Method and Apparatus for Cleaning Chimneys

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for cleaning soot, creosote, and other materials adhered to the interior walls of a chimney using a mobile cleaning and vacuuming unit. The apparatus is comprised of a pressurized water delivery system, a vacuum system, a chimney cleaning attachment having a plurality of spray nozzles arranged radially about a central axis, and one or more extensions. The required length and corresponding number of extensions are attached to a pressurized water delivery system as needed to access the chimney interior. The chimney cleaning attachment is mechanically affixed to the free end of the extensions and the device is lowered into a chimney. The water delivery system delivers high pressured water to the nozzle abrade the undesirable material within the chimney. A vacuum system positioned near the base of the chimney removes the water and substances that are dislodged during the washing process.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE OR COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for cleaning the soot and creosote from the interior of a chimney through use of a

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Chimneys require frequent cleaning to keep them operating safely and efficiently. As the smoke from burning wood or fossil fuel condenses within a chimney, tars within the fuel adhere to the interior walls or liner of the structure. This creosote is highly flammable and sticky, making it difficult to remove. Soot, nests, and other blockages must also be dislodged from the chimney in order to keep it working properly. For centuries, chimney sweeps have used brushes attached to poles or rods to abrade undesirable materials within chimneys. These metal brushes are placed in the chimney interior and manually dragged up and down the chimney walls to remove the soot and creosote. This technique is successful in removing some of the material, but the efficacy of this method is ultimately limited by the amount of friction that can be applied by the chimneysweep. Brushes have difficulty reaching cracks and crevices and the mechanical abrasion offered in this method may not remove a substantial amount of material.

Water molecules tend to attract undesirable materials and flush them away, making water an excellent cleaning medium for ash and soot. Simple flushing will not work as well with creosote which tends to coat the chimney interior in a thick, glazed, and gluey crust. Emulsifying agents such as soaps and detergents break down tar and oil but a simple application of soap and water will also be insufficient to dislodge the creosote from the chimney. A high pressure fluid application is much more effective and efficient in loosening and removing this type of adhered material.

Several inventors have suggested the use of high pressure water to clean flues and pipes. These designs require the suspension of unwieldy cleaning units precariously placed at the apex of the chimney. The devices are typically raised and lowered within the chimney through a series or rope or guide wires requiring significant setup time and additional expense. While these inventions propose a means for spraying and cleaning the chimney, they fail to provide a method or device for extracting the substantial amounts of water introduced into the chimney during the cleaning process. These inventions also fail to address the removal of the dislodged matter.

There is therefore a need in the art for an apparatus that provides a safe, simple, and effective means for removing unwanted materials within a chimney through the application of high pressure fluid and subsequent removal of the fluid and dislodged materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile pressurized fluid delivery unit and vacuum unit housed within a van.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a person using the pressurized fluid delivery unit to clean a standard house chimney.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a person using the vacuum unit of the invention to suction liquid and debris generated from the cleaning process.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the chimney cleaning attachment.

FIG. 3B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the interior of the chimney cleaning attachment.

FIG. 4. is a perspective view of the cleaning attachment affixed to an optional chimney cleaning brush.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the chimney cleaning attachment affixed to the optional chimney cleaning brush, a plurality of extensions, a trigger gun, and a fluid delivery hose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Commercial cleaning units are commonly installed in vehicles to provide a mobile means of cleaning carpet, tilework, grout, and ducting. These units are comprised of a pressurized fluid delivery unit and a vacuum unit having a large capacity waste tank. The fluid delivery system is pressurized within a 1500 to 3000 psi range and can be used in place of a standard pressure washer. A supply of water is connected to this “pressure washer” via a water inlet port.

An electric motor or fuel-fired engine powers an impeller within a standard pressure washer. As the engine or motor operates, the water pump cycles through two stages, sucking water from the water supply and subsequently pushing water through an exit port on the pump. A hose having a first and second end and a pressure rating greater than the operating pressure of the water pump is connected to this exit port via the first end. The second end of the hose is connected directly to the cleaning attachment of choice or, alternatively, to a trigger gun, or similar stopcock device. The trigger gun has a valve that opens when the handle is actuated, allowing the user to stop and start the water flow at will. Attachments may be connected directly to the trigger gun or to extensions placed on the trigger gun.

Liquid dispensed during the cleaning of carpet, tile, etc. is typically extracted and removed to a wastewater tank. This is accomplished with a vacuum system located within the mobile cleaning unit. An electric motor or fuel-fired engine is connected to a pump that pulls air into the system's air inlet and pushes that air through an exhaust port to create negative air pressure. A vacuum hose having two ends is used to direct the fluid and debris to the wastewater tank. The first end of the hose is mechanically affixed to the air inlet and the second end is placed in the undesired material. The suction generated by the lower air pressure within the vacuum is focused at the second end of the hose. Fluid and dislodged materials are pulled through the length of the hose and deposited within a storage tank inside the mobile cleaning unit.

The present invention seeks to use a mobile cleaning system similar to that described above in conjunction with a novel attachment for the purpose of cleaning chimneys. Mobile cleaning systems are equipped with pressurized water supply hose reels that feed from the unit as needed. The hose can extend as much as 400 feet in length, allowing an individual to safely and easily direct water to the top of a chimney, pulling the required length of hose at will. The operator does not need to grapple with hose reels, pressure washers, or other cumbersome equipment while perched on a rooftop or other elevated area.

As previously noted a mobile cleaning unit, such as the vehicle-mounted system described above, will be used in conjunction with the novel chimney cleaning attachment. This attachment is comprised of a fluid chamber or manifold having a plurality of apertures radiating perpendicularly from the tool's central axis; each aperture is fitted with a nozzle. The top of the tool is affixed to the desired length of extensions along its central axis and lowered into a chimney interior. An optional standard chimney sweeping brush may be affixed to the tool to abrade and further loosen substances on the chimney interior.

Water flows from the water supply into the water pump where it is pressurized and continues along the required length of hose to the top of the chimney. The operator actuates the trigger gun, releasing pressurized water through the extensions and into the manifold of the chimney cleaning attachment. Pressurized fluid enters the fluid receiving portion of the manifold. Liquid is then channeled to the plurality of apertures within this manifold, forcing pressurized fluid out of nozzles and against the walls of the chimney where adhered debris is more readily dislodged. To clean the chimney, the operator moves the tool along the interior walls of the chimney, adding and removing extensions as needed. The greater the number of apertures and corresponding nozzles, the larger the effective abrading area of the tool. The size and shape of the nozzles may also be modified to achieve varying spray patterns and pressures. Additionally, the water pump may be adjusted to a preferred pressure to maximize the abrading function of the tool while avoiding damage to the chimney interior.

While the operator is applying pressurized liquid through the chimney cleaning attachment, a vacuum system is positioned at the base of the chimney with to recover water and debris. Failure to capture this slurry would result in potential damage to the fire chamber and surrounding building interior. This system may be manned by a second operator or can be configured to continually suction throughout the irrigation and cleaning process. Wastewater is stored in a tank where it can be emptied at a later time.

REFERENCE NUMERALS
5   Pressurized Fluid Delivery Unit
10  Fluid Delivery Hose
15  Chimney Cleaning Attachment
20  Vacuum Unit
25  Vacuum Hose
30  Optional Chimney Cleaning Brush
35  Fluid/Cleaning Solution Supply
40  Pressurized Fluid Exit Port
45  Mobile Cleaning Unit
50  First End of Fluid Delivery Hose
55  Second End of Fluid Delivery Hose
60  Trigger Gun Fluid Inlet Port
65  Trigger Gun
70  First Operator
75  Pressurized Fluid
80  Trigger Gun Fluid Exit Port
85  Extensions
90  Fluid Receiving Inlet
95  Chimney Interior
100 Second Operator
105 Chimney Base
110 Extension First End
115 Extension Second End
120 Manifold
125 Aperture
130 Nozzle
135 Accessory Attachment Point

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In describing the preferred embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, specific terms are used for the sake of clarity. The invention is not intended to the be limited to the selected terminology and it should be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents operating in a similar manner to accomplish a similar function.

For the purpose of this patent application any structure, stack, flue, lining, shaft, vent, or pipe that conducts smoke and combustion byproducts from a firebox, combustion chamber or hearth to the exterior of a structure will be generally referred to as a “chimney.” Chimneys include but are not limited to masonry, metal, composite and freestanding chimney structures.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the present invention comprises a chimney cleaning system having a pressurized fluid delivery unit 5, a fluid delivery hose 10, a chimney cleaning attachment 15, a vacuum unit 20, a vacuum hose 25, and an optional chimney cleaning brush 30.

Referring to FIG. 1, a supply of fluid and/or cleaning solution 35 is attached to the pressurized fluid delivery system 5. The fluid supply 35 may be provided through a storage tank, faucet, or similar means and can be heated through the use of an optional heat exchanger or resistive element. The pressurized fluid delivery system 5 selectively pressurizes the fluid 35, delivering it to the pressurized fluid exit port 40. A mobile cleaning unit 45 having a pressure washer system and vacuum system such as the vehicle-mounted system shown in FIG. 1 may be used. Alternative standalone pressure washing units or hand operated pumps may also be employed depending on the desired pressure. In the cleaning phase, this pressure is ideally between 1500 and 3500 psi; however, if pre-soaking is completed to loosen soot and creosote, a much lower pressure may be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, a fluid delivery hose 10 having a first end 50, a second end 55, and a pressure rating greater than the maximum operating pressure of the pressurized fluid delivery system 5 is connected to the pressurized fluid exit port 40 via the first end 50. The second end 55 of the fluid delivery hose 10 is connected directly to the chimney cleaning attachment 15 or, alternatively, to the fluid inlet port 60 of a trigger gun 65 or similar stopcock device (hereinafter “trigger gun”) as illustrated in FIG. 5.

When the first operator 70 actuates the trigger gun 65, a valve opens allowing the first operator 70 to stop and start the flow of pressurized fluid 75 exiting the trigger gun 65 at its fluid exit port 80 illustrated in FIG. 5. One or more extension poles, hoses or piping 85 (hereinafter “extensions”) are mechanically affixed to one another in series and to the trigger gun 65 at the trigger fluid exit port 80 such that pressurized fluid 75 can flow through the full length of the connected extensions 85 as shown in FIG. 2A. The free end of the last extension 85 in the series is mechanically affixed to the fluid receiving inlet 90 of the chimney cleaning attachment 15 as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3A. The number of extensions 85 is determined by the depth within the chimney interior 95 which the first operator 70 seeks to clean. Extensions 85 can be added or removed as needed to access the desired chimney location during the cleaning process. Inventor anticipates that the extensions 85 will be connected to the trigger gun 65, to other extensions 85 and to the chimney cleaning attachment 15 through basic quick-connect connectors; however, it should be understood that other connection means may be used.

Referring again to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first operator 70 is positioned at the top of the chimney and a manned or unmanned vacuum system optional second operator 100 is positioned at an opening at the base of said chimney 105. The required length of fluid delivery hose 10 is connected to the desired number of extensions 85. The extensions 85 are secured to the chimney cleaning attachment 15. The pressurized fluid delivery unit 5, the vacuum unit 20, and optional water heating unit within the chimney cleaning system are energized. The pressurized fluid delivery system 5 delivers pressurized fluid and/or cleaning solution 75 to the fluid delivery hose 10 and attached trigger gun 65 as shown in FIG. 2A.

The first operator 70 lowers the chimney cleaning attachment 15 into the chimney interior 95, adding and removing extensions 85 as needed to reach the desired location within the chimney interior 5. Actuation of the trigger gun 65 delivers pressurized fluid 75 to the one or more extensions 85 mechanically affixed in series. Pressurized fluid 75 flows from the first end 110 of the assembled extensions 85 to the second end 115 of the extensions 85 and into the fluid receiving inlet 90 of the manifold 120 as depicted in FIG. 3A and 5. The manifold 120 is a vessel having an open interior as depicted in FIG. 3B. Pressurized fluid 75 entering the fluid receiving inlet 90 is channeled to a plurality of apertures 125 within the manifold 120. Pressure within this manifold 120 forces the fluid out of the apertures 125 and into the nozzles 130 fitted within these apertures 125. Pressurized fluid 75 exits the nozzles 130 at a pressure and pattern determined by the nozzle 130 geometry, spraying pressurized fluid 75 against the walls of the chimney interior 95 and dislodging adhered material as shown in FIG. 2A. The first operator 70 advances and withdraws the chimney cleaning attachment 15 along the interior walls of the chimney 95, adding and removing extensions 85 as needed until the desired level of cleanliness has been achieved.

Inventor anticipates the use of a chimney cleaning attachment 15 having a manifold 120 with a nominal six to twelve inch diameter. Ideally the manifold 120 should have a minimum of six nozzles 130 to allow the user to easily access the chimney interior while minimizing rotation of the tool. The number of nozzles on the tool will ultimately be limited by cost and structural integrity of the manifold 120. It should be recognized that a larger or smaller manifold 120 may be used in conjunction with a greater or lesser number of nozzles 130 depending on the size of the chimney being cleaned. It should also be understood that the greater the number of nozzles 130, the greater the effective abrading area of the chimney cleaning attachment 15. It should also be noted that the apparatus may be comprised of more than one manifold 120 to increase the working area of the tool.

Referring again to FIGS. 3A and 3B, each nozzle 130 sits within an aperture 125 about the circumference of the manifold 120. A desired nozzle 130 may be attached to each aperture 125 through a quick-connect connector means or they may be more permanently affixed to the apertures 125 through other connection means. The size and shape of the nozzles 130 may be modified to achieve varying spray patterns. The first operator 70 must select and mechanically affix nozzles 130 capable of delivering an appropriate spray pattern in conjunction with the desired pressure. Ideally the selected spray pattern and pressure will deliver a stream of fluid to the chimney interior that is sufficient to dislodge soot, creosote, and other unwanted coatings without damaging brick, mortar, or other critical chimney structures.

To further explain this selection, a 0° nozzle will deliver a very high pressure jet of liquid to a very small area within the chimney interior 95. In contrast, a 40° nozzle will direct a 40° spray pattern of liquid which will reach a wider area at a reduced pressure. Considering this relationship, a 65° nozzle may be optimal for pre-soaking creosote with a chemical such as Anti-Creo-Soot™ or similar substance while a 25° nozzle may be optimal for removal of that creosote. The first operator must therefore select a nozzle 130 suited to the cleaning task, taking the amount and thickness of the adhering material as well as the construction of the chimney interior into consideration. While the pressure applied by the chimney cleaning attachment is determined primarily by the nozzles, the pressurized fluid delivery system 5 may also be adjusted for optimal abrasion and minimal chimney damage.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, an optional chimney cleaning brush 30 may attached to the manifold 120 at the accessory attachment point 135. This chimney cleaning brush 30 may be screwed on or it may be affixed to the manifold 120 through a similar securing means. The chimney cleaning brush 30 may supplement the efficacy of the chimney cleaning attachment 15 by further abrading material from the chimney interior 95. While a standard cylindrical wire brush is depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, any commercially available chimney sweeping brush made of wire, polypropylene or similar material may be used.

While the first operator 70 cleans the chimney interior 95, water and debris is removed by the vacuum system. The vacuum unit 20 delivers the unwanted material to a storage tank where it can later be discarded. Failure to remove this material may result in flooding and/or obstruction of the chimney base 105 and surrounding area. As previously noted, a mobile cleaning unit 45 having a pressure washer system and vacuum system such as that shown in FIG. 1 may be used. Other types of standalone vacuum units may also be employed to remove the material. This system may be statically positioned at the water collection point or alternatively a second operator 100 can man a vacuum hose 25 connected to the vacuum unit 20 as depicted in FIG. 2A.

While the above description contains many specifics, these should be considered exemplifications of one or more embodiments rather than limitations on the scope of the invention. As previously discussed, many variations are possible and the scope of the invention should not be restricted by the examples illustrated herein.

Claims

1. A chimney cleaning apparatus for cleaning chimney interiors comprising: a. a fluid delivery system having an adjustable pressure setting and adapted to deliver pressurized fluid to a length of hose or piping that corresponds to a depth of the chimney being cleaned, wherein the length of hose or piping has a first and second end and wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system;b. a chimney cleaning attachment comprising: i. at least one manifold having a central axis in fluid communication with the second end of the length of hose or piping and adapted to fit within the chimney interior;ii. a plurality of apertures arranged radially about and in fluid communication with the central axis of the manifold; andiii. a plurality of nozzles corresponding to the number of apertures on the chimney cleaning attachment, each nozzle adapted to fit within and mechanically connect to the corresponding apertures and each nozzle being selected to provide a desired angle of pressurized fluid;c. a storage tank; andd. a vacuum system adapted to suction and transport liquids and solids from a collection point in the chimney to said storage tank.

2. The chimney cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein a trigger gun or spray mechanism is disposed between the fluid delivery system and the first end of the length of hose or piping to selectively stop, start, and meter the flow of fluid.

3. The chimney cleaning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a wire brush mechanically affixed to the chimney cleaning attachment and having a size adapted to fit snugly within the chimney interior.

4. The chimney cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the length of hose or piping is comprised of two or more shorter lengths of hose or piping and mechanically connected in series.

5. The chimney cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chimney cleaning attachment is comprised of two or more manifolds arranged in series along their respective central axes and in fluid communication with the second end of the length of hose or piping.

6. The chimney cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chimney cleaning attachment is comprised of two or more manifolds arranged in parallel wherein each manifold is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system via a connection between the central axes of each manifold and the second of the length of hose or piping.

7. The chimney cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid delivered by the fluid delivery system further comprises a resistive element for heating the water.

8. The chimney cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid delivered by the fluid delivery system includes an emulsifying agent.

9. The chimney cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the angle of each nozzle ranges from 25° to 65°.

10. The chimney cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the nozzles are mechanically affixed to the apertures via a quick connect mechanism.

11. The chimney cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid delivery system, storage tank, and vacuum system are housed within a vehicle.

12. A method for cleaning chimney interiors, said method comprising: a. Providing a fluid delivery system having an adjustable pressure setting and adapted to deliver pressurized fluid to a length of hose or piping that correspond to a depth of the chimney being cleaned;b. Providing a length of hose or piping having a first and second end;c. Connecting the first end of the length of hose or piping to the fluid delivery system;d. Connecting a chimney cleaning attachment to the fluid delivery system, the chimney cleaning attachment comprising: i. at least one manifold having a central axis and adapted to fit within the chimney interior;ii. a plurality of apertures arranged radially about and in fluid communication with the central axis of the manifold; andiii. a plurality of nozzles corresponding to the number of apertures on the chimney cleaning attachment, each nozzle adapted to fit within and mechanically connect to the corresponding apertures and each nozzle being selected to provide a desired angle of pressurized fluid;e. Connecting the second end of the length of hose or piping to the chimney cleaning attachment;f. Providing a storage tank;g. Cleaning said chimney interior with said chimney cleaning attachment by applying pressurized fluid to the chimney interior along the length of the chimney to dislodge material;h. Providing a vacuum system adapted to suction and transport liquids and solids from a collection point in the chimney to said storage tank; andi. Vacuuming the liquids and solids from the collection point in the chimney interior and transporting said liquids and solids to the storage tank.