Pipe system for discharging flue gases

Abstract

 The invention describes a T-shaped pipe system (2) for discharging flue gases, comprising an upright part (12) which is designed to be fitted to a vertical flue-gas outlet pipe connected to a central-heating boiler, and a lying part (11) which is designed to receive a substantially horizontal flue-gas outlet pipe at one end (15). An inspection pipe (20), which during normal operation is closed off by means of a closure member (50), extends from the other end (19) of the lying part.
The closure member (50) is provided with a closure plate (51) and sealing means for producing a gastight closure between the said closure member (50) and the inspection pipe (20), the closure member (50) being designed to introduce both the closure plate (51) and the sealing means into the interior of the said inspection pipe (20) at a distance from the free end (19) of the inspection pipe (20).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe system for discharging flue gases, comprising an upright part and a lying part which comprises first and second pipe segments which extend on either side of the upright part and substantially in line with one another, at least the second pipe segment being provided, at a free end thereof, with a detachable closure member, which fits to it, for closing off the second pipe segment in a sealed manner, the closure member comprising a closure plate and sealing means for producing a seal between the second pipe segment and the closure member.

[0002] A pipe system of this type is known, for example, from the American patent US-A-4,603,680. This document discloses a T-shaped inducer box assembly which, for example, forms part of a pipe system which is connected to a central-heating boiler and is used to discharge flue gases.

[0003] The known pipe system comprises a flue-gas vent pipe with an upright part which functions as an inlet pipe segment and a lying part with an outlet pipe segment. The inlet pipe segment is designed to be fitted to an upright flue-gas outlet pipe of the central-heating boiler, the centre axis of which is vertically oriented. The free end of the outlet pipe segment is provided with coupling means for effecting a coupling with a lying flue-gas outlet pipe.

[0004] The pipe system further comprises a second pipe segment which extends in line with the outlet pipe segment. This second pipe segment can be used, for example, to look into the outlet pipe segment, and in the text which follows will be referred to consistently as an inspection pipe.

[0005] The free end of the inspection pipe is open, so that it is possible to inspect the lying flue-gas outlet pipe. During normal operation, the free end is closed off by means of a closure member, which is generally cylindrical and comprises firstly an open end and secondly a closed end. The dimensions of the closure member are such that it can be pushed over the outer surface of the inspection pipe. In the process, the closed end forms a closure plate which can bear against the free end of the inspection pipe. On its outer circumference, the closure member is provided with a clamping ring, by means of which the closure member can be fitted in a gastight manner to the outer surface of the inspection pipe. To carry out an inspection, the closure member can easily be taken off the inspection pipe, and after the inspection the closure member can, again easily, be fitted back onto the inspection pipe.

[0006] During operation, condensation may occur in the lying part and in particular in the outlet pipe segment. It is undesirable for condensed water to remain in the lying flue-gas outlet pipe or to run out. In view of this, the known pipe system is provided with discharge means for discharging condensed water which is formed in the outlet pipe segment during use of the central-heating boiler.

[0007] One drawback of the known pipe system is that during use condensed water will also form in the inspection pipe and cannot flow back into the central heating boiler, but rather builds up and accumulates at the closure member. In particular, condensed water will form against the closure member. This can affect the closure member, which may result in flue gases leaking via the free end of the inspection pipe. Also, a person wishing to carry out an inspection, when he removes the closure member, may unexpectedly be confronted with a large quantity of dirty water which flows out of the inspection pipe.

[0008] A further drawback of the known pipe system is that the interior of the inspection pipe forms an empty space which has a disruptive influence on the flow of the flue gases in the flue-gas vent pipe.

[0009] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a pipe system which at least partially eliminates the abovementioned drawbacks.

[0010] To achieve this object, the invention provides a pipe system having a closure member which is designed to be positioned at least partially in the interior of the inspection pipe. A pipe system of this type is characterized in that the closure member is designed to position the closure plate, at a distance from the said free end, in the interior of the second pipe segment, the closure member extending over at least a considerable part, in particular over at least half of the second pipe segment, and the sealing means being active between the outer surface of the closure member and the inner surface of the second pipe segment, so that the interior of the inspection pipe is at least partially filled and less condensed water and, in extreme cases, no condensed water will build up in the inspection pipe. In addition, fitting the closure member means that the empty space is reduced in size, and the disruptive effect which it has on the flow of the flue gases will be reduced.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment of a pipe system according to the invention, the closure member has an insertion depth which is greater than the length of the said pipe segment. In this preferred embodiment, the closure member closes off the inspection pipe entirely, so that condensed water cannot enter the inspection pipe, and in particular the condensed water which forms on that part of the closure member which faces towards the outlet pipe segment, i.e. on the closure plate, will, under the force of gravity, drop directly into the inlet pipe segment, so that the sealing ring does not come into contact with the aggressive condensed water if the closure member has an insertion depth which is slightly greater than the length of the said pipe segment.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of a pipe system according to the invention, the closure member is provided with a stop member which is designed to bear against the free end of the second pipe segment, and with a connecting member for connecting the closure plate to the said stop member. Consequently, the closure member cannot be introduced too far into the pipe system, and the closure member is sufficiently rigid to be able to ensure a good seal.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of a pipe system according to the invention, the sealing means comprise at least one sealing ring which is arranged on the outer surface of the closure member, so that a effective seal is created in the interior of the inspection pipe and no external sealing means are then required.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment of a pipe system according to the invention, the sealing means are arranged in the vicinity of the closure plate, so that it is impossible for any condensed water to build up between the closure member and the second pipe segment and a complete closure of the inspection pipe is obtained.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment of a pipe system according to the invention, the lying part comprises an inspection pipe, the centre axis of the said inspection pipe forming an angle of less than 90° with the centre axis of the upright part, and on the other side comprises a socket section for receiving a lying flue-gas outlet pipe, the centre axis of the said socket section corresponding to the centre axis of the inspection pipe. The result is that condensed water which is formed in the lying flue-gas outlet pipe flows, under the force of gravity, towards the socket section and ultimately reaches the central-heating boiler via the upright part.

[0016] The invention also relates to the use of a pipe system for the production of a flue-gas outlet system of a central-heating boiler, in particular for use with a high-efficiency central-heating boiler, since the problem of the formation of condensed water in the flue-gas outlet section of the system occurs in particular when using a central-heating boiler of this type.

[0017] The invention will be explained in more detail on the basis of the following description of a preferred embodiment of a pipe system according to the invention and with reference to the drawing, in which identical reference numerals denote identical or similar components, and in which:

Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a T-shaped fitting which is used in practice by the applicant, and

Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section through a preferred embodiment of a pipe system according to the invention.

[0018] Fig. 1 shows a T-shaped fitting which has been used in practice by the applicant and is denoted overall by the reference numeral 1, as is fitted onto an upright flue-gas outlet pipe which is connected to a central-heating boiler. The fitting 1 comprises a pipe system 10 which acts as inner pipe segment and an outer pipe segment 30, the pipe system 10 having smaller transverse dimensions than the outer pipe segment 30 and being arranged, with an intervening radial space, in the interior of the outer pipe segment 30. A number of spacers 60, which serve to keep the pipe system 10 and the outer pipe segment 30 at a distance from one another, are provided on the outer surface of the pipe system 10. The pipe system 10 is used to discharge flue gases which originate from the central-heating boiler, and the outer pipe segment 30 is used to carry air to the central-heating boiler.

[0019] The pipe system 10 is T-shaped and comprises a lying part 11 and an upright part 12. The upright part 12 is used for connection to an upright flue-gas outlet pipe 25 which is connected to the central-heating boiler and the centre axis of which is vertically oriented. In the fitted state, as shown in Fig. 1, a section of the inner surface of the upright flue-gas outlet pipe 25 adjoins the outer surface of the upright part 12. A section of the outer surface of the upright part 12 is surrounded by a sealing ring 14, so that the connection between the upright flue-gas outlet pipe 25 and the upright part 12 is gastight.

[0020] A socket section 16 extends from one end 15 of the lying part 11, the outer surface of a sealing ring 17 bearing against a section of the inner surface of the said socket section 16. The socket section 16 has a larger diameter than the remaining section of the lying part 11 and is used to connect the pipe system 10 to a lying flue-gas outlet pipe (not shown). The sealing ring 17 can be used to produce a gastight connection.

[0021] During operation, flue gases flow into the pipe system 10 via the upright part 12, and the flue gases leave the pipe system 10 again via the socket section 16.

[0022] A section of the lying part 11 which extends in the axial direction from one end 19 to the circumference of the upright part 12 acts as an inspection pipe 20. Both the lying part 11 and the lying flue-gas outlet pipe which extends in line with the said lying part 11 can be inspected via the open end 19.

[0023] During normal operation, the end 19 is closed off by a closure member 50, which is shaped as a cylindrical cap with a closed base part 51 and a cylinder wall 52. The closed base part 51 bears against the end 19, the cylinder wall 52 extending outside the inspection pipe 20. At a free end 53, the closure member 50 comprises an internal sealing ring 54, the outer surface of which bears in a sealed manner against one section of the inner surface of the cylinder wall 52, and the inner surface of which bears in a sealed manner against the outer surface of the inspection pipe 20. In this way, the base part 51 of the closure member 50 closes off the inspection pipe 20, the sealing ring 54 producing a gastight closure.

[0024] The outer pipe segment 30, like the pipe system 10, is T-shaped, with a lying part 31 and an upright part 32. The lying part 31 comprises an end 33, the inspection pipe 20 extending through the said end 33. At the end 33, a cover section 34 is arranged on the lying part 31, the said cover section 34 comprising a cylinder wall 35 which extends from a base plate 36. A section of the inner surface of the cylinder wall 35 adjoins a section of the outer surface of the lying part 31. The cylinder wall 35 comprises a section 38 with a diameter which is larger than the remaining section of the cylinder wall 35. The outer surface of a sealing ring 39 bears against the inner surface of the section 38, while the inner surface of the sealing ring 39 bears against a section of the outer surface of the lying part 31. As a result, the connection of the cover section 34 to the lying part 31 is gastight.

[0025] To carry out an inspection, first of all the cover section 34 is removed. Then, the closure member 50 can easily be taken manually off the inspection pipe 20. When the inspection is completed, the closure member 50 can be pushed back onto the inspection pipe 20, until the base part 51 bears against the end 19. Then, the cover section 34 can be fitted back onto the lying part 31.

[0026] The inspection pipe 20 is used for inspection of the lying part 11 of the pipe system 10 and the lying flue-gas outlet pipe. During operation, the interior of the inspection pipe 20 forms an empty space, which has an adverse effect on the flow of the flue gases in the pipe system 10.

[0027] During operation, condensed water may form in the lying flue-gas outlet pipe. To discharge any condensed water from the lying flue-gas outlet pipe, it is desirable for the lying flue-gas outlet pipe to be arranged at an angle to the horizontal. In view of this, the centre axis of the socket section 16 forms an angle of approximately 93° with the centre axis of the vertical part 12. Since the centre axis of the upright part 12 corresponds to the centre axis of the vertically oriented upright flue-gas outlet pipe 25, the centre axis of the socket section 16 forms an angle of approximately 3° with the horizontal. The lying flue-gas outlet pipe, which extends in line with the socket section 16, therefore likewise forms an angle of approximately 3° with the horizontal. The result is that condensed water which is formed in the lying flue-gas outlet pipe, under the force of gravity, flows towards the socket section 16 and ultimately reaches the central-heating boiler via the upright part 12.

[0028] In the known pipe system 10, the centre axes of the socket section 16 and the inspection pipe 20 correspond to one another. Therefore, the centre axis of the inspection pipe 20 forms an angle of approximately 87° with the centre axis of the upright part 12 and an angle of approximately 3° with the horizontal.

[0029] Although this known pipe system is in itself eminently satisfactory, in practice it has been found that this orientation of the inspection pipe 20 has the undesirable effect that any condensed water which is formed in the inspection pipe quickly accumulates in the inspection pipe 20.

[0030] On account of the inclined position of the inspection pipe, which forms an angle of less than 90° with the vertical, the condensed water which enters the inspection pipe cannot flow back into the central-heating boiler, but rather, instead, accumulates at the closure member. This can have an adverse effect on the closure member, which may result in flue gases leaking via the free end of the inspection pipe. Also, a person wishing to carry out an inspection, on removing the closure member, may unexpectedly be confronted with a quantity of water which flows out of the inspection pipe.

[0031] The invention aims to provide a solution to these problems.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of a pipe system 2 according to the invention. The pipe system 2 may form part of a fitting as shown in Fig. 1, and in this preferred embodiment is largely formed in the same way as the pipe system 10 shown in Fig. 1.

[0033] The pipe system 2 comprises a closure member 50 which is shaped as a cylinder, of which one end is closed off by means of a closure plate 51 and of which another end is open and comprises a radially oriented annular stop part 55. In this case, the diameter of the outer circumference of the stop part 55 is larger than the diameter of the outer circumference of an intermediate part 52 which forms the connection between the closure plate 51 and the stop part 55. At the closure plate 51, the closure member 50 is provided with an external sealing ring 54, the inner surface of the said sealing ring 54 adjoining a section of the outer surface of the intermediate part 52.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows how the closure member is positioned with respect to the pipe system 2. The dimensions of the intermediate part 52 and the closure plate 51 are selected in such a manner that these components of the closure member 50 can be introduced into the interior of the inspection pipe 20. In this case, the outer surface of the sealing ring 54 bears against a section of the inner surface of the inspection pipe 20. The stop part 55 bears against the end 19 of the inspection pipe 20.

[0035] An important aspect of the invention is that the closure plate 51 and the sealing ring 54 are situated at a distance from the end 19. This is achieved by making the closure member 50 extend over a considerable part of the inspection pipe 20. In the context of the present invention, the term "considerable part" is intended to mean that the closure member 50 extends over at least half of the inspection pipe 20.

[0036] In the preferred embodiment of the pipe system 2 according to the invention which is shown in Fig. 2, the length of the closure member 50 is slightly greater than the length of the inspection pipe 20. This has the advantage that condensed water which precipitates on a side of the closure plate 51 which faces towards the socket section 16, under the force of gravity, drops off the said closure plate 51 directly into the upright part 12. Moreover, this ensures that the sealing ring 54 does not come into contact with the condensed water and therefore will not be adversely affected by the condensed water. However, the length of the closure member 50 may also be shorter than or substantially equal to the length of the inspection pipe 20. With an embodiment in which the length of the closure member 50 is shorter than the length of the inspection pipe 20, however, all that is achieved is an improvement in the flow of the flue gases compared to the known pipe system 10. An embodiment in which the length of the closure member 50 is substantially equal to or greater than the length of the inspection pipe 20 is advantageous with a view to preventing the formation of condensed water and the accumulation of condensed water in the inspection pipe 20, it being advantageous if the sealing ring 54 is situated in the vicinity of the closure plate 51.

[0037] The stop part 55 is advantageous for positioning the closure member 50 in the inspection pipe 20. In this preferred embodiment, the stop part 55 is shaped as a radially oriented ring, but could also, for example, be shaped as a continuous circular plate.

[0038] In this preferred embodiment, the intermediate part 52 is cylindrical, but it may also be of any other desired shape. If the closure member 50 is provided with a stop part 55, the intermediate part 52 serves to form a connection between the closure plate 51 and the stop part 55.

[0039] The orientation of the inspection pipe 20, the upright part 12 and the socket section 16 with respect to one another may differ from that which has been described above. A significant aspect in this connection is that the centre axis of the inspection pipe 20 forms an angle with the centre axis of the upright part 12, the said angle being considerably greater than 0° and considerably less than 180°.

[0040] The pipe system 2 may also, for example, be suitable for fitting to a non-vertical flue-gas outlet pipe.

[0041] It can be seen from Fig. 2 that the closure plate 51 of the closure member 50, in this preferred embodiment, has a substantially vertical orientation. This is not essential; the closure plate 51 should also be able to adopt a position other than the vertical.

[0042] For an embodiment in which the closure member 50 is used to prevent the formation and accumulation of condensed water in the inspection pipe 20, it is important for the sealing ring 54 to close off the inspection pipe 20 at a section where the inspection pipe adjoins the circumference of the upright part 12.

[0043] It will be obvious to the person skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not restricted to the examples which have been discussed above, but rather numerous changes and modifications thereto are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Pipe system for discharging flue gases, comprising an upright part (12) and a lying part (11) which comprises first (15) and second (20) pipe segments which extend on either side of the upright part, at least the second pipe segment (20) being provided, at a free end (19) thereof, with a detachable closure member (50), which fits to it, for closing off the second pipe segment (20) in a sealed manner, the closure member (50) comprising a closure plate (51) and sealing means for producing a seal between the second pipe segment (20) and the closure member (50), characterized in that the closure member (50) is designed to position the closure plate (51), at a distance from the said free end (19), in the interior of the second pipe segment (20), the closure member (50) extending over at least a considerable part of the second pipe segment (20), and the sealing means being active between the outer surface of the closure member (50) and the inner surface of the second pipe segment (20).

2. Pipe system according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure member (50) extends over at least half the length of the second pipe segment (20).

3. Pipe system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the closure member (50) has an insertion depth which substantially corresponds to the length of the said pipe segment (20).

4. Pipe segment according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the closure member (50) has an insertion depth which is greater than the length of the said pipe segment (20).

5. Pipe segment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing means comprise at least one sealing ring (54) which is arranged on the outer surface of the closure member (50).

6. Pipe system according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the sealing means are arranged in the vicinity of the closure plate (51).

7. Pipe system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure member (50) is provided with a stop member (55) which is designed to bear against the free end (19) of the second pipe segment (20), and with a connecting member (52) for connecting the closure plate (51) to the said stop member (55).

8. Pipe system according to claim 6, characterized in that the second pipe segment (20) has a substantially circular transverse contour, the closure plate (51) having a transverse contour which substantially corresponds to the transverse contour of the second pipe segment (20).

9. Pipe system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second pipe segment (20) comprises an inspection pipe, the centre axis of the said inspection pipe including an angle of less than 90° with the centre axis of the upright part (12).

10. Pipe system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first pipe segment (15) comprises a socket section (16) for receiving a lying flue-gas outlet pipe, the centre axis of the said socket section (16) corresponding to the centre axis of the inspection pipe (20).

11. Use of a pipe system according to any one of the preceding claims for producing a flue-gas outlet system of a central-heating boiler.

Drawing