Technical Field

The present invention relates to a filtering device for flues.

Background Art

Heating systems provided with a combustion chamber, such as e.g. fireplaces, stoves, kilns and the like, are known to generate heat energy by burning special fuels such as wood, pellets, wood chips, briquettes and the like. Such heating systems produce waste fumes which are highly harmful to health.

For this reason, heating systems usually comprise a flue adapted to convey the fumes generated inside the combustion chamber towards the outside of the room to be heated.

Such evacuated fumes, however, result in a substantial increase in outdoor air pollution that has led several countries and/or regions to introduce special laws adapted to limit their use, such as banning their use at certain times of the year for all municipalities below a certain level.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to devise a filtering device capable of drastically reducing pollutant particles in waste fumes conveyed by flues.

An additional object of the present invention is to devise a filtering device that is easily associable with a flue.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a filtering device which allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy-to-use and cost-effective solution.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by this filtering device having the characteristics of claim 1.

Another object of this invention is to implement a fume evacuation system having the characteristics of claim 11.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a filtering device, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the attached tables of drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the filtering device in accordance with the present invention,

Figure 2 is a sectional view of the filtering device in Figure 1 ,

Figure 3 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the filtering device according to the invention,

Figure 4 is a schematic view of the fume evacuation system in accordance with the present invention.

Fmbodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally refers to a filtering device for flues.

According to one aspect of the invention, the filtering device 1 is configured to be associated with a flue F to filter the conveyed fumes thereof prior to their release into the atmosphere.

As can be observed from Figure 2, the filtering device 1 comprises at least one filter chamber 2 provided with: at least one access opening 3 of the fumes to be filtered inside the filter chamber 2, at least one exit opening 4 of the filtered fumes from the filter chamber 2, and at least one transit duct 5 connecting the exit opening 4 to the access opening 3, the transit duct 5 defining at least a forced transit area 6 of the fumes to be filtered.

In other words, the transit duct 5 makes a fluid-operated path that conveys the fumes received from the access opening 3 to the exit opening 4, forcing them to flow through the forced transit area 6.

Preferably, the transit duct 5 is defined by the filter chamber 2 itself. Appropriately, in use, the access opening 3 is operatively connected to at least one section of the flue F to receive at inlet the fumes to be filtered.

As described in detail in the following description, preferably, the filter chamber 2 is connected to the flue F, e.g., by interlocking, by welding and/or other connection methods of known type.

Advantageously, the filtering device 1 comprises at least one dispensing assembly 7 arranged at least partly inside the filter chamber 2 and configured to dispense a jet of a filtering liquid 8 affecting the forced transit area 6 to intercept the fumes to be filtered, by filtering them.

Preferably, the dispensing assembly 7 dispenses a jet of filtering liquid 8 which completely occupies the forced transit area 6 in order to substantially intercept all the fumes to be filtered.

Conveniently, the filtering liquid 8 is adapted to interact with the fumes to filter them from the polluting particles dispersed in the fumes themselves.

For this purpose, the filtering liquid 8 is chosen from the list comprising at least water and urea.

In particular, urea has characteristics that allow effective filtration of the fumes even at high temperatures. For this reason, urea is preferably used in filtering devices 1 arranged in the proximity of a combustion chamber C.

It cannot however be ruled out that the filtering liquid 8 may comprise different liquids such as, e.g., glycol.

Preferably, the exit opening 4 is arranged above the access opening 3 in order to generate, by draught effect, a flow of fumes passing through the transit duct 5.

In the context of this disclosure, the terms “upper” and “lower”, “internal”, “external”, “vertical” and “horizontal”, as used with reference to the filtering device 1 , are meant to refer to the conditions under which the filtering device 1 is normally used, i.e., those shown in the figures wherein the filtering device 1 is associated with a flue F.

As can be observed in Figures 1, 2 and 3, preferably, the filter chamber 2 has a substantially cylindrical or truncated cone shape.

In addition, the filter chamber 2 comprises an internal cavity defined by at least one side wall 9 and a bottom 10.

Conveniently, the access opening 3 is made at the bottom 10 of the filter chamber 2.

As shown in Figure 3, the dispensing assembly 7 comprises one or more nozzles 11 adapted to split the dispensed filtering liquid 8 into droplets to disperse it in the forced transit area 6.

Conveniently, the dispensing assembly 7 is configured to generate, at outlet, a jet of filtering liquid 8 that is substantially transverse and/or opposite to the direction of movement of fumes, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the filtering operations.

For this purpose, preferably, the dispensing assembly 7 is provided with at least one pair of nozzles 11 adapted to generate at outlet a substantially horizontal jet directed towards two mutually opposite directions.

It goes without saying that the dispensing assembly 7 may contain more or fewer nozzles 11 depending on the operational requirements.

Appropriately, the filtering device 1 comprises at least one pumping system 12 configured to take the filtering liquid 8 from at least one source, not shown in the figures, and to feed the dispensing assembly 7 with the filtering liquid 8 taken.

The term “source” refers to any source adapted to supply the filtering liquid 8 to the dispensing assembly 7, such as e.g. a container, indoor/outdoor water system and/or the like.

Conveniently, the filtering device 1 comprises at least one tank 13 containing the filtering liquid 8. The pumping system 12 is adapted to take the filtering liquid 8 from the tank 13 and/or from the source and to feed the dispensing assembly 7 with the filtering liquid 8 taken.

Preferably, the source coincides with the water system.

According to a preferred, but not exclusive embodiment of the device 1, the device itself comprises the tank 13 and lacks any connection to the source, as shown in the figures.

Alternative embodiments of the device 1 cannot however be ruled out wherein the same comprise the connection to the external source and lack the tank 13.

In addition, alternative embodiments of the device 1 cannot be ruled out wherein the same comprise the tank 13 and the connection to the source which, e.g., is connected to the device 1 by interposition of the tank 13. In this way, the tank 13 is recharged through the source. Further embodiments of the device 1 cannot however be ruled out wherein the tank 13 be recharged by means of other methodologies such as, e.g., manual replacement of the filtering liquid, the replacement of the tank 13 with another tank 13 and/or other methods of known type.

As shown in Figure 1, the pumping system 12 is provided with at least one feeding duct 14 of the nozzle 11 and pumping means 15 adapted to take the filtering liquid 8 and to convey it through the feeding duct 14 towards the dispensing assembly 7.

Preferably, the pumping means 15 are of the hydraulic pump type.

Appropriately, the pumping means 15 are mounted between the tank 13 and the dispensing assembly 7.

As shown in Figure 2, the pumping system 12 comprises at least one draught duct 16 of the filtering liquid 8 in order to feed the dispensing assembly 7. Specifically, the draught duct 16 is positioned between the pumping means 15 and the tank 13 to draw the filtering liquid 8 from the tank 13 and to feed the dispensing assembly 7.

Appropriately, the filtering device 1 comprises at least one draining assembly 17 provided with at least one conveying element 18 of the filtering liquid 8 dispensed from the dispensing assembly 7 towards the outside of the filter chamber 2.

Conveniently, the conveying element 18 is configured to convey the filtering liquid 8 towards the tank 13 and/or a draining channel.

Specifically, the conveying element 18 is connected in a fluid- operated manner, at one end, to the filter chamber 2 and, at another end thereof, to the tank 13.

By means of this expedient, it is possible to recover the filtering liquid 8 dispensed and reuse it to feed the dispensing assembly 7 again, thus making a substantially continuous circuit.

Preferably, the tank 13 is arranged at a lower height than the filter chamber 2 in order to move the filtering liquid 8 towards the tank 13 by a gravitational effect. Further embodiments cannot however be ruled out wherein, for example, the draining assembly 17 comprises a pumping element which is adapted to move the filtering liquid 8 from the filter chamber 2 towards the tank 13. Advantageously, the draught duct 16 is adapted to draw the filtering liquid 8 in the proximity of the bottom of the tank 13, where the liquid itself is substantially free of the solid residues retained as a result of the fume filtration. In fact, the solid particles filtered by the filtering liquid 8 float and remain on the free surface of the liquid itself.

Preferably, the draught duct 16 has an inlet of the filtering liquid 8 located at the proximity of the bottom of the tank 13.

It cannot however be ruled out that the draught duct 16 may be connected to the tank 13 in a fluid- operated manner at the proximity of the bottom or where the bottom is located.

Conveniently, the filter chamber 2 comprises at least one collection compartment 19 of the filtering liquid 8. The conveying element 18 is connected to the collection compartment 19 in a fluid- operated manner to convey the filtering liquid 8 towards the outside of the filter chamber 2. Preferably, the collection compartment 19 is arranged at least partly below the dispensing assembly 7 to collect the filtering liquid 8 dispensed. Advantageously, the filter chamber 2 comprises at least one fume receiving section 20 extending at least partly inside the filter chamber 2 starting from the access opening 3. In particular, the fume receiving section 20 has a fume dispensing port 21 through which the fumes are fed into the filter chamber 2. According to one embodiment, the fume receiving section 20 is solidly fastened to the filter chamber 2. In this case, the fume receiving section 20 is connectable in a fluid- operated manner to a flue F via the access opening 3.

Conveniently, as described later in this disclosure, the access opening 3 is adapted to allow the passage through and/or to be connected to a section of the flue F to filter the fumes coming from it.

Advantageously, the fume receiving section 20 defines the collection compartment 19 together with the filter chamber 2.

In detail, the filter chamber 2 circumscribes the fume receiving section 20 by making a gap between them which, together with the bottom 10, defines the collection compartment 19.

As visible from Figure 3, the filtering device 1 comprises at least one covering element 22 positioned between the dispensing assembly 7 and the access opening 3. Conveniently, the covering element 22 is adapted to intercept at least one of: the filtering liquid 8 dispensed by the dispensing assembly 7 to obstruct the flow thereof through the access opening 3, the fumes to be filtered in order to convey them towards the forced transit area 6, and/or the filtering liquid 8 dispensed by the dispensing assembly 7 to divert it towards the collection compartment 19.

Specifically, the covering element 22 is positioned above the access opening 3 to prevent the filtering liquid 8 thus dispensed from entering the flue F.

More particularly still, the covering element 22 is positioned between the dispensing assembly 7 and the dispensing port 21 of the fume receiving section 20 to obstruct the flow of the dispensed filtering liquid through the dispensing port 21.

In detail, the covering element 22 diverts the fume to be filtered towards the forced transit area 6 where it is filtered by the filtering liquid 8. The latter falls back towards the covering element 22, which diverts it towards the collection compartment 19.

Preferably, the covering element 22 has a surface extension substantially equal to or greater than that of the access opening 3 and/or of the dispensing port 21. As shown in Figure 2, the dispensing assembly 7 is positioned between the exit opening 4 and the access opening 3 and/or the dispensing port 21 of the fume receiving section 20.

Preferably, the covering element 22 is mounted on the dispensing assembly 7 and defines, together with the transit duct 5, the forced transit area of the fumes to be filtered.

Even more preferably, the covering element 22 has a substantially truncated cone shape in which a minor base 22a connected to the dispensing assembly 7 and a major base 22b facing the access opening 3 can be identified. This conformation allows the covering element 22 to divert the filtering liquid 8 thus dispensed towards the collection compartment 19.

According to the invention, the filtering device 1 can be installed at one end portion A of the flue F, i.e., at the chimney, or at one intermediate portion B of the flue F.

In the case where the filtering device 1 is intended to be mounted at the chimney, the exit opening 4 of the filter chamber 2 directly faces outdoor, thus allowing dispersion of the filtered fumes directly into the atmosphere.

In this case, preferably, the ducts of the pumping system 12 are connected to the dispensing assembly 7 by passing through the exit opening 4 and/or through the holes cut in the filter chamber 2.

In the case where, on the other hand, the filtering device 1 is intended to be mounted at one intermediate portion B of the flue F, the exit opening 4 is operatively connected to a fume ejection section 23 of the flue F.

In this case, preferably, the ducts of the pumping system 12 are connected to the dispensing assembly 7 by passing through the holes cut in the filter chamber 2. The present invention relates to a fume evacuation system 26 comprising at least one flue F connected to at least one combustion chamber C wherein the fumes to be filtered are produced, and at least one filtering device 1 arranged along the flue F to filter the fumes produced by the combustion chamber C.

The combustion chamber C can be, e.g., a fireplace, stove and/or the like, and is preferably arranged within a room to be heated.

As shown in Figure 4, the flue F comprises at least one end portion A, or also called a chimney, positioned outside the room to be heated, and at least one intermediate portion B positioned between the end portion A and the combustion chamber C.

Appropriately, the flue F comprises at least one fume inlet section 25 connected to the filtering device 1. The fume inlet section 25 is fitted inside the filter chamber 2 through the access opening 3, thus defining the collection compartment 19 together with the filter chamber 2.

With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the fume receiving section 20 is defined by the fume inlet section 25 of the flue F.

Further embodiments of the system 26 cannot however be ruled out wherein the fume transmission section 25 is connected to the fume inlet section 20, for example, wherein the fume receiving section 20 is superimposed onto the fume transmission section 25, at least partly containing it.

According to one embodiment shown in Figure 2, the filtering device 1 is mounted at the end portion A of the flue F. In this case, the exit opening 4 faces directly the atmosphere.

In such an embodiment, preferably, the filtering device 1 comprises a cap 24 positioned above the exit opening 4 and having a covering function.

According to a further embodiment shown in Figure 3, the filtering device 1 is connected to an intermediate portion B of the flue F. Specifically, the intermediate portion B of the flue F defines the fume inlet section 25 connected to the access opening 3 and the fume ejection section 23 connected to the exit opening 4 of the filter chamber 2.

In such an embodiment, the filter chamber 2, once associated with the flue F, is sealed to prevent unwanted dispersion of the fumes into the environment. According to one embodiment, the fume evacuation system 26 comprises a plurality of filtering devices 1 arranged along the flue F connecting to each other.

Preferably, the filtering liquid 8 of the filtering devices 1 arranged close to the filter chamber 2 comprises at least the urea.

It is also worth noting that the fumes filtered through the filtering liquid 8 usually cool down leading to difficulties in their flow upwards through the flue F.

For this reason, the fume evacuation system 26 comprises an intake assembly, not shown in the figures, configured to forcibly convey the fumes outside the flue F. This expedient helps the flue F conveying the filtered fumes towards the atmosphere. Specifically, the intake assembly is configured to generate a flow by sucking and/or pushing air into the flue F.

It has, in practice, been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects, and in particular, the fact is emphasized that by means of the filtering device, it is possible to drastically reduce the polluting particles in the waste fumes conveyed by the flues by means of a simple, rational, easy and effective solution that is easy to use and inexpensive.