U.S. patent application number 13/750862 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-31 for dual category venting system.
This patent application is currently assigned to M&G DURAVENT, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is M&G DURAVENT, INC.. Invention is credited to Matthew L. Bertler, Ryan L. Devine, John R. Jacklich, Andrey P. Ostapenko, Robert F. Spiller.
Application Number | 20140209087 13/750862 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51221035 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140209087 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bertler; Matthew L. ; et
al. |
July 31, 2014 |
DUAL CATEGORY VENTING SYSTEM
Abstract
A venting system includes a venting pipe comprising a chase
through a structure. The chase includes a first end positioned
adjacent an appliance installation, a second end exiting a
structure and a third end adjacent another appliance. A vent tube
comprising a sealed non-corrosive material is provided in the chase
between the second end and the third end, itself coupled to a high
efficiency appliance. The vent tube has a first end and a second
end and is positioned between the second end of the venting pipe
and the third end of the venting pipe. The vent tube is coupled to
a first appliance and the venting pipe is coupled to a second
appliance. A vent cap is coupled to the second end of the first
vent tube and to the second end of the venting pipe.
Inventors: |
Bertler; Matthew L.;
(Vacaville, CA) ; Devine; Ryan L.; (Richmond,
CA) ; Spiller; Robert F.; (Fairfield, CA) ;
Jacklich; John R.; (Napa, CA) ; Ostapenko; Andrey
P.; (Sacramento, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
M&G DURAVENT, INC. |
Vacaville |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
M&G DURAVENT, INC.
Vacaville
CA
|
Family ID: |
51221035 |
Appl. No.: |
13/750862 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/307R |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23J 11/02 20130101;
F23L 17/02 20130101; F23J 13/025 20130101; F23J 13/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/307.R |
International
Class: |
F23J 11/02 20060101
F23J011/02; F23J 13/04 20060101 F23J013/04; F23J 13/02 20060101
F23J013/02 |
Claims
1. A venting system, comprising a non-flexible metallic venting
pipe comprising a chase, having a first end coupled to an appliance
and a second end coupled to a vent cap, the vent pipe having a
third end; a flexible vent tube comprising a sealed non-corrosive
material, the vent tube positioned between the second end of the
venting pipe and the third end of the venting pipe, the tube
connected to an appliance at the third end of the venting pipe; and
the vent cap including a first concentric aperture receiving the
flexible metallic venting pipe and a second concentric aperture
receiving the non-flexible metallic venting pipe,
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the end cap comprises a first
concentric plate including the first aperture, the first aperture
allowing a connection of the vent tube there through, and a second
concentric plate including the second aperture, the second aperture
coupling to the vent pipe.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the vent tube extends through the
vent cap and terminates in a first plane, and the vent pipe
terminates at the second aperture in a second plane below the first
plane.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein the first and second planes are
separated by the first concentric plate.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the vent pipe has a first
diameter, the vent tube has a second diameter, and the first
aperture engages said vent tube, and the second aperture including
a second coupling engaging said vent pipe, the second coupling
creating a seal between the pipe and an exhaust chamber.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the first aperture is in a first
plane and the second aperture is in a second plane below the first
plane, the first plane positioned above the exhaust chamber.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the second adapter comprises a
fitting at the second end of the pipe having a first coupling
engaging said vent pipe and a second coupling engaging said vent
tube, the fitting creating a seal the between the vent pipe and the
vent tube, the second adapter further including a third coupling
having a third diameter, the third coupling engaging one of a
category II, category III or category IV compliant venting
extension pipe or an exhaust outlet.
8. The system of claim 2 further including a shield disk mounted to
the disk disposed opposite the vent tube.
9. A venting assembly, comprising a concentric category I venting
pipe comprising a chase, having a first end coupled to an
appliance, a second end coupled to a vent cap, and a third end; a
concentric category II/III/IV vent tube having a first end and a
second end, the pipe disposed between and within the second and
third ends of the venting pipe, the tube comprising a sealed
non-corrosive material, the second end of the venting pipe
connected to an appliance, the first end coupled to the vent cap;
and the vent cap including a first concentric aperture receiving
the venting pipe into an exhaust chamber defined by a first plate
including the first aperture and a second plate, the second plate
including a second concentric aperture receiving the metallic
venting pipe.
10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the first aperture allows a
connection of the vent tube there through, and the assembly
includes a second concentric plate including the second aperture,
the second aperture coupling to the vent pipe.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the vent tube extends through
the vent cap and terminates in a first plane, and the vent pipe
terminates at the second aperture in a second plane below the first
plane.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein the vent tube comprises a
flexible metal tube and the flexible metal tube is coupled to an
adapter passing through the vent cap.
13. The system of claim 11 wherein first and second planes are
separated by the first concentric plate.
14. The system of claim 11 wherein the vent pipe has a first
diameter, the vent tube has a second diameter, and the first
aperture engages said vent tube, and the second aperture including
a second coupling engaging said vent pipe, the second coupling
creating a seal between the pipe and an exhaust chamber.
15. The system of claim 11 wherein the second adapter comprises a
fitting at the second end of the pipe having a first coupling
engaging said vent pipe and a second coupling engaging said vent
tube, the fitting creating a seal the between the vent pipe and the
vent tube, the second adapter further including a third coupling
having a third diameter, the third coupling engaging one of a
category II, category III or category IV compliant venting
extension pipe or an exhaust outlet.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Venting systems for combustive appliances and hearths are
divided into various categories. A category I vent system operates
with a negative draft, and the products of combustion are hot
enough to stay well above dew point. Since a major portion of gas
flue products is water vapor, condensing can occur when the flue
products are allowed to cool below dew point. This can cause
corrosion if the wrong materials are used in the vent system. A
category I vent system is typically vented with Type "B" vent
materials.
[0002] A category II vent system also operates with a negative
pressure in the vent, but the temperature of the flue products has
cooled to a point where they may condense into a liquid in the
flue. A category II vent requires vent materials that are resistant
to the corrosive effects of flue gas condensate.
[0003] Category III and IV vent systems operate with a positive
pressure in the vent system. Positive pressure vents must be fully
sealed to prevent spillage of flue products into an occupied
portion of the building. A category III vent system maintains flue
gas temperatures above dew point and should not condense in the
flue. A category IV vent system's flue products cool below their
dew point, therefore it is possible they may condense in the
flue.
[0004] All vent systems other than category I generally use heat
and/or corrosion resistant materials, which are typically more
expensive. Category IV vent materials are typically fully sealed
and constructed from corrosion resistant materials to withstand the
possible corrosive effects from acidic flue gas condensate.
SUMMARY
[0005] The technology, roughly described, includes a venting
installation for multiple appliances. The installation includes a
category I venting pipe comprising a chase through a structure. The
chase includes a first end positioned adjacent an appliance
installation, a second end exiting a structure and a third end
adjacent another appliance. A category II, III or IV vent tube
comprising a sealed non-corrosive material is provided in the chase
between the second end and the third end, itself coupled to a high
efficiency category II/III or IV appliance. The vent tube has a
first end and a second end and is positioned between the second end
of the venting pipe and the third end of the venting pipe. The vent
tube is coupled to a first appliance and the venting pipe is
coupled to a second appliance. A vent cap is coupled to the second
end of the first vent tube and to the second end of the venting
pipe.
[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 depicts conventional category I appliances connected
to a category I venting system.
[0008] FIG. 2 depicts a conventional category II, III or IV
appliance and a category I appliance simultaneously connected to
the venting installation described herein.
[0009] FIG. 3A and 3B are exterior views, and FIG. 3C a
cross-sectional view, depicting combination venting cap and system
in accordance with the present technology.
[0010] FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the venting cap and system
of FIGS. 3A-3C.
[0011] FIGS. 4A-4B is an exterior view and a cross-sectional view
of a second combination venting cap and system in accordance with
the present technology.
[0012] FIGS. 5A and 5B are enlarged exterior and cross-sectional
views of the end cap of the first or second embodiment of an
adapter shown in FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 6A and 6B depicts a second embodiment of a vent cap
suitable for use with the present technology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Technology is presented enabling a venting installation for
simultaneous use with an appliance requiring category II, III or IV
venting specifications and an appliance requiring category I
venting specification. The system may utilize existing venting
materials installed in a building to provide clearance and ease in
the installation of a venting system suitable for the appliances. A
combination end cap capable of simultaneously venting both
appliances is coupled to a sealed vent tube coupled to the category
II/III/IV device, and a vent pipe surrounding at least a portion of
the tube and coupled to the category I appliance.
[0015] FIG. 1 depicts a category I venting system 100 coupled to a
first category I appliance 190 and a second category I system 192.
The category I system may be comprised of single or double walled
vent pipe comprising one or more pieces 130, 140, 145, 150, 170,
180 in areas where no combustibles are present. The category I
venting system 100 may be any single or double walled pipe meeting
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) specifications allowing the piping,
including portion 145, to be provided through any combustibles such
as ceiling insulation 125, ceiling material 120 or roofing material
110. Double walled portion 145 is typically known as Type-B vent
and is suitable for category I venting purposes. Generally, venting
specifications call for at least one inch of clearance between the
double walled category I material and such combustibles. Procedures
for correctly sizing vents and connectors is published by NFPA in a
publication entitled, NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code (NFGC). The
standard for category I gas vents are provided in UL 441, Gas
Vents. Standards for venting gas appliances are provided in UL
1738, the United Laboratories Standard for Safety Venting Systems
for Gas-Burning Appliances, Categories II, III, and IV-Second
Edition; Reprint with Revisions Through and Including Dec. 6, 2000.
The vent system terminates in a vent cap 180 on the exterior of a
building. Generally the vent system 100 and specifically piece 145
is sized to couple directly to the vent cap 180.
[0016] Other components, such as a storm collar for the exterior of
the building, fire stop at the ceiling, and appliance details,
which may be utilized with the venting system are not illustrated
in the Figures.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of the present
technology. In accordance with the technology, a venting
installation comprises a category I venting system 100 used as a
chase and an internal venting tube 200 comprising a heat and/or
corrosion resistant venting tube 200 having a diameter smaller than
that of the existing material venting components 130, 140, 145,
150, 170 is inserted into the existing system 100. Venting system
100 is coupled to an existing category I device 190 at a first end
and exhaust from the device 192 exits venting system 100 at a
second end. A category II/III/IV device 290 is coupled to venting
tube 200 in accordance with the specifications and requirements of
the device near a third end of system 100, and exhaust from the
category II/III/IV device 290 exits through tube 200.
[0018] A vent cap 300 provides for simultaneous exhaust from both
system 100 and tube 200. The vent cap 300 is detailed further
below.
[0019] Optionally, adapters may be used to couple the venting
system 100 and tube 200 to the respective appliances 190 and 290.
The combined venting system comprising venting tube 200 and
existing system 100 allows coupling a category II, III or IV
appliance as well as a category I appliance simultaneously through
the existing system to the vent cap 300 with relative ease.
[0020] Internal vent tube 200, in one embodiment, comprises a
flexible venting material comprising a heat and/or corrosive
resistant material suitable for use in category II, III or IV
systems. Material which is suitable for use in such systems
includes AL29-4C stainless steel and Type 444 Stainless steel.
Commercial products suitable for use as vent material 200 include
varieties of Type 441, 446, 447, 448, 304, and 316 stainless
steels. Very high temperature polymeric materials may also be used
as the tube 200 in alternative embodiments.
[0021] Typically, a venting system in accordance with the present
technology will be advantageous when replacing an existing category
I appliance with a different type of appliance. During
installation, the existing vent system is uncoupled from the
replaced category I appliance. Likewise, the existing vent cap 180
is decoupled from the existing vent system. The venting material
200 is then snaked though the existing system using the existing
system as a chase until the lead end of the material reaches the
second end of the vent system near the vent cap 180.
[0022] The dual exhaust cap 300 is then installed on the end of
system 100 at pipe 145a. Cap 300 may be secured to pipe 145a by any
number of suitable fastening means.
[0023] It will be understood that the vent system 100 may be
comprised of various types of materials having different cross
sections. In one embodiment, the vent pieces have circular or
concentric cross-sections. In an alternative embodiment, the vent
pieces have oblong cross sections.
[0024] Vent material 200 is comprised of a vent material having a
diameter or cross-section suitably sized to fit within all
components of the vent system 100. The difference between the
cross-sectional size of the vent system 100 components and that of
the vent material 200 can be as small as minimal as that sufficient
to allow the flexible vent pipe to fit inside the interior of the
exterior vent pipe. Typical type-B vent installations range from
diameters of 3'' to 8''. Flexible material suitable for use as vent
material 200 includes FlasNSeal brand flexible super ferritic
stainless steel products from M&G DuraVent Corporation. The use
of such material is merely exemplary, and other corrosion resistant
products may likewise be used.
[0025] Once vent material 200 is positioned in vent system 100, a
first end of the material may be coupled to a category II, III or
IV appliance 290, while the second end is coupled to the vent cap
300. In one embodiment, the vent material 200 may be coupled
directly to the apparatus coupling on the appliance 290 and the
vent cap 300. It will be recognized that additional category II,
III or IV venting material may be provided at the end of the vent
section.
[0026] It will be recognized that a gap now exists between the
exterior of vent material 200 and the interior wall of the vent
system components 130, 140, 150, 170.
[0027] FIGS. 3-5B illustrate different embodiments of a portion of
the venting installation including dual exhaust vent cap 300.
[0028] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate a portion one embodiment for of a
portion of the installation including elements 145a 130a and cap
300. Cap 300 is detailed below with respect to FIGS. 4A and 4B.
Elements 130a and 145a may comprise category I venting pipe as
discussed above. Element 130a may include a set off fixture (not
shown) for routing the vent tube 400 through the wye joint element
130a. The set off may comprise a portion of the wye element 130 or
may be a separate fitting that would ensure open space between tube
200 and elements 130a, 145a and any other elements of the vent
pipe.
[0029] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an enlarged view of the end cap
300 and a cross-section of the enlarged view of the end cap. The
depiction in FIG. 4A does not illustrate element 145a. FIG. 4B is a
cross-section including element 145a. As illustrated therein, cap
300 includes a cylindrical top surface 310, a top flange 312,
perforated sidewall 315 including windows 320, and a bottom flange
322. A bottom cylindrical surface 335 includes a first aperture 337
surrounded by a flange 325 which couples to pipe section 145a. Disk
335 supports collar 340 which defines aperture 337 and serves to
allow exhaust from the category I device in the direction of arrows
400. Disks 335, sidewall 315 and top surface 310 create an exhaust
chamber, with the aperture 337 allowing exhaust from the category
II/III/IV device to exit there through in a plane below a plane
defined by the end of extension 315. Top disk 310 includes an
aperture 345 which allows extension 315 there through. Extension
315 is coupled to pipe 200 so that exhaust from the category
II/III/IV device exits from the top of the extension above disk
310. It should be recognized that while an extension 315 is
illustrated, flexible piping may be extended through aperture 345,
Extension 315 is coupled to pipe 200, but pipe 200 may be extended
directly through cap 300 and aperture 345 in one embodiment. While
the category I exhaust is provided in the exhaust chamber and the
category II/III/IV above the chamber, this arrangement may be
reversed.
[0030] Thus, exhaust from the category II/III/IV device exits
extension 315 in a plane defined by the end of extension 315 above
disk 310, and exhaust from the category I device exits along arrows
400 in a plane below the end of extension 315, with disk 310
separating the exhausts. Shield 370 is mounted to the top surface
310 and includes disk 372 with a spherical indentation 374. Shield
370 prevents the ingress of debris and rain. In addition shield 370
prevents ice buildup in cold weather environments. Typically,
category II/III/IV devices may have a low temperature exhaust which
has a higher humidity content than category I devices. This may
result in condensation and icing at the exterior of the cap at
lower temperatures. Shield 370 alleviates this issue since, as ice
develops, it will form an icicle at the apex of the indentation
which will break back down into the category II/III/IV vent.
[0031] FIG. 5A and 5B illustrate the use of a T-coupling 130b with
the venting assembly discussed herein. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, a
set-off 502 is used to ensure a category I vent pipe connected to
junction 510 has sufficient spacing relative to pipe 200.
[0032] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another embodiment of a vent cap
suitable for use with the present technology. The cap 600 comprises
a "high wind" cap suitable for applications where wind speed is a
concern. The high-wind cap 600 includes similar construction to the
cap 300 wherein the top cap 610 and bottom disk 635 form an exhaust
chamber coupled to the category I pipe by a fitting 625, and the
vent pipe 200 couples to adapter 305 which extends through the
chamber to exhaust 315. A shield structure similar to 370 shown in
FIGS. 4A and 4B may be provided.
* * * * *