U.S. patent application number 17/553057 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-09 for conduit fitting with integrated condensate trap.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rheem Manufacturing Company. Invention is credited to William Jason Hall, Matthew S. Park, Piyush Porwal, Ashwin Rao, Timothy D. Scott, Brian Shaw, Brad Windon.
Application Number | 20220178583 17/553057 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006156924 |
Filed Date | 2022-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220178583 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scott; Timothy D. ; et
al. |
June 9, 2022 |
CONDUIT FITTING WITH INTEGRATED CONDENSATE TRAP
Abstract
A conduit fitting for an exhaust duct includes a conduit and a
condensate trap. The conduit fitting defines an interior space
partitioned into an upper conduit and a lower condensate reservoir.
The condensate reservoir can be configured to contain a
neutralizing agent for neutralizing acidic condensate prior to it
exiting the reservoir.
Inventors: |
Scott; Timothy D.;
(Tallassee, AL) ; Hall; William Jason; (Pratville,
AL) ; Windon; Brad; (Montgomery, AL) ; Shaw;
Brian; (Montgomery, AL) ; Porwal; Piyush;
(Montgomery, AL) ; Rao; Ashwin; (Montgomery,
AL) ; Park; Matthew S.; (Auburn, AL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rheem Manufacturing Company |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006156924 |
Appl. No.: |
17/553057 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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16231198 |
Dec 21, 2018 |
|
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17553057 |
|
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62611411 |
Dec 28, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24H 8/006 20130101;
F16L 55/07 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24H 8/00 20060101
F24H008/00; F16L 55/07 20060101 F16L055/07 |
Claims
1. A conduit fitting comprising: a body defining an interior and
comprising a partition that at least partially divides the interior
into an upper interior portion and a lower interior portion;
wherein the upper interior portion is configured to be a conduit
and the lower interior portion is configured to be a reservoir for
condensate; wherein the body defines a conduit inlet and a conduit
outlet; wherein the partition defines a first opening that fluidly
connects the upper interior portion to the lower interior portion;
and wherein the conduit inlet is configured to couple to an exhaust
outlet of a gas burning appliance.
2. The conduit fitting of claim 1, wherein the partition at least
partially defines a second opening located between the first
opening and the conduit outlet, the second opening fluidly
connecting the upper interior portion and the lower interior
portion.
3. The conduit fitting of claim 1, wherein the partition is sloped
or curved and is configured to direct exhaust upward toward the
conduit outlet.
4. The conduit fitting of claim 1, wherein the body further
comprises a reservoir outlet.
5. The conduit fitting of claim 4, wherein the body comprises a
base and wherein a lowest portion of the reservoir outlet is
disposed at a height that is above the base and below the
partition.
6. The conduit fitting of claim 4, further comprising a reservoir
conduit, wherein the reservoir conduit fluidly connects the lower
interior portion to the reservoir outlet.
7. The conduit fitting of claim 1, wherein the conduit fitting is
configured to redirect a flow of exhaust gas at least
45.degree..
8. The conduit fitting of claim 1, wherein the body is configured
such that the lower interior portion contains a neutralizing
agent.
9. The conduit fitting of claim 1, further comprising a sensor
configured to detect pH of the condensate collected in the
reservoir.
10. The conduit fitting of claim 1, wherein the body is single
piece.
11. A conduit fitting comprising: an elbow and a condensate
collector; the elbow comprising: a conduit inlet; a conduit outlet;
a wall; and at least one opening in the wall of the elbow, wherein
the elbow is configured to attach to the condensate collector; and
the condensate collector comprising a reservoir outlet.
12. The conduit fitting of claim 11, wherein the elbow comprises a
flange extending from an exterior surface of the elbow, the flange
arranged to rest on a top edge of the condensate collector.
13. The conduit fitting of claim 11, wherein the elbow comprises a
curved surface configured to redirect a flow of exhaust gas at
least 45.degree..
14. The conduit fitting of claim 11, wherein the condensate
collector is configured to contain a neutralizing agent.
15. The conduit fitting of claim 11, wherein the condensate
collector further comprises a reservoir conduit connecting an
interior of the condensate collector with the reservoir outlet.
16. The conduit fitting of claim 11, wherein the condensate
collector comprises a base and wherein a lowest portion of the
reservoir outlet is disposed at a height that is above the base and
below the elbow.
17. The conduit fitting of claim 11, further comprising a sensor
configured to detect pH of a condensate in the condensate
collector.
18. The conduit fitting of claim 11, wherein the at least one
opening in the wall of the elbow permits condensate to drain into
the condensate collector.
19. The conduit fitting of claim 11, wherein the elbow is
configured to attach to a gas burning appliance.
20. The conduit fitting of claim 19, wherein the condensate
collector can be detached from the elbow without removing the elbow
from the gas burning appliance.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/231,198 Dec. 21, 2018, which claims
priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/611,411 filed Dec. 28,
2017, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the technology relate generally to a conduit
fitting and more particularly to an exhaust conduit fitting to be
part of an exhaust duct of a gas-burning appliance or system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Most new 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.
[0004] Most state and local codes prohibit anyone from allowing
acidic liquid into a drainage system. 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 to avoid damage
and to comply with the state and local codes. Presently, it is the
responsibility of the plumbing professional to install a cartridge
or other vessel containing a neutralizing agent at a point in the
drain line to follow state and local plumbing codes.
[0005] There are several disadvantages with the current design. For
example, there is a chance the neutralizing cartridge is never
installed putting the piping system at risk. Many purchasers of
high efficiency appliances may not be aware of this additional step
to confirm the cartridge has actually been installed. Also,
depending on the volume of condensation, such vessels can be
unsightly or awkward to incorporate into the space provided for the
appliance.
[0006] The foregoing background information is provided to reveal
information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance
to the present disclosure. No admission is necessarily intended,
nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information
constitutes prior art against the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present disclosure is related to a conduit fitting that
can form part of an exhaust duct and that has an integrated
condensate trap (also referred to herein as a reservoir) to
facilitate the pooling of condensate formed as flue gas cools
within the exhaust duct.
[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a conduit
fitting for an exhaust duct that comprises a body defining an
interior and having a partition that at least partially divides the
interior into an upper interior portion and a lower interior
portion. The upper interior portion is configured to be a conduit,
and the lower interior portion is configured to be a reservoir for
condensate. The body also defines a conduit inlet and a conduit
outlet, and the partition defines a first opening that fluidly
connects the upper interior portion to the lower interior portion.
In some embodiments, the conduit inlet is configured to couple to
an exhaust outlet of a gas burning appliance.
[0009] In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a conduit
fitting comprising an elbow and a condensate collector. The elbow
comprises a conduit inlet, a conduit outlet, a wall, and at least
one opening in the wall, wherein the elbow is configured to attach
to the condensate collector. The condensate collector comprises
reservoir outlet. In some embodiments, the conduit inlet is
configured to couple to an exhaust outlet of a gas burning
appliance.
[0010] These and other aspects will be described further in the
example embodiments set forth herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] The foregoing and other features and aspects of the present
disclosure are best understood with reference to the following
description of certain example embodiments, when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0012] FIGS. 1A to 1E illustrate a conduit fitting with an
integrated condensate trap in accordance with example embodiments
of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A illustrates a top perspective
view. FIG. 1B illustrates a side view. FIG. 1C illustrates a
cross-sectional side view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1D illustrates a cross-sectional top view taken along line B-B
shown in FIG. 1B. FIG. 1E illustrates a cross-sectional, bottom
perspective view taken along line C-C shown in FIG. 1B.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates front view a conduit fitting in
accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of a system comprising a
gas-burning appliance and an exhaust duct comprising a conduit
fitting in accordance with example embodiments of the present
disclosure. The exhaust duct is shown as a cross-section similar to
that of FIG. 1C.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a top front perspective view of a conduit
fitting with a condensate trap in accordance with an alternate
example embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a back bottom exploded perspective view
of the conduit fitting of FIG. 4 in accordance with an alternate
example embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view taken along
line A-A shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with an alternate example
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic of a system comprising a
gas-burning appliance and exhaust duct comprising the conduit
fitting of FIG. 4 in accordance with an alternate example
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] The drawings illustrate only example embodiments of the
present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting
of its scope, as the present disclosure may admit to other equally
effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example
embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positions may be
exaggerated to help visually convey such principles.
[0020] In the foregoing figures showing example embodiments of
conduit fittings, one or more of the components shown may be
omitted, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, the example
embodiments of conduit fittings should not be considered limited to
the specific arrangements of components shown in any of the
figures. For example, features shown in one or more figures or
described with respect to one embodiment can be applied to another
embodiment associated with a different figure or description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The present disclosure is directed to a conduit fitting that
can form part of an exhaust duct and that has a condensate trap to
facilitate the pooling of condensate formed as flue gas cools
within the exhaust duct. The condensate trap is configured to
couple with a drain conduit for draining the pooled condensate, and
the conduit fitting is configured so that the exhaust gas does not
exit through the drain conduit. Moreover, the condensate trap can
be configured to hold a neutralizing agent to neutralize acidic
condensate as it collects in the trap.
[0022] Some representative embodiments will be described more fully
hereinafter with example reference to the accompanying drawings
that illustrate embodiments of the invention. The invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those appropriately skilled in the art.
[0023] Turning now to FIGS. 1A to 1E (collectively FIG. 1), these
figures describe a conduit fitting 10 according to some example
embodiments of the disclosure. As further described below, the
conduit fitting 10 comprises a reservoir 130 for collecting
condensate and is configured to maintain a proper draft pressure,
e.g., a negative pressure relative to the pressure in a combustion
chamber (e.g., the combustion chamber of a gas burning appliance).
Also, the reservoir 130 can be configured to hold a neutralizing
agent 350 (FIG. 3) for neutralizing condensate before draining from
the reservoir.
[0024] In the embodiment shown, conduit fitting 10 comprises a body
100 defining an interior 105 and has a partition 110 that at least
partially divides the interior into an upper interior portion 105 a
and a lower interior portion 105 b. The example body 100 shown in
FIGS. 1A-3 is a single, unitary structure which can simplify the
implementation of a neutralizer and address certain of the
challenges identified above in the Background section. However, in
alternate embodiments, the body can be an assembly of multiple
pieces.
[0025] The upper interior portion 105 a is configured to be a
conduit 120 for exhaust gases. As such, the body 100 also defines a
conduit inlet 121 and a conduit outlet 122. In some embodiments,
the conduit inlet 121 is configured to couple to another conduit
fitting or an exhaust outlet 302 (FIG. 3) of a gas burning
appliance 300 (FIG. 3) or other system which produces acidic
condensate and requires a drain line for the condensate. Examples
of a gas burning appliance include a water heater, boiler, furnace,
and the like. An appliance can be a high efficiency appliance, as
these tend to produce higher volumes of condensate. In a particular
embodiment, the appliance is a high efficiency water heater or
boiler.
[0026] The lower interior portion 105 b is configured to be a
reservoir 130 for condensate. In addition to holding a liquid, the
body can be configured such that the lower interior portion 105 b
can hold a solid material, such as a neutralizing agent 350 (FIG.
3). In some embodiments, the solid material can be a heavy,
rock-like material, and the body 100 can be of a sufficiently
durable construction to maintain its structural integrity when
filled with the heavy, rock-like material. The body 100 can be
configured such that the lower interior portion 105 b can contain
at least 0.3 kg of a liquid and/or a solid, e.g., 0.3 kg to 1 kg, 1
kg to 2 kg, or 2 kg to 5 kg of a liquid and/or a solid. In some
embodiments, the body is comprised of polypropylene. In some
embodiments, the neutralizing agent can be pelletized media or
chips or fragments of a neutralizing mineral. The neutralizing
agent can comprise 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.
[0027] The body 100 defines a reservoir outlet 123 configured for
condensate in the lower interior portion 105 b to drain through the
reservoir outlet 123. The reservoir outlet 123 can be configured to
couple with a drain conduit 360 (FIG. 3) to direct the condensate
to a desired location, such as a drain. In some embodiments, the
reservoir outlet 123 is spaced at a height (the "reservoir outlet
height") above the base 104 of the body 100 so that the condensate
can accumulate in the lower interior portion 105 b before it exits
the reservoir outlet 123. This allows for a higher residence time
of the condensate with the neutralizing agent 350 within the lower
interior portion 105 b ensuring sufficient neutralization. In some
embodiments, the body 100 can be configured so that the lower
interior portion 105 b collects at least 200 mL of condensate
(e.g., 0.5 L to 1.5 L, 1.5 L to 3 L, or 3 L to 5 L of condensate)
before the condensate drains from the reservoir outlet 123.
[0028] In some embodiments, the body 100 can further be configured
such that solid material (e.g. the neutralizing agent 350)
contained therein does not obstruct or exit through the reservoir
outlet 123. For example, in the embodiment shown, the conduit
fitting 10 comprises a reservoir conduit 140 that fluidly connects
the lower interior portion 105 b to the reservoir outlet 123. To
prevent the solid material from entering the reservoir conduit 140,
the reservoir conduit can have a reservoir conduit inlet 141 that
is near the base 104 of the body 100 and spaced apart from the base
104 a distance that would prevent a particle of solid material from
entering into the reservoir conduit 140. For example, this distance
can be less than the minimum dimension of the particle size of the
solid material, such as 0.2 to 5 mm. As shown in the example of
FIG. 1, the reservoir conduit 140 can be located along or formed as
an integral part of the wall of the body 100 of the conduit fitting
10 so that the reservoir conduit 140 extends from near the base 104
up along the wall of the body 100 to the reservoir outlet 123
located in the wall of the body 100. The position of the reservoir
conduit 140 also assists in preventing exhaust gas from exiting
through the reservoir outlet 123.
[0029] The partition 110 is located within the interior 105 and
comprises an upper surface 112 that partially defines the conduit
120 and a lower surface 113 that partially defines the reservoir
130. The partition 110 can comprise a portion of the wall that
defines the conduit inlet 121 and the partition extends into the
conduit 120. The partition 110 may completely or only partially
divide the interior 105. In either case, the partition 110 defines
one or more openings 111 (also referred to as a first set of
openings or a first opening) that fluidly connect the upper
interior portion 105 a to the lower interior portion 105 b. The one
or more openings 111 are configured to permit a liquid (e.g.,
aqueous condensate) to pass through the opening(s) 111 so that
liquid can drain from the upper interior portion 105 a to the lower
interior portion 105 b. At least one of the one or more openings
111 can be located where a liquid would naturally flow during use,
e.g., the portion 110 a of the partition 110 closest to the base
104. In the embodiment shown, opening 111 is closer to the conduit
inlet 121 than the conduit outlet 122.
[0030] The one or more openings 111 can be any shape, such as
circular, rectangular, or the like. In the embodiment shown,
opening 111 is a slot having a length 111 a greater than a width
111 b, where the length 111 a of the slot extends in the direction
of the exhaust gas flow through the conduit 120.
[0031] The conduit 120 can comprise a bend to redirect the exhaust,
e.g., to direct exhaust upward and toward the conduit outlet 122.
In some embodiments, the conduit 120 redirects flow at least
35.degree., e.g., 45.degree. to 80.degree. or 80.degree. to
100.degree.. In certain embodiments, flow is redirected about
90.degree.. The upper interior surface 106 of the upper interior
portion 105 a and the partition upper surface 112 can be curved
and/or sloped to redirect flow accordingly. In particular, the
partition 110 and the upper interior surface 106 can be sloped
and/or curved to direct exhaust upward (i.e., away from the lower
interior portion 105 b). The partition 100 can be sloped and/or
curved to minimize undesirable pressure drops within the conduit
120 during use.
[0032] While not required, the partition 110 can define a second
opening 114 that can be larger in total cross-sectional area than
the first opening(s) 111. Alternatively, the partition 110 can only
partially divide the interior, thereby partially defining a second
opening 114. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-3, the partition
110 partially divides the interior 105. In particular, the
partition 110 extends from the conduit inlet 121 but not from the
conduit outlet 122. As such, the partition 110 can have a partition
end 115 that is a free end located within the interior of the body
100. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-3, the second
opening 114 is defined as an opening between the partition end 115
and the interior wall of the body 100. Accordingly, the lower
interior portion 105 b and the upper interior portion 105 a are
also in fluid communication via the second opening 114.
Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1C, the upper surface 112 and the
partition end 115 define a curved surface that directs exhaust
gases from a gas burning appliance upward toward the conduit outlet
122. The smooth curved surface defined by the upper surface 112 and
the partition end 115 also minimize undesirable pressure drops
within the conduit 120 during use.
[0033] The conduit fitting 10 is configured so that during use the
exhaust gas does not exit the reservoir outlet 123, which would
thereby cause condensate to be purged from the lower interior
portion 105 b. For example, in the embodiment shown, the reservoir
conduit 140 defines an anti-syphon hole 142. Anti-syphon hole 142
can be spaced apart from the base 104 at least the distance that
the reservoir outlet 123 is spaced apart from the base and more
specifically, at least the distance between the base and the
lowermost portion 123 a of the reservoir outlet 123. Additionally,
the lowermost portion 123 a of the reservoir outlet 123 is located
at a height that is below the lower surface 113 of the partition
110 so that condensate collecting in the reservoir 130 does not
flow back through the conduit inlet 121 and into the gas burning
appliance. In some embodiments, the reservoir can be at least
partially filled with a fluid such as water prior to collecting
condensate.
[0034] The body 100 can also comprise other elements related to
ensuring the safe operation of a gas combustion appliance. For
example, in some embodiments, the body 100 can define a sensor port
150 configured to receive a temperature sensor for measuring the
temperature within the upper interior portion 105 a. In some
embodiments, the body 100 can define a pressure port 160 configured
to couple to a pressure switch for measuring the pressure within
the upper interior portion 105 a. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the body 100 can comprise a mounting bracket 170 for
securing the conduit fitting 10 to a gas-burning appliance or other
stable structure.
[0035] Turning now to FIG. 2, an example embodiment of conduit
fitting 20 is illustrated from a front view. Conduit fitting 20 is
the same as conduit fitting 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 except that it
further comprises a pressure switch 220 and a temperature sensor
230. Accordingly, elements shown in conduit fitting 20 that are the
same or similar to components shown in conduit fitting 10 are given
the same reference number and the description of those components
will not be repeated.
[0036] The pressure switch 220 is in fluid communication, such as
via tube 221, with the pressure port 160 to determine the pressure
or relative pressure in the upper interior portion 105 a. The
temperature sensor 230 is coupled to the sensor port 150 to
determine the temperature in the upper interior portion 105 a.
[0037] Turning now to FIG. 3, an example embodiment of gas burning
appliance system 35 comprising conduit fitting 30 is illustrated.
Conduit fitting 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 is the same as the conduit
fitting 30 except that conduit fitting 30 further comprises a pH
sensor 310 and is part of a system 35 comprising a gas burning
appliance 300, a controller 320, a display device 330, and a gas
valve actuator 340. Accordingly, elements shown in conduit fitting
30 that are the same or similar to components shown in conduit
fitting 10 or conduit fitting 20 are given the same reference
number and the description of those components will not be
repeated.
[0038] In the embodiment shown, the conduit inlet 121 of conduit
fitting 30 is coupled to and in fluid communication with the
exhaust outlet 302 of gas burning appliance 300.
[0039] The pressure switch 220 and the temperature sensor 230 are
connected to the controller 320 of the gas burning appliance 300.
Signals from the pressure switch 220 and/or the temperature sensor
230 if outside of defined parameters can cause the controller 320
to shut off the flow of gas to the burner via a gas valve actuator
340.
[0040] In some embodiments, conduit fitting 30 can comprise a
sensor 310 configured to detect pH of condensate that collects
within the conduit fitting 30. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the
pH sensor 310 is positioned within the reservoir conduit 140.
However, it should be understood that in alternate embodiments, the
pH sensor 310 can be located within the lower interior portion 105
b, at the reservoir outlet 123, or at another location downstream
of the reservoir outlet. The pH sensor 310 can be connected to
controller 320. A pH threshold can be defined and once the pH level
drops below the defined threshold, the controller 320 can trigger
an alert to indicate that it is time to change the neutralizing
agent 350, such as displaying a text message on a display device
330, triggering an alarm, or turning on an indicator light. In some
embodiments, the pH threshold is 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6,
6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, or
8.0.
[0041] In addition to pH or alternatively, other variables that can
be tracked to determine when the neutralizing agent 350 should be
exchanged can include an amount of time that the neutralizing agent
has been in use or the number of operating hours (e.g., gas
combustion time) of the gas burning appliance 300 during which the
neutralizing agent has been in use.
[0042] In some embodiments, replacing a neutralizing agent 350
within the conduit fitting 30 can comprise removing the exhausted
neutralizing agent from the conduit fitting 30 by way of the
conduit inlet 121 or the conduit outlet 122 and adding new
neutralizing agent into the conduit fitting 30 by way of the
conduit inlet 121 or the conduit outlet 122. The conduit fitting 30
can be detached from the exhaust outlet 302 of appliance 300 and/or
from the adjacent exhaust duct segment 370 to remove and/or add
neutralizing agent 350. Removing the neutralizing agent 350 can
comprise tilting the conduit fitting to pour the neutralizing agent
out from the conduit outlet. The method can comprise reading a
signal from the controller 320 indicating that neutralizing agent
should be exchanged.
[0043] The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-3 shows the conduit
fitting and condensate trap integrated as a single integrated body.
In contrast, in the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-7,
the conduit fitting 410 comprises two separable components, namely
an elbow 407 and a condensate collector 432. By configuring the
condensate collector 432 as easily separable from the elbow 407,
the conduit fitting 410 can facilitate the addition or replacement
of a neutralizing material located within the condensate collector
432. In other words, the condensate collector 432 can be easily
separated from the elbow 407 without detaching the elbow from other
components such as an exhaust outlet 402 of a gas burning appliance
or an exhaust duct 470. Once the condensate collector 432 is
separated from the elbow 407, the neutralizing material can easily
be inserted into the condensate collector 432.
[0044] The elbow 407 comprises a wall 408 in the shape of a bent
cylinder, a conduit inlet 421, and a conduit outlet 422. The
conduit inlet 421 can attach to an exhaust outlet 402 of a gas
burning appliance 400 for receiving exhaust gas, as shown in FIG.
7. The conduit outlet 422 can attach to an exhaust duct 470 for
conveying exhaust gas to a vent, as also shown in FIG. 7. The bent,
cylindrical shape of the wall 408 provides a smooth interior
passage for the exhaust gas thereby minimizing an undesirable drop
in pressure as the exhaust gas passes through the elbow.
[0045] A flange 427 extends from the wall 408 and is shaped so that
the flange fits on a top edge 433 of the condensate collector 432.
The flange 427 also can be secured to the top edge 433 with a
releasable securing tab 434. When separating the condensate
collector 432 from the elbow 407, the releasable securing tab 434
can be pushed outward so that the condensate collector 432 slides
apart from the elbow 407. It should be understood that the flange
427 and the releasable securing tab 434 are optional and that in
alternate embodiments, the elbow 407 can be secured to the
condensate collector 432 using other fastening features such as a
snap fit or other types of fasteners.
[0046] Similar to the previous description in connection with FIGS.
1A-3, condensate can form on the interior of the conduit fitting
410 or within the exhaust duct 470. The wall 408 of the elbow 407
also comprises one or more openings that permit condensate to drain
from the elbow 407 and down into the condensate collector 432. In
the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the wall 408 is
shown with a first opening 411 and a second opening 414. While the
example conduit fitting 410 shows first opening 411 as a slot
positioned toward the bottom of the elbow 407 and second opening
414 as a slot positioned toward the top of the elbow 407, alternate
embodiments of the elbow may have more or fewer opening with
different shapes or positions.
[0047] While the separable configuration of the condensate
collector 432 is distinct from the conduit fitting 10 of FIGS.
1A-3, in most other respects the condensate collector 432 can be
similar to the reservoir 130 of conduit fitting 10. For example, as
shown in FIGS. 4-7, the condensate collector 432 can comprise a
reservoir conduit 440 formed as integral part of the condensate
collector 432 and the reservoir conduit 440 can comprise a
reservoir inlet 441 and a reservoir outlet 423. The condensate
collector 432 can also be configured to contain a neutralizing
agent 450. Similar to the description in connection with conduit
fitting 10, the reservoir outlet 423 can be disposed at a height
(the "reservoir outlet height") so that condensate can collect with
sufficient time to interact with the neutralizing agent 450 before
the condensate exits the condensate collector 432. Additionally,
the lowest portion of the reservoir outlet 423 can be positioned at
a height that is below the lowest portion of the elbow 407 so that
condensate does not flow back into the elbow 407, through the
conduit inlet 421 and exhaust outlet 402, and into the gas burning
appliance 400. As illustrated in the example shown in FIG. 7, the
reservoir conduit 423 can be attached to a drain conduit 460 that
receives the condensate after it has been treated by the
neutralizing agent 450.
[0048] Similar to the example shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 7 illustrates
conduit fitting 410 attached to a gas burning appliance 400. As gas
is burned in the appliance, exhaust gas passes through the exhaust
outlet 402 to the conduit inlet 421 of conduit fitting 410. The
bent cylindrical surface of the wall 408 of elbow 407 directs the
exhaust gas to exhaust duct 470, while the smooth curve of wall 408
minimizes undesirable pressure drops within the flow of the exhaust
gas. As condensate forms on the interior of the wall 408 or the
interior of the exhaust duct 470, the condensate can drain downward
through openings 411 and 414 and collect in the condensate
collector 432. The acidic condensate 452 is treated with the
neutralizing agent 450 while it collects in the condensate
collector 432. The neutralized condensate is then expelled through
the reservoir outlet 423.
[0049] Many of the features and components of conduit fitting 410
are similar to those associated with conduit fitting 10 of FIGS.
1A-3 and their description will not be repeated.
[0050] For example, although not illustrated in FIG. 7, one or more
of the components and features similar to those shown in FIG. 3,
such as a controller, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or a
pH sensor, can be implemented in conduit fitting 410 in a manner
similar to that described previously in connection with conduit
fitting 10.
[0051] Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosures
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which these disclosures pertain having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosures
are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and
that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be
included within the scope of this application. Although specific
terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
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