ‘final pass’, the now- heated fluid stream F1 may be redirected from final channel 20 / 77, via ports 22, into front sleeve 24 of exhaust 14 for distribution, via fluid dispersion means 30, into bore 15 for further direct heating prior to withdrawal and recovery of the heated fluids from tank 12 via outlet (as will be described in more detail below).

[0049] In some embodiments, having regard to FIG. 3B, a second portion of a fluid stream to be heated (arrows F2) may be introduced to apparatus 10 via at least one second inlet 18b. In some embodiments, the second fluid stream F2 may flow through second inlet 18b and be introduced to apparatus 10 at or near second end 13 of apparatus, and advantageously near exhaust flue 14, e.g., via a fluid passageway or front panel formed in front sleeve 24 of flue tower 14.

[0050] In some embodiments, second fluid stream F2 may enter apparatus 10 via second inlet 18b as one single fluid stream and / or may be divided into more than one fluid stream. For example, in some embodiments, fluid stream F2 entering apparatus 10 via inlet 18b may as one fluid stream into at least one fluid channel 20 / v positioned at or near an upper portion of apparatus 10. Without limitation, the at least one second fluid stream F2 introduced to apparatus 10 via inlet 18b may be directed to a first fluid channel 20 / v positioned at or near an upper portion of body 12, the second fluid stream F2 passing through fluid channel 20 / v so as to make a ‘first pass’ along the length of sidewall 16 (i.e., from second end 13 towards first end 11 of apparatus 10). As the second fluid stream F2 flows along channel 20 / v, the second fluid stream F2 is heated by heat from the burner within longitudinal bore 15.Moreover, in this manner, second fluid stream F2 is introduced into apparatus 10 so as to flow in a opposite, counter-flow direction from first fluid stream F1 .

[0051] In some embodiments, returning to FIG. 3A, once the at least one second fluid stream F2 reaches the opposite end of channel 20 / v from where it was introduced, the fluid stream F2 may be directed, via fluid flow ports 22 formed in dividers 21 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2), to at least one next adjacent fluid channel 20v, the stream F2 being further divided into two distinct streams traveling back along the longitudinal length of tank 12, i.e., a ‘second pass’ (i.e., returning from first end 11 back towards second end 13 of apparatus 10).

[0052] In this manner, a second portion F2 of the fluid stream to be heated may be introduced into fluid inlet 18b and sleeve 24 of flue 14 into at least one fluid channel 20 / v and flow along the longitudinal length of body 12 to the opposite end thereof. Once the fluid stream F2 reaches the end of channel 20 / v (i.e., after a ‘first pass’), the fluid stream F2 may be directed through ports 22 in dividers 21 into at least one adjacent fluid flow channel 20v (i.e., with two channels - on opposite sides of body 12 - being shown for explanatory purposes), the fluid stream F2 may be directed to travel back along the longitudinal length of body 12, i.e., a ‘second-pass’. The foregoing multiple-pass configuration of channels 20b (e.g., along channels 20 / v, 20v, ...20 / 7), may continue for as many passes along body 12 as desired. It is understood that, with each ‘pass’ along the length of tank 12, the at least one second fluid stream F2 is being continuously heated indirectly by heat from burner within longitudinal bore 15. It should be understood that the presently described multiple passes of fluid flow arefor explanatory purposes only, and that any other fluid flow passageway configurations may be designed to achieve the same or similar multi-pass fluid flow along body 12.

[0053] Once the at least one second fluid stream F2 travels along length of body 12, returning to second end 13 and completing a ‘final pass’, the now-heated fluid stream F2 may be redirected from channel 20v, via ports 22, into front sleeve 24 of exhaust 14 for distribution, via fluid dispersion means 30, into bore 15 for further heating prior to withdrawal from tank 12 via outlet (as will be described in more detail below).

[0054] According to embodiments, the presently improved apparatus 10 provides an entirely ‘jacketed’ system, eliminating or mitigating fluid / air pockets or heat sinks. The presently improved apparatus 10 may be configured so as to increase fluid flow velocity through the system, enhancing the heating thereof.

[0055] In some embodiments, as first and second fluid streams F1 ,F2 are discharged through exhaust 14 into bore 15 of tank 12, the streams may be reintegrated and contained within bore 15 and directly exposed to the open flame produced by the burner. Streams F1 ,F2 may be reintegrated into one reintegrated fluid stream before or after being discharged through exhaust 14 into bore 15, wherein the reintegrated fluid stream may be further heated by the heat source during one final ‘pass’ through bore 15 of body 12 before being withdrawn from apparatus 10. Optionally, in some embodiments, body 12 may include one or more fluid baffles or the like (not shown) extending across bore 15, increasing turbulence of the reintegrated fluid stream. Baffles or the like may also include one or more slots for controlling fluid flow therethrough.

[0056] In some embodiments, having regard to FIGS. 2 and 3B, exhaust 14 may comprise at least one water distribution means, such as fluid manifold 30, for distributing the first and second fluid streams F1 ,F2 passing through exhaust 14. In some embodiments, exhaust 14 may further comprise at least one permeable tray extending thereacross, each tray for supporting a plurality of heating elements (not shown). In operation, exhaust gases from the heat source pass through central bore 15 and exhaust through flue 14, all the while indirectly transferring heat contained therein to the permeable trays and heating elements.

[0057] In some embodiments, a plurality of distinct fluid distribution means may distribute each of the first and second portions F1 ,F2 of the fluid stream to be heated across the permeable trays and, in doing so, reintegrated fluid streams F1 ,F2 falling through trays may absorb heat directly transferred from the trays, further heating the fluids and reducing the amount of heat vented from exhaust 14. Heated fluid streams F1 ,F2 may then be discharged into bore 15 of body 12, as above. In some embodiments, at least one outlet 40 may be positioned within or below bore 15 for efficiently withdrawing at least a portion of the heated fluids from apparatus 10.

[0058] Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to these embodiments without changing or departing from their scope, intent or functionality. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and the described portions thereof.

Claims

WE CLAIM:1 . A counterflow heating apparatus operably connected to a heat source for heating at least one fluid stream introduced in the apparatus and an exhaust flue for venting heat from the apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a body, having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall forming a central bore extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, the sidewall forming, a first plurality of fluid flow channels for receiving at least a first portion of the at least one fluid stream, and a second plurality of fluid flow channels for receiving at least a second portion of the at least one fluid stream, the first and second plurality of fluid flow channels being fluidically distinct, and at least one first fluid inlet for introducing the first portion of the fluid stream into the first plurality of fluid flow channels, the first plurality of fluid flow channels configured to divert the first portion of the fluid stream from the first end of the body to the second end of the body and back again, and at least one second fluid inlet for introducing the second portion of the fluid stream into the second plurality of fluid flow channels, the second plurality of fluid flow channels configured to direct the second portion of the fluid stream from the second end of the body to the first end of the body and back again, wherein the first and second plurality of fluid flow channels divert the first and second portions of the fluid stream in opposed, counterflow directions.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one first fluid inlet is positioned at or near the heat source of the apparatus.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one second fluid inlet is positioned at or near the exhaust flue of the apparatus.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of fluid flow channels are positioned at or near a lower portion of the body.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second plurality of fluid flow channels are positioned at or near an upper portion of the body.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second plurality of fluid flow channels comprise at least one divider separating each of the first and second flow channels into multiple fluid flow channels.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one dividers comprise at least one fluid port allowing fluid to flow between each of the first and second plurality of fluid flow channels.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the fluid stream passing through the first plurality of fluid flow channels travels in an opposite, counterflow direction from the second portion of the fluid stream passing through the second plurality of fluid flow channels.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the central bore extends horizontally between the first end and the second end of the body.

10. A method for heating at least one fluid stream, the method comprising: providing an apparatus operably connected to at least one heat source and having a body having a sidewall forminga first plurality of fluid flow channels for receiving at least a first portion of the at least one fluid stream, and a second plurality of fluid flow channels for receiving at least a second portion of the at least one fluid stream, the first and second plurality of fluid flow channels being fluidically distinct, and introducing, the first portion of the at least one fluid stream into the first plurality of fluid flow channels for diverting the first portion of the at least one fluid stream from a first end of the body to a second end of the body and back again, and the second portion of the at least one fluid stream into the second plurality of fluid flow channels for diverting the second portion of the at least one fluid stream from the second end of the body to the first end of the body and back again in opposed, counterflow directions from the first plurality of fluid flow channels, heating, via the at least one heat source, the first and second portions of the at least one fluid stream, and recovering the heated at least one fluid stream from the apparatus.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein method comprises introducing the at least one first portion of the fluid stream at or near the heat source.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the method comprises introducing the at least one second portion of the fluid stream at or near an exhaust flue.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises discharging the first and second portions of the fluid stream to flow into an exhaust flue.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method comprises reintegrating the first and second portions of the at least one fluid stream before or after being discharged into the exhaust flue.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises passing the reintegrated fluid stream into a central bore of the apparatus.

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