Flue Pipe Mounting Structure with Flexible Seal for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flue pipe mounting structures face challenges in accommodating thermal expansion and contraction, particularly in twin flue systems, which can lead to disengagement of socket joints and potential gas leaks, especially in long flue runs where expansion is more pronounced.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure comprising a sleeve with a flange or lip for secure anchoring and a flexible member, such as an EPDM-based rubber seal, configured to allow controlled lateral and longitudinal expansion of the flue pipe, ensuring a seal against gas ingress or egress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flue pipe sections are joined by socket joints to allow thermal expansion and contraction, then the flue pipe can accommodate temperature changes, but the sockets may disengage during expansion and contraction movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane or diaphragm within the mounting structure that can deform elastically to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the flue pipe. This flexible element maintains the seal and connection integrity while allowing the flue pipe to change dimensions with temperature variations, preventing socket disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure acts as an intermediary between the flue pipe and the building structure. It includes a flexible sealing element that mediates the thermal expansion movements, allowing the flue pipe to expand and contract while maintaining a gas-tight seal and preventing connection failure.
2Reliability
If flue pipe sections are securely joined by solvent welding to prevent disengagement, then connection stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane within the mounting structure provides the necessary compliance to accommodate thermal expansion even when flue pipe sections are rigidly joined by solvent welding. The flexible element absorbs the dimensional changes, allowing secure connections while maintaining adaptability to temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is segmented into rigid components (for structural support and gas sealing) and flexible components (for accommodating thermal expansion). This segmentation allows the system to combine the benefits of secure solvent-welded joints with the ability to handle thermal movements through the flexible portion of the mounting structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the sleeve is rigidly fixed to the mounting structure to prevent movement, then positioning stability is improved, but the flue pipe cannot expand and contract freely
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates a flexible sealing membrane that allows the flue pipe to expand and contract within the rigidly positioned sleeve. The flexible element compensates for dimensional changes while the sleeve maintains its stable position in the mounting structure opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure transitions from a completely rigid design to a dynamic system where the flexible sealing element can deform in response to flue pipe expansion and contraction. This dynamic capability allows the sleeve to remain stably positioned while accommodating thermal movements of the flue pipe through the flexible component.
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 thermal expansion and contraction of flue pipes while maintaining a secure seal, preventing gas leaks and ensuring safety by allowing controlled expansion and contraction within a minimal clearance, thus addressing the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
In use, heat generated by flue gases may cause the flue pipe to expand, and conversely cooling may cause the flue pipe to contract
Implementation Method 2
conversely cooling may cause the flue pipe to contract, which can cause undue stresses and strains on any connections
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A flue pipe mounting apparatus (2), for mounting a flue pipe (10) within a mounting structure, comprises a sleeve (8) for receiving a flue pipe therethrough. The flue pipe mounting apparatus (2) is arranged in use to be located within a flue pipe mounting structure. The flue pipe mounting apparatus (2) also comprises a flexible member in the form of a seal (12). The seal (12) is arranged to connect to a flue pipe (10) in use and comprises mounting structure connection means arranged to connect the flexible member (12) to the exterior surface (5) of a wall (4). The sleeve (8) and flexible member (12) are configured to enable expansion of a connected flue pipe (10) within a mounting structure, in use.