US20220178537A1 - Joint Seal System & Method - Google Patents
Joint Seal System & Method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220178537A1 US20220178537A1 US17/677,706 US202217677706A US2022178537A1 US 20220178537 A1 US20220178537 A1 US 20220178537A1 US 202217677706 A US202217677706 A US 202217677706A US 2022178537 A1 US2022178537 A1 US 2022178537A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- section
- flange
- band
- gasket
- slip collar
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23J—REMOVAL OR TREATMENT OF COMBUSTION PRODUCTS OR COMBUSTION RESIDUES; FLUES
- F23J13/00—Fittings for chimneys or flues
- F23J13/04—Joints; Connections
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L23/00—Flanged joints
- F16L23/02—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned axially
- F16L23/032—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned axially characterised by the shape or composition of the flanges
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L23/00—Flanged joints
- F16L23/04—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned in the radial plane
- F16L23/08—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned in the radial plane connection by tangentially arranged pin and nut
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L23/00—Flanged joints
- F16L23/04—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned in the radial plane
- F16L23/08—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned in the radial plane connection by tangentially arranged pin and nut
- F16L23/10—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned in the radial plane connection by tangentially arranged pin and nut with a pivoting or swinging pin
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L23/00—Flanged joints
- F16L23/12—Flanged joints specially adapted for particular pipes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L23/00—Flanged joints
- F16L23/16—Flanged joints characterised by the sealing means
- F16L23/162—Flanged joints characterised by the sealing means the pipe ends abutting each other
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L23/00—Flanged joints
- F16L23/16—Flanged joints characterised by the sealing means
- F16L23/18—Flanged joints characterised by the sealing means the sealing means being rings
- F16L23/20—Flanged joints characterised by the sealing means the sealing means being rings made exclusively of metal
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L27/00—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement
- F16L27/12—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement allowing substantial longitudinal adjustment or movement
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23J—REMOVAL OR TREATMENT OF COMBUSTION PRODUCTS OR COMBUSTION RESIDUES; FLUES
- F23J13/00—Fittings for chimneys or flues
- F23J13/02—Linings; Jackets; Casings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23J—REMOVAL OR TREATMENT OF COMBUSTION PRODUCTS OR COMBUSTION RESIDUES; FLUES
- F23J13/00—Fittings for chimneys or flues
- F23J13/02—Linings; Jackets; Casings
- F23J13/025—Linings; Jackets; Casings composed of concentric elements, e.g. double walled
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23J—REMOVAL OR TREATMENT OF COMBUSTION PRODUCTS OR COMBUSTION RESIDUES; FLUES
- F23J2213/00—Chimneys or flues
- F23J2213/20—Joints; Connections
- F23J2213/202—Joints; Connections between duct or stack sections
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23J—REMOVAL OR TREATMENT OF COMBUSTION PRODUCTS OR COMBUSTION RESIDUES; FLUES
- F23J2213/00—Chimneys or flues
- F23J2213/20—Joints; Connections
- F23J2213/204—Sealing arrangements
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
Definitions
- the present invention relates to duct work for handling various types of gases. More particularly, the present invention is especially useful in providing an air-tight joint between two duct sections.
- Double-walled chimneys are known in the art, one example of which is disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,902,744 to Stone and prior art cited therein.
- the basic construction involves inner and outer concentric pipes affording an annular insulating space between them.
- the assembly or erection of the chimney proceeds with coaxial, end-to-end stacking of, say, a pair of inner pipes, the meeting ends of which are radially outwardly flanged to receive an inner annular ring which clamps the pipes together.
- flanged chimney sections are well known when the cross-sectional shape of the chimney is circular or angular (such as rectangular, square, etc.), the prior art does not disclose a flanged chimney section or corresponding connection system for chimneys with a cross-sectional area that is rounded but non-circular.
- rounded but non-circular shape is often referred to as “obround.”
- oval is defined as a shape consisting of two semicircles connected by parallel lines tangent to their endpoints.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one chimney section of a first embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a detailed, cross-sectional view of the junction of two adjacent chimney sections according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two chimney sections of the first embodiment joined to one another with a V-band.
- FIG. 4 is an end view of a chimney section of the first embodiment wherein the cross-sectional shape of the chimney section is obround.
- FIG. 5 is a detailed, cross-sectional view of the junction of two adjacent chimney sections according to the second embodiment, wherein the chimney system is insulated.
- FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the exterior of the chimney at the junction of two sections with a V-band applied thereto.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one chimney section of the section embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is an elevated view of a sheet of material showing the creases for one embodiment of a chimney section.
- FIG. 9A provides a top view of various aspects of a seal that may be used with a joint seal system & method.
- FIG. 9B provides a side view of the seal from FIG. 9A .
- FIG. 10A provides a top view of a band that may be used with a joint seal system & method.
- FIG. 10B provides a side view of the band shown in FIG. 10A .
- FIG. 10C provides a cross-sectional view of the band shown in FIGS. 10A & 10B .
- FIG. 11 provides a perspective view showing various aspects of a seal positioned on a flange.
- FIG. 12A provides a perspective view of a flange interface with a seal positioned between the two flanges and a band positioned over the flange interface.
- FIG. 12B provides a perspective view of the flange interface shown in FIG. 12A with an exterior band positioned over the flange interface and band.
- FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of an intermediate section with a slip collar positioned between two fixed sections.
- FIG. 14 provides a perspective view of the intermediate section and fixed sections from FIG. 13 wherein each fixed section is abutting the intermediate section.
- FIG. 15A provides an end view of an insulated chimney section.
- FIG. 15B provides a side view to insulated chimney sections from FIG. 15A engaged with one another.
- FIG. 16 provides a perspective view of a starter section that may be used with the joint seal system & method.
- the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps.
- “Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.
- FIG. 1 illustrates various aspects of a first section 20 of the chimney system 10 .
- the chimney system 10 as disclosed herein may comprise any number of sections 20 , 30 , but for clarity only two sections 20 , 30 (a first section 20 and a second section 30 ) are discussed and pictured herein. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited unless indicated in the following claims.
- the sections 20 , 30 may be obround in shape, which is best shown at least in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the latter of which is an end view of a section 20 , 30 .
- Each section 20 , 30 may include a section body 22 , 32 .
- the inner surface of the first section body 22 may be comprised of a first section body interior 23 a
- the exterior surface may be comprised of a first section body exterior 23 b
- the inner surface of the second section body 32 may be comprised of a second section body interior 33 a
- the exterior surface may be comprised of a second section body exterior 33 b .
- the fluid routed through the chimney system 10 may pass through the portion of space bounded by the section body interiors 23 a , 33 a.
- the first section 20 may include a first section flange 24 on each end of the first section body 22 .
- Each first section flange 24 may be generally perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis of the first section body 22 .
- Each first section flange 24 may be integrally formed with the first section body 22 . In this manner, the entire first section 20 may be formed from one piece of material.
- the specific dimensions of the first section flange 24 and the orientation thereof with respect to the first section body 22 may vary depending on the specific application for the chimney system 10 , and is therefore in no way limiting to the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
- first section flange 24 may be oriented exactly ninety degrees from the first section body exterior 23 b , such that the first section body 22 and the first section flange 24 form a right angle between them, and that the first section flange 24 extend one-half inch from the first section body exterior 23 b .
- the precise angle between the first section flange 24 and first section body exterior 23 b will be greater or less than ninety degrees in other aspects of the chimney system 10 without departing from the spirit and scope of the chimney system 10 unless so limited in the following claims.
- the first section flange 24 may extend from the first section body exterior 23 b by an amount greater or less than one-half inch, and is therefore in no way limiting in scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
- FIG. 2 Various aspects of a junction between the first section 20 and the second section 30 is shown in detail in FIG. 2 .
- the cross-sectional view of this junction as shown in FIG. 2 shows the first section flange 24 abutted with the second section flange 34 to form a flange interface 36 .
- a sealant (not shown) may be placed at the flange interface 36 .
- first section flange 24 may be perpendicular to the first section body 22 and the second section flange 34 may be perpendicular to the second section body 32 as previously described above.
- the first section body 22 may be parallel to the second section body 32
- the first section flange 24 may be parallel to the second section flange 34 .
- the flange interface 36 may include nearly the entire surface area of both the first and second section flanges 24 , 34 . In many applications this configuration may provide a better seal at the flange interface 36 .
- a V-band 40 may be placed over the flange interface 36 .
- a V-band 40 may include a first flat portion 42 a that may abut the first section body exterior 23 b and a corresponding second flat portion 42 b that may abut the second section body exterior 33 b .
- the V-band 40 may include a V-band clamp 48 for adjusting the tension of the V-band clamp 48 .
- the V-band clamp 48 may be configured as a typical bolt-and-receiver clamp with two bolts.
- the V-band clamp 48 may employ any structure or method suitable for adjusting the tension of banding structures around the exterior of a section 20 , 30 without departing from the scope of the present invention unless so indicated in the following claims.
- the first flat portion 42 a may be connected to the first angled portion 44 a and the second flat portion 42 b may be connected to the second angled portion 44 b .
- the first angled portion 44 a and the second angled portion 44 b may be connected by the V-band apex 46 .
- first flat portion 42 a second flat portion 42 b
- first angled portion 44 a second angled portion 44 b
- V-band apex 46 V-band apex 46
- sealant may be positioned between the flange interface 36 and any portion of the V-band 40 , and/or between the first section body exterior 23 b , second section body exterior 33 b and the first flat portion 42 a or second flat portion 42 b .
- the sealant (not shown) placed in any of the areas listed above may be used to hermetically seal the flange interface 36 and/or the junction of the first and second sections 20 , 30 .
- the sealant (not shown) used in any aspect or application of either the chimney system 10 or insulated chimney system 50 may be any type of sealant (not shown) known to those skilled in the art or later developed that is appropriate for the particular application, whether silicon-based, Teflon-based, or otherwise.
- S600 or S2000 may be used as a sealant (not shown) to enhance the gas impermeable seal, which may be rated or used with a range of pressures including negative, neutral, or positive pressures greater than one atmosphere (1 ATM).
- the chimney system 10 and insulated chimney system 50 also may have an insulating material positioned between the V-band 40 and flange interface 36 .
- the junction between a first section 20 and second section 30 is shown in perspective in FIG. 3 , and FIG. 6 shows the junction of the first and second section 20 , 30 with the V-band 40 applied thereto in greater detail.
- FIG. 5 provides a cross-sectional view of two insulated chimney sections 51 at a flange interface 36 .
- the flange interface 36 shown in FIG. 5 may be between two adjacent insulated chimney sections 51 , which insulated chimney sections 50 may be configured in a manner similar to those shown in FIG. 7 .
- One or more insulated chimney section 51 in cooperation with another fluid conduit may constitute an insulated chimney system 50 .
- an insulated chimney system 50 may include a plurality of insulated chimney sections 51 .
- the inner shell 55 of an insulated chimney section 51 may be substantially the same as the sections 20 , 30 of the chimney system 10 described in detail above. Accordingly, the flange interface 36 between the two adjacent inner shells 55 of the insulated chimney system 50 shown in FIG. 5 may be substantially the same as the flange interface 36 between the first section 20 and the second section 30 shown in FIG. 1 .
- each inner shell 55 and an outer shell 56 may be substantially the same shape for a given insulated chimney section 51 , although the periphery of the outer shell 56 generally will be greater than that of the inner shell 55 .
- each inner shell 55 of the insulated chimney system 50 may be substantially the same as each section 20 , 30 of the chimney system 10 described in detail above in that an inner shell flange 55 a may be integrally formed with the inner shell 55 on at least one end of each inner shell 55 .
- the junction between two adjacent insulated chimney sections 51 at their respective inner shells 55 may form a flange interface 36 substantially similar in structure and function to that described in detail above for the chimney system 10 .
- a V-band 40 may be used to secure one inner shell 55 to an adjacent inner shell 55 , but the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited unless indicated in the following claims.
- each spacer clip 53 may include a spacer clip inner tab 53 a and spacer clip outer tab 53 b .
- the spacer clip inner tab 53 a may be placed between one of the flat portions 42 a , 42 b of the V-band 40 , as shown in FIG. 5 , or over one of the flat portions 42 a , 42 b .
- Each spacer clip outer tab 53 b may be directly secured to the outer shell 55 .
- the outer shell 56 may be formed with an outer shell channel 56 a therein on at least one end of the outer shell 56 .
- An outer band 57 may be placed between two adjacent outer shells 55 .
- the outer band 57 may be configured so that each end of the outer band 57 may seat within the outer shell channel 56 a in two adjacent outer shells 56 , respectively.
- adjacent outer shells 56 may be formed with a significant space therebetween, as shown in FIG. 5 .
- an outer band 57 may be placed between two adjacent outer shells 55 to seal the space between the two outer shells 55 .
- the amount of space between adjacent outer shells 55 (and consequently the dimensions of the outer band 57 ) will vary depending on the specific application of the insulated chimney system 50 , and is therefore in no way limiting to the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
- the inner and outer shells 55 , 56 may be connected via one or more spacer clips 53 prior to installation of the insulated chimney system 50 , and insulation 52 may be placed between the inner and outer shells 55 , 56 , allowing corresponding inner and outer shells 55 , 56 to be installed as one unit, referred to herein as an insulated chimney section 51 .
- both the chimney system 10 and the insulated chimney system 50 of the present disclosure may allow for tension to be applied to either the V-band 40 and/or the outer band 57 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chimney system 10 or insulated chimney system 50 .
- the first section 20 and second section 30 may both be comprised of twenty gauge 304 stainless steel.
- the inner shell 55 may be comprised of twenty gauge 304 stainless steel.
- an insulation layer may be applied.
- the longitudinal seams for any section 20 , 30 of the chimney system 10 , or any inner shell 55 or outer shell 56 of the insulated chimney system 50 may be continuously welded to reduce corrosion and ensure a pressure-tight seal at each seam.
- the sections 20 , 30 , V-band 40 , V-band clamp 48 , spacer clip 53 , inner shell 55 , and outer shell 56 may be made from twenty gauge 304 stainless steel, higher or lower chrome steels, or any other material known to those skilled in the art or later developed that is suitable for the application. However, the material chosen in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims, and it is contemplated that such specifications may vary based on the particular application for which the chimney system 10 or insulated chimney system 50 is used.
- each section 20 , 30 in FIG. 4 in an aspect the cross-sectional shape of each section 20 , 30 may be obround.
- the chimney system 10 or insulated chimney system 50 may be configured with sections 20 , 30 having cross-sectional shapes of infinite variety as long as the cross-sectional shape is rounded but non-circular. Accordingly, the shape chosen in no way limits the scope of the present invention unless so indicated in the following claims, and it contemplated that such specifications may vary based on the particular application for which the chimney system 10 or insulated chimney system 50 is used.
- a piece of material such as stainless steel, may be first cut to the dimensions required to form a sheet 60 , which is shown in FIG. 8 .
- the sheet 60 is rectangular in shape, but it may be other shapes as well. The precise dimensions of the sheet 60 will be dependent on the design specifications for the chimney system 10 or insulated chimney system 50 .
- the sheet 60 is positioned in a metal brake (not shown) and four creases 62 are formed therein.
- the four creases 62 serve to divide the sheet into five sections.
- the five sections include two outer sections 64 , two inner sections 66 , and one middle section 68 .
- One outer section 64 is adjacent the sheet right edge 61 a and the other outer section 64 is adjacent the sheet left edge 61 b .
- the middle section 68 is in the geometric center of the sheet 60 , and an inner section 66 is positioned on either side thereof.
- the two outer sections 64 are identical with one another in size and shape, and the two inner sections 66 are identical with one another in size and shape. Accordingly, the creases 62 are symmetrical about both axes of the sheet.
- the sheet 60 is then placed on a metal forming roll (not shown).
- Each outer section 64 is then formed into a quarter-circle shape.
- the middle section 68 is formed into a half-circle shape.
- the sheet right edge 61 a and sheet left edge 61 b are in close proximity to one another so that they may be welded together.
- the resulting seam runs in an axial direction along the entire length of the section 20 , 30 .
- the two outer sections 64 cooperate to form one rounded side of the section 20 , 30 and the middle section 68 forms the other rounded side.
- the two inner sections 66 comprises the straight sides of the section 20 , 30 .
- a rigid jig may then be placed around the outer periphery of the section 20 , 30 so that the cross-sectional shape of the section 20 , 30 is maintained throughout the remainder of the fabrication process.
- the section 20 , 30 may be positioned on a roll forming machine (not shown) set to form a flange 24 , 34 of the desired dimensions at one end of the section 20 , 30 . If a second flange 24 , 34 is desired on the other end of the section 20 , 30 , the jig may be transferred adjacent that end and a flange 24 , 34 may be formed thereon using the roll forming machine (not shown).
- the rotation of the roll forming machine may be reversed during the formation of the second flange 24 , 34 . That is, if the first flange 24 , 34 is formed by rotating the section 20 , 30 clockwise in the roll forming machine (not shown), the second flange 24 , 34 may be formed by rotating the section 20 , 30 counter-clockwise in the roll forming machine (not shown).
- the outer shell 56 for an insulated chimney section 51 may be fabricated in substantially the same manner. However, instead of forming a flange 24 , 34 on the roll forming machine (not shown), a different die may be used that forms an outer shell channel 56 a . As with the fabrication of the section 20 , 30 , if the outer shell 56 a is fabricated with an outer shell channel 56 a on each end thereof, the direction of rotation of the outer shell 56 during formation of the first outer shell channel 56 a may be opposite of the direction of rotation of the outer shell 56 during formation of the second outer shell channel 56 a.
- Sections 20 , 30 may be joined with corresponding outer shells 56 through the use of spacer clips 53 , many methods of which are well known to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be described in further detail herein. Insulation 52 may also be placed between the inner shell 55 and outer shell 56 so that each insulated chimney section 50 is ready to install before it is exposed to the elements.
- FIG. 9 Various aspects of a seal 120 are shown in FIG. 9 , which may comprise a portion of a joint seal system & method.
- FIG. 10 Various aspects of a band 110 that may be employed with a seal 120 are shown in FIG. 10 , which together with a seal 120 may comprise a joint seal system & method.
- FIGS. 9 & 10 various dimensions and/or relative shapes of certain aspects of the band 110 and seal 120 are shown. Such dimensions and/or relative shapes are for illustrative purposes only, and in no way limit the scope of the joint seal system & method unless so indicated in the following claims.
- a joint seal system & method may be especially useful when employed with a high-efficiency, commercial boiler vent, wherein a joint seal system & method may be configured to hold pressure in a fluid conduit in order to mitigate and/or eliminate leakage of condensate, flue gasses, and/or other fluid, vapor, and/or gas from a joint between two duct sections (e.g., a flange interface 36 ) and/or between two sections 20 , 30 of a chimney system 10 and/or insulated chimney system 50 .
- two duct sections e.g., a flange interface 36
- a joint seal system & method may be especially useful at a flange interface 36 of two sections 20 , 30 (either insulated or not) having flanges 24 , 34 , such as those shown in FIGS. 1-7 .
- the joint seal system & method may be configured for use with any gas fired appliance listed as Category II, III, or IV or that call for an AL 29-4C vent.
- any section 20 , 30 and/or flange 24 , 34 may refer to an uninsulated section 20 , 30 or any insulated section 51 without limitation unless so indicated.
- the joint seal system & method, in conjunction with one or more sections 20 , 30 may be installed as a complete system connecting a device (e.g., an appliance) to the outdoors while operating under positive forced draft, negative induced draft, or neutral gravity flow internal pressuring conditions.
- a band 110 may generally be configured as a ring and comprising a hinge 112 , which hinge 112 may be opposite two open ends of the band 110 .
- a connector 114 may be engaged with a first open end and an anchor 116 engaged with a second open end as further described in detail below.
- a band 110 may be differently shaped without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
- a band 110 may have an obround shape for use with a section 20 , 30 such as that shown in FIGS. 1-7 .
- a connector 114 may be formed as a bolt that is configured to engage an anchor 116 at the two free ends of the band 110 , respectively.
- the band 110 may be configured to allow relatively easy engagement and disengagement with one or more sections 20 , 30 at a flange interface 36 .
- Other connectors 114 may be used with a joint seal system & method without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims, and the optimal structure and/or method for a connector 114 will vary from one application of the joint seal method & system to the next.
- the band 110 may be configured with two angled portions 117 extending from a vertex 117 a to form a V-shape in cross section. At the end of each angled portion 117 opposite the vertex 117 a , a flat portion 118 may extend away from a line bisecting the two angled portions 117 .
- the cross-sectional shape of the band 110 may be symmetrical, as shown in FIG. 10A or FIG. 10C .
- the band 110 such that the linear dimension from the vertex 117 a to each flat portion 118 is between 0.25 and 1.0 inches, with an especially advantageous dimension of 0.5 inches.
- the vertex 117 a and two angled portions 117 such that the angle between the two angled portions is between 60 and 80 degrees, with an especially advantageous angle of 70 degrees.
- the overall distance between the distal end of one flat portion 118 and that of the other flat portion 118 may be between 1.0 and 2.25 inches, with an especially advantageous distance of about 1 and 7/16 th inches.
- the band 110 may be constructed for 22 gauge metallic material, and may further be constructed of 304, 316, or 316L stainless steel.
- suitable material and/or other relative dimensions, configurations, etc. of the various elements may be used without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
- FIG. 12A which provides a detailed perspective view of various aspects of a joint seal system & method
- all or a portion of the flanges 24 , 34 at a flange interface 36 of two sections 20 , 30 may be positioned within the angled portion 117 , and the flat portions 118 may extend around a portion of the exterior surface of either section 20 , 30 adjacent the flanges 24 , 34 , and the seal 120 , flanges 24 , 34 , and band 110 may cooperate to form a hermetic or nearly hermetic seal capable of preventing pressure leakage, flue gas leakage, and/or condensate leakage at pressure differentials up to 1.5 ATMs from ambient pressure (either positive or negative) as described in further detail below.
- a seal 120 may be positioned at the flange interface 36 of two sections 20 , 30 . Still referring to FIG. 12A , two adjacent flanges 24 , 34 may have at least one seal 120 positioned therebetween at a flange interface 36 . The seal 120 may abut each flange 24 , 34 of the two adjacent sections 20 , 30 . As depicted in FIG. 12A , the band 110 is not yet tightened around the flange interface 36 , and the connector(s) 114 are not yet engaged with the anchor 116 , the process of which is described in further detail below.
- Such a configuration may dispense with the need to use a sealant between the flanges 24 , 34 , and/or allow for a hermetic seal between the flanges 24 , 34 , thereby mitigating and/or eliminating the pressure, flue gas, and/or condensate leakage at the flange interface 36 , deficiencies in which are common to designs found in the prior art.
- the seal 120 may be between 1/32 and 5/32 of an inch thick, and the difference between the outer diameter and inner diameter may be between 0.5 and 1.5 inches without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. It has been found that Aero Rubber Company and Sur-Seal manufacture seals 120 that may be suitable for certain applications.
- a seal 120 positioned on a single flange 24 , 34 is shown in perspective in FIG. 11 .
- the connector 114 and/or anchor 116 may be configured such that the tension of the band 110 (and in some aspects, consequently the amount by which the seal 120 is compressed) may be adjustable, such that as the band 110 is tightened, the force the band 110 exerts on the abutting flanges 24 , 34 increases in at least one dimension, and in two dimensions for certain configurations, wherein a first dimension generally may be normal to the flanges 24 , 34 and a second dimension generally may be parallel to the flanges 24 , 34 .
- the two flanges 24 , 34 may be urged toward one another, which may reduce the propensity for pressure, flue gas, and/or condensate to pass through a flange interface 36 .
- a band 110 may be configured with two connectors 114 , wherein each connector 114 may be positioned on either flat portion 118 to engage a corresponding portion of the anchor 116 .
- each connector 114 may be configured as a barrel bolt, wherein one end thereof may be pivotally engaged with a respective flat portion 118 of the band 110 .
- the barrel bolt may be pivoted toward the anchor 116 such that a threaded portion of the barrel bolt is positioned within a slot 116 a formed in the anchor 116 , and a nut (which may be positioned on the side of the slot 116 a in the anchor 116 opposite the connector 114 ) may be tightened along the barrel bolt, thereby reducing the distance between the connector 114 and the anchor 116 .
- a nut which may be positioned on the side of the slot 116 a in the anchor 116 opposite the connector 114
- other configurations of anchors 116 and/or connectors 114 may be employed with the joint seal system & method without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
- seals 120 may have an optimal amount of deformation to achieve the best seal between two flanges 24 , 34 , which optimal amount of deformation may depend at least upon the material used to construct the seal 120 .
- the seal 120 may be constructed of any suitable material for the particular application thereof, including but not limited to synthetic materials, cellulosic materials, natural materials, and/or combinations thereof without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
- a seal 120 may be employed in conjunction with another sealant material, such as a liquid, paste, epoxy, and/or other sealant material.
- the joint seal system & method may be used with an insulated chimney system 50 .
- a separate exterior band 130 may be positioned around the flange interface 36 and the entire band 110 , one example of which is shown in FIG. 12B .
- additional insulative material may be positioned between the external surface of the joint seal system & method (e.g., the area adjacent the band 110 in FIG. 12A ) and the interior surface of the exterior band 130 to achieve higher thermal efficiency, better mitigation of leaks, or for any other reason suitable for the specific application.
- an intermediate section 140 may have a slip collar 144 positioned over a portion of the intermediate section 140 .
- the slip collar 144 may be moveable along a length of the intermediate section 140 , and one end of the intermediate section 144 may be formed with a fixed flange 142 opposite a free end 143 of the intermediate section 140 .
- the slip collar 144 may be configured with a slip collar flange 144 a of similar utility and/or dimensions to other flanges 24 , 34 described and disclosed herein.
- the fixed flange 142 may be engaged with a flange 24 , 34 of a section 20 , 30 that is downstream (with respect to an appliance) and that the slip collar flange 144 a may be engaged with a flange 24 , 34 positioned on a fluid conduit that is engaged with an appliance. Accordingly, gas and/or vapor flow may proceed in a first direction and condensate may flow in an opposite direction, as shown in FIGS. 13 & 14 .
- the intermediate section 140 may accommodate various lengths between to fixed sections 20 , 30 by allowing adjustability of the distance by which the free end 143 is inserted one of the fixed sections 20 , 30 .
- the fixed flange 142 of the intermediate section 140 may be engaged with the second section flange 34 , and a band 110 may be secured over that flange interface 36 to secure the relative positions of the second section 30 and intermediate section 140 .
- the slip collar 144 may be moved along the length of the intermediate section 140 toward the first section 20 until the slip collar flange 144 a abuts the first section flange 24 .
- a band 110 may then be positioned over the flange interface 36 of the slip collar flange 144 a and the first section flange 24 to secure the relative positions of the slip collar 144 and the first section 20 .
- the slip collar 144 may be formed with an anchor and connector, which anchor and connector may be configured in a manner similar to that previously described for the band 110 .
- the anchor and connector for the slip collar 144 may serve to selectively secure the position of the slip collar 144 with respect to the intermediate section 140 . Accordingly, any suitable structure and/or method may be used to selectively secure the position of the slip collar 144 at specific position on the intermediate section without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
- FIGS. 15A & 15B Another chimney section 51 and joint seal system and method for two adjacent chimney sections 51 configured according to the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 15A & 15B .
- this joint seal system and method may be configured to provide a high-performing seal (e.g., very minimal to no detectable fluid leaks) in a high-temperature application, such as an engine generator exhaust system, wherein the joint assembly may be used in joints on a chimney system for venting engine generator exhaust.
- the joint seal system and method may be configured to perform suitably in temperatures as low as ⁇ 50° F. to temperatures as high as 1200° F. without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
- the only design that achieves such a level of performance is welded joints or UL-listed, prefabricated joints. However, for both of those prior art solutions leakage is allowed, making the joint seal system and method described and disclosed herein superior.
- the chimney section 51 shown in FIGS. 15A & 15B may be configured as a double-wall prefabricated section with between 2 and 6 inches of insulation between the inner diameter and the outer diameter.
- other amounts of insulation may be used without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims, and the optimal amount of insulation may vary from one application to the next. For example, it has been found that for one application, 4 inches of insulation may be optimal, while for a second application 5 inches of insulation may be optimal.
- Each chimney section 51 may be configured with an inner flange 55 a that may be configured as a 1 ⁇ 2-inch roll lip, but which may be differently configured in other embodiments without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
- At least the outer shell 56 of a chimney section 51 and inner flange 55 a may be produced using 7-gauge metallic material (such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, etc.), but the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited and other materials, thicknesses, etc. may be used unless otherwise indicated in the following claims.
- Multiple chimney sections 51 may be engaged with adjacent chimney sections 51 to form a modular, prefabricated system that may be configured to have relatively high heat resistance and simultaneously high positive or negative pressures (e.g., in applications ranging from 0.5 psi to 4 psi positive or negative gauge pressures without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims) sealing/leak mitigation capabilities.
- a system may be used as a vent for generator exhaust.
- the modular system may be comprised of one or more chimney sections 51 configured in sizes and shapes that are relatively lightweight and easy-to-handle lengths.
- a chimney section 51 with a length of between 8 inches and 70 inches, an inner diameter of between 4 inches and 54 inches, and having a weight of between 20 to 350 pounds.
- the specific physical dimensions, shape, weight, etc. of each chimney section 51 in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
- the joint seal system and method may be configured for use between two adjacent chimney sections 51 and may be further configured with a high temperature and pressure-tight gasket 12 between adjacent inner flanges 55 a of two separate chimney sections, and a plurality of mechanical fasteners may be used to engage two adjacent inner flanges 55 a .
- the gasket 12 may be comprised of graphite but is not so limited unless indicated in the following claims.
- adjacent inner flanges 55 a of two chimney sections 51 may each have a high-temperature gasket 12 pre-installed on the associated inner flange 55 a , such that the abutting inner flanges 55 a form a gasket-to-gasket seal utilizing two gaskets 12 immediately adjacent one another. It is contemplated that such a gasket-to-gasket seal (as opposed to a traditional seal utilizing only one gasket 12 positioned between two opposing flanges) may mitigate and/or eliminate the likelihood of fluid leaks between the two chimney sections 51 .
- the optimal materials of construction for the gasket 12 may vary from one application of the joint seal system and method to the next, and is therefore in no way limiting to the scope of the of the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated in the following claims.
- Such materials of construction may include, but are not limited to, rubber materials (e.g., silicon, fluorosilicone, vulcanized rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, etc.), carbon-based materials (carbon, fluorocarbon, polytetrafluoroethylene), ceramic fiber materials, and/or combinations thereof.
- any suitable mechanical fastener may be used to engage one chimney section 51 with another, such as bolts with corresponding nuts, screws, rivets, clamps, and/or combinations thereof without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. and bolt flange.
- the number and size of mechanical fasteners may vary from one application to the next, and in one embodiment the mechanical fasteners may be configured as 1 ⁇ 4-inch bolts having a length between 1 and 4 inches and corresponding nuts. Accordingly, the specific apparatus and/or method used to secure adjacent chimney sections 51 to one another in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
- a chimney section 51 may be configured as a straight section, expansion joint, tee, elbow, angled member, support devices, etc. without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims, such that a prefabricated system may be configured as a complete exhaust system to be assembled from standard components.
- a starter section 51 ′ may be configured for installation with a raw appliance outlet (not shown).
- a starter section 51 ′ may be formed with a starter section collar 51 a ′.
- a gasket 12 may be engaged on an interior surface of the starter section collar 51 a ′ in a manner such as that previously described for the inner flange 55 a of a chimney section 51 without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims.
- the starter section collar 51 a ′ may be positioned on the appliance outlet such that the gasket 12 engages an exterior surface of the appliance outlet.
- the starter section 51 ′ may be secured to the appliance outlet in any manner as previously described for securing the position of the slip collar 144 as previously described herein without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims.
- a starter section 51 ′ may facilitate a leak-free (or nearly leak-free) connection for an appliance outlet to another chimney section 51 utilizing the joint seal system & method, and thereby may provide a high-performing seal (e.g., very minimal to no detectable fluid leaks) in a high-temperature application directly from an appliance outlet.
- the chimney sections 51 configured for use with a modular system may be configured with inner flanges 55 a that are rotatable with respect to the chimney section 51 such that an apertures 55 a ′ formed therein may be aligned with apertures 55 a ′ in the corresponding inner flange 55 a of an adjacent chimney section 51 .
- the inner flange 55 a of each chimney section 51 may be configured such that a gasket 12 is affixed thereto prior to assembly (i.e., a gasket 12 may be pre-installed on an inner flange 55 a ) such that when two adjacent chimney section 51 abut one another, a gasket-to-gasket seal is formed therebetween.
- a high temperature gasket 12 may be positioned therebetween.
- a final alignment of the apertures 55 a ′ in the adjacent inner flanges 55 a and the gasket 12 may then be performed, and mechanical fasteners (bolts and corresponding nuts in the illustrative embodiment) may be positioned in the apertures 55 a ′.
- the mechanical fasteners may be intermittently tightened around the inner flanges 55 a to approximately 6.25 foot-pounds of torque.
- the optimal torque of a mechanical fastener may be greater or lesser than that amount without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
- chemical adhesives may be used in place of or in addition to mechanical fasteners without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
- an insulation strip may be positioned over the joint (i.e., the area adjacent the two corresponding inner flanges 55 a ).
- An outer band which may be formed as a flat material with a periphery of similar or identical size and shape of that of the chimney section 51 , may be positioned over the insulation strip and engage a portion of the outer shell 56 of each adjacent chimney section 51 and may be secured thereto with any suitable method or apparatus including but not limited to mechanical fasteners (bolts, screws, rivets, etc.), chemical adhesives, and/or combinations thereof. It is contemplated that for certain applications (e.g., outdoor applications) it may be advantageous to apply a chemical sealant (e.g., S600 sealant) to all or a portion of each edge of outer band.
- a chemical sealant e.g., S600 sealant
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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- Gasket Seals (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This non-provisional utility patent application is a continuation of and claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/268,228 filed on Feb. 5, 2019 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,255,541), which application claimed priority from provisional U.S. Pat. App. No. 62/626,605 filed on Feb. 5, 2018 and was a continuation-in-part of and also claimed priority from nonprovisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/359,045 filed on Nov. 22, 2016 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,731,781), which application claimed priority from provisional U.S. Pat. App. No. 62/258,511 filed on Nov. 22, 2015. All of the preceding applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
- The present invention relates to duct work for handling various types of gases. More particularly, the present invention is especially useful in providing an air-tight joint between two duct sections.
- No federal funds were used to develop or create the invention disclosed and described in the patent application.
- Not Applicable
- Double-walled chimneys are known in the art, one example of which is disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,902,744 to Stone and prior art cited therein. The basic construction involves inner and outer concentric pipes affording an annular insulating space between them. Fundamentally, the assembly or erection of the chimney proceeds with coaxial, end-to-end stacking of, say, a pair of inner pipes, the meeting ends of which are radially outwardly flanged to receive an inner annular ring which clamps the pipes together.
- Another example of a double-walled chimney is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,724,750, which is incorporated by reference herein. These and other prior art references show that it is known in the art to fabricate corresponding flanges on two adjacent sections at the interface thereof. The flanges are typically transverse to the basic axis of the chimney section. Typically an annular ring is placed over the junction of the two corresponding flanges to better seal the chimney.
- Although these flanged chimney sections are well known when the cross-sectional shape of the chimney is circular or angular (such as rectangular, square, etc.), the prior art does not disclose a flanged chimney section or corresponding connection system for chimneys with a cross-sectional area that is rounded but non-circular. One such rounded but non-circular shape is often referred to as “obround.” As used herein, “obround” is defined as a shape consisting of two semicircles connected by parallel lines tangent to their endpoints.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one chimney section of a first embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a detailed, cross-sectional view of the junction of two adjacent chimney sections according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two chimney sections of the first embodiment joined to one another with a V-band. -
FIG. 4 is an end view of a chimney section of the first embodiment wherein the cross-sectional shape of the chimney section is obround. -
FIG. 5 is a detailed, cross-sectional view of the junction of two adjacent chimney sections according to the second embodiment, wherein the chimney system is insulated. -
FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the exterior of the chimney at the junction of two sections with a V-band applied thereto. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one chimney section of the section embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is an elevated view of a sheet of material showing the creases for one embodiment of a chimney section. -
FIG. 9A provides a top view of various aspects of a seal that may be used with a joint seal system & method. -
FIG. 9B provides a side view of the seal fromFIG. 9A . -
FIG. 10A provides a top view of a band that may be used with a joint seal system & method. -
FIG. 10B provides a side view of the band shown inFIG. 10A . -
FIG. 10C provides a cross-sectional view of the band shown inFIGS. 10A & 10B . -
FIG. 11 provides a perspective view showing various aspects of a seal positioned on a flange. -
FIG. 12A provides a perspective view of a flange interface with a seal positioned between the two flanges and a band positioned over the flange interface. -
FIG. 12B provides a perspective view of the flange interface shown inFIG. 12A with an exterior band positioned over the flange interface and band. -
FIG. 13 provides a perspective view of an intermediate section with a slip collar positioned between two fixed sections. -
FIG. 14 provides a perspective view of the intermediate section and fixed sections fromFIG. 13 wherein each fixed section is abutting the intermediate section. -
FIG. 15A provides an end view of an insulated chimney section. -
FIG. 15B provides a side view to insulated chimney sections fromFIG. 15A engaged with one another. -
FIG. 16 provides a perspective view of a starter section that may be used with the joint seal system & method. -
-
ELEMENT DESCRIPTION ELEMENT # Chimney system 10 Gasket 12 First section 20 First section body 22 First section body interior 23a First section body exterior 23b First section flange 24 Second section 30 Second section body 32 Second section body interior 33a Second section body exterior 33b Second section flange 34 Flange interface 36 V- band 40 First flat portion 42a Second flat portion 42b First angled portion 44a Second angled portion 44b V-band apex 46 V- band clamp 48 Insulated chimney system 50 insulated chimney section 51 Starter section 51′ Starter section collar 51a′ Insulation 52 Spacer clip 53 Spacer clip inner tab 53a Spacer clip outer tab 53b Inner shell 55 Inner shell flange 55a Aperture 55a′ Outer shell 56 Outer shell channel 56a Outer band 57 Sheet 60 Sheet right edge 61a Sheet left edge 61b Crease 62 Outer section 64 Inner section 66 Middle section 68 Band 110 Hinge 112 Connector 114 Anchor 116 Slot 116a Angled portion 117 Vertex 117a Flat portion 118 Seal 120 Exterior band 130 Intermediate section 140 Fixed flange 142 Free end 143 Slip collar 144 Slip collar flange 144a - Before the present methods and apparatuses are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the methods and apparatuses are not limited to specific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
- As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
- “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
- Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps. “Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.
- Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and apparatuses. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and apparatuses. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.
- The present methods and apparatuses may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred aspects and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description. Corresponding terms may be used interchangeably when referring to generalities of configuration and/or corresponding components, aspects, features, functionality, methods and/or materials of construction, etc. those terms.
- Before the various aspects of the present disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that phraseology and terminology used herein with reference to device or element orientation (such as, for example, terms like “front”, “back”, “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like) are only used to simplify description, and do not alone indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation. In addition, terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used herein and in the appended claims for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance.
- Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views,
FIG. 1 illustrates various aspects of afirst section 20 of thechimney system 10. Thechimney system 10 as disclosed herein may comprise any number ofsections sections 20, 30 (afirst section 20 and a second section 30) are discussed and pictured herein. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited unless indicated in the following claims. - The
sections FIGS. 1 and 4 , the latter of which is an end view of asection section section body first section body 22 may be comprised of a first section body interior 23 a, and the exterior surface may be comprised of a firstsection body exterior 23 b. Correspondingly, the inner surface of thesecond section body 32 may be comprised of a second section body interior 33 a, and the exterior surface may be comprised of a secondsection body exterior 33 b. Generally, the fluid routed through thechimney system 10 may pass through the portion of space bounded by thesection body interiors - Referring still to
FIG. 1 , thefirst section 20 may include afirst section flange 24 on each end of thefirst section body 22. Eachfirst section flange 24 may be generally perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis of thefirst section body 22. Eachfirst section flange 24 may be integrally formed with thefirst section body 22. In this manner, the entirefirst section 20 may be formed from one piece of material. The specific dimensions of thefirst section flange 24 and the orientation thereof with respect to thefirst section body 22 may vary depending on the specific application for thechimney system 10, and is therefore in no way limiting to the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims. In some applications, it is envisioned that thefirst section flange 24 may be oriented exactly ninety degrees from the firstsection body exterior 23 b, such that thefirst section body 22 and thefirst section flange 24 form a right angle between them, and that thefirst section flange 24 extend one-half inch from the firstsection body exterior 23 b. The precise angle between thefirst section flange 24 and firstsection body exterior 23 b will be greater or less than ninety degrees in other aspects of thechimney system 10 without departing from the spirit and scope of thechimney system 10 unless so limited in the following claims. Furthermore, thefirst section flange 24 may extend from the firstsection body exterior 23 b by an amount greater or less than one-half inch, and is therefore in no way limiting in scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims. - Various aspects of a junction between the
first section 20 and thesecond section 30 is shown in detail inFIG. 2 . The cross-sectional view of this junction as shown inFIG. 2 shows thefirst section flange 24 abutted with thesecond section flange 34 to form aflange interface 36. Although not shown inFIG. 2 , a sealant (not shown) may be placed at theflange interface 36. In one aspect,first section flange 24 may be perpendicular to thefirst section body 22 and thesecond section flange 34 may be perpendicular to thesecond section body 32 as previously described above. Furthermore, thefirst section body 22 may be parallel to thesecond section body 32, and thefirst section flange 24 may be parallel to thesecond section flange 34. Because the first andsecond section flanges flange interface 36 may include nearly the entire surface area of both the first andsecond section flanges flange interface 36. - In an aspect, a V-
band 40 may be placed over theflange interface 36. A V-band 40, as shown inFIG. 2 , may include a firstflat portion 42 a that may abut the firstsection body exterior 23 b and a corresponding secondflat portion 42 b that may abut the secondsection body exterior 33 b. To ensure the clearance between the respectiveflat portions section body exteriors band 40 may include a V-band clamp 48 for adjusting the tension of the V-band clamp 48. As shown herein, the V-band clamp 48 may be configured as a typical bolt-and-receiver clamp with two bolts. However, the V-band clamp 48 may employ any structure or method suitable for adjusting the tension of banding structures around the exterior of asection flat portion 42 a may be connected to the firstangled portion 44 a and the secondflat portion 42 b may be connected to the second angled portion 44 b. The firstangled portion 44 a and the second angled portion 44 b may be connected by the V-band apex 46. The relative angles and orientations between and among the firstflat portion 42 a, secondflat portion 42 b, first angledportion 44 a, second angled portion 44 b, and V-band apex 46 may be different than those show here in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims. - Again, although not shown in
FIG. 2 , sealant (not shown) may be positioned between theflange interface 36 and any portion of the V-band 40, and/or between the firstsection body exterior 23 b, secondsection body exterior 33 b and the firstflat portion 42 a or secondflat portion 42 b. The sealant (not shown) placed in any of the areas listed above may be used to hermetically seal theflange interface 36 and/or the junction of the first andsecond sections chimney system 10 or insulated chimney system 50 (described in detail below) may be any type of sealant (not shown) known to those skilled in the art or later developed that is appropriate for the particular application, whether silicon-based, Teflon-based, or otherwise. For example, S600 or S2000 may be used as a sealant (not shown) to enhance the gas impermeable seal, which may be rated or used with a range of pressures including negative, neutral, or positive pressures greater than one atmosphere (1 ATM). As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, although not shown in the various figures herein, thechimney system 10 andinsulated chimney system 50 also may have an insulating material positioned between the V-band 40 andflange interface 36. The junction between afirst section 20 andsecond section 30 is shown in perspective inFIG. 3 , andFIG. 6 shows the junction of the first andsecond section band 40 applied thereto in greater detail. - Additional aspects of a
chimney system 10 are shownFIG. 5 , which provides a cross-sectional view of twoinsulated chimney sections 51 at aflange interface 36. Theflange interface 36 shown inFIG. 5 may be between two adjacentinsulated chimney sections 51, whichinsulated chimney sections 50 may be configured in a manner similar to those shown inFIG. 7 . One or moreinsulated chimney section 51 in cooperation with another fluid conduit may constitute aninsulated chimney system 50. In one aspect, aninsulated chimney system 50 may include a plurality ofinsulated chimney sections 51. Theinner shell 55 of aninsulated chimney section 51 may be substantially the same as thesections chimney system 10 described in detail above. Accordingly, theflange interface 36 between the two adjacentinner shells 55 of theinsulated chimney system 50 shown inFIG. 5 may be substantially the same as theflange interface 36 between thefirst section 20 and thesecond section 30 shown inFIG. 1 . - In the
insulated chimney system 50 eachinner shell 55 and anouter shell 56 may be substantially the same shape for a giveninsulated chimney section 51, although the periphery of theouter shell 56 generally will be greater than that of theinner shell 55. As previously mentioned, eachinner shell 55 of theinsulated chimney system 50 may be substantially the same as eachsection chimney system 10 described in detail above in that aninner shell flange 55 a may be integrally formed with theinner shell 55 on at least one end of eachinner shell 55. Accordingly, the junction between two adjacentinsulated chimney sections 51 at their respectiveinner shells 55 may form aflange interface 36 substantially similar in structure and function to that described in detail above for thechimney system 10. As described for theflange interface 36 in thechimney system 10, a V-band 40 may be used to secure oneinner shell 55 to an adjacentinner shell 55, but the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited unless indicated in the following claims. - In the
insulated chimney system 50, a predetermined amount ofinsulation 52 may be positioned between theinner shell 55 and theouter shell 56. The distance between theinner shell 55 andouter shell 56 may be determined by the length of the spacer clips 53, which spacer clips 53 may extend from theinner shell 55 to theouter shell 56. The spacer clips 53 andinsulation 52 may be configured so that an air gap (not shown) remains between theinsulation 52 and theouter shell 56 if desired. In another aspect, eachspacer clip 53 may include a spacer clipinner tab 53 a and spacer clipouter tab 53 b. The spacer clipinner tab 53 a may be placed between one of theflat portions band 40, as shown inFIG. 5 , or over one of theflat portions outer tab 53 b may be directly secured to theouter shell 55. - In an aspect shown in
FIG. 7 , theouter shell 56 may be formed with anouter shell channel 56 a therein on at least one end of theouter shell 56. Anouter band 57 may be placed between two adjacentouter shells 55. As shown inFIG. 5 , theouter band 57 may be configured so that each end of theouter band 57 may seat within theouter shell channel 56 a in two adjacentouter shells 56, respectively. - To facilitate access to the
inner shells 55 during assembly or for maintenance, adjacentouter shells 56 may be formed with a significant space therebetween, as shown inFIG. 5 . As described above, anouter band 57 may be placed between two adjacentouter shells 55 to seal the space between the twoouter shells 55. The amount of space between adjacent outer shells 55 (and consequently the dimensions of the outer band 57) will vary depending on the specific application of theinsulated chimney system 50, and is therefore in no way limiting to the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims. The inner andouter shells insulated chimney system 50, andinsulation 52 may be placed between the inner andouter shells outer shells insulated chimney section 51. As is apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure, both thechimney system 10 and theinsulated chimney system 50 of the present disclosure may allow for tension to be applied to either the V-band 40 and/or theouter band 57 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thechimney system 10 orinsulated chimney system 50. - In one aspect of the
chimney system 10, thefirst section 20 andsecond section 30 may both be comprised of twenty gauge 304 stainless steel. In one aspect of theinsulated chimney system 50 theinner shell 55 may be comprised of twenty gauge 304 stainless steel. Typically, an insulation layer may be applied. The longitudinal seams for anysection chimney system 10, or anyinner shell 55 orouter shell 56 of theinsulated chimney system 50 may be continuously welded to reduce corrosion and ensure a pressure-tight seal at each seam. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other structures and/or methods of manufacture are possible, without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. - The
sections band 40, V-band clamp 48,spacer clip 53,inner shell 55, andouter shell 56 may be made from twenty gauge 304 stainless steel, higher or lower chrome steels, or any other material known to those skilled in the art or later developed that is suitable for the application. However, the material chosen in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims, and it is contemplated that such specifications may vary based on the particular application for which thechimney system 10 orinsulated chimney system 50 is used. - As shown in the end view of a
section FIG. 4 , in an aspect the cross-sectional shape of eachsection chimney system 10 orinsulated chimney system 50 may be configured withsections chimney system 10 orinsulated chimney system 50 is used. - To better understand the
chimney system 10 andinsulated chimney system 50, one method of manufacture for asection section chimney system 10 exist, and the specific method used in no way limits the scope of thechimney system 10,sections insulated chimney system 50, orinsulated chimney sections 51 unless so indicated in the following claims. Accordingly, the method that follows is but one way to manufacture achimney section - A piece of material, such as stainless steel, may be first cut to the dimensions required to form a sheet 60, which is shown in
FIG. 8 . Typically, the sheet 60 is rectangular in shape, but it may be other shapes as well. The precise dimensions of the sheet 60 will be dependent on the design specifications for thechimney system 10 orinsulated chimney system 50. The sheet 60 is positioned in a metal brake (not shown) and fourcreases 62 are formed therein. The fourcreases 62 serve to divide the sheet into five sections. The five sections include twoouter sections 64, twoinner sections 66, and onemiddle section 68. Oneouter section 64 is adjacent the sheet right edge 61 a and the otherouter section 64 is adjacent the sheet leftedge 61 b. Themiddle section 68 is in the geometric center of the sheet 60, and aninner section 66 is positioned on either side thereof. The twoouter sections 64 are identical with one another in size and shape, and the twoinner sections 66 are identical with one another in size and shape. Accordingly, thecreases 62 are symmetrical about both axes of the sheet. - The sheet 60 is then placed on a metal forming roll (not shown). Each
outer section 64 is then formed into a quarter-circle shape. Next, themiddle section 68 is formed into a half-circle shape. After this step, the sheet right edge 61 a and sheet leftedge 61 b are in close proximity to one another so that they may be welded together. The resulting seam runs in an axial direction along the entire length of thesection outer sections 64 cooperate to form one rounded side of thesection middle section 68 forms the other rounded side. The twoinner sections 66 comprises the straight sides of thesection - A rigid jig may then be placed around the outer periphery of the
section section section flange section second flange section flange section second flange first flange section second flange section - The
outer shell 56 for aninsulated chimney section 51 may be fabricated in substantially the same manner. However, instead of forming aflange outer shell channel 56 a. As with the fabrication of thesection outer shell 56 a is fabricated with anouter shell channel 56 a on each end thereof, the direction of rotation of theouter shell 56 during formation of the firstouter shell channel 56 a may be opposite of the direction of rotation of theouter shell 56 during formation of the secondouter shell channel 56 a. -
Sections 20, 30 (i.e.,inner shells 55 when used in an insulated chimney system 50) may be joined with correspondingouter shells 56 through the use of spacer clips 53, many methods of which are well known to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be described in further detail herein.Insulation 52 may also be placed between theinner shell 55 andouter shell 56 so that eachinsulated chimney section 50 is ready to install before it is exposed to the elements. - It is contemplated that machines other than those described for use in the above method may be used to fabricate
sections inner shells 55,outer shells 56, orinsulated chimney sections 51. Accordingly, the specific machine used to fabricate any element of thechimney system 10 orinsulated chimney system 50 in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims. - Various aspects of a
seal 120 are shown inFIG. 9 , which may comprise a portion of a joint seal system & method. Various aspects of aband 110 that may be employed with aseal 120 are shown inFIG. 10 , which together with aseal 120 may comprise a joint seal system & method. In bothFIGS. 9 & 10 various dimensions and/or relative shapes of certain aspects of theband 110 and seal 120 are shown. Such dimensions and/or relative shapes are for illustrative purposes only, and in no way limit the scope of the joint seal system & method unless so indicated in the following claims. - It is contemplated that in an aspect, a joint seal system & method according to the present disclosure may be especially useful when employed with a high-efficiency, commercial boiler vent, wherein a joint seal system & method may be configured to hold pressure in a fluid conduit in order to mitigate and/or eliminate leakage of condensate, flue gasses, and/or other fluid, vapor, and/or gas from a joint between two duct sections (e.g., a flange interface 36) and/or between two
sections chimney system 10 and/orinsulated chimney system 50. Accordingly, it is contemplated that certain aspects of a joint seal system & method may be especially useful at aflange interface 36 of twosections 20, 30 (either insulated or not) havingflanges FIGS. 1-7 . - In an aspect, the joint seal system & method may be configured for use with any gas fired appliance listed as Category II, III, or IV or that call for an AL 29-4C vent. Generally, when describing the joint seal system & method below, any
section flange uninsulated section insulated section 51 without limitation unless so indicated. It is contemplated that the joint seal system & method, in conjunction with one ormore sections - Referring now to
FIGS. 10A-10C , aband 110 may generally be configured as a ring and comprising ahinge 112, which hinge 112 may be opposite two open ends of theband 110. In an aspect, aconnector 114 may be engaged with a first open end and ananchor 116 engaged with a second open end as further described in detail below. In other aspects, aband 110 may be differently shaped without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. For example, in an aspect aband 110 may have an obround shape for use with asection FIGS. 1-7 . Aconnector 114 may be formed as a bolt that is configured to engage ananchor 116 at the two free ends of theband 110, respectively. In this manner, theband 110 may be configured to allow relatively easy engagement and disengagement with one ormore sections flange interface 36.Other connectors 114 may be used with a joint seal system & method without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims, and the optimal structure and/or method for aconnector 114 will vary from one application of the joint seal method & system to the next. - The
band 110 may be configured with twoangled portions 117 extending from avertex 117 a to form a V-shape in cross section. At the end of eachangled portion 117 opposite thevertex 117 a, aflat portion 118 may extend away from a line bisecting the twoangled portions 117. In an aspect, the cross-sectional shape of theband 110 may be symmetrical, as shown inFIG. 10A orFIG. 10C . In certain applications, it is contemplated that it may be advantageous to configure theband 110 such that eachflat portion 118 is between 0.25 and 1.0 inches, with an especially advantageous dimension of 0.5 inches. Additionally, it is contemplated that for certain applications it may be advantageous to configure theband 110 such that the linear dimension from thevertex 117 a to eachflat portion 118 is between 0.25 and 1.0 inches, with an especially advantageous dimension of 0.5 inches. Finally, it is also contemplated that for certain applications it may be advantageous to configure thevertex 117 a and twoangled portions 117 such that the angle between the two angled portions is between 60 and 80 degrees, with an especially advantageous angle of 70 degrees. Accordingly, the overall distance between the distal end of oneflat portion 118 and that of the otherflat portion 118 may be between 1.0 and 2.25 inches, with an especially advantageous distance of about 1 and 7/16th inches. In one aspect, it is contemplated that theband 110 may be constructed for 22 gauge metallic material, and may further be constructed of 304, 316, or 316L stainless steel. However, other suitable material and/or other relative dimensions, configurations, etc. of the various elements may be used without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. - Referring now to
FIG. 12A , which provides a detailed perspective view of various aspects of a joint seal system & method, it is contemplated that in one application, all or a portion of theflanges flange interface 36 of twosections angled portion 117, and theflat portions 118 may extend around a portion of the exterior surface of eithersection flanges seal 120,flanges band 110 may cooperate to form a hermetic or nearly hermetic seal capable of preventing pressure leakage, flue gas leakage, and/or condensate leakage at pressure differentials up to 1.5 ATMs from ambient pressure (either positive or negative) as described in further detail below. - In an aspect, a
seal 120 may be positioned at theflange interface 36 of twosections FIG. 12A , twoadjacent flanges seal 120 positioned therebetween at aflange interface 36. Theseal 120 may abut eachflange adjacent sections FIG. 12A , theband 110 is not yet tightened around theflange interface 36, and the connector(s) 114 are not yet engaged with theanchor 116, the process of which is described in further detail below. Such a configuration may dispense with the need to use a sealant between theflanges flanges flange interface 36, deficiencies in which are common to designs found in the prior art. In an aspect, theseal 120 may be between 1/32 and 5/32 of an inch thick, and the difference between the outer diameter and inner diameter may be between 0.5 and 1.5 inches without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. It has been found that Aero Rubber Company and Sur-Seal manufacture seals 120 that may be suitable for certain applications. Aseal 120 positioned on asingle flange FIG. 11 . - It is to be understood that the
connector 114 and/oranchor 116 may be configured such that the tension of the band 110 (and in some aspects, consequently the amount by which theseal 120 is compressed) may be adjustable, such that as theband 110 is tightened, the force theband 110 exerts on the abuttingflanges flanges flanges flanges flange interface 36. - Referring again to
FIG. 12A , in one aspect aband 110 may be configured with twoconnectors 114, wherein eachconnector 114 may be positioned on eitherflat portion 118 to engage a corresponding portion of theanchor 116. In an aspect, eachconnector 114 may be configured as a barrel bolt, wherein one end thereof may be pivotally engaged with a respectiveflat portion 118 of theband 110. The barrel bolt may be pivoted toward theanchor 116 such that a threaded portion of the barrel bolt is positioned within aslot 116 a formed in theanchor 116, and a nut (which may be positioned on the side of theslot 116 a in theanchor 116 opposite the connector 114) may be tightened along the barrel bolt, thereby reducing the distance between theconnector 114 and theanchor 116. However, other configurations ofanchors 116 and/orconnectors 114 may be employed with the joint seal system & method without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. - It is further contemplated that
certain seals 120 may have an optimal amount of deformation to achieve the best seal between twoflanges seal 120. Theseal 120 may be constructed of any suitable material for the particular application thereof, including but not limited to synthetic materials, cellulosic materials, natural materials, and/or combinations thereof without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. Furthermore, in certain applications, aseal 120 may be employed in conjunction with another sealant material, such as a liquid, paste, epoxy, and/or other sealant material. - In an aspect, the joint seal system & method may be used with an
insulated chimney system 50. In such a configuration, a separateexterior band 130 may be positioned around theflange interface 36 and theentire band 110, one example of which is shown inFIG. 12B . Without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims, additional insulative material may be positioned between the external surface of the joint seal system & method (e.g., the area adjacent theband 110 inFIG. 12A ) and the interior surface of theexterior band 130 to achieve higher thermal efficiency, better mitigation of leaks, or for any other reason suitable for the specific application. - Referring now to
FIGS. 13 & 14 , the joint seal system & method may be configured to adapt for variable distances between twofixed sections FIG. 13 , anintermediate section 140 may have aslip collar 144 positioned over a portion of theintermediate section 140. Theslip collar 144 may be moveable along a length of theintermediate section 140, and one end of theintermediate section 144 may be formed with a fixedflange 142 opposite a free end 143 of theintermediate section 140. Theslip collar 144 may be configured with a slip collar flange 144 a of similar utility and/or dimensions toother flanges - Generally, it is contemplated that the fixed
flange 142 may be engaged with aflange section flange FIGS. 13 & 14 . Theintermediate section 140 may accommodate various lengths between to fixedsections sections - As depicted in
FIG. 14 , after the free end 143 is inserted into a first fixedsection 20 by the desired amount, the fixedflange 142 of theintermediate section 140 may be engaged with thesecond section flange 34, and aband 110 may be secured over thatflange interface 36 to secure the relative positions of thesecond section 30 andintermediate section 140. Next, theslip collar 144 may be moved along the length of theintermediate section 140 toward thefirst section 20 until the slip collar flange 144 a abuts thefirst section flange 24. Aband 110 may then be positioned over theflange interface 36 of the slip collar flange 144 a and thefirst section flange 24 to secure the relative positions of theslip collar 144 and thefirst section 20. - The
slip collar 144 may be formed with an anchor and connector, which anchor and connector may be configured in a manner similar to that previously described for theband 110. Generally, the anchor and connector for theslip collar 144 may serve to selectively secure the position of theslip collar 144 with respect to theintermediate section 140. Accordingly, any suitable structure and/or method may be used to selectively secure the position of theslip collar 144 at specific position on the intermediate section without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. - Another
chimney section 51 and joint seal system and method for twoadjacent chimney sections 51 configured according to the present disclosure is shown inFIGS. 15A & 15B . Generally, this joint seal system and method may be configured to provide a high-performing seal (e.g., very minimal to no detectable fluid leaks) in a high-temperature application, such as an engine generator exhaust system, wherein the joint assembly may be used in joints on a chimney system for venting engine generator exhaust. In such an application the joint seal system and method may be configured to perform suitably in temperatures as low as −50° F. to temperatures as high as 1200° F. without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. Currently, the only design that achieves such a level of performance is welded joints or UL-listed, prefabricated joints. However, for both of those prior art solutions leakage is allowed, making the joint seal system and method described and disclosed herein superior. - The
chimney section 51 shown inFIGS. 15A & 15B may be configured as a double-wall prefabricated section with between 2 and 6 inches of insulation between the inner diameter and the outer diameter. However, other amounts of insulation may be used without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims, and the optimal amount of insulation may vary from one application to the next. For example, it has been found that for one application, 4 inches of insulation may be optimal, while for a second application 5 inches of insulation may be optimal. - For still another application, six inches of insulation may be optimal. Each
chimney section 51 may be configured with aninner flange 55 a that may be configured as a ½-inch roll lip, but which may be differently configured in other embodiments without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. At least theouter shell 56 of achimney section 51 andinner flange 55 a may be produced using 7-gauge metallic material (such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, etc.), but the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited and other materials, thicknesses, etc. may be used unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. -
Multiple chimney sections 51 may be engaged withadjacent chimney sections 51 to form a modular, prefabricated system that may be configured to have relatively high heat resistance and simultaneously high positive or negative pressures (e.g., in applications ranging from 0.5 psi to 4 psi positive or negative gauge pressures without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims) sealing/leak mitigation capabilities. In one aspect such a system may be used as a vent for generator exhaust. However, other applications of the system exist without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. The modular system may be comprised of one ormore chimney sections 51 configured in sizes and shapes that are relatively lightweight and easy-to-handle lengths. For example, it is contemplated that for some applications it may be advantageous to configure achimney section 51 with a length of between 8 inches and 70 inches, an inner diameter of between 4 inches and 54 inches, and having a weight of between 20 to 350 pounds. However, the specific physical dimensions, shape, weight, etc. of eachchimney section 51 in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims. - The joint seal system and method may be configured for use between two
adjacent chimney sections 51 and may be further configured with a high temperature and pressure-tight gasket 12 between adjacentinner flanges 55 a of two separate chimney sections, and a plurality of mechanical fasteners may be used to engage two adjacentinner flanges 55 a. Thegasket 12 may be comprised of graphite but is not so limited unless indicated in the following claims. - Additionally, in one embodiment adjacent
inner flanges 55 a of twochimney sections 51 may each have a high-temperature gasket 12 pre-installed on the associatedinner flange 55 a, such that the abuttinginner flanges 55 a form a gasket-to-gasket seal utilizing twogaskets 12 immediately adjacent one another. It is contemplated that such a gasket-to-gasket seal (as opposed to a traditional seal utilizing only onegasket 12 positioned between two opposing flanges) may mitigate and/or eliminate the likelihood of fluid leaks between the twochimney sections 51. The optimal materials of construction for thegasket 12 may vary from one application of the joint seal system and method to the next, and is therefore in no way limiting to the scope of the of the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. Such materials of construction may include, but are not limited to, rubber materials (e.g., silicon, fluorosilicone, vulcanized rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, etc.), carbon-based materials (carbon, fluorocarbon, polytetrafluoroethylene), ceramic fiber materials, and/or combinations thereof. - Any suitable mechanical fastener may be used to engage one
chimney section 51 with another, such as bolts with corresponding nuts, screws, rivets, clamps, and/or combinations thereof without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. and bolt flange. Additionally, the number and size of mechanical fasteners may vary from one application to the next, and in one embodiment the mechanical fasteners may be configured as ¼-inch bolts having a length between 1 and 4 inches and corresponding nuts. Accordingly, the specific apparatus and/or method used to secureadjacent chimney sections 51 to one another in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims. Furthermore, achimney section 51 may be configured as a straight section, expansion joint, tee, elbow, angled member, support devices, etc. without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims, such that a prefabricated system may be configured as a complete exhaust system to be assembled from standard components. - In another embodiment of a joint seal system & method, a
starter section 51′, as shown inFIG. 16 , may be configured for installation with a raw appliance outlet (not shown). In such an application, astarter section 51′ may be formed with astarter section collar 51 a′. Agasket 12 may be engaged on an interior surface of thestarter section collar 51 a′ in a manner such as that previously described for theinner flange 55 a of achimney section 51 without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. Thestarter section collar 51 a′ may be positioned on the appliance outlet such that thegasket 12 engages an exterior surface of the appliance outlet. Thestarter section 51′ may be secured to the appliance outlet in any manner as previously described for securing the position of theslip collar 144 as previously described herein without limitation unless otherwise indicated in the following claims. In this way, astarter section 51′ may facilitate a leak-free (or nearly leak-free) connection for an appliance outlet to anotherchimney section 51 utilizing the joint seal system & method, and thereby may provide a high-performing seal (e.g., very minimal to no detectable fluid leaks) in a high-temperature application directly from an appliance outlet. - Having described an illustrative embodiment of a
chimney section 51 and joint seal system and method for use in relatively high temperature, positive pressure applications, a method of assembling such a joint seal will now be described in detail. The following method is for illustrative purposes only and in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims. - Generally, the
chimney sections 51 configured for use with a modular system may be configured withinner flanges 55 a that are rotatable with respect to thechimney section 51 such that anapertures 55 a′ formed therein may be aligned withapertures 55 a′ in the correspondinginner flange 55 a of anadjacent chimney section 51. Furthermore, as described in detail above, theinner flange 55 a of eachchimney section 51 may be configured such that agasket 12 is affixed thereto prior to assembly (i.e., agasket 12 may be pre-installed on aninner flange 55 a) such that when twoadjacent chimney section 51 abut one another, a gasket-to-gasket seal is formed therebetween. - After the adjacent
inner flanges 55 a are properly aligned, ahigh temperature gasket 12 may be positioned therebetween. A final alignment of theapertures 55 a′ in the adjacentinner flanges 55 a and thegasket 12 may then be performed, and mechanical fasteners (bolts and corresponding nuts in the illustrative embodiment) may be positioned in theapertures 55 a′. The mechanical fasteners may be intermittently tightened around theinner flanges 55 a to approximately 6.25 foot-pounds of torque. However, in other applications the optimal torque of a mechanical fastener may be greater or lesser than that amount without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. In still other applications, chemical adhesives may be used in place of or in addition to mechanical fasteners without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. - After all mechanical fasteners have been adequately tightened, an insulation strip may be positioned over the joint (i.e., the area adjacent the two corresponding
inner flanges 55 a). An outer band, which may be formed as a flat material with a periphery of similar or identical size and shape of that of thechimney section 51, may be positioned over the insulation strip and engage a portion of theouter shell 56 of eachadjacent chimney section 51 and may be secured thereto with any suitable method or apparatus including but not limited to mechanical fasteners (bolts, screws, rivets, etc.), chemical adhesives, and/or combinations thereof. It is contemplated that for certain applications (e.g., outdoor applications) it may be advantageous to apply a chemical sealant (e.g., S600 sealant) to all or a portion of each edge of outer band. - The preceding constraints, examples, and configurations in any of the aspects of the present systems & methods disclosed and described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and are in no way limiting to the scope of any of the systems and/or methods as disclosed herein unless so indicated in the following claims. Furthermore, the various solutions, processes, methods, modules, features, aspects, and/or embodiments disclosed or described herein may be implemented in conjunction with one another or independently from one another. Accordingly, the presence or absence of other subject matter that may be complementary to the present systems and/or methods in no way limits the scope of the present systems and/or methods unless so indicated in the following claims.
- It should be noted that the present systems and/or methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but is intended to apply to all similar systems and/or methods for mitigating and/or eliminating leakage between two adjacent duct sections. Modifications and alterations from the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art without departure from the spirit and scope of the present systems and/or methods.
- While the methods and systems have been described in connection with preferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that the scope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as the embodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive.
- Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.
- It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as illustrative only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Claims (20)
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US16/268,228 Active 2037-06-30 US11255541B2 (en) | 2015-11-22 | 2019-02-05 | Joint seal system and method |
US16/985,197 Pending US20200362998A1 (en) | 2015-11-22 | 2020-08-04 | Joint Seal System & Method |
US17/677,706 Abandoned US20220178537A1 (en) | 2015-11-22 | 2022-02-22 | Joint Seal System & Method |
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US16/268,228 Active 2037-06-30 US11255541B2 (en) | 2015-11-22 | 2019-02-05 | Joint seal system and method |
US16/985,197 Pending US20200362998A1 (en) | 2015-11-22 | 2020-08-04 | Joint Seal System & Method |
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Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US11255541B2 (en) * | 2015-11-22 | 2022-02-22 | The Schebler Co. | Joint seal system and method |
CN111749429B (en) * | 2020-07-05 | 2021-08-17 | 胡俏俊 | Piping shaft convenient to assembly |
CA3115319C (en) * | 2021-04-15 | 2021-10-12 | Integrity Products & Supplies Inc. | A flange belt |
CN113446614B (en) * | 2021-06-25 | 2022-05-17 | 宁波久丰热电有限公司 | Flue gas waste heat recovery device |
Citations (1)
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US20190170350A1 (en) * | 2015-11-22 | 2019-06-06 | The Schebler Co. | Joint Seal System & Method |
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-
2019
- 2019-02-05 US US16/268,228 patent/US11255541B2/en active Active
-
2020
- 2020-08-04 US US16/985,197 patent/US20200362998A1/en active Pending
-
2022
- 2022-02-22 US US17/677,706 patent/US20220178537A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20190170350A1 (en) * | 2015-11-22 | 2019-06-06 | The Schebler Co. | Joint Seal System & Method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US11255541B2 (en) | 2022-02-22 |
US20190170350A1 (en) | 2019-06-06 |
US20200362998A1 (en) | 2020-11-19 |
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