US20020134320A1 - Ignition inhibiting gas water heater and controller - Google Patents

Abstract

A water heater including a water container having an inlet and an outlet; a main burner positioned to heat water in the water container; a pilot burner positioned to supply flame to the main burner; and a control valve to supply fuel to the main and pilot burners.

The control valve includes a fuel inlet adapted to connect to a supply of fuel; at least one fuel outlet adapted to connect to the main burner; a conduit for fuel flow between the inlet and outlet; a closure associated with the conduit to control flow of fuel from the inlet to the outlet; a circuit associated with the valve and including a thermally actuated device connected to the closure, the switch, when heated by the pilot burner providing a signal to the closure to open or close said closure; and a combustion sensitive fuse connected to the electrical circuit and positioned to be exposed to extraneous sources of flame and heat external to and adjacent the control valve.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION
• The present invention relates to ignition inhibiting gas fired water heaters, particularly to improvements to gas fired water heaters and controllers adapted to render them safer for use.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
• The most commonly used gas-fired water heater is the storage type, generally comprising an assembly of a water tank, a main gas burner to provide heat to the tank, a standing pilot burner to initiate the main burner on demand, an air inlet adjacent the burner near the base of the jacket, an exhaust flue and a jacket to cover these components. Another type of gas-fired water heater is the instantaneous type which has a water flow path through a heat exchanger heated, again, by a main burner initiated from a pilot burner flame. For convenience, the following description is in terms of storage type water heaters but the invention is not limited to this type. Thus, reference to “water container,” “water containment and flow means,” “means for storing or containing water” and similar such terms includes water tanks, reservoirs, bladders, bags and the like in gas-fired water heaters of the storage type and water flow paths such as pipes, tubes, conduits, heat exchangers and the like in gas-fired water heaters of the instantaneous type.[0002]
• A particular difficulty with many locations for water heaters is that they are also used for storage of other equipment such as lawn mowers, trimmers, snow blowers and the like. It is common for such machinery to be refueled in such locations.[0003]
• There have been a number of reported instances of spilled gasoline and associated fumes being accidently ignited. There are many available ignition sources, such as refrigerators, running engines, electric motors, electric light switches and the like. However, gas water heaters have sometimes been suspected because they often have a pilot flame.[0004]
• Vapors from spilt or escaping flammable liquid or gaseous substances in a space in which an ignition source is present provides for ignition potential. “Fumes,” “extraneous gases” or “extraneous fumes” is sometimes hereinafter used to encompass gases, vapors or fumes generated by a wide variety of liquid volatile or semi-volatile substances such as gasoline, kerosene, turpentine, alcohols, insect repellent, weed killer, solvents and the like as well as non-liquid substances such as propane, methane, butane and the like. Many inter-related factors influence whether a particular fuel spillage leads to ignition. These factors include, among other things, the quantity, nature and physical properties of the particular type of spilt fuel. Also influential is whether air currents in the room, either natural or artificially created, are sufficient to accelerate the spread of fumes, both laterally and in height, from the spillage point to an ignition point yet not so strong as to ventilate such fumes harmlessly, that is, such that air to fuel ratio ranges capable of enabling ignition are not reached given all the surrounding circumstances.[0005]
• One surrounding circumstance is the relative density of the fumes. When a spilt liquid fuel spreads on a floor, normal evaporation occurs and fumes from the liquid form a mixture with the surrounding air that may, at some time and at some locations, be within the range that will ignite. For example, that range for common gasoline vapor is between about 3% and 8% gasoline with air, for butane between about 1% and 10%. Such mixtures form and spread by a combination of processes including natural diffusion, forced convection due to air current draughts and by gravitationally affected upward displacement of molecules of one less dense gas or vapor by those of another more dense. Most common fuels stored in households are, as used, either gases with densities relatively close to that of air (e.g., propane and butane) or liquids which form fumes having a density close to that of air, (e.g., gasoline, which may contain butane and pentane among other components is very typical of such a liquid fuel).[0006]
• In reconstructions of accidental ignition situations, and when gas water heaters are sometimes suspected and which involved spilt fuels typically used around households, it is reported that the spillage is sometimes at floor level. It is reasoned that it spreads outwardly from the spill at first close to floor level. Without appreciable forced mixing, the air/fuel mixture would tend to be at its most flammable levels close to floor level for a longer period before it would slowly diffuse towards the ceiling of the room space. The principal reason for this observation is that the density of fumes typically involved is not greatly dissimilar to that of air. Combined with the tendency of ignitable concentrations of fumes being at or near floor level is the fact that many gas appliances often have their source of ignition at or near that level.[0007]
• The invention aims to substantially lower the probability of ignition in typical fuel spillage circumstances.[0008]
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
• The invention provides a gas water heater including a water container adapted to be heated by a gas burner. An enclosure surrounds the burner and the water container. The water heater has at least one opening adapted to allow air for combustion or extraneous fumes to enter the enclosure without igniting flammable extraneous fumes outside of the enclosure.[0009]
• In another aspect, the invention provides a water heater having a burner adapted to combust gas to heat a water container above the burner within an outer enclosure having an opening to admit air required to combust the gas and includes air and extraneous fume flow means co-operative with the opening to reduce or eliminate a possibility of extraneous fumes adjacent the enclosure being ignited outside the enclosure by a gas flame associated with the burner.[0010]
• The invention also provides a water heater having a burner adapted to combust gas to heat a water container above the burner within an outer enclosure having an opening to air required to combust the gas and includes air and extraneous fume flow means cooperative with the opening to reduce or eliminate a possibility of fumes adjacent the enclosure being ignited outside the enclosure by a gas flame associated with the burner. The water heater includes gas shut off means which has a flame detecting or sensing device located in a path of flame external to a combustion chamber of the water heater and also located in any path of flame of fumes ignited in the enclosure.[0011]
• In yet another aspect, the invention provides a gas control valve of the type used to supply a main burner in a combustion chamber of a water heater which has an electrical circuit associated with the valve powered by a thermocouple heated by a pilot burner flame. The resulting electrical potential maintains a solenoid valve open which keeps the pilot supplied with gas for combustion. The valve closes down the gas supply for safety if the pilot flame blows out. The valve of the invention includes an over-temperature fuse in the electrical circuit specifically located to be exposed to extraneous sources of flame and heat in the immediate surroundings of the valve. The valve has an externally accessible socket in the electrical circuit such that the thermal fuse can be removably inserted in such a way that if the thermal fuse opens the electrical circuit by being heated above a predetermined temperature, then the fuse can be subsequently independently and separately replaced without having to interfere with other parts of the electrical circuit.[0012]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Selected embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:[0013]
• FIG. 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a gas water heater embodying aspects of the invention.[0014]
• FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a gas water heater similar to FIG. 1, with additional safety features.[0015]
• FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the water heater of FIG. 2 taken through the line III-III.[0016]
• FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a gas water heater similar to that of FIG. 2.[0017]
• FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the water heater of FIG. 4 taken through line V-V.[0018]
• FIG. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a gas water heater with a safety feature in accordance with aspects of the invention.[0019]
• FIG. 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a gas water heater of another embodiment of the invention.[0020]
• FIG. 8 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a gas water heater of yet another embodiment of the invention.[0021]
• FIG. 9 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of the invention.[0022]
• FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the water heater of FIG. 9 taken through the line X-X.[0023]
• FIG. 11 is an upright elevational view taken from the rear of a gas valve according to the aspects of invention.[0024]
• FIG. 12 is an upright elevational showing the left side of the gas valve shown in FIG. 11.[0025]
• FIG. 13 is an upright perspective view of the valve of FIGS. 11 and 12.[0026]
• FIG. 14 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a water heater with the gas valve as shown in FIGS.[0027]11-13.
• FIG. 15 is an electrical circuit embodied in the gas valve shown in FIGS.[0028]11-13.
• FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the gas valve shown in FIGS.[0029]11-13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• It will be appreciated that the following description is intended to refer to the specific embodiments of the invention selected for illustration in the drawings and is not intended to define or limit the invention other than in the appended claims.[0030]
• FIG. 1 illustrates a storage type[0031]gas water heater2 includingjacket4 which surrounds awater tank6, amain burner14 in acombustion chamber15.Water tank6 is preferably of mains pressure capability and capable of holding heated water.Water tank6 is preferably insulated byfoam insulation8. Alternative insulation may include fiberglass or other types of fibrous insulation and the like.
• Located underneath[0032]water tank6 ismain burner14 which preferably uses natural gas or other gases such as LPG, for example.Main burner14 combusts a gas and air mixture and the hot products of combustion resulting rise up throughflue10.Flue10, in this instance, contains a series ofbaffles12 to better transfer heat generated bymain burner14. Nearpilot burner49 is asheath52, preferably made of copper, containing wires from aflame detecting thermocouple51 which is a known safety measure to ensure that in the absence of a flame atpilot burner49 thegas control valve48 shuts off the gas supply.
• The products of combustion pass upwardly and out the top of[0033]jacket4 viaflue outlet16 after heat has been transferred from the products of combustion.Flue outlet16 discharges conventionally into adraught diverter17 which in turn connects to anexhaust duct19 leading outdoors.
• Close to the height of the top of[0034]jacket4 andflue outlet16 is anair inlet18 through which air is drawn downduct22 tomain burner14.Duct22 is preferably constructed fromsheet metal20. In a non-illustrated alternative construction, a part or all ofduct22 may be inside the external cylindrical envelope ofjacket4.
• [0035]Water heater2 is preferably mounted onlegs24 to raise the base26 off the floor. Inbase26 is anaperture28 which is closed, but not gas tightly, by aflame trap device30 which operates on a flame quenching principle.Flame trap30 is preferably made from two parallel sheets of mesh each about 0.010 inch diameter metal wire strands woven into mesh having about 30 to 40 strands per inch. Mild steel or stainless steel wire are suitable. Alternatively, a ported ceramic tile of the SCHWANK type (registered trade mark) can be utilized although the recognized flame quenching ability of metallic woven or knitted mesh together with its robustness and ease of forming generally commends its use. The tile type functions as a flame quenching trap as long as the porosity is suitable.
• A single layer of mesh or a porous ceramic tile may be susceptible to clogging by lint or other “blocking” materials such as dust or the like. Lint caught in the openings of a single mesh or a tile might act as a wick which may allow flame, which would not otherwise pass through the flame trap, to do so. In this situation the flame trap device would tend not to function as efficiently. To prevent this tendency, the flame trap is preferably constructed with either two layers of mesh or a layer of mesh and a tile. The mesh layers are most preferably in contact with one another. In this way the layer of mesh further from the source of fumes acts as a flame trap and the layer closer to the source of fumes acts as a lint trap.[0036]
• Where[0037]base26 meetsjacket4, mating surfaces32 (made up from surfaces ofbase26 and jacket4) can be sealed thoroughly to prevent ingress of air or flammable gas or vapor. In FIG. 1, mating surfaces32 extend upwardly frombase26 aroundjacket4. The cylindrical wall of jacket4 (the majority of gas water heaters are cylindrical; however, a cubic or other shapedjacket4 may be utilized) can be sealed gas tightly so no openings or breaks remain upon assembly and installation. In particular, gas, water, electrical, control or other connections, fittings or plumbing, wherever they pass throughjacket4 orbase26, can be sealed airtight. The joining area (or mating surfaces32) ofbase26 tojacket4 and all service entries or exits tojacket4 orduct22 need not be sealed airtight providing they are designed and constructed to have only minor surface to surface clearances or gaps, each of which is capable of acting as flame quenching traps. The structure of such service entries or exits are known in the art and not described herein. It is preferred, however, that the space around the burner be substantially air/gas tight except for means to supply combustion air.
• Pilot flame establishment can be achieved by a Piezo-electric igniter. A pilot flame observation window can be provided which is sealed. Alternatively, if the[0038]pilot49 is to be lit by removing or opening an access, safety interlocks (not illustrated) are included to ensure complete closure against unprotected fume access during water heater operation.
• During normal operation,[0039]water heater2 operates in the same fashion as conventional water heaters except that most air for combustion enters atair inlet18 and a small proportion throughflame trap30. However, if spilt fuel is in the vicinity ofwater heater2 then some gas or vapor from the spilt fuel may be drawn throughflame trap30 before it builds up to a level to enter viaair inlet18.Flame trap30 allows the combustible gas or vapor and air to enter but preventsflame escaping jacket4 orduct22. The spilt fuel is burned withincombustion chamber15 and exhausted either throughflue10 viaoutlet16 andduct19 or throughduct22 and inlet18 (which in this case will act as an outlet). Because flame does not pass outwardly throughflame trap30, spilt fuel external towater heater2 will not be ignited.
• FIGS. 2 and 3 show an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 1. Like parts use the same reference numbers as those of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, there is adjacent[0040]gas control valve48, a flamesensitive switch50 which may be inserted in the same circuit as pilotflame detecting thermocouple51.
• Flame[0041]sensitive switch50 may be substituted by a light detector or a heat detector. The flame sensitive switch can also be substituted by a gas, fume or vapor detection switch which closes offgas control valve48 when a flammable fume is detected.
• With reference to the cross section depicted in FIG. 3,[0042]duct22 containsgas control valve48 andflame trap30 is shown forming a bottom end of the duct. In fact,flame trap30 may be positioned spanning the bottom end ofduct22 and an adjacent portion ofbase26. An advantage from such a positioning offlame trap30, including that shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, by comparison with the center position ofbase26 shown in FIG. 1, is that it permits positioning of flame sensitive switch50 (FIG. 2) directly belowgas control valve48 which is also an ideal position to detect flame spillage fromcombustion chamber15 which can occur if, for example,flue16, or exhaust duct becomes blocked. Similarly, it is ideally positioned to detect flame spillage such as would occur due to air starvation ifinlet18 were inadvertently blocked.
• As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, opening[0043]28 and flame trap30 (including a lint trap device as mentioned above) are at the base ofduct22 belowgas control valve48 and flame detecting thermocouple50 (see FIG. 2). In this way, should fumes which enter throughflame trap30 be ignited, a flame forms and burns on the inside surface of the flame trap andflame detecting switch50 actuates thegas control valve48 to shut off the gas supply, thus removing it as a continuing source of ignition. After the pilot and main flames have been extinguished, any vapors of spilt fuel continuing to enter throughflame trap30 may continue to burn because of the initial ignition and resulting suction of air and may continue to burn until there is insufficient flammable vapor remaining to be drawn in from the vicinity ofwater heater2.
• By providing an[0044]air inlet18 at a high position above thebase26, the more commonplace liquid fuels, the flammable gases and vapors are far less likely to be available to a gas water heater flame.
• In the[0045]water heater2 of FIGS. 4 and 5, the path for air entry tomain burner14 is provided by a combined flame trap andduct54 fabricated ofmetallic mesh21. This arrangement provides that combustion air passes through aflame quenching surface21 and the height ofduct54 need not be as high asjacket4 nor need it necessarily extend upwardly. As evident in FIG. 5, it is preferably composed of separatedlayers21aand21bof metallic mesh. This two layer construction avoids a layer of lint, deposited externally, providing a possible combustion path through the mesh, as previously explained.
• Lint deposition in the openings of the mesh may be a cause of gradual blockage. In due course such linting may cause starvation of combustion air. Therefore, an extended surface area (along the full height of[0046]water heater2 as depicted for instance) of the combined flame trap andair duct54 may be of advantage for prolonging the time taken forduct54 to become occluded with lint and for providing an adequate path for free induction of the air normally required for combustion.
• The positioning of[0047]gas valve48 in its preferred position is shown in FIG. 5 outside ofduct54. The entry of the gas pipe and thermocouple sheath intoduct54 is effected so that if a hole is left it is small enough either to be totally sealed or to act as a flame quenching trap.
• The preference for[0048]gas valve48 outsideduct54 is that it provides one way of providing user access to the control knob and any buttons ongas control valve48. It would be equally applicable in cases whereduct22 is made ofimperforate sheet metal20 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
• For ease of construction one option is that the gas pipe and thermocouple sheath can enter[0049]water heater2 via an opening injacket4, completely bypassingduct54. This opening can then be sealed or if a gap is left, the gap is sized to act as a flame trap. However, whichever way the thermocouple sheath passes to enter the combustion chamber, if it includes flamesensitive switch50 or other equivalent sensor, then it is greatly preferred that the flamesensitive switch50 or other sensor is located in relation to the position offlame trap30 so that the relative positions co-operate in the event that a flame from spilt fuel forms on the flame trap.
• Illustrated in FIG. 6 is a another embodiment of the present invention, similar to that of FIG. 1, with like parts like numbered. This embodiment includes an anchor[0050]34 which anchors anylon line36 which is a heat sensitive frangible member. Thenylon line36 passes close to the upper surface offlame trap30 and around alower pulley38 then continues on to anupper pulley40 around which it passes through 180 degrees, to make connection with aflap42.Flap42 is connected byhinge44 either to the inside ofpassage22 or to aflange46.
• [0051]Flange46, if it is utilized, can have a sealing medium (not illustrated) around it so that whenflap42 makes contact with it, an air tight seal or a flame trap is formed. Ifflange46 is not utilized,flap42 can carry a seal so that, when released to move to a closed position, it will seal the inside ofduct22 to air tight quality or, in the alternative to form a flame trap.Flap42 can be biased towards the closed position by a spring, which is a preferred method, or alternatively the biasing can be by means of gravity. If desired,flap42 can be constructed from mesh, as described above to act as a flame trap.
• In the embodiment of FIG. 6, when fumes from split fuel passing through the[0052]flame trap30 are ignited, the heat of ignition breaksnylon line36, which is heat sensitive and frangible, thereby causingflap42 to move to a closed position, shutting off the air supply tomain burner14. This leaves no path downduct22 for air or combustible fumes which may have built up aroundwater heater2 to sufficiently gain access tomain burner14 and sopilot burner49 andmain burner14 may not have enough air available throughflame trap30 to continue burning in which caseflame detection thermocouple50 will cut off the gas supply until manual intervention can restore it when a safe atmosphere is restored.
• In FIGS. 7 and 8 are illustrated a[0053]gas water heater2 constructed similarly to that illustrated in FIG. 1.Water heater2 includes abase26 andjacket4 which are either completely sealed (not illustrated) to air tight and flammable gas or vapor tight quality or, alternatively, unsealed gas paths are fine (small) enough to act as flame traps. In this instance, when completely sealed, air for combustion is drawn in from theair inlet18, and there is no means present to ignite spilt fuel at the lower portions ofwater heater2.
• The embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 have no[0054]flame trap30 oropening28. However, an appreciable time delay will occur before gases or vapors from spilt fuel rise to the elevated level ofair inlet18. Only then could the gases or vapors be drawn downpassage22 tomain burner14. Many spillages, nevertheless are quite minor in terms of volume of liquid spilt and in such cases the embodiment of FIG. 7 would tend to provide an adequate level of protection and that of FIG. 8 even more so. Theair inlet18, if it does not include aflame trap30, should be at least about 500 millimeters (20 inches) from base26 (ifbase26 is near to the ground), in the presence of gasoline fumes (a different height may be required for other fumes). However, for added protection a greater distance is preferred.
• The more frequently used typical flammable fumes of spilt liquid fuels are far less likely to be available to a gas water heater flame by providing an[0055]air inlet18 at a high position abovebase26.
• If[0056]base26 andjacket4 has small gaps or openings limited in their size to act as flame traps, then its operation will be similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1. The features of FIG. 6 can be incorporated also with the embodiments described in FIGS. 7 and 8 whenbase26 andjacket4 are scaled. In this instance, because the water heater now includes a heat sensitivefrangible member36 located in an air passage in the vicinity of themain burner14, if gases or vapors ignite having flowed down the passage22 (which would indicate that the volume of gases or fumes had risen to the level of air entry of the air inlet18), the resulting flame would melt a frangible member such asnylon line36 in the vicinity ofmain burner14.Nylon line36 can be connected in turn to a non-flammable and non-frangible section which in turn makes connection with a spring biased flap similar toflap42 capable of sealingpassage22. The distance betweennylon line36 andflap42 is sufficiently long to closepassage22 before a flame travelling back uppassage22reaches flap42. Ifflap42 is hinged so that its closing motion is in the direction that flame would have to travel to exitpassage22, the hinging arrangement may be aided in closing by the movement of flame in a closing direction.
• A further improvement to the above embodiments shown in FIGS.[0057]1-6 is to provide asnorkel60 as shown in FIG. 8 extending the air inlet upwardly.Snorkel60 allows air to be drawn tomain burner14 but, by taking air from a height above the top ofjacket4, will further reduce the risk ofwater heater2 being an ignition source of flammable gases or vapors from spilt fuel. If the height ofjacket4 is not greater than about 500 millimeters (20 inches) abovebase26, snorkel60 can be used to draw combustion air from a more appropriate height, depending upon the spillage which may occur.
• In conjunction with any form of the invention as shown in FIGS.[0058]1 to6, a gas shut down facility similar to the above mentioned gas shut down ability can be provided. In another form, the gas shut down facility can be initiated by a flamesensitive switch50 orthermocouple51. Such a thermocouple is preferably located just inside of theflame trap30 where ever it appears. Flame sensitive switches may also be used in circuit with the thermocouple (e.g.,thermocouple51 of FIG. 1) provided for confirming the establishment and retention of a pilot flame by raising an electric current flow to a level capable of keeping open a gas supply to the pilot burner.
• Flame sensitive switches may be used to reduce fire hazards in circumstances where flame of the burner can “spill” through an air access opening adjacent the main and pilot burners. In known flame sensitive switches, the heat sensor is externally positioned and in some embodiments of the invention a flame[0059]sensitive switch50 is positioned aboveflame trap30 to sense flame heat input resulting from spilt flammable vapor burning on the inside offlame trap30 after having entered the combustion chamber through a possible entry path. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the preferred position of the flame sensitive switch (not illustrated) is immediately above the flame trap and it is preferred that a small heat shield (not shown) be placed above the flame sensitive switch to shield it from the normal radiant heat associated with themain burner14. In FIG. 2, the flamesensitive switch50 is positioned a short way aboveflame trap30.
• An additional level of safety is provided by the addition of an oxygen depletion sensor in conjunction with[0060]pilot burner49. This makes available the entire air requirement for the pilot flame to the pilot burner only through a pilot air duct (not illustrated), gas tightly separate fromair supply duct22 andcombustion chamber15. The pilot air duct has an air intake external to the remainder of the water heater assembly, preferably low to floor level where water heaters are generally installed, standing upright on a floor. At any convenient location in the pilot air duct between the air intake end and the pilot burner is a flame quenching insert, composed of one or more of a variety of high thermal capacity gas porous heat resistant materials such as described in relation toflame trap30. Locating the flame quenching insert at or near the air intake end is advantageous to make it accessible for cleaning of lint or dust that may accumulate in it. An element sensitive to oxygen depletion is also located in the pilot air duct.
• With these features added to the embodiments of FIGS.[0061]1 to7, use of the oxygen depletion sensor reduces the risk of ignition of flammable vapor in particular whenpilot burner49 is alight butmain burner14 is not, by sensing oxygen depletion in the incoming pilot air supply if a flammable component ignites in which case it would cause agas control valve48 of the type referred to in FIG. 1 to shut down gas flow to the pilot burner. The shut down provides a time period for flammable vapor to safely ventilate. Resumption of normal operation of the water heater requires human intervention but, even if done ill-advisedly, in any event the oxygen depletion sensor would continue to denypilot burner49 of gas and the arrangement would behave safely even with extraneous flammable fumes remaining nearwater heater2. An oxygen depletion sensor can be used alternatively in place of or in conjunction with the previously described flamesensitive switch50, and can be located similarly.
• The invention thus far described can function at three levels of safety. The embodiment, as illustrated in relation to FIGS. 7 and 8, adds height and distance that fumes from spilt fuel must travel to reach[0062]main burner14 orpilot burner49. The second embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2,3 and6, adds not only height and distance but also allows some and advantageously all the extraneous fumes to enter the base ofwater heater2 and be consumed safely, conceivably until all residual risk of fire and explosion is avoided by dissipation of the spillage.
• The third level, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, adds a further level of confidence by protecting all air entry with a flame arrestor, recognizing that high levels of airborne lint or other dust may tend to block the air intake and starve the burner of air for combustion if the air entry were not periodically cleared of that lint or other dust. The embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 can be constructed to protect against ignition of flammable gases and vapors outside of the enclosure or jacket regardless of the density of those gases and vapors relative to air.[0063]
• In its most preferred[0064]forms water heater2 contains at least some of the following features:
• the opening includes an aperture which is covered by a flame trap, which prevents the burner from igniting extraneous fumes outside of the enclosure, and an air inlet through which air for combustion purposes is drawn;[0065]
• the opening is remote from the burner and includes a duct for passage of air to the burner;[0066]
• the opening and the aperture are collocated or are a single item;[0067]
• the at least one opening is covered by a flame trap;[0068]
• the aperture is in the enclosure;[0069]
• the aperture is positioned close to a lower end of the enclosure;[0070]
• the aperture is positioned in a lower end of the enclosure;[0071]
• the aperture is positioned below the burner;[0072]
• the aperture is positioned to allow air and fumes outside of the water heater to enter into an air passage leading to the burner;[0073]
• the aperture allows air and fumes to enter the lowest point of the air passage;[0074]
• one of or a combination of: a light detection or sensitive device; a flame detecting or sensitive device; a temperature sensitive or detecting device; a heat detecting or sensitive device; and an oxygen depletion sensitive or detection device, is located in the water heater to detect flame from the fumes if they have been ignited inside the enclosure;[0075]
• the opening includes an air inlet which is not covered by a flame trap, the air inlet having its lowest opening at a height of not less than about 500 millimeters or about 20 inches or more from the bottom of the enclosure;[0076]
• the opening is located at or adjacent to the highest point of the enclosure, if the enclosure has a height of about 500 millimeters or greater, from the bottom of the enclosure;[0077]
• a snorkel device is provided to extend the at least one opening to a height above the highest point of the enclosure;[0078]
• the flame trap includes a heat resistant permeable material having high thermal capacity;[0079]
• the flame trap includes a screen selected from either woven or knitted mesh;[0080]
• the flame trap is made of metal;[0081]
• the flame trap is made from a metal selected from the group consisting of: steel, stainless steel, copper and aluminum;[0082]
• a lint trap is included to wholly cover the aperture and the flame trap;[0083]
• the lint trap is formed by mesh placed in the path of lint or dust travelling to the flame trap means;[0084]
• the water heater includes a gas shut off means which shuts off the gas supply to the burner and or a pilot burner if the air and fumes are ignited after entering the enclosure;[0085]
• the gas shut off means includes a heat sensitive means;[0086]
• the gas shut off means includes a flame sensitive switch;[0087]
• the gas shut off means includes an oxygen depletion sensitive means;[0088]
• the enclosure comprises a separable jacket and base;[0089]
• the flame trap is provided at or as part of the construction of joining areas of the base to the jacket, or the jacket to other component or the base to other component or at any location where the fumes could enter the enclosure;[0090]
• the flame trap is inherent in or is formed by the joining areas including either only gaps or apertures of a size small enough to act as a flame trap;[0091]
• the flame trap has been added to the joining area or is deliberately incorporated as part of the joining area;[0092]
• the flame trap is a layer of metallic mesh cooperating with the joining area to achieve the flame quenching or arresting function;[0093]
• the flame trap is inside of the water heater; and[0094]
• the gas shut off means includes a light detection means.[0095]
• One advantage provided by the invention is the provision of a barrier to unprotected entry, at the lower end of the jacket or enclosure, of flammable extraneous fumes. In alternative embodiments it provides a protected entry means for such fumes near or at the base of the enclosure in which case these extraneous fumes are consumed in a controlled manner. The protected entry is, in the most preferred form, a flame trap preventing ignition of the remaining fumes in the surrounding atmosphere or of any liquid remaining nearby.[0096]
• An advantage of locating the air intake for combustion purposes above the midpoint of the gas water system is that it reduces the chance of extraneous fumes entering the heater via the air intake because generally such flammables are heavier than air, which in the main do not attain dangerous levels at the air intake level.[0097]
• The use of air close-off means and gas shut-off means activated by a trigger provides the advantage of suffocating any flame in the heater, or switching off the gas supply, or preventing uncontrolled or undirected ignition of gases or vapors from exiting the heater environment.[0098]
• By providing an extended air intake, the risk of lint or dust affecting the efficiency of the water heater is reduced.[0099]
• Still further advantages of the invention are provided by the structure shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. FIGS. 9 and 10[0100]show water heater2 whereinaperture28 havingflame trap30 across its mouth and positioned belowpilot burner49,pilot burner49 being located adjacent one edge ofmain burner14.Aperture28 is positioned immediately underneathpilot burner49, preferably the closer the better to assist in achieving smooth ignition.Aperture28 is connected to the lower end of the enclosure by an upwardly extendingtube70, the upwardly extending portion oftube70 being preferably impermeable to air, gas or fumes.Tube70 is preferably constructed of sheet metal, although other suitable materials may be substituted. Locatingflame trap30 abovebase26 minimizes the possibility of water condensate occluding the pores or openings inflame trap30 or water splashing from, for example, hosing the floor nearbase26 ofwater heater2. Thus, the length oftube70 is not especially critical so long as it performs the function of preventing pore occlusion. In FIG. 9, ahorizontal blocking plate74 is located aboveflame trap28 to prevent water condensate or particulate matter such as steel scale flakes falling on the flame trap, thereby reducing the chance of occluding it.
• It has also been discovered that a two layer construction of[0101]flame trap30 with a lint filter is highly advantageous. FIG. 9 illustrates alint filter72 in addition to a doublelayer flame trap30.Filter72 may be a different material fromflame trap30. The potential for accumulation of lint over time has been a concern. However, it has been unexpectedly discovered that structure such as that shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is surprisingly free of lint accumulation problems. It is believed that the horizontal and very close positioning offlame trap30 tomain burner14 results in small pressure pulses associated withmain burner14 igniting on each occasion. Apparently, the pulses blow away any lint from the face offlame trap30. This appears to provide a repeating self-cleaning effect.
• Another significant advantage of the water heater of the invention is its improved gas control valve. In conventional gas valves, the thermocouple and over-temperature fuse have been inconveniently located in an integrated structure sheathed in a copper capillary tube with significant thermal inertia. If either the thermocouple or the temperature fuse require replacement then it is not immediately apparent which one has failed and, because both are replaced as an integrated unit, unnecessary cost is involved. The thermal fuse is a relatively low cost item compared to the entire integrated structure and, therefore, it is advantageous to be able to test the circuit by merely removing the suspect fuse and replacing it. This test does not involve removal of the thermocouple which requires awkward access into the water heater combustion chamber. Thus, there can be a considerable reduction in the time a water heater serviceperson needs to identify and correct a problem in the many cases where an open circuit is related to the fuse rather than the thermocouple. Therefore, the reason for replacement being necessary can be ascertained more directly and, thus, safe operation resumed more certainly.[0102]
• FIGS.[0103]11-14 show agas control valve48 supplyingmain burner14 having anadjacent pilot burner49 inwater heater2 withcombustion chamber15, including agas inlet120 for connection to a supply (not shown) of combustible gas.Valve48 has agas outlet124 for connection to a conduit (not shown) leading tomain burner14 and anoutlet126 to connect topilot burner49. Internal components of the valve include an orifice orconduit127 for gas flow between theinlet120 andoutlet124 and aclosure154 normally resiliently biased to close the orifice to prevent or permit flow of gas from theinlet120 to theoutlet124 as required.
• Incorporated in[0104]valve48 is anelectrical circuit128 such as shown in FIG. 15, includingthermocouple51 connected to asolenoid132.Thermocouple51 provides an electrical potential, sometimes hereinafter referred to as “signal,” when heated by a flame established atpilot burner49, typically 12 to 15 mV, to solenoid132 which is sufficient to maintainsolenoid132 open against the normally closing bias of aspring156 associated withclosure154. Specifically, the electrical potential is provided tosolenoid32, creating a magnetic force which, via an armature connected toclosure154, maintainsclosure154 open. It should be noted that the electrical potential is not sufficient to openclosure154 from its closed position except whenvalve passage127 is first opened bymanual switch142 being manually positioned in the “pilot” or “on” positions and the potential is adequate to maintainclosure154 in its open position.
• When a flame is absent at[0105]pilot burner49,valve48 remains shut except during a start up procedure. The circuit has amanual switch142 with three positions, “off”, “pilot” and “on”. In the “pilot” position the switch may be depressed to holdopen valve48 whilethermocouple51 heats sufficiently topower circuit128.Manual switch142 is depressed in the “pilot” and “on” on positions to liftclosure154 off its seat against the closing bias force ofspring156. In the open position, an electrical current passing through the coil ofsolenoid158 generated by thethermocouple51 when heated by the flame of the pilot burner49 (FIG. 4) is adequate to maintainclosure154 in the open position during normal use ofwater heater2. Normal use ofwater heater2 involvespilot burner49 being alight at all times.
• An over-temperature energy cut out[0106]144 is installed inside a temperature sensitive thermostat probe146 (shown in FIG. 12) which interrupts all gas flow through the valve in the event that an unsafe temperature develops inside the tank.
• As best seen in FIGS. 11 and 15,[0107]valve48 has afuse134 connected inelectrical circuit128 and exposed at the bottom surface ofvalve48 to be sensitive to extraneous sources of flame and heat external to and in the region of the valve, particularly underneath it.
• [0108]Valve48 features an externallyaccessible socket136 inelectrical circuit128 in whichthermal fuse134 is removably inserted.Socket136 is positioned to receivethermal fuse134 independently and separate fromthermocouple51.
• [0109]Socket136 and fuse134 are accessible from the underside ofvalve48 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 14 whereinvalve48 is mounted on an external vertical wall ofwater heater2. This leads to the advantage of rapid response time since the underside is most likely to be impinged upon by extraneous flame becausevalve48 is also vertically aboveaccess point138 tomain burner14 andpilot burner49 such as for lighting, inspection and combustion air entry. Extraneous flame and heat withinwater heater2 may result from accidental combustion of a flammable substance nearwater heater2, the flame being likely to establish itself firstly adjacent to accesspoint138.
• Another advantage of mounting[0110]fuse134 to be accessible at a downward facing surface ofvalve48 is thatfuse134 would not be as noticeable upon a casual inspection ofwater heater2 andvalve48 and, therefore, not so likely to invite removal by personnel unaware of its safety-motivated purpose.Water heater2 will not continue to function if it were removed and not replaced.
• Despite the preferred downward facing position of[0111]fuse134, positions on other faces ofvalve48 are possible. Fuse134 has minimal thermal inertia and to that end involves minimal mass and is not enclosed in a copper or similar sheath. Apreferred fuse134 is one encapsulated only in a small quantity of organic polymer resin. One presently preferred form ofthermal fuse134 is manufactured by Therm-O-Disc, Inc., Mansfield, Ohio, USA. The radial lead type is the most suitable for insertion into asocket136 and a model available with a maximum rated opening temperature of 102° C. has a suitably rapid response time.
• Whilst the above embodiments are directed to room or indoor installed gas water heaters, the improvements described will function in an outdoor environment, if spillages occur nearby and fumes enter the gas water heater.[0112]
• The foregoing describes embodiments of the present invention and variations thereof and modification by those skilled in the art can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the flame trap may be located at various positions other than those shown in the drawings and described above. One alternative position is in the side of the combustion chamber opposite the gas supply. In such a construction the flame trap would be located in an opening in the skirt below the water tank and extending through the corresponding portion of insulation.[0113]
• In a further construction the flame trap is positioned above the height of entry to the combustion chamber and the flame sensitive switch is positioned above that height of entry in the flow path of combustion air toward the burner. The aperture covered by the flame trap is in radiant heat communication with a flame sensitive switch also positioned to be sensitive to flame roll out from flue blockage or combustion air starvation.[0114]
• It is also possible that[0115]tube70 as shown in FIG. 9 can be made either partially or completely from flame trap materials, especially the upper portion.
• Further, the flame trap may be made from a variety of materials such as those described above, but can be fabricated from others not specifically identified so long as they permit passage of air and fumes in one direction but prevent flames from travelling in the opposite direction.[0116]
• Suitable flame trap materials include those being porous, gas permeable and possessing sufficiently high thermal capacity to quench flame under typical conditions of use. Metallic structures having small holes, made from, for example, mild steel, stainless steel, copper or aluminum are suitable and porous ceramics including glass or mineral wool woven or non-woven constructions are also suitable. Fibre matrix ceramic is suitable as is flexible or rigid constructions.[0117]
• Also, the air passage for combustion air, such as in the structure labelled[0118]22 in FIG. 1, can be located betweenwater tank6 andjacket4. The passageway can be of a variety of shapes and sizes and can be formed in and bounded by the insulation or can be formed by tubes, pipes conduits and the like.
• It should also be understood that utilization of the flame sensitive switch or similar devices may be used with all types of gas fired water heaters, including those not equipped with flame traps. Further, devices other than[0119]thermocouples51 providing electrical potentials may be employed so long as they are capable of converting heat energy to assist in actuatingclosure154. Heat to mechanical, heat to optical, heat to magnetic and the like types of conversions are all within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, “signal” as used in the claims refers not only to “electrical potential” but to any means wherebyclosure154 is actuated/deactuated as a result of detection of heat energy.
• Finally,[0120]main burner14 andcombustion chamber15 can have different constructions such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,924,816; 5,240,411; 5,355,841; and co-pending applications 08/333,871 and 08/113,618, for example, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims (21)

What is claimed is:

1. A control valve for supplying fuel to a water heater containing a main burner and a pilot burner comprising:

a fuel inlet adapted to connect to a supply of fuel;

at least one fuel outlet adapted to connect to the main burner;

a conduit for fuel flow between the inlet and outlet;

a closure associated with the conduit to control flow of fuel from the inlet to the outlet;

a circuit associated with the valve and including a thermally actuated device associated with the closure, said device, when heated by the pilot burner providing a signal to the closure to open or close the closure; and

a combustion sensitive fuse connected to the circuit and positioned to be exposed to extraneous sources of flame and/or heat external to and adjacent the control valve.

2. The control valve defined inclaim 1 further comprising an externally accessible socket in the circuit into which the fuse is removably insertable.

3. The control valve defined inclaim 2 wherein the socket is adapted to receive the fuse independently separate from the thermally actuated device.

4. The control valve defined inclaim 2 wherein the socket is accessible from an underside of the valve.

5. The control valve defined inclaim 1 wherein the fuse is positioned at an underside of the valve.

6. The control valve defined inclaim 1 wherein the closure comprises a member located in a portion of the conduit and is normally resiliently biased in a closed position.

7. The control valve defined inclaim 1 wherein the circuit further comprises a solenoid associated with the closure, the solenoid being capable of receiving an electrical signal from the thermally actuated device and opening said closure in response.

8. The control valve defined inclaim 1 wherein the fuse is temperature sensitive.

9. The control valve defined inclaim 1 wherein the circuit further comprises an over temperature energy cut out switch associated with a temperature sensitive thermostat probe, said energy cut out switch being capable of interrupting gas flow through said control valve to the main burner and the pilot burner.

10. The control valve defined inclaim 1 wherein the thermally actuated device is a thermocouple.

11. The control valve defined inclaim 1 wherein the circuit further comprises a manual switch connected to the thermally actuated device and having on, off and pilot positions, said pilot position causing the closure to open until such time as the thermally actuated device is capable of providing a signal to open the closure.

12. A control valve for supplying fuel to a water heater containing a main burner and a pilot burner comprising:

a fuel inlet adapted to connect to a supply of fuel;

at least one fuel outlet adapted to connect to the main burner;

a conduit for fuel flow between the inlet and outlet;

a closure associated with the conduit to control flow of fuel from the inlet to the outlet, said closure comprising a member located in a portion of the conduit and which is normally resiliently biased in a closed position; and

a circuit associated with the valve comprising

a thermocouple associated with the closure, said thermocouple, when heated by the pilot burner providing a signal;

a solenoid associated with the closure, the solenoid being capable of receiving output from the thermocouple and maintaining open said closure in response to output indicative of a flame at said pilot burner;

an energy cut out switch associated with a temperature sensitive thermostat, the energy cut out switch being associated with a temperature sensitive thermostat probe, said energy cut out switch being capable of interrupting gas flow through said control valve to the main burner and the pilot burner; and

a combustion sensitive fuse positioned to be exposed to extraneous sources of flame and/or heat external to and adjacent the control valve.

13. A water heater comprising:

a water container having an inlet and an outlet;

a main burner positioned to heat water in the water container;

a pilot burner positioned to supply flame to the main burner; and

a control valve to supply fuel to the main and pilot burners, said control valve comprising:

a fuel inlet adapted to connect to a supply of fuel;

at least one fuel outlet adapted to connect to the main burner;

a conduit for fuel flow between the inlet and outlet;

a closure associated with the conduit to control flow of fuel from the inlet to the outlet;

a circuit associated with the valve and including a thermally actuated device associated with the closure, said device, when heated by the pilot burner providing a signal to means associated with the closure to maintain open the already opened closure or to release it to a closed position; and

a combustion sensitive fuse connected to the circuit and positioned to be exposed to extraneous sources of flame and/or heat external to and adjacent the control valve.

14. A water heater comprising:

a water container;

a combustion chamber located adjacent said tank;

a main burner and a pilot burner located inside said combustion chamber; and

a flame trap positioned at an opening in said combustion chamber, said flame trap permitting ingress of air and extraneous gases, if present, into said combustion chamber and prevent egress of flames from said structure, said flame trap being positioned below and adjacent said pilot burner.

15. The water heater defined inclaim 14 further comprising a venturi extending into said combustion chamber to supply combustion air to said main burner.

16. The water heater defined inclaim 14 further comprising a lint trap positioned exteriorly of said flame trap and across said opening.

17. The water heater defined inclaim 14 further comprising a blocking plate positioned within said combustion chamber and adjacent said opening.

18. A water heater comprising:

a water container;

a combustion chamber located adjacent said tank, said combustion chamber having a floor portion with an opening;

a conduit extending upwardly from and being substantially sealed to said opening;

a burner located inside said combustion chamber; and

a flame trap positioned across said conduit, said flame trap permitting ingress of air and extraneous gases, if present, into said combustion chamber and prevent egress of flames from said structure.

19. The water heater defined inclaim 18 further comprising a lint trap positioned exteriorly of said flame trap and across an upper portion of said conduit.

20. The water heater defined inclaim 18 further comprising a lint trap positioned across said opening.

21. The water heater defined inclaim 18 further comprising a blocking plate positioned within said combustion chamber and adjacent an upper portion of said conduit.

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