Stoves and furnaces – Stove hoods
Patent
1996-10-24
1997-11-18
Jones, Larry
Stoves and furnaces
Stove hoods
126299R, 165166, 55DIG36, F24C 1520
Patent
active
056877072
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a combined system which simultaneously filters grease and airborne particulate matter from hot fumes and transfers heat to a fluid circulating inside the system. The heated fluid may then be used to supply heat for other purposes, such as heating water or air. In addition, the system of the present invention provides quick connect means for attaching sections of the combined heat exchanger/filter, allowing the system to be retrofitted in existing flue hood ventilation systems of varying dimensions in an economical manner. The filter may be attached to or in close proximity to the heat transfer mechanism and configured to utilize a baffle design which creates turbulent rotational and/or vortex currents to enhance the effective grease and particulate transfer from the hot fumes to the filter.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
During the operation of commercial or institutional kitchens, a significant amount of valuable thermal energy is lost as a result of hot fumes being vented to the atmosphere. These hot fumes are generated from cook stoves, hot plates, deep fat fryers, and other cooking apparatus. As a result of the extreme heat and various fumes generated during cooking, it is necessary for the comfort and health of kitchen workers to exhaust these fumes on a continuous basis through flue chimneys or similar venting devices. This process effectively replaces the hot kitchen air with cooler, clean outside air. Although this circulation process is necessary to provide a constant source of clean air to the kitchen environment, this venting practice is both inefficient and uneconomical, especially in colder climates where the cost to heat internal air and water is significant.
A further problem encountered in commercial kitchens is the filtering of grease and other particulate matter entrained in the hot fumes generated during the cooking of foods. If improperly filtered, this grease can cause fouling and the eventual malfunction of air ventilation systems, as well as create fire hazards if allowed to accumulate. Accordingly, hot fume air filters, which are normally located in fume hoods over cooking surfaces, are generally required to be cleaned daily, or at a minimum of 2-3 times a week. This tedious cleaning process is both time consuming and expensive.
The use of heat exchangers, to capture thermal energy above cooking surfaces has been known for years. These designs, however, position the heat exchangers substantially downstream of existing grease filters. This approach is unfavorable for at least three reasons. First, these designs are inefficient since the heat exchanger is located downstream of the grease filter and a significant distance from the heat source. Thus, valuable thermal energy is lost by absorption into the grease filter and through general dissipation prior to the heat reaching the exchanger. Second, the grease filters currently being used upstream of the heat exchangers impede air flow, especially when congested with grease, hence reducing the efficiency of the air ventilation system and heat transfer efficiency. Third, when the heat source is turned off, the grease quickly solidifies on the filters and requires cleaning for both safety and efficiency. Finally, despite the existence of these kinds of heat exchangers generally, many existing kitchens fail to incorporate any kind of heat exchanger. Retrofitting existing kitchen equipment with heat exchanger systems may require an entirely new flue hood assembly and substantial piping and accessories. This conversion is both-time consuming and expensive.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a substantially self cleaning filter which is capable of filtering grease and other particulate matter from hot vapors and fumes generated during the cooking of foods. It would additionally be advantageous to transfer heat from the hot cooking fumes to a fluid passing internally through or substantially adjacent to the filter. This fluid could in turn be used to heat air, water or other
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patent: 5524607 (1996-06-01), Grohman et al.
patent: 5558080 (1996-09-01), Grohman et al.
1991 Sweet's Catalog Identifying a "Range Guard" Grease Filter.
Hydro Hoods Corporation
Jones Larry
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