Multistory common venting for fan-assisted furnaces. Research conducted as part of GRI's venting program. Topical Report, January 1988-December 1989

Technical Report · Tue May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1990

OSTI ID:5623536

Kam, V P; Borgeson, R A; Dewerth, D W

Standard guidelines for venting gas appliances in multistory buildings are based on the performance and operation of conventional, draft-hood appliances. With the emerging of mid-efficiency, Category I, gas-fired, fan-assisted models and their increasing popularity among homeowners and builders, it is necessary to examine the suitability and safety of retrofitting mid-efficiency appliances into multistory vent systems up to 4 stories high. Experimental results with a 3-story laboratory set-up indicated that no additional risk is introduced by such retrofit, as long as the construction satisfies the existing building codes. There should be no additional damage due to condensation and corrosion when installing fan-assisted furnaces, provided that dilution air can enter the vent system through draft hoods of water heaters connected to the system. Potential for spillage and backdrafting was studied by blocking the vent terminal. Such failures occurred only in the extreme condition of 90% blockage. The effects of pressure differences between the vent, and combustion air intake of the vent system were studied. Significant depressurization levels can lead to spillage from the appliances equipped with draft hoods. Type B vent connectors are recommended for better venting performance.

• Research Organization: American Gas Association Labs., Cleveland, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5623536
• Report Number(s): PB-91-182956/XAB; CNN: GRI-5088-245-1728
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Sponsored by Gas Research Inst., Chicago, IL
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
03 NATURAL GAS
APARTMENT BUILDINGS
GAS APPLIANCES
VENTILATION SYSTEMS
SAFETY ENGINEERING
BLOWERS
BUILDING CODES
CONDENSATES
CORROSION
FLOW BLOCKAGE
GAS FURNACES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PRESSURE DROP
PRESSURE GRADIENTS
RECOMMENDATIONS
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
RETROFITTING
SAFETY STANDARDS
SPACE HEATING
VENTILATION
VENTS
APPLIANCES
BUILDINGS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ENGINEERING
FURNACES
HEATING
STANDARDS
TESTING
320106* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Building Equipment- (1987-)
030500 - Natural Gas- Health & Safety