Abstract: A gas-fired combustion apparatus includes a burner disposed in a substantially sealed combustion chamber and a permeable flexible member arranged to suppress pressure fluctuations within the combustion chamber while concurrently providing for intake of combustion air and restriction of particulate which may interfere with burner operation and increase the risk of ignition of flammable vapor remote of the combustion chamber. The permeable flexible member forms a portion of the combustion chamber wall and is displaceable to provide volume changes. Water heater applications of the burner apparatus are illustrated.

Abstract: A gas water heater including a water container adapted to be heated by a gas burner; and an enclosure surrounding the burner, the enclosure having at least one entryway adapted to allow air and fumes to enter the enclosure without igniting flammable gases or vapors outside of the enclosure.

Abstract: A fuel-fired heating appliance, representatively a gas-fired water heater, has a combustion chamber with a flame arrestor plate forming a bottom wall thereof. The arrestor plate has a spaced series of flame quenching perforations therein through which combustion air upwardly flows into the combustion chamber during firing of the water heater. A shield structure within the combustion chamber overlies the arrestor plate perforations in an upwardly spaced relationship therewith and blocks operating scale on the bottom side of the top combustion chamber wall, and/or a flue extending upwardly from the top combustion chamber wall, from falling on and blocking the combustion air transfer perforations in the flame arrestor plate.

Abstract: A highly efficient flame arrester adapted for use in preventing an external flame from backflashing upstream in a pipe, or a conduit, or a stream carrying a flammable substance. The flame arrester comprises a contained layer of nested ellipsoids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium alloy foil. The arrester is useful in fuel tanks, combustion systems, sea-going tankers, hot water or space heaters, and the like.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber located adjacent the container, the combustion chamber having a floor portion with an opening; a conduit extending upwardly from and being substantially sealed to the opening; a burner located inside the combustion chamber; and a flame trap positioned across the conduit, the flame trap permitting ingress of air and/or extraneous gases into the combustion chamber and prevent egress of flames from the structure.

Abstract: In heat supply equipment provided with a plurality of maintenance object units, secure and prompt servicing and maintenance is implemented and a burden on a person in charge of managing the heat supply equipment is decreased.

Abstract: A mechanism for opening or closing a shut-off valve, the mechanism having a valve actuator for moving the valve from a first position to a second position, an urging means, a trigger which, when activated, triggers operation of the valve actuator, the trigger including a retainer which ordinarily holds the shut-off valve in the first position against the force applied by urging means, and a sensor reactive to an external stimulus which releases the trigger upon receiving appropriate external stimulus.

Abstract: A highly efficient flame arrester adapted for use in preventing an external flame from backflashing upstream in a pipe, or a conduit, or a stream carrying a flammable substance. The flame arrester comprises a contained layer of nested ellipsoids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium alloy foil. The arrester is useful in fuel tanks, combustion systems, sea-going tankers, hot water or space heaters, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises, in one aspect thereof, a combination manifold and check valve assembly for a water heater unit which includes a temperature and pressure relief valve and a drain pan. The assembly comprises a manifold body having a first inlet opening, a second inlet opening, and an outlet opening which are in fluid communication. The first inlet opening is adapted for connection to the outlet of a temperature and pressure relief valve. The second inlet opening is adapted for connection to the outlet of a drain pan. The outlet opening is adapted for connection to a drain line. A valve member is disposed within the manifold body between the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber containing a main burner and a pilot burner positioned to heat water in the water container and having a side wall; a main burner fuel supply line adapted to connect between a fuel control valve and a main burner; a pilot fuel supply line adapted to connect between the fuel control valve and a pilot burner; a heat sensor line connected to a heat sensor and adapted to connect to the fuel control valve and positioned to sense heat from the pilot burner; an igniter line connected to an igniter positioned proximate the pilot burner and connected to an igniter initiator; and a removable plate sealed to the combustion chamber through which the main burner fuel supply line, the pilot fuel supply line, the heat sensor line and the igniter line pass in a sealed condition.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber located adjacent the container, the combustion chamber having a floor portion with an opening; a conduit extending upwardly from and being substantially sealed to the opening; a burner located inside the combustion chamber; a flame trap positioned across the conduit, the flame trap permitting ingress of air and extraneous gases, if present, into the combustion chamber and prevent egress of flames from the structure; and a duct substantially sealingly positioned outwardly of the combustion chamber and over the opening and extending along a side portion of the water heater, the duct having a plurality of openings to receive combustion air.

Abstract: A gas water heater including a water container adapted to be heated by a gas burner; and an enclosure surrounding the burner, the enclosure having at least one entryway adapted to allow air and fumes to enter the enclosure without igniting flammable gases or vapors outside of the enclosure.

Abstract: A hot water heater containment system holds, detects, and removes leaked water while also shutting off the water supply. The system additionally shuts off supply gas when leaking gas is detected, and sounds an alarm. A burner within the system is shielded against infiltration of flammable vapors from external sources. The shielding function is accomplished without preventing access to the burner for maintenance. Advantageously, the hot water containment system is inexpensive to construct, easy and safe to use, and highly reliable in operation.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber containing a main burner and a pilot burner positioned to heat water in the water container and having a side wall; a main burner fuel supply line adapted to connect between a fuel control valve and a main burner; a pilot fuel supply line adapted to connect between the fuel control valve and a pilot burner; a heat sensor line connected to a heat sensor and adapted to connect to the fuel control valve and positioned to sense heat from the pilot burner; an igniter line connected to an igniter positioned proximate the pilot burner and connected to an igniter initiator; and a removable plate sealed to the combustion chamber through which the main burner fuel supply line, the pilot fuel supply line, the heat sensor line and the igniter line pass in a sealed condition.

Abstract: A water supply shutoff valve system is used with a fluid storage tank, such as a hot water heater, to automatically shut off the water supply to the storage tank as a result of leak containment which in turn causes a magnetic float to rise and consequently produce the mechanical force necessary to release and close a spring loaded water supply valve.

Abstract: A highly efficient flame arrester adapted for use in preventing an external flame from backflashing upstream in a pipe, or a conduit, or a stream carrying a flammable substance. The flame arrester comprises a contained layer of nested ellipsoids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium alloy foil. The arrester is useful in fuel tanks, combustion systems, sea-going tankers, hot water, or space heaters, and the like.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber located adjacent the container, the combustion chamber having a floor portion with an opening; a conduit extending upwardly from and being substantially sealed to the opening; a burner located inside the combustion chamber; and a flame trap positioned across the conduit, the flame trap permitting ingress of air and/or extraneous gases into the combustion chamber and prevent egress of flames from the structure.

Abstract: A plumbing system which, when ambient outdoor temperatures drop below freezing, circulates water to prevent it from freezing, utilizing a check valve to prevent water from flowing back into the water main and further utilizing a relief valve which can open to the atmosphere and relieve pressure in the system if necessary. The system can have two separate circulation pumps, one for hot water and one for cold water.

Abstract: A portable trough for water heaters for reducing the amount of time and effort taken to replace heating elements in water heaters. The portable trough for water heaters includes a container having side walls, a bottom wall which has a depressed back portion for retaining lime from the water heater, a front end wall, a back end, and an open top; and also includes a rubber seal member disposed at and covering the back end of the container; and further includes a hose attachment member disposed through the front end wall of the container and extending outwardly of the container and having a bore extending therethrough into the container and being adapted to connect to a water vacuum hose; and also includes a handle member securely attached to an exterior of the bottom wall of the container.

Abstract: A gas water heater including a water container adapted to be heated by a gas burner; and an enclosure surrounding the burner, the enclosure having at least one entryway adapted to allow air and fumes to enter the enclosure without igniting flammable gases or vapors outside of the enclosure.

Abstract: An air flow control and routing apparatus for attaching to a water heater, to restrict entry of floor-level gases into the water heater, includes a substantially annular skirt for surrounding a base portion of a water heater. Preferably, the skirt has a closable pilot access door formed therein. The apparatus also includes at least one air intake tube attached to the annular skirt for transporting inlet air therethrough, the air intake tube having an elevated inlet, relative to the skirt, when the apparatus is in an installed orientation thereof. In this first embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is constructed and arranged to feed indoor air, from a portion of a room above floor level, to a water heater combustion chamber, located at the lower end of a water heater, when installed thereon. The invention also encompasses a water heater having the air flow control and routing apparatus installed thereon, and a method of routing inlet air into a water heater using the described apparatus.

Abstract: A water heater of the invention includes a water container; a combustion chamber adjacent the water container; a burner associated with the combustion chamber; a flue connected to the combustion chamber; a blower assembly positioned to receive combustion products from the flue and convey the combustion products to a remote location; and a pressure switch positioned to detect blockage of combustion products away from the blower assembly and flow of air from the flue prior to initiation of combustion in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater has a combustion chamber disposed above a wall ucture forming a flow path for combustion air being drawn into the combustion chamber during firing of the fuel burner portion of the water heater. A combustion air shutoff system is incorporated in the water heater and functions to sense an undesirably high firing temperature in the combustion chamber and responsively shut off essentially all further air flow to the combustion chamber and thereby terminate combustion therein. In various disclosed embodiments thereof, the combustion air shutoff system includes a damper member movable between an open position in which its permits air flow through the combustion air flow path, and a closed position which it blocks essentially all further air flow through the combustion air flow path. The damper is releasably held in its open position by a eutectic metal fusible link member positioned exteriorly adjacent an exterior wall of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A valve assembly is operative for automatically shutting off both a water supply line and gas supply line to a gas-fired hot water vessel upon detection of water discharge, leak or overflow, from the water vessel. The valve assembly is connected in the water supply line and generally includes a valve body, a sliding valve member which is spring biased to a normally closed position, and a water softenable latch which maintains the valve member in an open position against the bias of the spring. The valve assembly is preferably positioned in a drip pan located under the water vessel such that water leaking from the water vessel will accumulate in the drip pan and submerge the valve assembly. Upon exposure to water accumulated in the drip pan, the water softenable latch at least partially softens and releases the valve member to move from its open position to its closed position to cut off water supply through the valve body.

Abstract: A method, which senses malfunctions of a water supply system employed in a boiler system, comprises the steps of a) sensing a water level in a water tank; b) controlling a supplying of supplementary water from a water source to the water tank in response to the water level sensed by step a); c) sensing an amount of overflow water which has overflowed from the water tank; and d) determining whether the water supply system is out of order based on the water level sensed by step a), the amount of the overflow water sensed by step c), and a control state by step b).

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater has a combustion chamber disposed beneath the storage tank portion of the water heater. The bottom side wall of the combustion chamber is defined by an annular perforated wall structure with a perforated mounting plate structure being removably secured to the underside of the wall structure over the central opening therein. A burner and associated pilot/thermocouple assembly are secured to the upper side of the mounting plate and project upwardly into the combustion chamber, with the piping and wiring of the burner and pilot/thermocouple assembly extending externally beneath the combustion chamber, outwardly through a side wall access passage, and then turning upwardly along the outside of the water heater for connection to a thermostatic fuel valve. To remove the bottom plate-mounted burner and pilot/thermocouple assembly the fuel supply piping must first be decoupled from the thermostatic valve, thereby assuring that the access plate cannot be removed while the burner is firing.

Abstract: An overflow control system includes a vessel having a liquid input and output, the vessel having a top and bottom defined by the gravity vector. The system further includes a housing peripherally surrounding the vessel about all surfaces, other than the bottom, to provide a fluid and thermal insulation region between the vessel and the housing. The system also includes a liquid collection chamber formed integrally beneath the vessel and housing, and in fluid communication with the insulation region. A leak or fracture of the vessel will result in an accumulation of liquid in the collection chamber. The system further includes a normally open electrically actuatable solenoid disposed within the liquid input. Within the liquid output of the vessel is provided a check valve for closing the output responsive to any gradient of fluid pressure in the direction of the vessel in excess of a reference level.

Abstract: A liquid temperature regulation system comprises a controller means adapted to control operation of a temperature regulation means. A sensing means to detect the liquid temperature and a safety means to enable the temperature regulation means to be disabled are operatively connected to a reset means that is connected to a power source via a transforming means that is itself adapted to lower the voltage level of the power source to a level safe for use by a user. The reset means is operable to reset the safety means, thus enabling the controller means to again operate the temperature regulation means. A water storage system delivers liquid at operating temperatures at a preset time, such system including a liquid storage means, a temperature regulation means, a temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the liquid in the storage means, and a controller to control the operation of the temperature regulation means in accordance with a temperature sensed by a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A multi-function controller for a water heater is advanced comprising a control panel and a plurality of sensors that monitor a variety of functions that impact the operation of a water heater. A flammable gas sensor, placed in proximity to the air intake, detects the presence of an unsafe concentration of gas and issues a signal to the control panel, which subsequently discontinues the operation of the burners. Detection of a blocked vent pipe is achieved by a carbon monoxide sensor placed near the draft hood. The control panel is equipped with circuitry which monitors usage of the heater for a specified time period to develop a pattern of use. Subsequent to the monitoring period, the controller will activate the burners a predetermined time prior to an anticipated period of high use. During periods of low use, the controller will decrease the temperature to which the water is to be heated, thereby resulting in a more efficient heater.

Abstract: A water heater overflow prevention system is provided including a water heater with a cylindrical configuration having a circular bottom face, a circular top face, and a tubular periphery formed therebetween defining an interior space. The water heater has an overflow pipe connected to the top face of the water heater and extended downwardly adjacent to the periphery of the water heater. Such overflow pipe terminates with an open end adjacent the bottom face of the water heater for allowing excess water from the water heater to flow therefrom. Further provided is an overflow pan including a circular base with a cylindrical periphery integrally coupled thereto and extending upwardly therefrom thereby defining an open top and an interior space in which the water heater and overflow pipe are situated. An aperture is formed in the periphery of overflow pan adjacent the base thereof.

Abstract: A safety control valve for a domestic water supply system is described. It includes a valve body having a flow passage therethrough comprising a pair of laterally spaced vertical flow channels and a top flow cavity connecting these vertical flow channels. The top ends of the spaced flow channels open into a flat bottom face of the top flow cavity, which flat face forms a valve seat. A closure flap is mounted in the top cavity and is spring biased downwardly against the flat bottom face to close the valve. A central cylindrical cavity extends vertically between the bottom of the top flow cavity and the bottom of the valve body with a thin elastic diaphragm closing the top end of the cylindrical cavity. A solenoid is mounted on the bottom of the valve body concentric with the central cylindrical cavity.

Abstract: A control system for a hot water tank construction, control device therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the control system comprising a switch unit that has a portion thereof disposed remote from a housing of a control device and in a position to sense the temperature of an adverse heat roll out from the combustion chamber of the hot water tank construction and thereby be in an operating condition thereof that prevents an electromagnetic unit carried by the housing of the control device from being in an open condition thereof if the sensed temperature of the heat roll out is above a certain temperature.

Abstract: A heater for fluids has a main housing part which is provided with flow channels for a fluid to be heated. The main housing part is surrounded by an auxiliary housing part, and the housing parts cooperate to define a compartment which is capable of containing sparks, flames and explosions. The compartment communicates with the atmosphere via one or more gaps too narrow to be penetrated by sparks and flames. The compartment further communicates with a chamber which is provided in the auxiliary housing part for switching elements. A heating foil is adhesively secured to one surface of the compartment so as to lie flat against such surface.

Abstract: Surface temperature measurements of the tubes of operating power boilers are facilitated by using ganged and preferably scannable hollow-core sapphire probes to capture infrared radiation emanating from discrete tube surface areas. By selectively overlapping the tube surface areas scanned, the greater diameter of the scanning beam in relation to the tube diameter is compensated for and individual tubes can be assessed for surface temperature. Multiplexing the outputs of many probes to a remote signal processor which also controls the scanning regimens provides systematic automated temperature readings.

Abstract: A method for controlling nitrogen oxides (NO.sub.x) levels in a gas produced by a fossil fuel fired unit comprises establishing an optimum gas temperature range for the unit and monitoring a gas temperature of the unit. The heat exchanger surfaces of the unit are then cleaned until the monitored gas temperature is within the optimum gas temperature range. An optimum fuel combustion rate range is also established for the unit and a fuel combustion rate of the unit is monitored. Air is provided to the unit until the monitored fuel combustion rate is within the optimum combustion rate range.

Abstract: Temperatures along the surfaces of water tubes in an operating steam boiler are determined by detecting infrared radiation emitted from the tube surfaces in one or more narrow pass-bands founds to be available despite the presence of hot and turbulent flue gases between the sensor and the tube surface to be measured.

Abstract: An acoustic emission signal collector for monitoring leaks in furnace wall tubes employs a plurality of waveguides attached to the tubes and connected to a cross member. An acoustic emission sensor positioned on the cross member detects leaks which are propagated from the furnace wall tube to the cross member. An alternate embodiment includes tines or waveguides bent at an angle and attached to the furnace wall tubes.

Abstract: The present invention features a telescoping-type scaffold for use in the repair of superheater tubes of power-generating boiler systems. The telescoping-type scaffold is constructed in situ at the superheater bay of the firebox of the boiler. The telescoping scaffold is fabricated in sections to provide bridges between: (a) the access hatch at the superheater level of the firebox and the first tier of a pendant section of the superheater bay, (b) the first and second tiers of the pendant section, (c) the pendant and the platen sections of the superheater bay, and (d) the first and second tiers of the platen section.

Abstract: Leakage of water from a boiler water system wherein steam is generated in a boiler from feedwater fed to the boiler, and the concentration of impurities in the boiler water within the boiler is reduced by withdrawing fractions thereof as blowdown while admitting additional feedwater as boiler-water makeup, is determined. The boiler has a concentration cycle value, the concentration cycle value being the average value of the concentration of an inert component in the blowdown at steady state (C.sub.F) divided by the concentration of the inert component in the feedwater (C.sub.I). The concentration of the inert component in the boiler at steady state varies from a high concentration C.sub.H, having a value that is higher than C.sub.F, to a low concentration C.sub.L, having a value between the (C.sub.I) and the (C.sub.F), within a time period.

Abstract: A steam line plug support tool for maintaining steam line plugs in steam line nozzles during the local leak rate test of boiling water reactors which includes an elongated beam with a support piece attached at a location to coincide with the steam line plug. The steam line plug support tool may optionally have a steam line plug attached to the support plate so that the support tool may be used for both installation and support.

Abstract: A first and second sensor and alarm member is mounted relative to a gas appliance, and more particularly to the diverter housing and adjacent a lower portion of the gas appliance for detection of spillage in the form of flue restriction relative to the first sensor or roll-out sensing relative to gas fumes backed up relative to the flame portion of the gas appliance.

Abstract: Radiant gas cooler apparatus for treating a particulate-laden synthetic gas, which cooler includes an elongated shell. A water wall in the shell defines an annulus communicated with a pressurized purge gas source. Hot effluent introduced to the unit passes through a heat exchange chamber defined by the water wall and enters a bath in the shell lower end wherein solid material is removed. Cooled synthetic gas which leaves the bath enters the annulus to be discharged into the bath. A regulated flow of purge gas directed into the annulus prevents entry of hot effluent gas therein, precludes the accumulation of residual solid particulate matter and corrosive gaseous components, and scours the annulus surfaces. A double dip tube arrangement also protects the vessel by equalizing the pressure across an internal water wall.

Abstract: A water freeze prevention device is provided and includes a mechanism that is installed between a water meter and incoming water pipes to drain the water pipes to prevent the water pipes from freezing during severe cold weather conditions.

Abstract: A track and carriage combination for supporting maintenance equipment in pressurized water reactor steam generators is disclosed. A pair of outwardly extending grooves are machined into the annulus portion of the generator tubesheet. Geared segments are provided for being inserted in the grooves for forming a geared track upon which the maintenance device may be firmly supported. Each geared segment includes gear teeth, a base shaped to mate with and engage the annulus grooves. A keyway is provided at the tubelane for allowing the segments to be slidably inserted into the grooves. Each segment is slightly curved so as to form a track corresponding with the annulus curvature. The segments are interlockable so that the segments may be removed from the annulus without any segments being left inside the steam generator. If desired, the track may be of one-piece construction and permanently mounted in the annulus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water heater capable of exhausting flue gases from an interior space of a building to an exterior space and is adapted for installation through an upstanding wall. The water heater has an insulated tank with a water inlet and a water outlet together with a flue pipe opening at one end thereof beneath the tank upon a combustion chamber containing a fuel burner. The other end of the flue pipe opens at the top of the tank upon a flue gas collector and has a flue gas restricter for restricting the outward flow of flue gases from the flue pipe. The collector includes a collector box connected to the top of the water heater above and in alignment with the flue pipe, a blower and a low temperature flue gas exhaust line. The collector box has at least one air inlet for mixing air from the interior space of the building with flue gases exiting the flue pipe to inhibit condensation and reduce the temperature of the flue gases flowing through the exhaust line.

Abstract: A heat exchange humidifier for generation of steam-to-steam or fluid-to-steam humidity may include at least one steam tube in a heat exchanger array which may be coated with a non-stick surface such as tetrafluoroethylene (TEFLON.RTM.) coating or the like, to prevent the build-up of minerals. The steam tubes in the heat exchanger array are in a substantially layered configuration, each layer being offset and below the preceding upper layer, or in helical configuration. This organization of the tubes in the heat exchanger array maximizes convection currents in a fluid surrounding the steam tubes to minimize dead water films and maximize heat transfer from the steam or fluid inside of the tubes to the surrounding water, resulting in an overall increase in boil-off capacity for adding humidity to the air.

Abstract: In combination with a steam generator having a plurality of generator tube support plates, each generator tube support plate having a plurality of openings and a plurality of generator tubes, each tube passing through aligned openings in the support plates, a corrosion monitoring system is provided including a mockup probe, comprising a probe tube support plate having an upper side and a lower side and having substantially the same thickness and being constructed of substantially the same material as the generator tube support plates, having at least one opening of substantially the same size and shape as the openings of the generator tube support plates; at least one probe tube having an upper end and a lower end and having substantially the same diameter as the generator tubes and being constructed of substantially the same material as the generator tubes, the probe tube passing through the opening of the probe tube support plate; and wherein the mockup probe is adapted such that it may be inserted and seal

Abstract: A control valve includes a vertical housing having an upper float chamber, a lower valve chamber, and a valve seat support which is provided between the float chamber and the valve chamber, defines a passage communicating the float chamber and the valve chamber and has a bottom valve seat above the valve chamber. An inlet conduit extends outwardly from the housing and has an inlet and an outlet communicated with the valve chamber. An outlet conduit extends outwardly from the housing and has an inlet communicated with the passage and an outlet. A shaft is movable vertically, is provided inside the housing and has a valve block mounted on a bottom end of the shaft. An upper and a lower stop are respectively fixed on the shaft. An upper and a lower float are respectively movably sleeved around the shaft between the upper and lower stops. A perforated partition is mounted inside the housing between the upper float and the lower float.

Abstract: An electric water heater is provided with a vertically enlarged, sealed bottom end cap which functions as an integral drainage catch basin to receive water leaking from the water heater's internal hot water storage tank into the annular space between the storage tank and the outer jacket of the water heater. A drain pipe extends through a sealed opening in the end cap and is used to drain away water entering the cap, thus eliminating the previous necessity of providing the water heater with a separate drainage catch pan structure. The storage tank is electrically grounded to the outer water heater jacket at a point above the bottom end cap, thus eliminating the necessity of forming this grounding interconnection with a grounding screw extending upwardly through the bottom end cap and forming a water leak path through the bottom of the end cap.

Abstract: A multi-function controller for a water heater is advanced comprising a control panel and a plurality of sensors that monitor a variety of functions that impact the operation of a water heater. A flammable gas sensor, placed in proximity to the air intake, detects the presence of an unsafe concentration of gas and issues a signal to the control panel, which subsequently discontinues the operation of the burners. Detection of a blocked vent pipe is achieved by a carbon monoxide sensor placed near the draft hood. The control panel is equipped with circuitry which monitors usage of the heater for a specified time period to develop a pattern of use. Subsequent to the monitoring period, the controller will activate the burners a predetermined time prior to an anticipated period of high use. During periods of low use, the controller will decrease the temperature to which the water is to be heated, thereby resulting in a more efficient heater.