Abstract: A combustion system such as a furnace or boiler includes a perforated reaction holder configured to hold a combustion reaction that produces very low oxides of nitrogen (NOx).

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to water heaters including a water storage tank having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall; a combustion chamber extending below the bottom wall of the water storage tank and a heat exchanger configured to receive combustion gases and to transfer heat to water in the water storage tank. The heat exchanger includes a first pass flue extending through the water storage tank and a plurality of second pass flues coupled to receive combustion gases from the first pass flue. The second pass flues extending through the water storage tank and having a straight top portion, a curved bottom portion, and a longitudinal axis residing in a plane. The curved bottom portion of the second pass flues exits the water storage tank through at least one aperture defined in the side wall of the water storage tank.

Abstract: A fluid heating system including: a pressure vessel; an assembly comprising: a heat exchanger core including a second inlet and a second outlet; a first conduit having a first end connected to the second inlet of the heat exchanger core and a second end disposed outside of the pressure vessel; a second conduit having a first end connected to the second outlet of the heat exchanger core and a second end disposed outside of the pressure vessel; and a blower in fluid connection with the first end of the first conduit, wherein the fluid heating system satisfies the condition that a Bulk Heat Flux between the first end of the first conduit and the first end of the second conduit is between 45 kW/m2 and 300 kW/m2, and wherein the Pressure Drop between the first conduit and the second conduit is between 3 kiloPascals and 30 kiloPascals.

Abstract: A vehicle heater heat exchanger arrangement (10) includes: a pot-like heat exchanger housing (12) with a first bottom wall (18) in a first axial end area (16) and with a first circumferential wall (20) adjoining the first bottom wall and enclosing a longitudinal axis (L); and a pot-like outer heat exchanger housing (14) with a second bottom wall (22) in the first axial end area and with a second circumferential wall (24) adjoining the second bottom wall and enclosing the longitudinal axis. The inner heat exchanger housing and the outer heat exchanger housing are connected to one another in a second axial end area (26) and a fluid flow space (34) is formed between the inner heat exchanger housing and the outer heat exchanger housing. The second axial end area has an outwardly open recess (60) defined by the inner heat exchanger housing or/and by the outer heat exchanger housing.

Abstract: A flame indicator assembly for a fuel-fired heating appliance, the fuel-fired heating appliance including a burner assembly and control electronics. The flame indicator assembly comprises a flame sensor configured to allow the flow of electric current in response to exposure to a flame. The flame sensor is configured for electrical communication with the control electronics of the fuel-fired heating appliance. The flame indicator assembly also comprises a visual indicator module attached to the flame sensor. The visual indicator module comprises at least one light source. The visual indicator module is in operative communication with the flame sensor such that the at least one light source is actuated in response to the flow of electric current. A fuel-fired heating appliance comprising a flame indicator assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A high efficiency downfired gas water heater is provided which has a tank for storing water to be heated, a combustion chamber extending downwardly through a top end of the tank, and a gas burner operative to create hot combustion products within the combustion chamber. At the bottom end of the tank is a transfer chamber coupled to an external discharge conduit and to a single pass heat exchanger, in the form of multiple flue tubes. extending vertically through the tank and connected to the combustion chamber. In one embodiment of the water heater the burner is a power burner which forces the combustion products sequentially through the combustion chamber, heat exchanger, transfer chamber and discharge conduit. In another embodiment of the water heater a draft inducer fan is used to draw the combustion products through this path from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Combustion apparatus for use with a solid fuel has a firebox constructed at least in part of a fired refractory carbide material. The fired refractory carbide material has a catalytic effect on the combustion process providing a cleaner and more efficient combustion. The fired refractory material also absorbs heat from the combustion process directly or indirectly by heat exchange with combustion products and dissipates the absorbed heat over an extended period of time providing space heating after the combustion process is completed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water heater that has a water storage tank, a first pass flue tube extending from a top of the water storage tank to a bottom of the water storage tank, a down-fired burner assembly positioned to direct combustion gases into the first pass flue tube, a plurality of second pass flue tubes extending from the bottom of the water storage tank to a top of the water storage tank, and an expansion chamber positioned below the bottom of the water storage tank. The expansion chamber receives the combustion gases from the first pass flue tube and delivers the combustion gases to the second pass flue tubes.

Abstract: A mobile fluid storage tank for the use and storage of fluids comprising a unibody construction.

Abstract: The efficiencies of illustrative embodiments of vertical center flue type fuel-fired base water heaters are improved by installing in the water heaters variously configured tubular condensing type secondary heat exchangers of smaller diameters than the associated center flues. The efficiency increases are achieved with components and manufacturing processes similar to those utilized in the base water heaters and secondary heat exchanger materials similar to those in the tank portions of the base water heaters.

Abstract: A water heater system comprises a water tank, a burner plenum, a flue, a blower, a combustion air passageway, a dilution air passageway, an upstream manifold, and a downstream manifold. The upstream manifold divides air from the blower so that some air flows through the combustion air passageway to the burner plenum and some air flows through the dilution air passageway to the downstream manifold. The downstream manifold combines the air from the dilution air passageway with combustion products from the flue.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for supplying heat includes a housing, a bundle of helical fin-coil tubes, and a flue channel. The housing includes a burner, a water inlet, a water outlet and a flue gas outlet. The burner is disposed on a top portion of the housing and connected to an air/gas mixture unit. The bundle of helical fin-tube coils is disposed tightly, circularly, and coaxially around the burner. The flue channel is disposed below the burner and is formed by a plurality of serpentine bent fin-tube coils. A flow of flue gas vents from the flue channel to the flue gas outlet. The water inlet is connected to the plurality of serpentine bent fin-tube coils which forms the flue channel below the burner. The plurality of serpentine bent fin-tube coils below the burner are connected to the bundle of helical fin-tube coils. The bundle of helical fin-tube coils are connected to the water outlet.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for supplying heat includes a housing, a bundle of helical fin-coil tubes, and a flue channel. The housing includes a burner, a water inlet, a water outlet and a flue gas outlet. The burner is disposed on a top portion of the housing and connected to an air/gas mixture unit. The bundle of helical fin-tube coils is disposed tightly, circularly, and coaxially around the burner. The flue channel is disposed below the burner and is formed by a plurality of helical fin-tube coils. A flow of flue gas vents from the flue channel to the flue gas outlet. The water inlet is connected to the plurality of helical fin-tube coils which forms the flue channel below the burner. The plurality of helical fin-tube coils below the burner are connected to the bundle of helical fin-tube coils. The bundle of helical fin-tube coils are connected to the water outlet.

Abstract: Provided is a system that may be used to heat a storage tank. In example embodiments, the system may include a storage tank, a channel in the storage tank, a burner in the channel, and at least one source tank configured to provide a flammable gas to the burner, wherein the burner is configured to generate heat within the channel to warm contents of the storage tank.

Abstract: A condensing type hot water boiler comprises: a firebox casing that formulates a firebox in which fuel is combusted; a burner that ignites fuel furnished in the upper part of said firebox casing; a ventilator that supplies air to said firebox; a heat exchange casing, wherein heat is exchanged between hot water and the flame and combustion gas flowing in from said firebox, located at the lower part of said firebox casing; and a hot water coil formed to cover the inner wall of said firebox casing and in which hot water is received in the interior from said heat exchange casing for heat exchange with flame and combustion gas of the interior of said firebox.

Abstract: A fire tube heater apparatus includes a shell, with a tube bundle received in the shell and a burner section communicated with the tube bundle. The tubes in the tube bundle have circular inlet and outlet end portions with a flattened, serpentine intermediate portion. The intermediate portion has a width greater than the inlet outside diameter and a tube thickness transverse to the width less than the inlet outside diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating water having three vertically aligned water heating process sections. The upper section includes an annular water storage tank disposed around a combustion chamber having a downward firing burner. The intermediate section, disposed vertically below the upper section receives flue gas from the combustion chamber, which flue gas is cooled and dehumidified, producing a hot condensate which collects in a passive condensate flow control device disposed proximate the bottom of the intermediate section. The lower section, disposed vertically below the intermediate and separated therefrom by the passive condensate flow control device receives hot condensate from the flow control device, which is used to preheat and humidify air, such as room air, which is then recycled to the combustion process of the upper section for use as combustion air.

Abstract: A heating assembly for heating a liquid storage tank includes a heat exchanger tank supported in one wall of the storage tank to extend into the storage tank in contact with liquid stored therein. The heat exchanger tank contains a heat exchanger fluid therein which is heated by a heating apparatus extending through the heat exchanger tank whereby heat is only transferred to the liquid in the storage tank through the heat exchanger fluid. The heating apparatus extending through the heat exchanger tank may be a burner tube or an electrical resistance-type heating element according to different embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating water comprises a tank formed by a tank wall and having a water inlet and a water outlet and a water collection pan in a bottom portion thereof and a burner located through a wall of the tank so as to position a flame originating therefrom above a surface of water located in the collection pan. The apparatus further includes an exhaust pipe extending from the tank, at least one water distribution manifold sized to be located in the exhaust pipe of the water heater in fluidic communication with a water supply and having a plurality of ports therein to distributed water therethrough and at least one permeable layer supported below the at least one water distribution manifold.

Abstract: A heating assembly for heating a liquid storage tank includes a heat exchanger tank supported in one wall of the storage tank to extend into the storage tank in contact with liquid stored therein. The heat exchanger tank contains a heat exchanger fluid therein which is heated by a burner tube extending through the heat exchanger tank whereby heat is only transferred to the liquid in the storage tank through the heat exchanger fluid. A controller actuates the burner head of the burner tube to maintain temperature of the heat exchanger fluid between upper and lower temperature limits. The operation of the burner head is interrupted in response to temperature of the liquid in the storage tank exceeding an upper limit, or fluid level in the heat exchanger tank being below a lower limit as determined by respective sensors.

Abstract: A dual fuel—gas fuel and electric heat pump—water heater is provided that captures waste heat from the exhaust flue of the gas fuel heating system and utilizes it in the evaporator of the electric heat pump. Multiple mechanisms are disclosed for the transfer of heat from the exhaust flue gases to the evaporator. Heat from the exhaust gas that would otherwise be lost is used to help heat refrigerant in the evaporator to improve the efficiency of the system. This heat can also be used to prevent or remove frozen condensate on the evaporator.

Abstract: In a fuel-fired water heater with a standing pilot burner and a motorized flue damper, a specially designed controller is utilized to prevent overheating of water stored in the tank portion of the water heater caused by the hot combustion gases continuously generated by the pilot burner during standby periods of the water heater in which its main fuel burner is not being fired.

Abstract: A high efficiency downfired gas water heater is provided which has a tank for storing water to be heated, a combustion chamber extending downwardly through a top end of the tank, and a gas burner operative to create hot combustion products within the combustion chamber. At the bottom end of the tank is a transfer chamber coupled to an external discharge conduit and to a single pass heat exchanger, in the form of multiple flue tubes. extending vertically through the tank and connected to the combustion chamber. In one embodiment of the water heater the burner is a power burner which forces the combustion products sequentially through the combustion chamber, heat exchanger, transfer chamber and discharge conduit. In another embodiment of the water heater a draft inducer fan is used to draw the combustion products through this path from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A condensing gas water heating device includes a frame, a main heat exchanger and a condensing heat exchanger. The frame, main heat exchanger, and a condensing heat exchanger all are made of stainless steel. The main heat exchanger and the condensing heat exchanger are integrally welded with the flue of the frame along the flue gas flow path to form a heat exchanger assembly. A condensed water collector is arranged between the main heat exchanger and the condensing heat exchanger. By welding the frame, main heat exchanger and condensing heat exchanger, which are made of stainless steel, into the integrally structured heat exchanger assembly, the present invention simplifies the structure and processing technology of the heat exchanger assembly, saves the installation space and materials of the heat exchanger assembly, and improves the corrosion resistance of the heat exchanger assembly.

Abstract: A water heater having primary and secondary heat exchanger and a pump to move water between the primary and secondary heat exchangers. The pump may also be used for the purpose of recirculating water within a building. The water heater may be manufactured with a method in which certain steps and components are added to a water heater of a first efficiency to arrive at a water heater having a second efficiency greater than the first efficiency. The additional steps and components may include attaching a condensing recuperator to a traditional power vent water heater.

Abstract: A water heater with enhanced thermal efficiency includes a heat exchange tank, a water tank that houses the heat exchange tank and shields and isolates the heat exchange tank with a surrounding curtain of water flowing therethrough, a burner, and a blower. The burners is connected to a combustible gas outlet opening of the blower and extends from a central base of the heat exchange tank up into the heat exchange tank to form a combustion chamber within an internal cavity of the heat exchange tank. A plurality of radially arranged flame tubes extends downward from a top corner of the internal cavity and is enclosed by the water flowing inside the water tank. The flame tubes are extended to communicate an exhaust gas discharge tube set circumferentially of and separated from the base for discharging gas. Water inlet and outlet are respectively provided to the water tank.

Abstract: A water heater has a tank having an upper and a lower domes which are penetrated by tubular flues in a 1-1-5 arrangement of a first flue connected to a second flue which in turn is connected to tertiary condensing flues. A gas-fired burner on the upper dome fires into the first flue. Both the first and second flue have heat exchange capacity enhanced by a multiplicity of rectangular metal fins welded in a helical arrangement. Some or all of the fins in the first flue may be stainless steel, while the remaining fins may be a different material, such as mild steel. The first and second flues are arranged to remove approximately 82-89 percent of the heat generated by the burner with minimal or no formation of condensate. Approximately 5.5-9 percent of the heat generated by combustion in the burner is removed in third flues where condensation takes place.

Abstract: A water heating apparatus uses a low range blower assembly and a high range blower assembly, each providing a variable flow of premixed fuel and air to a burner assembly. Appropriate choice of the operating ranges of the blower assemblies can provide a high turndown ratio approximately equal to the product of the turndown ratios of each of the individual blower assemblies. Turndown ratios as high as 25:1 are achievable.

Abstract: A water heater for heating potable water used in a boat or vehicle has operating components which are easily accessible from one end of the heater. The heater further includes a water level sensor to indicate water quantity and a coolant stack which terminates in an exhaust stack which can have either of two configurations for installation flexibility.

Abstract: A water heater capable of suppressing an increase in the combustion air temperature exiting the heater and the generation of nitrogen oxide within an easy structure is provided. In the water heater, a burner is provided in a combustion chamber which is below a hot water storage chamber that is an all primary air burner which takes in the air required for gas combustion, whereby the air is mostly primary air. In addition, the burner is provided with a supporting plate in the combustion chamber at a height that allows part of the burner head to be protruded into a space covered by a lower mirror plate.

Abstract: A water heater for heating potable water used in a boat or vehicle. Exhaust heated by the burner of the water heater is discharged from the burner and is conveyed through an exhaust duct which extends through a water jacket surrounding the burner and which water jacket holds the potable water to be heated. The potable water is heated by the burner and also by the hot exhaust gases in the exhaust duct. Operating components are accessible from one end of the water heater.

Abstract: A water heater. The water heater includes a water tank having a tank wall defining an interior space and adapted to contain water to be heated, a tank extension having an extension wall detachably mounted to the tank wall, the extension wall defining extension space communicating with the interior space, and defining an extension axis, an air inlet at least partially in the extension space extending through the extension wall at a radial angle to extension axis of tank extension, a combustor at least partially in the extension space and in fluid communication with the air inlet, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes configured to receive products of combustion from combustor and extending into interior space of the water tank. The extension space is configured to be flooded with water from the water tank.

Abstract: A flue system is provided for a water heater having improved heat exchange efficiency. The flue system includes an upstream heat exchange portion providing a first pass for heat exchange with water in the water heater. The flue system further includes a downstream heat exchange portion providing a second pass for heat exchange with water in the water heater and a blower positioned between the upstream heat exchange portion and the downstream heat exchange portion. The blower is configured to urge combustion products from the upstream heat exchange portion to the downstream heat exchange portion.

Abstract: A fire tube heater apparatus includes a shell, with a tube bundle received in the shell and a burner section communicated with the tube bundle. The tubes in the tube bundle have circular inlet and outlet end portions with a flattened, serpentine intermediate portion. The intermediate portion has a width greater than the inlet outside diameter and a tube thickness transverse to the width less than the inlet outside diameter.

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater is provided with a premixing type main burner and an associated pilot burner for igniting it. A specially designed protective system is operative to detect a flame flashback burning condition in the main burner and responsively shut down the water heater. In one embodiment thereof, the protective system uses main burner body heat to melt a portion of a fuel supply line connected to the pilot burner during a flame flashback condition in the main burner. Such melting responsively causes an associated fuel supply valve to close and terminate water heater operation. In a second protective system embodiment a normally closed pressure switch is opened, thereby shutting down the water heater, when the switch detects a pressure indicative of a flame flashback condition in the main burner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new heat exchanger element comprising a premix burner with an outward curved or ridged burner surface. The heat exchanger element further comprises a combustion chamber. The combustion chamber is bound on one side by the burner and is further made up of water cooled metal walls which, starting from the burner and in downstream direction, first widen and thereafter narrow down to the width of a customary heat exchanger element. This creates enough space for a proper combustion, avoiding dead angles and recirculation or too early ending of the combustion reaction, thereby reaching low emissions of NOx and CO.

Abstract: A water heater with enhanced thermal efficiency includes a heat exchange tank, a water tank that houses the heat exchange tank and shields and isolates the heat exchange tank with a surrounding curtain of water flowing therethrough, a burner, and a blower. The burners is connected to a combustible gas outlet opening of the blower and extends from a central base of the heat exchange tank up into the heat exchange tank to form a combustion chamber within an internal cavity of the heat exchange tank. A plurality of radially arranged flame tubes extends downward from a top corner of the internal cavity and is enclosed by the water flowing inside the water tank. The flame tubes are extended to communicate an exhaust gas discharge tube set circumferentially of and separated from the base for discharging gas. Water inlet and outlet are respectively provided to the water tank.

Abstract: A remote power supply system associated with offshore hydrocarbon production and transportation operations includes an expansion turbine that generates power for the system. The remote power supply system also has a support structure that supports the expansion turbine. A cooling section is supported by the support structure, and is in fluid communication with the expansion turbine to receive the vapor therefrom and to condense it to liquid. A downcomer and boiler section is in fluid communication with the cooling section to receive the liquid condensed from the vapor. An ignition assembly is positioned toward a lower end portion of the downcomer and boiler section. The ignition assembly ignites a fuel and air mixture and causes the liquid received by the downcomer and boiler section from the cooling section to boil into vapor. A return passage conveys vapor from the downcomer and boiler section to the inlet of the expansion turbine.

Abstract: A storage-type water heater includes a tank enclosing a volume of water, the tank having an upper portion and a lower portion, a chamber adjacent the lower portion of the tank and adapted to at least partially enclose a source of a heated fluid, and a helical tube heat exchanger at least partially enclosed within the tank and fluidly connected to the chamber. The helical tube directs the heated fluid from the lower portion to the upper portion of the tank and promotes heat exchange between the water in the tank and the heated fluid flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a combustion chamber for use in a water heater is provided. A skirt is formed, and an edge portion of a plate is spot welded to the skirt. The edge portion of the plate is circumferentially welded to the skirt, thereby forming a seal between the plate and the skirt.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a combustion chamber for use in a water heater is provided. A skirt is formed, and an edge portion of a plate is spot welded to the skirt. The edge portion of the plate is circumferentially welded to the skirt, thereby forming a seal between the plate and the skirt.

Abstract: A water heater. The water heater includes a water tank having a tank wall defining an interior space and adapted to contain water to be heated, a tank extension having an extension wall detachably mounted to the tank wall, the extension wall defining extension space communicating with the interior space, and defining an extension axis, an air inlet at least partially in the extension space extending through the extension wall at a radial angle to extension axis of tank extension, a combustor at least partially in the extension space and in fluid communication with the air inlet, and a plurality of heat exchange tubes configured to receive products of combustion from combustor and extending into interior space of the water tank. The extension space is configured to be flooded with water from the water tank.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container, a combustion chamber adjacent the water container, a burner associated with the combustion chamber, a blower located to receive combustion products generated by the burner, an intake air conduit connected to the combustion chamber and having a combustion air intake opening, a dilution air conduit connected to the blower and having a dilution air intake opening; and a flammable vapor sensor having at least an operative portion positioned in the blower or the dilution air conduit.

Abstract: A water heater includes a sealed combustion chamber and one or more fans for raising pressure in the combustion chamber to increase efficiency of the water heater. The pressure permits a more restrictive baffle to be used in the flue compared to baffles used in atmospheric water heaters. The water heater may include a water temperature sensor that activates the fan without activating the burner if water temperature raises above a desired temperature. The water heater may also include pressure and vapor sensors to ensure the combustion chamber is properly sealed and there are no flammable vapors present prior to igniting the burner. The fans are relatively small and run off the same DC power that runs an electric gas valve. The fans may be, for example, 12 or 24 Volt fans with power inputs of about 10 Watts or less.

Abstract: A water heater for exchanging heat between hot gasses and water within the water heater. The water heater includes a water tank, a conduit for allowing flow of the gasses therethrough, the conduit extending through the tank and promoting heat exchange between the gasses and water in the tank, and a baffle extending within the conduit for affecting the flow of the gasses. The baffle includes a sheet bent in a zig-zag manner and having a number of plate sections. Each plate section has a through-flow portion allowing the gasses to flow therethrough. The sheet also has a number of first bends and a number of second bends, the first bends alternating with the second bends such that each plate section is defined between one first bend and one second bend.

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater has a draft inducer fan assembly with a housing having an inlet for receiving hot combustion gases discharged from the water heater, and an outlet for discharging the combustion gases. A normally closed damper member within the housing is openable by fluid pressure force created by operation of a draft inducer fan portion of the assembly. With the damper in its open position the fan exhausts the received combustion gases through a housing outlet. When the damper closes it prevents convective outflow through the housing outlet of flue-heated air. In alternate embodiments of the assembly the fan is operative to also draw in dilution air that cools the fan motor and the discharged combustion gases, with the assembly having an internal configuration preventing convective outflow of flue-heated air through the housing dilution air inlet during standby periods of the water heater.

Abstract: A flue system is provided for a water heater having improved heat exchange efficiency. The flue system includes an upstream heat exchange portion having at least one substantially vertical flue tube. The flue system also includes a downstream heat exchange portion having at least one substantially vertical flue tube. The upstream heat exchange portion provides a first pass for heat exchange with water in a water heater. The downstream heat exchange portion provides a second pass for heat exchange with water in the water heater.

Abstract: An inwardly firing burner design is shown which can be used in a variety of heating applications. A water heater apparatus is also shown which includes a water heating tank having generally cylindrical sidewalls with upper and lower ends, each of which is closed by a transverse wall section to define a closed tank interior. The tank also has a water inlet and a water outlet. A plurality of vertically arranged fire tubes are connected between the upper and lower transverse wall sections, each fire tube having an open interior for conducting products of combustion. A burner assembly is mounted on the tank which features the inwardly firing construction that eliminates the need for an external combustion chamber.

Abstract: A water heater has a burner positioned below a vertical centrally located flue with heat exchange capacity enhanced by a multiplicity of rectangular metal fins which are welded on the inside of the vertical central flue. The central flue extends upwardly within a water tank. The central flue transitions to a smaller diameter downwardly draining helically coiled condensing flue. Approximately 80% of the heat from the combustion gases is transferred to the water within the water tank through the wall of the central flue without condensation. An additional 10% or more of the combustion heat is transferred to the water accompanied by condensation of water in the coiled flue. A fan draws the combustion gases through the central flue and the coiled condensing flue and supplies the combustion gases to an exterior vent.

Abstract: To provide a water heater capable of suppressing an increase of combustion air temperature and suppressing to generate nitrogen oxide with an easy structure. In a water heater, a burner provided in a combustion chamber provided below a hot water storage chamber is an all primary air burner taking in air required for combustion, where the air is mostly primary air. Further, the burner is provided with a supporting plate in the combustion chamber at the height that a part of a burner head is protruded into a space covered by a lower mirror plate.