JP2012516986A - Flue gas analysis safety device - Google Patents

Abstract

A flue gas analysis safety device (10) for a gas combustion or heavy oil combustion device (30) having an electrical connection and a flue for combustion gas (54) is a flue for monitoring flue gas ( 54) a noxious gas detection element (12) disposed in the controller and a controller (14) for automatically adjusting the gas to air ratio of the flue gas based on a signal from the noxious gas detection element (12) Prepare. If the controller (14) is unable to adjust the flue gas gas to air ratio to be included in the predetermined safety parameters, the controller (14) may stop the current to the gas or heavy oil combustion device (30). it can. Preferably, the noxious gas detection element (12) includes a wireless transmitter and the controller (14) includes a radio receiver so that the noxious gas detection element (12) is in wireless communication with the controller (14). Also provided are gas and heavy oil burning devices and methods having apparatus (10).
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a flue gas analysis safety device, a gas combustion or heavy oil combustion boiler having an electrical connection and incorporating the device, and a defective gas combustion or heavy oil combustion having an electrical connection using the device. And a method for preventing or limiting exposure of carbon monoxide or other harmful gases from a boiler assembly.

  A leak of carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide from a crack, damaged or improperly installed flue is harmful and can cause death. Stand-alone carbon monoxide alarm devices are widely available, but only operate after substantial leakage has already occurred in the alarm area. Inefficient or damaged boilers can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide or other harmful gases that can remain unseen through the flue for extended periods of time or even years. Get out. If the flue is then damaged or closed, flue gases containing dangerous levels of carbon monoxide or other gases are exhausted into the building and become a serious crisis factor.

  The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems, which monitors and controls carbon monoxide or other harmful gases produced by the boiler before leaking into the building. To do.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flue gas analysis safety device for a gas combustion or heavy oil combustion device having an electrical connection and a flue for combustion gas, the flue gas monitoring And a flue gas detection element disposed in the flue to control and a controller for automatically adjusting a flue gas gas to air ratio based on a signal from the noxious gas detection element. A flue gas analysis safety device is provided in which the controller can stop the current to the gas or heavy oil burning device if the ratio of to air cannot be adjusted to be included in the predetermined safety parameters.

  Preferred and / or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are comprehensively set forth in claims 2-14.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, a gas combustion or heavy oil combustion device having an electrical connection, the device being a noxious gas detection element of a flue gas analysis safety device according to the first aspect of the present invention. Has a flue for combustion gas provided inside, the flue gas gas to air ratio and the electrical connection of the device can be automatically controlled by the controller based on the output of the harmful gas detection element Certain gas or heavy oil combustion devices are provided.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the use of the flue gas analysis safety device according to the first aspect of the present invention to expose harmful gases from a bad gas or heavy oil combustion device having an electrical connection. A) providing a noxious gas detection element in the flue of a gas-fired or heavy oil-fired device; and b) from the noxious gas detection element as encompassed by a predetermined safety parameter. Automatically adjusts the gas to air ratio of flue gas based on the And a step of shutting down.

  The present invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 shows a first embodiment of a flue gas analysis safety device according to the first aspect of the present invention; The flue gas analysis safety device in use is shown. The flue gas analysis safety device in use is shown. The flue gas analysis safety device in use is shown. Again, a front elevation view of the controller of the flue gas analysis safety device in use is shown. 2 shows a portion of a second embodiment of the flue gas analysis safety device. Fig. 4 shows a part of a third embodiment of a flue gas analysis safety device.

  Referring first to FIGS. 1-5 of the drawings, a flue gas analysis safety apparatus 10 of a first embodiment is shown, which apparatus 10 preferably includes a gas detection element 12 for at least carbon monoxide, and A controller 14 and a remote carbon monoxide detector 16 are provided. The sensing element 12 in this embodiment includes an elongated flexible wand 18, a sensor 20, preferably at least carbon monoxide, provided at the distal end of the wand 18, and a thin housing 22 at the proximal end of the wand 18. With. A battery chamber and a radio transmitter are provided in the thin housing 22. Preferably, a battery is used to supply power to the sensor 20 and the transmitter. However, additionally or alternatively, the detection element 12 may be connectable to a power supply.

  Since the detection element 12 is arranged as intended in the boiler flue, it is liquid and heat resistant.

  The controller 14 includes a controller housing 24 that is separate from the sensing element 12 and spaced therefrom and is typically molded plastic. The housing 24 has a plug socket 26 for receiving the electric plug 28 of the boiler 30 on one side and an electric prong 32 for detachably engaging a wall-mounted electric supply socket 34 on the other side. Within the controller housing 24 is a radio receiver that receives signals from the sensing element transmitter, along with a control circuit that controls the supply of electricity to the electrical plug 28 of the boiler 30. A wireless transmitter is also provided in communication with the controller of the gas or heavy oil combustion device, the controller comprising at least an electronically adjustable air regulator valve and preferably also an electronically adjustable gas regulator valve. Including. The control circuit of the controller 14 automatically controls the gas to air ratio in the flue gas by the controller and one or more valves of the gas or heavy oil combustion device based on feedback from the sensing element. As a result, a safety ratio included in the predetermined parameter is obtained.

  The controller 14 of the device 10 also includes a warning circuit that is electrically connected to the control circuit. The warning circuit includes an output device 36, which in this case is a speaker 38 that outputs an acoustic warning signal, and a light emitting element 40, such as an LED, that outputs a visual signal on the controller housing 24.

  In the present specification, three light emitting elements 40 are provided as part of the warning circuit. The first light emitting element 42 indicates the state of the detection element 12 and changes, for example, when the power supply to the detection element 12 fails. In that case, the speaker 38 also emits a first acoustic warning signal.

  The second light emitting element 44 changes when the detecting element 12 detects the presence of carbon monoxide above a predetermined level. Again, the speaker 38 also emits a second acoustic warning signal, preferably different from the first acoustic warning signal.

  The third light emitting element 46 displays the status of the remote carbon monoxide detector 16. The color of the display changes when the electrical supply to the remote sensing device 16 fails or when the remote sensing device 16 detects carbon monoxide above a predetermined level. In that case, the speaker 38 also emits a third acoustic warning signal, which is preferably different from the first and second warning signals.

  The remote carbon monoxide detector 16 includes a device housing 48, typically a molded plastic, which includes a battery compartment, a radio transmitter and radio receiver, a carbon monoxide sensor circuit, and an alarm circuit. Have The transmitter and receiver allow wireless communication with the controller 14 and preferably also with the detection element 12. The warning circuit preferably includes a speaker 50 that outputs an acoustic warning signal that alerts the user of the room and / or building. The warning circuit may also include a light emitting element 52, such as an LED, that outputs a visual signal indicating the status of the remote sensing device 16. The remote sensing device 16 is preferably battery powered, but may additionally or alternatively be connected to a power supply.

  Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the wireless remote sensing element 12 is slid into the flue 54 of the gas or heavy oil fired boiler 30 in use. The flue 54 typically includes a horizontal portion 56 that discharges to the outside 58. The outlet is usually covered with a grid or mesh 60. By removing the mesh 60, the wireless sensing element 12 can be simply slid into the flue 54 so that the sensor 20 is directed away from the outlet and upstream. Next, the net 60 is placed again.

  The controller 14 is then plugged into a wall socket 34 located adjacent to the boiler 30, and the boiler plug 28 is plugged into the socket 26 of the controller housing 24. The controller 14 is preferably powered, but may additionally be battery powered.

  The remote sensing device 16 is preferably mounted on the surface adjacent to the boiler 30, ie, the wall or ceiling 62.

  In operation, the sensing element 12 continuously monitors the levels of carbon monoxide and / or other noxious gases in the combustion gases exiting the boiler 30 along the flue 54. The remote detection device 16 also continuously monitors the level of carbon monoxide in the space in which the device 16 is located.

  A signal is sent to the controller 14 if the sensing element 12 senses a level of carbon monoxide that exceeds a predetermined limit or ratio. The warning circuit changes the second light emitting element 44 to output a visual alarm and the speaker 38 is activated to output an acoustic alarm. At the same time, the control circuit automatically remotely controls the controller of the boiler 30 to adjust the flue gas gas to air ratio to return within predetermined safety parameters. If this is not feasible after a predetermined period determined by a timer incorporated in the controller 14 and feedback from the sensing element 12, the controller stops the flow of current to the housing socket 26 and thereby the boiler 30. Is blocked or disabled. When the level of carbon monoxide falls below a predetermined limit, a signal is output from the sensing element 12, thereby resetting the controller 14. As a result, the boiler 30 can be re-ignited after inspection and / or repair.

  The signal output by the detection element 12 can also be received by the remote detection device 16, and the remote detection device 16 outputs a warning signal. The remote sensing device 16 is again reset after the level of carbon monoxide detected by the sensing element 12 is lowered.

  First, when the remote detection device 16 itself senses carbon monoxide exceeding a predetermined limit, an acoustic alarm and signal are output to the controller 14 via the transmitter, and the air and gas in the flue gas are detected. If the ratio is automatically adjusted to a safe level and not so adjusted, the boiler 30 is disabled as described above. In that case, the warning circuit changes the visual appearance of the third light emitting element 46 on the controller housing 24.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the flue gas analysis safety device 10 of the second embodiment is shown. The same reference numerals indicate the same parts as the parts of the first embodiment, and further detailed description is omitted.

  In this embodiment, the detection element 12 and the remote detection device 16 are the same. However, the controller 14 is not detachable. In this case, the controller 14 is directly electrically connected to the power supply device. The gas-fired or heavy oil-fired boiler 30 may be directly and non-removably electrically connected to the controller 14 and may be inserted in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  Other features are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 7, a flue gas analysis safety device 10 of the third embodiment is shown. The same reference numerals indicate the same parts as the parts of the first embodiment, and further detailed description is omitted.

  In this embodiment, the detection element 12 and the remote detection device 16 are the same as those described in the first embodiment. However, the controller 14 is incorporated and fully integrated as part of the gas or heavy oil fired boiler 30 itself, thus simplifying the automatic adjustment and transmitting the controller as in the previous embodiment. No longer need to use the machine. In this case, the controller housing 24 forms part of the boiler housing 64 and typically a control circuit and a warning circuit are provided as part of the electrical circuit of the boiler 30 itself.

  Thus, boiler 30 is plugged in or connected to an electrical source as usual, but when it detects carbon monoxide and / or other noxious gases that exceed a predetermined limit, the control circuit may provide a safe ratio. If it is not adjusted, the current to the boiler circuit is stopped after a certain period, and therefore the boiler 30 is shut off.

  Although specifically applicable to gas fired or heavy oil fired boilers, the flue gas analysis safety device may be applied to any gas fired or heavy oil fired device with a flue, in some cases, such as a flame. Can do.

  For example, when the power supply of the detection element 12 or the remote detection device 16 is interrupted or stopped due to the battery running out, the signal output by the detection element 12 or the remote detection device 16 is stopped, and thus the controller 14 A warning circuit outputs an audible alarm and changes the visual appearance of the first light emitting element 42.

  The sensing element, remote sensing device, and / or controller may all include a test function that includes a test button for periodic testing of the device.

  The detection element may not require a wand 18. However, the wand is preferably adjustable flexibly and has the advantage that the sensor 20 can be arranged from the boiler body in the vicinity of the inlet of the flue without the detection element falling into the boiler body.

  Although the sensing element is located on the bottom surface of the flue in the figure, it may include a clip or other means by which the sensing element can be held spaced from the bottom surface and condensate. To prevent contact.

  Utilize any suitable wireless data protocol or means such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth RTM, radio waves, or microwaves to enable the controller, sensing element, and remote sensing device to communicate with each other Can do.

  Although preferably wireless, the controller, sensing element, and remote sensing device may be connected to each other by wire.

  One, more than one, or all of the light emitting elements of the warning circuit may include a warning alert upon detection of noxious gases or when the ratio of gases in the flue is changed. The warning alert may further include different colors and / or sounds. For example, when the flue gas is within a predetermined tolerance or parameter, a green visual signal is emitted and there is no sound. The warning warning signal may be, for example, an orange visual signal and a medium sound. A complete alarm may be, for example, a red visual alarm and a continuous tone.

  A remote detection device is preferred and may be omitted if desired. Alternatively, two or more remote detection devices can be used. In that case, the remote sensing devices are preferably in communication with each other, with the sensing elements and / or with the controller. The remote detection device or each remote detection device may be in the same space as the boiler, or in any suitable space such as a bedroom or living room.

  While detection of carbon monoxide is preferred, the detection element and remote detection device (s) additionally or alternatively detect other gases or other gases, preferably harmful gases such as carbon dioxide You can do it. The component gas ratio or ratio change in the flue may alternatively or additionally be monitored with a sensing element.

  The distal end of the wand may include a filter element for its detectable flue gas or for each detectable flue gas. In this case, the filter element may be replaceable and / or replaceable, typically during inspection.

  The detection element is preferably wireless, but may be wired with the controller.

  Accordingly, it is possible to provide a flue gas analysis safety device that immediately alerts a user or user of a gas or heavy oil combustion device for carbon monoxide or other harmful gases above a predetermined level in the flue. Is possible. Automatically adjust the air-to-gas ratio to reach safety parameters, then immediately stop if there is carbon monoxide or other harmful gases above a certain level for a certain period of time It is also possible to provide a flue gas analysis safety device that either disables or disables the boiler. The controller of the apparatus can be a plug-in device that can be quickly and simply retrofitted to an existing boiler, a permanent fastening device that is remote from the boiler, or a permanent fastening device that is integrally formed with the boiler. The sensor is preferably in wireless communication with the controller and can therefore be easily placed in the flue.

  Thus, this apparatus reduces the possibility of having a gas-burning or heavy-oil burning device that is malfunctioning for an extended period of time, and thus saves the user's life in some cases. The device also reduces the operating costs of gas or fuel oil burning devices by highlighting potential failures, and also reduces the environmental impact of malfunctioning gas or fuel oil burning devices. Can do.

  The several embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only, and various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Will.

Claims (18)

  A flue gas analysis safety device for gas combustion or heavy oil combustion devices having an electrical connection and a flue for combustion gas, wherein the harmful gas is placed in the flue for monitoring flue gas A detection element; and a controller that automatically adjusts a ratio of the flue gas gas to air based on a signal from the noxious gas detection element, wherein the flue gas gas to air ratio is a predetermined value. A flue gas analysis safety device in which the controller can stop the current to the gas or heavy oil combustion device if it cannot be adjusted to be included in the safety parameters.   The flue gas analysis safety of claim 1, wherein the noxious gas detection element includes a wireless transmitter and the controller includes a radio receiver so that the noxious gas detection element is in wireless communication with the controller. apparatus.   The flue gas analysis safety device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the noxious gas detection element includes an elongated wand having a noxious gas sensor at a distal end.   The flue gas analysis safety device of claim 3, wherein the wand is flexibly adjustable.   The flue gas analysis safety device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller includes a warning element that outputs a warning signal when adjusting the ratio of gas to air.   The flue gas analysis safety device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller includes a warning element that outputs a warning signal upon disconnection from the noxious gas detection element.   The flue gas analysis according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a remote noxious gas detection device located remotely from a gas or heavy oil burning device to output a warning signal upon detection of noxious gas. Safety device.   8. The flue gas analysis safety device of claim 7, wherein the remote noxious gas detection device is in communication with the controller to stop current to the gas burning or heavy oil burning device.   The remote noxious gas detection device receives a signal from the controller and / or the noxious gas detection element; and a radio transmitter that sends a signal to the controller to stop the gas burning or heavy oil burning device. The flue gas analysis safety device according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a radio receiver for outputting a warning signal.   The flue gas analysis safety device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller includes a warning element that outputs a warning signal when receiving a signal from the remote harmful gas detection device.   The controller of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller includes an independent removable housing, the housing having a socket for receiving an electrical plug of a gas or heavy oil burning device and a prong for insertion into the electrical socket. The flue gas analysis safety device described in 1.   11. The controller includes a non-detachable and surface-mountable housing that can be directly connected to a power supply and the housing includes a socket that receives an electrical plug of a gas or heavy oil combustion device. The flue gas analysis safety device according to any one of the above.   11. A flue gas analysis safety device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is incorporated as part of the gas combustion or heavy oil combustion device.   The flue gas analysis safety device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the harmful gas detection element is capable of detecting at least carbon monoxide.   A flue gas analysis safety device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.   A gas combustion or heavy oil combustion device having an electrical connection, wherein the device is a combustion gas in which a harmful gas detection element of a flue gas analysis safety device according to any one of the preceding claims is provided. A gas flue, the gas to air ratio of the flue gas and the electrical connection of the device being automatically controllable by the controller based on the output of the noxious gas detection element A device for combustion or heavy oil combustion.   17. A gas fired or heavy oil fired device according to claim 16, wherein the device is a boiler.   Method for preventing or limiting exposure of harmful gases from a bad gas or heavy oil burning device having an electrical connection using a flue gas analysis safety device according to any one of the preceding claims A) providing a noxious gas detection element in the flue of a gas or heavy oil burning device; and b) based on a signal from the noxious gas detection element as encompassed by a predetermined safety parameter. Automatically adjusts the gas to air ratio of the flue gas and stops the electrical supply to the gas or heavy oil burning device, thereby allowing the device to be turned off when the predetermined safety parameter cannot be reached. And a step of shutting down.

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