A sensor network system for determining a chimney maintenance schedule comprises a sensor unit (16) arranged for placement in or proximate to a chimney (6). The sensor unit comprises at least one sensor arranged to measure a parameter of the chimney (6) and use the measured parameter to generate chimney health data associated with the chimney (6). The sensor unit includes a transmission module arranged to transmit (20) the chimney health data to a remote analysis unit (18). The remote analysis unit (18) is arranged to receive chimney profile data associated with the chimney (6) and to estimate a chimney health level associated with the chimney (6) from the respective chimney health data and chimney profile data. The remote analysis unit (18) determines the chimney maintenance schedule from the estimated chimney health level.

A sensor network system for determining a chimney maintenance schedule comprises a sensor unit (16) arranged for placement in or proximate to a chimney (6). The sensor unit comprises at least one sensor arranged to measure a parameter of the chimney (6) and use the measured parameter to generate chimney health data associated with the chimney (6). The sensor unit includes a transmission module arranged to transmit (20) the chimney health data to a remote analysis unit (18). The remote analysis unit (18) is arranged to receive chimney profile data associated with the chimney (6) and to estimate a chimney health level associated with the chimney (6) from the respective chimney health data and chimney profile data. The remote analysis unit (18) determines the chimney maintenance schedule from the estimated chimney health level.

A modular exhaust configured for exhausting a flue flow of a heat exchanger, the modular exhaust including a cross tube including an inlet end, an exit end and a central axis, wherein the cross tube configured for receiving the flue flow at the inlet end and channeling the flue flow to the exit end; a condensate drainage exit aperture disposed on a bottom portion of the cross tube, the condensate drainage exit aperture configured for draining condensate from the first heat exchanger; and a vertical tube including a central axis, a top end and a bottom end, the cross tube configured to be connected at the exit end of the cross tube to a portion of the vertical tube disposed between the top end and the bottom end, the central axis of the cross tube is not disposed perpendicularly with respect to the central axis of the vertical tube.

Submerged combustion methods and systems including a melter equipped with an exhaust passage through the ceiling or the sidewall having an aggregate hydraulic diameter. Submerged combustion burners configured to create turbulent conditions in substantially all of the material being melted, and produce ejected portions of melted material. An exhaust structure including a liquid-cooled exhaust structure defining a liquid-cooled exhaust chamber having a cross-sectional area greater than that of the exhaust stack but less than the melter. The exhaust passage and liquid-cooled exhaust structure configured to maintain temperature and pressure of the exhaust, and exhaust velocity through the exhaust passage and the exhaust structure, at values sufficient to prevent the ejected material portions of melted material from being propelled out of the exhaust structure as solidified material, and maintain any molten materials contacting the first interior surface molten so that it flows down the first interior surface into the melter.

In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a water heater venting assembly for directing a combustion air and a flue gas between an outdoor atmosphere and a water heater, and which includes a generally hollow housing defining a combustion air aperture, a flue gas exhaust conduit disposed in the housing, and an adjustable inlet duct coupling assembly having a retention member for placement in the housing proximal to the aperture, a gasket for placement around an outer periphery of the aperture and a combustion air supply member. The retention member is for retaining the supply member in fluid sealing engagement with the gasket to effect fluid communication between the aperture and the supply member, and is sized to permit slidable movement of the supply member relative to the gasket.

In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a water heater venting assembly for directing a combustion air and a flue gas between an outdoor atmosphere and a water heater, and which includes a generally hollow housing defining a combustion air aperture, a flue gas exhaust conduit disposed in the housing, and an adjustable inlet duct coupling assembly having a retention member for placement in the housing proximal to the aperture, a gasket for placement around an outer periphery of the aperture and a combustion air supply member. The retention member is for retaining the supply member in fluid sealing engagement with the gasket to effect fluid communication between the aperture and the supply member, and is sized to permit slidable movement of the supply member relative to the gasket.

The gas exchange termination assembly overcomes the affects of fluid turbulence caused by wind, drafts, and air pressure. The invention can be applied to gas burning devices under 4,000 BTU input. Turbulent flow of gases at the gas exchange termination assembly are mitigated by the location of slots and openings in the gas exchange termination assembly for both intake air and exhaust gases. The gas exchange termination assembly is connected, coaxially through the building structural wall, to a sealed combustion system in order that all gases are drawn from and return to the same general location (directly) outside the building. The gas exchange termination assembly includes an intake air hood for intake air with additional intake air openings, an exhaust pipe with slots and a plug to move products of combustion at angles to the concentric pipe as the intake and exhaust gases enter and exit.

The gas exchange termination assembly overcomes the affects of fluid turbulence caused by wind, drafts, and air pressure. The invention can be applied to gas burning devices under 4,000 BTU input. Turbulent flow of gases at the gas exchange termination assembly are mitigated by the location of slots and openings in the gas exchange termination assembly for both intake air and exhaust gases. The gas exchange termination assembly is connected, coaxially through the building structural wall, to a sealed combustion system in order that all gases are drawn from and return to the same general location (directly) outside the building. The gas exchange termination assembly includes an intake air hood for intake air with additional intake air openings, an exhaust pipe with slots and a plug to move products of combustion at angles to the concentric pipe as the intake and exhaust gases enter and exit.

An embodiment is an emissions reduction system for exhaust gases. The emissions reduction system includes a reaction chamber with one or more parallel flow tubes. Each parallel flow tube includes a heating element to heat exhaust gases to oxidize PICs and other pollutants contained in and/or carried by the exhaust gases. The reaction chamber may also include an adjustable bypass for the exhaust gases to variably bypass the parallel flow tubes. The reaction chamber may further include an oxidizing agent injector to improve the oxidation of the PICs and other pollutants in the reaction chamber. The emissions reduction system of an embodiment may further include a catalyst bed in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to further reduce emissions.

An embodiment is an emissions reduction system for exhaust gases. The emissions reduction system includes a reaction chamber with one or more parallel flow tubes. Each parallel flow tube includes a heating element to heat exhaust gases to oxidize PICs and other pollutants contained in and/or carried by the exhaust gases. The reaction chamber may also include an adjustable bypass for the exhaust gases to variably bypass the parallel flow tubes. The reaction chamber may further include an oxidizing agent injector to improve the oxidation of the PICs and other pollutants in the reaction chamber. The emissions reduction system of an embodiment may further include a catalyst bed in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to further reduce emissions.