Condensate return apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for condensate drainage from condensing boilers into exhaust systems pose risks due to flue gas leakage and non-compliance with regulations, especially when conventional heating devices are replaced by condensing boilers in existing buildings without pre-installed wastewater pipes, leading to high installation efforts.
Innovation Solution
A condensate return device with a tubular body featuring a condensate collecting channel and a connection channel, where the channels are connected via a passage, forming a water column that acts as an odor trap and counterpressure, ensuring exhaust gas tightness and separation, and the cover serves as a partial wall to save materials and prevent flue gas ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a condensate line is connected directly to the flue gas system to drain condensate, then condensate drainage is achieved, but flue gas leakage risk increases and regulatory compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flue gas-tight connection piece as an intermediary component between the condensate line and flue gas system. This connection piece includes a receiving channel for condensate and a discharge channel that is flue gas-tight, thereby mediating the connection while maintaining gas tightness and preventing direct exposure of the flue gas system to external condensate lines
Solution Approach 2:
The connection piece is segmented into distinct functional channels: a receiving channel for accepting condensate from the condensate line, and a discharge channel for flue gas-tight drainage. This segmentation allows separate handling of condensate flow and flue gas containment, preventing gas leakage while enabling drainage
2Reliability
If a condensate line is installed to connect the condensing boiler to the wastewater line, then proper condensate drainage is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the condensate receiving function and flue gas-tight discharge function into a single integrated connection piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex piping arrangements and allows the condensate line to be connected directly to the flue gas system through one component, simplifying installation while ensuring proper drainage
Solution Approach 2:
The connection piece serves multiple functions simultaneously: it receives condensate from the condensate line, maintains flue gas tightness, and provides a discharge path for condensate. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall system configuration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively manages condensate drainage while maintaining exhaust gas tightness and compliance with regulations, ensuring safe and efficient condensate collection and preventing flue gas from entering the installation room, thus addressing the risks and inefficiencies of previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
forming a water column that acts as an odor trap
Implementation Method 2
acts as an odor trap and counterpressure
Implementation Method 3
forming a water column that acts as an odor trap and counterpressure
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a condensate return device (1) comprising a pipe body (2), which is elongated and hollow and has a first open longitudinal end (3) and a second open longitudinal end (4), a condensate collection channel (6) and a connection channel (5), wherein the condensate collection channel (6) and the connection channel (5) extend in a longitudinal direction (7) of the pipe body (2), wherein the condensate collection channel (6) is arranged on the inside of the pipe body (2) and is formed with a bottom wall (10) and a collection opening (11), wherein the connection channel (5) is arranged on the outside of the pipe body (2) and is formed with a bottom (8) and a connection opening (9), wherein the bottom wall (10) of the condensate collection channel (6) and the bottom (8) of the connection channel (5) are arranged at an identical position (12) in the longitudinal direction (7) of the pipe body (2).and wherein the condensate collection channel (6) and the connection channel (5) are connected to each other via a passage (15).