Conduit Drain With Collection Lip For Vertical Exhaust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust gas conduits suffer from corrosion due to condensation of moisture, which leads to leaks and failure, as traditional designs fail to effectively remove liquid condensation, especially in vertical conduits without unnecessary elbows or turns.
Innovation Solution
A conduit drain system with a collection rim and drain port that directs condensation into a channel and exits through a port, preventing gas passage, and optionally featuring a check valve to enhance moisture collection and prevent re-evaporation, is designed for vertical exhaust gas conduits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional exhaust conduit design is used without drainage features, then the conduit structure remains simple and gas flow is unobstructed, but condensation accumulates on the walls causing corrosion and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is segmented into an outer conduit portion and an inner conduit portion that can be independently installed. The inner portion includes a collection lip that segments the condensation collection area from the gas flow path, allowing drainage functionality to be added without redesigning the entire conduit system.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner conduit portion is nested within the outer conduit portion, creating a concentric structure. This nesting allows the drainage system (collection lip and drain port) to be integrated within the existing conduit walls without requiring external modifications or complex external drainage structures.
2Reliability
If holes are provided at the bottom point of elbows to drain moisture, then some condensation removal is achieved, but moisture still collects on interior walls and runs the entire length of the conduit causing corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The collection lip is positioned at a specific location (the inner circumference of the outer conduit portion) to locally intercept condensation before it can travel along the entire conduit length. This localized intervention prevents the widespread corrosion problem described in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection lip acts as an intermediary structure between the condensation on the walls and the drainage system. It captures the condensation and channels it to the drain port, preventing direct contact between condensation and the conduit walls throughout the entire length.
3Reliability
If unnecessary elbows or turns are added to the conduit to provide drainage, then condensation can be drained, but the conduit path becomes more complex and may not match building requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage function is extracted from the conduit geometry (elbows and turns) and integrated into the conduit wall structure itself through the collection lip and drain port. This eliminates the need to add unnecessary elbows or turns to the conduit path while still providing effective drainage.
4Device complexity
If the inner conduit portion is inserted into the outer conduit portion, then the drainage system is integrated within the conduit, but a frictional fit must be achieved which may require additional components
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible washer is used between the inner and outer conduit portions to accommodate minor dimensional variations and achieve the necessary frictional fit. The washer provides a sealing surface that simplifies assembly by compensating for manufacturing tolerances without requiring precision fitting.
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 conduit drain system effectively collects and removes condensation from vertical exhaust gas conduits, reducing corrosion and ensuring reliable gas exhaust by directing moisture away from the conduit walls, thus extending the lifespan of the exhaust system.
Implementation Method 1
As the liquid moisture collects, gravity pulls the droplets of moisture down the walls of the conduit
Implementation Method 2
The temperature differential between the gas and the walls of the conduit results in the condensation of the moisture in the exhaust air
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a conduit drain for removing liquid condensation in a vertical conduit. Moisture flows down the interior walls of the conduit and collects in a collection lip in the conduit drain. A drain channel is produced around the inner circumference of the conduit drain by the collection lip. The moisture collects within the drain channel and is drawn off into a drain port that is coupled to a drain pipe.