Exhaust conduit for collecting and neutralizing condensate of FLUE gas

Abstract

An exhaust conduit (9) for collecting and neutralizing condensate in flue gas, comprises an inlet (12) configured to be coupled to an exhaust outlet (6) of a fuel-fired device, an outlet (13) configured to be coupled to an exhaust vent (10), a condensate chamber (14) in fluidic communication with the inlet (12) and the outlet (13), the condensate chamber (14) comprising a bottom portion (15) for receiving a neutralizing agent and a side-and-upper portion (16) forming a replenish port (17) which provides access to the bottom portion (15) for filling the neutralizing agent through the replenish port (17) into the bottom portion (15); a fluid outlet (18) in fluidic communication with the condensate chamber (14), a cover lid (19) removably attachable to the replenish port (17) for opening the replenish port (17) in an open state and closing the replenish port (17) in a closed state, the cover lid (19) having a transparent region (20) enabling visualization of the bottom portion (15) from outside the exhaust conduit (9) in the closed state.

Description

EXHAUST CONDUIT FOR COLLECTING AND NEUTRALIZING CONDENSATE OF FLUE GAS

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure and invention relate to the field of high efficiency gas storage water heaters and more particularly to a condensate trap for separating and neutralizing condensate from flue gas of the water heater.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Many residential and commercial heating and hot water systems include a furnace, boiler, or domestic water heater of the high efficiency condensing type. High-efficiency condensing-type appliances extract additional heat from the water vapor in the flue gas. As a result, the flue gas drops below its dew point and vapor present in the flue gas starts to condense. Condensation of flue gas produces an acidic solution typically containing nitric, nitrous, sulfuric, sulfurous and hydrochloric acids, which are produced from the nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and hydrogen chloride present in natural gas.

[0005] Introducing acidic liquid into a drainage system is not desirable and forbidden by some local laws. Acidic condensate can damage piping systems, sewerage systems, treatment facilities, septic systems and other items with which it may come in contact. Neutralization of the acidic condensate is required and desirable to avoid damage and to comply with national and local codes. Presently, neutralization of the condensate of flue gas of gas storage water heaters is obtained by installing a condensate trap and a cartridge or other vessel containing a neutralizing agent in the drain line of the gas storage water heater.

[0006] There are several disadvantages with current designs and condensate neutralization methods. For example, there is a chance the neutralizing cartridge or agent is never installed and verification of the presence of (a sufficient amount of) neutralizing agent is impossible once the condensate drain line is completely assembled, hence putting the piping system at risk. Many purchasers of high efficiency appliances may not be aware of this additional measure and possibly ignore both verification of the initial installation and the need for replenishment of the neutralizing agent over time.

[0007] OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It would be desirable to provide a condensate trap and neutralizing equipment for high efficiency fuel-fired storage water heaters with improved capabilities of installing, verifying and replenishing neutralizing agent.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In carrying out principles of the present invention, in accordance with representative embodiments thereof, a condensate trap is provided for separating and neutralizing condensate from flue gas of a fuel-fired heating apparatus which is representatively a storagewater heater but could alternatively be a variety of other types of fuel-fired heating devices without departing from principles of the present invention.

[0011] According to a general aspect of the invention, an exhaust conduit is provided for collecting and neutralizing condensate in flue gas from a fuel-fired heating device, in particular a gas storage water heater, having an exhaust outlet,

[0012] the exhaust conduit comprising:

[0013] an inlet configured to be coupled to the exhaust outlet;

[0014] an outlet configured to be coupled to an exhaust vent, so the flue gas can be expelled from the exhaust outlet (through the exhaust conduit) via the exhaust vent;

[0015] a condensate chamber having an interior in fluidic communication with the inlet and the outlet, the condensate chamber comprising a bottom portion configured to receive a neutralizing agent and / or a dilution fluid and a side-and-upper portion comprising at least a replenish port configured to provide access to the bottom portion of the condensate chamber for filling the neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid through the replenish port into the bottom portion of the condensate chamber;

[0016] a fluid outlet in fluidic communication with the condensate chamber; and

[0017] a cover lid removably attachable to the replenish port for opening the replenish port in an open state and closing the replenish port in a closed state, the cover lid having a transparent region enabling visualization of the bottom portion from outside the exhaust conduit in the closed state.

[0018] Thanks to the removably attachable cover lid having a transparent region, the presence and amount of a neutralizing agent received in the condensate chamber can be easily visually inspected through naked eye visualization in the closed state. Furthermore, replenishment of the neutralizing agent can be carried out through the replenish port in the open state with same or similar visual conditions as during visual inspection in the closed state. This simplifies and improves the replenishment of the neutralizing agent in the condensate chamber at need.

[0019] According to a further general aspect of the invention, an exhaust conduit is provided for collecting and neutralizing condensate in flue gas from a fuel-fired, in particular a gas fired, storage water heater, having an exhaust outlet for flue gas and a water storage tank with (a drain aperture in) a tank bottom wall,

[0020] the exhaust conduit comprising:

[0021] an inlet configured to be coupled to the exhaust outlet;

[0022] an outlet configured to be coupled to an exhaust vent, so the flue gas can be expelled from the exhaust outlet (through the exhaust conduit) via the exhaust vent;

[0023] a condensate chamber having an interior in fluidic communication with the inlet andthe outlet, the condensate chamber comprising a bottom portion configured to receive a neutralizing agent and / or a dilution fluid and a side-and-upper portion comprising at least a replenish port configured to provide access to the bottom portion of the condensate chamber for filling the neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid through the replenish port into the bottom portion of the condensate chamber;

[0024] a fluid outlet in fluidic communication with the condensate chamber; and

[0025] a replenish conduit having an inlet end configured to be positionable (e.g. attachable to the drain aperture) at the tank bottom wall of the storage tank in fluidic communication with an interior of the storage tank and an outlet end attached to the replenish port;

[0026] the replenish conduit being configured for draining water and calcium carbonate sediment from the storage tank and filling the drained water and calcium carbonate sediment as neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid through the replenish port into the bottom portion of the condensate chamber.

[0027] Thanks to the replenish conduit, a calcium carbonate sediment is washed away from the tank bottom wall of the water storage tank (performing a cleansing function of the water storage tank) and used as neutralizing agent in the exhaust conduit (reducing the amount and cost of supplementary neutralizing agent).

[0028] According to a further general aspect of the invention, an exhaust conduit is provided for collecting and neutralizing condensate in flue gas from a fuel-fired, in particular a gas fired, storage water heater, having an exhaust outlet for flue gas and a water storage tank with a tank bottom wall of the storage tank,

[0029] the exhaust conduit comprising:

[0030] an inlet configured to be coupled to the exhaust outlet;

[0031] an outlet configured to be coupled to an exhaust vent, so the flue gas can be expelled from the exhaust outlet (through the exhaust conduit) via the exhaust vent;

[0032] a condensate chamber having an interior in fluidic communication with the inlet and the outlet, the condensate chamber comprising a bottom portion configured to receive a neutralizing agent and / or a dilution fluid and a side-and-upper portion comprising first and second replenish ports configured to provide access to the bottom portion of the condensate chamber for filling the neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid independently through the first replenish port and / or through the second replenish port into the bottom portion of the condensate chamber;

[0033] a fluid outlet in fluidic communication with the condensate chamber; and

[0034] a cover lid removably attachable to the first replenish port for opening the first replenish port in an open state and closing the first replenish port in a closed state,

[0035] a replenish conduit attached to the second replenish port and configured for filling theneutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid in a flowable or liquid state through the second replenish port into the bottom portion of the condensate chamber.

[0036] More particularly, the replenish conduit having an inlet end configured to be positionable at the tank bottom wall of the storage tank in fluidic communication with an interior of the storage tank and an outlet end attached to the second replenish port;

[0037] and the replenish conduit being configured for draining water and calcium carbonate sediment from the storage tank and filling the drained water and calcium carbonate sediment as neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid through the second replenish port into the bottom portion of the condensate chamber.

[0038] According to a further general aspect of the invention, a method of collecting and neutralizing condensate in flue gas from a fuel-fired, in particular a gas fired, storage water heater, having an exhaust outlet for flue gas and a water storage tank with (a drain aperture in) a tank bottom wall,

[0039] the method comprising:

[0040] coupling an inlet of an exhaust conduit to the exhaust outlet;

[0041] coupling an outlet of the exhaust conduit to an exhaust vent, and expelling flue gas from the exhaust outlet (through the exhaust conduit) via the exhaust vent;

[0042] collecting the condensate of the flue gas in an interior of a condensate chamber of the exhaust conduit in fluidic communication with the inlet and the outlet,

[0043] filling a neutralizing agent and / or a dilution fluid through a replenish port of the condensate chamber in the condensate chamber; and

[0044] discharging collected condensate through a fluid outlet in fluidic communication with the condensate chamber; and

[0045] placing (e.g. attaching to the drain aperture) an inlet end of a replenish conduit at the tank bottom wall of the storage tank in fluidic communication with an interior of the storage tank and attaching an outlet end of the replenish conduit to the replenish port;

[0046] using the replenish conduit for draining water and calcium carbonate sediment from the storage tank and for filling the drained water and calcium carbonate sediment as said neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid through the replenish port into the condensate chamber.

[0047] The method has the effect that a calcium carbonate sediment is washed away from the tank bottom wall of the water storage tank (performing a cleansing function of the water storage tank) and is used as a neutralizing agent in the exhaust conduit (thereby reducing the amount and cost of supplementary neutralizing agent).

[0048] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] FIGURE 1 schematically illustrates, in cross-sectional view, a fuel-fired water heater,

[0050] FIGURE 2 schematically illustrates a fuel-fired water heater connected to an exhaust conduit for collecting and neutralizing condensate in flue gas generated by the water heater,

[0051] FIGURE 2.1 schematically illustrates a fuel-fired water heater connected to an exhaust conduit according to a first embodiment,

[0052] FIGURE 2.2 schematically illustrates a fuel-fired water heater connected to an exhaust conduit according to a second embodiment,

[0053] FIGURE 2.3 schematically illustrates a fuel-fired water heater connected to an exhaust conduit according to a third embodiment,

[0054] FIGURE 2.4 schematically illustrates a fuel-fired water heater connected to an exhaust conduit according to a fourth embodiment,

[0055] FIGURE 2.5 schematically illustrates a fuel-fired water heater connected to an exhaust conduit according to a fifth embodiment,

[0056] FIGURE 2.6 schematically illustrates an exhaust conduit according to a sixth embodiment,

[0057] FIGURE 2.7 schematically illustrates an exhaust conduit according to an seventh embodiment,

[0058] FIGURES 3 and 4 illustrate, in perspective views, an exhaust conduit for collecting and neutralizing condensate in flue gas according to an embodiment,

[0059] FIGURE 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the components of the exhaust conduit of figures 3 and 4,

[0060] FIGURES 6 to 8 are cross-section views of the exhaust conduit of figures 3 and 4.

[0061] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Schematically illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 1 is a fuel-fired fluid heating apparatus 1, representatively a commercial gas-fired storage water heater. The heating apparatus 1 comprises a storage tank 2 for holding a fluid 3, e.g. domestic sanitary water, to be heated, a heat exchanger 4 of a condensing type, arranged in an interior of the storage tank 2, a fuel burner 5, an exhaust outlet 6 for flue gas. During operation of the apparatus 1, flue gases 7 flow from the fuel burner 5 through the heat exchanger 4 and the exhaust outlet 6.

[0063]

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 2, an exemplary water heating system 8 is provided. System 8 includes fuel-fired fluid heating apparatus 1 having exhaust outlet 6 coupled to an exhaust conduit 9 (condensate trap for collecting and neutralizing condensate) for expelling flue gases. Exhaust conduit 9 is coupled to an exhaust vent 10 for expelling flue gases, and to a drain line 11 for draining condensate formed and / or collected within the exhaust conduit 9.

[0064] As described above, heating apparatus 1 may produce acidic condensate, whichshould be properly neutralized before draining via drain line 11. Accordingly, exhaust conduit 9 includes a condensate chamber 12 for holding a neutralizing agent therein, such that the acidic condensate is forced to flow across and be neutralized by the neutralizing agent prior to draining via drain line 11. For example, the neutralizing agent may be pelletized media or chips or fragments of a neutralizing mineral. The neutralizing agent may include lime, metal carbonate (e.g., calcite, sodium carbonate, or the like), metal oxide or hydroxide (e.g., magnesium oxide or hydroxide), or other neutralizing substance.

[0065]

[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 2.1 to 2.5, an exemplary exhaust conduit 9 comprises:

[0066] an inlet 12 configured to be coupled to the exhaust outlet 6;

[0067] an outlet 13 configured to be coupled to an exhaust vent 10, so the flue gas 7 can be expelled from the exhaust outlet 6 (through the exhaust conduit 9) via the exhaust vent 10;

[0068] a condensate chamber 14 having an interior 15 in fluidic communication with the inlet 12 and the outlet 13, the condensate chamber 14 comprising a bottom portion 15 configured to receive a neutralizing agent and / or a dilution fluid and a side-and-upper portion 16 comprising a replenish port 17 configured to provide access to the bottom portion 15 of the condensate chamber 14 for filling the neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid through the replenish port 17 into the bottom portion 15;

[0069] a fluid outlet 18 in fluidic communication with the condensate chamber 14.

[0070] According to an embodiment (FIGS. 2.3, 2.4, 2.5), the exhaust conduit 9 comprises a cover lid 19 removably attachable to the replenish port 17 for opening the replenish port 17 in an open state and closing the replenish port 17 in a closed state, the cover lid 19 having a transparent region 20 enabling visualization of the bottom portion 15 from outside the exhaust conduit 9 in the closed state.

[0071] Thanks to the removably attachable cover lid 19 having a transparent region 20, the presence and amount of a neutralizing agent received in the condensate chamber 14 can be easily visually inspected through naked eye visualization in the closed state. Furthermore, replenishment of the neutralizing agent can be carried out through the replenish port 17 in the open state under same or similar visual conditions as during visual inspection in the closed state. This simplifies and improves the replenishment of the neutralizing agent in the condensate chamber 14.

[0072] According to a further aspect (FIGS. 2.1, 2.4), the exhaust conduit 9 is provided for collecting and neutralizing condensate in flue gas from a fuel-fired, in particular a gas fired, storage water heater 1 , having said exhaust outlet 6 for flue gas 7 and the water storage tank 2 with (a drain aperture 21 in) a tank bottom wall 22. In this embodiment, the exhaust conduit 9 may comprise a replenish conduit 23 having an inlet end 24 configured to be positionable(e.g. attachable to the drain aperture 21) at the tank bottom wall 22 of the storage tank 2 in fluidic communication with an interior of the storage tank 2 and an outlet end 25 attached to the replenish port 17.

[0073] The replenish conduit 23 is configured for draining water and calcium carbonate sediment from the storage tank 2 and filling the drained water and calcium carbonate sediment as neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid through the replenish port 17 into the bottom portion 15 of the condensate chamber 14.

[0074] Thanks to the replenish conduit 23, a calcium carbonate sediment is washed away from the tank bottom wall 22 of the water storage tank 2 (performing a cleansing function of the water storage tank 2) and used as neutralizing agent in the exhaust conduit 9 (reducing the amount and cost of possibly necessary supplementary neutralizing agent).

[0075] According to a yet further aspect (FIGS. 2.4, 2.5), the exhaust conduit 9 is provided for collecting and neutralizing condensate in flue gas 7 from the fuel-fired, in particular a gas fired, storage water heater 1 , having said exhaust outlet 6 for flue gas 7 and a water storage tank 2 with a tank bottom wall 22.

[0076] In this embodiment, the exhaust conduit 9 may comprise first and second replenish ports 17’, 17” in the side-and-upper portion 16, wherein both the first replenish port 17’ and the second replenish port 17” are (individually and separately) configured to provide access to the bottom portion 15 of the condensate chamber 14 for filling the neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid independently through the first replenish port 17’ and / or through the second replenish port 17” into the bottom portion 15 of the condensate chamber 14.

[0077] A cover lid 19 is removably attachable to the first replenish port 17’ for opening the first replenish port 17’ in an open state and closing the first replenish port 17’ in a closed state.

[0078] A replenish conduit 23 is attached to the second replenish port 17” and configured for filling a neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid in a flowable or liquid state through the second replenish port 17” into the bottom portion 15 of the condensate chamber 14.

[0079] In an embodiment, the replenish conduit 23 has an inlet end 24 positioned or configured to be positionable at the tank bottom wall 22 of the water storage tank 2 in fluidic communication with the interior of the water storage tank 2 and an outlet end 25 attached to the second replenish port 17”. The replenish conduit 23 is configured for draining water and calcium carbonate sediment from the water storage tank 2 and for filling the drained water and calcium carbonate sediment as a flowable neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid through the second replenish port 17” into the bottom portion 15 of the condensate chamber 14.

[0080] According to a yet further aspect (FIGS. 2.1, 2.4), a method of collecting and neutralizing condensate in flue gas 7 from a fuel-fired, in particular a gas fired, storage water heater 1, having an exhaust outlet 6 for flue gas 7 and a water storage tank 2 with (a drainaperture 21 in) a tank bottom wall 22 of the water storage tank 2, comprises the steps:

[0081] coupling an inlet 12 of an exhaust conduit 9 to the exhaust outlet 6;

[0082] coupling an outlet 13 of the exhaust conduit 9 to an exhaust vent 10, and expelling flue gas 7 from the exhaust outlet 6 (through the exhaust conduit 9) via the exhaust vent 10;

[0083] collecting the condensate of the flue gas 7 in an interior of a condensate chamber 14 defined by the exhaust conduit 9 and in fluidic communication with the inlet 12 and the outlet 13,

[0084] filling a neutralizing agent and / or a dilution fluid through a replenish port 17” of the condensate chamber 14 in the condensate chamber 14; and

[0085] discharging collected condensate through a fluid outlet 18 in fluidic communication with the condensate chamber 14; and

[0086] placing (e.g. attaching to the drain aperture 21) an inlet end 24 of a replenish conduit 23 at the tank bottom wall 22 of the storage tank 2 in fluidic communication with an interior of the storage tank 2 and attaching an outlet end 25 of the replenish conduit 23 to the replenish port 17”;

[0087] using the replenish conduit 23 for draining water and calcium carbonate sediment from the water storage tank 2 and for filling the drained water and calcium carbonate sediment as said neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid through the replenish port 17” into the condensate chamber 14.

[0088] The method has the effect that a calcium carbonate sediment is washed away from the tank bottom wall 22 of the water storage tank 2 (performing a cleansing function of the water storage tank 2) and is used as a neutralizing agent in the exhaust conduit 9 (thereby reducing the amount and cost of possibly necessary supplementary neutralizing agent).

[0089] In accordance with embodiments applicable to all previously described examples, if not otherwise indicated or incompatible, the exhaust conduit 9 comprises a hollow conduit body 26 having a T-shaped tubular portion 27 forming the inlet 12 and the outlet 13, and a chamber portion 28 defining the condensate chamber 14 and forming the fluid outlet 18 and the at least one replenish port 17, 17’, 17”.

[0090] The T-shaped tubular portion 27 comprises an upright tubular section 27’ (oriented approximately vertically in a preferred use position) forming the outlet 13 at an upper end thereof, and a transversal tubular section 27” (oriented approximately horizontal in a preferred use position) forming the inlet 12.

[0091] The chamber portion 28 comprises a preferably flat chamber bottom wall 28’, a preferably at least partially flat top wall 28”, opposite the chamber bottom wall 28’, and a peripheral side wall 28’” extending from the chamber bottom wall 28’ upward until the top wall

[0092] The chamber bottom wall 28’ forms at least partially the bottom portion 15 of the condensate chamber 14. The side wall 28”’ and the top wall 28” form together the side-and-upper portion 16 of the condensate chamber 14.

[0093] T-shaped tubular portion 27, preferably a lower end of the upright tubular section 27’, is connected to the top wall 28” of the chamber portion 28, preferably in a first longitudinal end region 29 of the top wall 28” or of the entire chamber portion 28.

[0094] The exhaust conduit 9 forms a barrier device 30 which defines a fluid communication path between the inlet 12 or an interior of the T-shaped tubular portion 27 and the interior of the condensate chamber 14 and a water plug chamber configured to collect condensate up to a predetermined water plug level sufficient to resist a negative draft pressure (suction) of the exhaust vent 10, thereby allowing condensate to flow along the fluid communication path from the inlet 12 or T-shaped tubular portion 27 into the condensate chamber 14, but avoiding undesired suction of ambient air through the same fluid communication path into the exhaust vent 10.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the barrier device 30 comprises an upward extending overflow wall 30’ defining the water plug chamber and a funnel tube 30” extending downward into the water plug chamber.

[0096] In an embodiment, the condensate chamber 14 is formed as a ring chamber all around the barrier device 30.

[0097] In embodiments (FIGS. 2.3, 2.4, 2.5), the replenish port 17 or first replenish port 17’ provided with the cover lid 19 is formed in the top wall 28” of the chamber portion 28 for providing an easy access and / or visual inspection of the neutralizing agent in the bottom portion.

[0098] Accordingly, the cover lid 19 is removably attachable, for instance by clamping, screwing or bayonet attachment, to the top wall 28”.

[0099] In an alternative embodiment, the replenish port 17 or first replenish port 17’ provided with the cover lid 19 is formed in the side wall 28’” of the chamber portion 28. In this example, the cover lid 19 can be removably attachable, for instance by clamping, screwing or bayonet attachment, to the side wall 28’”.

[0100] Advantageously, the cover lid 19 is configured to be embedded in a dedicated cavity of the wall 28”, 28’” of the exhaust conduit 9, preferably flush with an outer surface of the exhaust conduit 9 for easy cleaning and avoiding deposit of dust.

[0101] In an embodiment, the entire cover lid 19 is made of a transparent polymer material, e.g. transparent ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene).

[0102] In embodiments (FIGS. 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5), the replenish port 17 or second replenish port 17” provided for attachment with the replenish conduit 23 is formed in the side wall 28’”of the chamber portion 28, possibly below (but not necessarily vertically aligned with) the fluid outlet 18. An attachment of the replenish conduit 23 at the side wall 28”’ keeps the top wall 28” available for placing therein a large transparent region 20, 20’ as inspection window and / or the first replenish port 17’ with its cover lid 19 in order to facilitate visual inspection and manual refill of the neutralizing agent trough the top wall 28”.

[0103] In an alternative embodiment, the replenish port 17 or second replenish port 17” provided for attachment with the replenish conduit 23 is formed in the top wall 28” of the chamber portion 28. In this example, a transparent region 20, 20’ as inspection window and / or the first replenish port 17’ with its cover lid 19 (if provided) can be formed e.g. in the side wall 28’”.

[0104] In a further exemplary embodiment, both the second replenish port 17” provided for attachment with the replenish conduit 23 and a transparent region 20, 20’ as inspection window and / or the first replenish port 17’ with its cover lid 19 (if provided) can be positioned altogether only in the side wall 28’” or only in the top wall 28”.

[0105] In embodiments, a transparent region 20’ without access capability as (permanently closed) inspection window may be formed in a wall, e.g. top wall 28” or side wall 28’” of the condensation chamber 14.

[0106] In embodiments (FIGS. 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5), a replenish valve 23’, e.g. an electrically controllable valve, is provided for controlling replenishment of flowable neutralizing agent and / or diluent through the replenish conduit 23. Replenish valve 23’ may be arranged at replenish port 17 or second replenish port 17” or at the replenish conduit 23 or at the drain aperture 21 of the water storage tank 2.

[0107] In embodiments (FIGS. 2.1 to 2.5), the fluid outlet 18 is arranged at a position beneath an upper overflow edge of overflow wall 30’. This prevents an undesired return flow situation from the condensate chamber 14 back into the water plug chamber of the barrier device 30.

[0108] In embodiments (FIGS. 2.1 to 2.5), the fluid outlet 18 is formed, preferably in the side wall 28’”, at a second longitudinal end region 29’ of the conduit body 26 opposite (and remote or distant) from the T-shaped tubular portion 27.

[0109] In embodiments, the exhaust conduit 9, e.g. the T-shaped tubular portion 27, forms one or more or all of:

[0110] a temperature sensor attachment port 31 for connection of a temperature sensor in communication with an interior of the exhaust conduit 9 for detecting the temperature of the flue gas 7 flowing through the exhaust conduit 9, and / or

[0111] a pressure sensor (or pressure switch) attachment port 32 for connection of a pressure sensor or pressure responsive switch in communication with the interior of the exhaust conduit 9 (where the flue gas 7 flows) for detecting a pressure or pressure dependentswitching, and / or

[0112] a fume analysis port 33 closable by a lid and configured for connection of fume analysis equipment in communication with an interior of the exhaust conduit 9 where the flue gas 7 flows.

[0113] The exhaust conduit 9 may be formed of any suitable material, such as a polymer material, e.g., polypropylene.Reference numeralsfluid heating apparatus 1tank 2fluid 3heat exchanger 4fuel burner 5exhaust outlet 6flue gases 7water heating system 8exhaust conduit (condensate trap) 9exhaust vent 10drain line 11inlet 12outlet 13condensate chamber 14bottom portion 15side-and-upper portion 16replenish port 17first replenish port 17’second replenish port 17”fluid outlet 18cover lid 19transparent region 20transparent region 20’drain aperture 21tank bottom wall 22replenish conduit 23replenish valve 23’inlet end 24outlet end 25hollow conduit body 26T-shaped tubular portion 27upright tubular section 27’ transversal tubular section 27” chamber portion 28chamber bottom wall 28’top wall 28”side wall 28’”first longitudinal end region 29 second longitudinal end region 29’ barrier device 30overflow wall 30’funnel tube 30”temperature sensor attachment port 31 pressure sensor attachment port 32 fume analysis port 33

Claims

CLAIMS1. An exhaust conduit (9) for collecting and neutralizing condensate in flue gas from a fuel-fired heating device, particularly a gas storage water heater (1), having an exhaust outlet (6), the exhaust conduit (9) comprising:an inlet (12) configured to be coupled to the exhaust outlet (6);an outlet (13) configured to be coupled to an exhaust vent (10), so the flue gas (7) can be expelled from the exhaust outlet (6) through the exhaust conduit (9) via the exhaust vent (10); a condensate chamber (14) having an interior (15) in fluidic communication with the inlet (12) and the outlet (13), the condensate chamber (14) comprising a bottom portion (15) configured to receive a neutralizing agent and / or a dilution fluid and a side-and-upper portion (16) comprising a replenish port (17) configured to provide access to the bottom portion (15) of the condensate chamber (14) for filling the neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid through the replenish port (17) into the bottom portion (15);a fluid outlet (18) in fluidic communication with the condensate chamber (14),the exhaust conduit (9) comprising a cover lid (19) removably attachable to the replenish port (17) for opening the replenish port (17) in an open state and closing the replenish port (17) in a closed state, the cover lid (19) having a transparent region (20) enabling visualization of the bottom portion (15) from outside the exhaust conduit (9) in the closed state.

2. Exhaust conduit (9) according to claim 1, comprising a hollow conduit body (26) having a T-shaped tubular portion (27) forming the inlet (12) and the outlet (13), and a chamber portion (28) defining the condensate chamber (14) and forming the fluid outlet (18) and the replenish port (17),the T-shaped tubular portion (27) comprising an upright tubular section (27’) forming the outlet (13) at an upper end thereof, and a transversal tubular section (27”) forming the inlet (12), the chamber portion (28) comprising a chamber bottom wall (28’), a top wall (28”) opposite the chamber bottom wall (28’), and a peripheral side wall (28’”) extending from the chamber bottom wall (28’) upward until the top wall (28”),the chamber bottom wall (28’) forming at least partially the bottom portion (15) of the condensate chamber (14),the side wall (28’”) and the top wall (28”) forming together the side-and-upper portion (16) of the condensate chamber (14).

3. Exhaust conduit (9) according to claim 2, wherein the T-shaped tubular portion 27) is connected to the top wall (28”) of the chamber portion (28) in a first longitudinal end region4. Exhaust conduit (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a barrier device (30) which defines a fluid communication path between the inlet (12) and the interior of the condensate chamber (14) and a water plug chamber configured to collect condensate up to a predetermined water plug level, thereby allowing condensate to flow along the fluid communication path from the inlet (12) into the condensate chamber (14), but avoiding suction of ambient air through the fluid communication path into the exhaust vent (10), the barrier device (30) comprising an upward extending overflow wall (30’) defining the water plug chamber and a funnel tube (30”) extending downward into the water plug chamber.

5. Exhaust conduit (9) according to claim 4, wherein the condensate chamber (14) is formed as a ring chamber all around the barrier device (30).

6. Exhaust conduit (9) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the replenish port (17) is formed in the top wall (28”) of the chamber portion (28) and the cover lid (19) is removably attachable to the top wall (28”) by one of clamping, screwing and bayonet attachment.

7. Exhaust conduit (9) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the replenish port (17) is formed in the side wall (28”’) of the chamber portion (28), andthe cover lid (19) is removably attachable to the side wall (28’”) by one of clamping, screwing and bayonet attachment.

8. Exhaust conduit (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover lid (19) is configured to be embedded in a dedicated cavity an outer surface of the exhaust conduit (9).

9. Exhaust conduit (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the entire cover lid (19) is made of a transparent polymer material.

10. Exhaust conduit (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said replenish port (17) is a first replenish port (17’) of the exhaust conduit (9) and the exhaust conduit (9) further comprises:- a second replenish port (17”) configured to provide access to the bottom portion (15) of the condensate chamber (14);- a replenish conduit (23) attached to the second replenish port (17”) and configured for fillinga neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid in a flowable or liquid state through the second replenish port (17”) into the bottom portion (15) of the condensate chamber (14).

11. Exhaust conduit (9) according to claim 10, comprising a replenish valve (23’) for controlling replenishment of said flowable neutralizing agent and / or diluent through the replenish conduit (23).

12. Exhaust conduit (9) according to claim 10, wherein the second replenish port (17”) is formed in the side wall (28”’) of the chamber portion (28), below the fluid outlet (18).

13. Exhaust conduit (9) according to claim 10, wherein the second replenish port (17”) is formed in the top wall (28”) of the chamber portion (28).

14. Exhaust conduit (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:- a temperature sensor attachment port (31) for connection of a temperature sensor in communication with an interior of the exhaust conduit (9),- a pressure sensor attachment port (32) for connection of a pressure sensor or pressure responsive switch in communication with the interior of the exhaust conduit (9),- a fume analysis port (33) closable by a lid and configured for connection of fume analysis equipment in communication with an interior of the exhaust conduit (9).

15. A water heating system (8) comprising:- a gas storage water heater (1) having an exhaust outlet (6) and a water storage tank (2) with a tank bottom wall (22),- an exhaust conduit (9) according to claim 10, wherein the inlet (12) is coupled to the exhaust outlet (6);wherein the replenish conduit (23) has an inlet end (24) positioned at the tank bottom wall (22) of the water storage tank (2) in fluidic communication with an interior of the water storage tank (2), and an outlet end (25) attached to the second replenish port (17”),wherein the replenish conduit (23) is configured for draining water and calcium carbonate sediment from the water storage tank (2) and for filling the drained water and calcium carbonate sediment as said flowable neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid through the second replenish port (17”) into the bottom portion (15) of the condensate chamber (14).

16. A water heating system (8) comprising:- a fuel-fired storage water heater (1) having an exhaust outlet (6) for flue gas (7) and a waterstorage tank (2) with a tank bottom wall (22),- an exhaust conduit (9) for collecting and neutralizing condensate in the flue gas (7), the exhaust conduit (9) comprising:an inlet (12) coupled to the exhaust outlet (6);an outlet (13) configured to be coupled to an exhaust vent (10), so the flue gas (7) can be expelled from the exhaust outlet (6) through the exhaust conduit (9) via the exhaust vent (10); a condensate chamber (14) having an interior (15) in fluidic communication with the inlet (12) and the outlet (13), the condensate chamber (14) comprising a bottom portion (15) configured to receive a neutralizing agent and / or a dilution fluid and a side-and-upper portion (16) comprising a replenish port (17, 17”) configured to provide access to the bottom portion (15) of the condensate chamber (14) for filling the neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid through the replenish port (17, 17”) into the bottom portion (15);a fluid outlet (18) in fluidic communication with the condensate chamber (14),- a replenish conduit (23) having an inlet end (24) positioned at the tank bottom wall (22) of the storage tank (2) in fluidic communication with an interior of the storage tank (2) and an outlet end (25) attached to the replenish port (17, 17”),the replenish conduit (23) being configured for draining water and calcium carbonate sediment from the storage tank (2) and filling the drained water and calcium carbonate sediment as neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid through the replenish port (17) into the bottom portion (15) of the condensate chamber (14).

17. Water heating system (8) according to claim 16, wherein the inlet end (24) is attached to a drain aperture (21) in the tank bottom wall (22).

18. Water heating system (8) according to claim 16 or 17, comprising a replenish valve (23’) for controlling replenishment of said neutralizing agent and / or diluent through the replenish conduit (23).

19. Water heating system (8) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the exhaust conduit (9) comprises a hollow conduit body (26) having a T-shaped tubular portion (27) forming the inlet (12) and the outlet (13), and a chamber portion (28) defining the condensate chamber (14) and forming the fluid outlet (18) and the replenish port (17, 17”),the T-shaped tubular portion (27) comprising an upright tubular section (27’) forming the outlet (13) at an upper end thereof, and a transversal tubular section (27”) forming the inlet (12), the chamber portion (28) comprises a chamber bottom wall (28’), a top wall (28”) opposite the chamber bottom wall (28’), and a peripheral side wall (28’”) extending from the chamberbottom wall (28’) upward until the top wall (28”),the chamber bottom wall (28’) forming at least partially the bottom portion (15) of the condensate chamber (14),the side wall (28’”) and the top wall (28”) forming together the side-and-upper portion (16) of the condensate chamber (14).

20. Water heating system (8) according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the T-shaped tubular portion 27) is connected to the top wall (28”) of the chamber portion (28) in a first longitudinal end region (29) of the chamber portion (28).

21. Water heating system (8) according to any one of claims 16 to 20, comprising a barrier device (30) which defines a fluid communication path between the inlet (12) and the interior of the condensate chamber (14) and a water plug chamber configured to collect condensate up to a predetermined water plug level, thereby allowing condensate to flow along the fluid communication path from the inlet (12) into the condensate chamber (14), but avoiding suction of ambient air through the fluid communication path into the exhaust vent (10), the barrier device (30) comprising an upward extending overflow wall (30’) defining the water plug chamber and a funnel tube (30”) extending downward into the water plug chamber.

22. Water heating system (8) according to claim 21 , wherein the condensate chamber (14) is formed as a ring chamber all around the barrier device (30).

23. Water heating system (8) according to claim 19, wherein the replenish port (17) is formed in the side wall (28’”) of the chamber portion (28), below the fluid outlet (18).

24. Water heating system (8) according to claim 19, wherein the replenish port (17) is formed in the top wall (28”) of the chamber portion (28).

25. Water heating system (8) according to claim 23, wherein the exhaust conduit (9) comprises a transparent region (20, 20’) configured as an inspection window.

26. Water heating system (8) according to any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein said replenish port (17) is a second replenish port (17”) of the exhaust conduit (9) and the exhaust conduit (9) further comprises:- a first replenish port (17’) configured to provide access to the bottom portion (15) of the condensate chamber (14) for filling a neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid through the firstreplenish port (17’) into the bottom portion (15);- a cover lid (19) removably attachable to the first replenish port (17’) for opening the first replenish port (17’) in an open state and closing the first replenish port (17’) in a closed state.

27. Water heating system (8) according to claim 26, wherein the cover lid (19) has a transparent region (20) enabling visualization of the bottom portion (15) from outside the exhaust conduit (9) in the closed state.

28. Water heating system (8) according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the first replenish port (17’) is formed in the top wall (28”) of the chamber portion (28) and the cover lid (19) is removably attachable to the top wall (28”) by one of clamping, screwing and bayonet attachment.

29. Water heating system (8) according to any one of claims 16 to 28, wherein the exhaust conduit comprises:- a temperature sensor attachment port (31) for connection of a temperature sensor in communication with an interior of the exhaust conduit (9),- a pressure sensor attachment port (32) for connection of a pressure sensor or pressure responsive switch in communication with the interior of the exhaust conduit (9),- a fume analysis port (33) closable by a lid and configured for connection of fume analysis equipment in communication with an interior of the exhaust conduit (9).

30. An exhaust conduit (9) for collecting and neutralizing condensate in flue gas from a fuel-fired, particularly a gas-fired, storage water heater (1), having an exhaust outlet (6) for flue gas (7) and a water storage tank (2) with a tank bottom wall (22),the exhaust conduit (9) comprising:an inlet (12) configured to be coupled to the exhaust outlet (6);an outlet (13) configured to be coupled to an exhaust vent (10), so the flue gas (7) can be expelled from the exhaust outlet (6) through the exhaust conduit (9) via the exhaust vent (10); a condensate chamber (14) having an interior (15) in fluidic communication with the inlet (12) and the outlet (13), the condensate chamber (14) comprising a bottom portion (15) configured to receive a neutralizing agent and / or a dilution fluid and a side-and-upper portion (16) comprising first and second replenish ports (17’, 17”) configured to provide access to the bottom portion (15) of the condensate chamber (14) for filling the neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid through the first replenish port (17’) and independently also through the second replenish port (17”) into the bottom portion (15);a fluid outlet (18) in fluidic communication with the condensate chamber (14),a cover lid (19) removably attachable to the first replenish port (17’) for opening the first replenish port (17’) in an open state and closing the first replenish port (17’) in a closed state, a replenish conduit (23) attached to the second replenish port (17”) and configured for filling a neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid in a flowable or liquid state through the second replenish port (17”) into the bottom portion (15) of the condensate chamber (14).

31. Exhaust conduit (9) according to claim 30, comprising a replenish valve (23’) for controlling a flow of said neutralizing agent and / or diluent through the replenish conduit (23).

32. A method of collecting and neutralizing condensate in flue gas (7) from a fuel-fired, in particular a gas fired, storage water heater (1), having an exhaust outlet (6) for flue gas (7) and a water storage tank (2) having a tank bottom wall (22),the method comprising:coupling an inlet (12) of an exhaust conduit (9) to the exhaust outlet (6);coupling an outlet (13) of the exhaust conduit (9) to an exhaust vent (10), and expelling flue gas (7) from the exhaust outlet (6) through the exhaust conduit (9) via the exhaust vent (10); collecting the condensate of the flue gas (7) in an interior of a condensate chamber (14) defined by the exhaust conduit (9) and in fluidic communication with the inlet (12) and the outlet (13),filling a neutralizing agent and / or a dilution fluid through a replenish port (17”) of the condensate chamber (14) into the condensate chamber (14); anddischarging collected condensate through a fluid outlet (18) in fluidic communication with the condensate chamber (14); andplacing an inlet end (24) of a replenish conduit (23) at the tank bottom wall (22) of the storage tank (2) in fluidic communication with an interior of the storage tank (2) and attaching an outlet end (25) of the replenish conduit (23) to the replenish port (17”);using the replenish conduit (23) for draining water and calcium carbonate sediment from the water storage tank (2) and for filling the drained water and calcium carbonate sediment as said neutralizing agent and / or dilution fluid through the replenish port (17”) into the condensate chamber (14).

33. method according to claim 32, using a replenish valve (23’) connected to the replenish conduit (23) for controlling a flow of said neutralizing agent and / or diluent through the replenish conduit (23).

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