Description

This paper describes Canadian and U.S. field studies assessing depressurization, backdrafting, and spillage in residences and assimilates results from these studies to determine their collective implications. Test methods include (1) induced tests to assess the possibility that backdrafting/spillage might occur and (2) continuous tests to determine whether sustained backdrafting/spillage events do occur. Although the induced tests have yielded a substantial fraction of “positives” (i.e., residences thought to be prone to backdrafting or spillage), the more rigorous continuous tests indicate that backdrafting events with significant spillage are quite rare. Moreover, the induced tests often fail to predict those backdrafting cases that are indicated by continuous monitoring. Sensing of tempera-ture as a spillage indicator is fraught with uncertainty. Continuous monitoring of vent pressures and combustion products near vented combustion appliances is the only known method for reliably identifying spillage-prone residences. Recommendations for specific parameters to be monitored continuously are provided in the paper.

Units: SI

Citation: Symposium Papers, Atlantic City, 2002

Product Details

Published:

2002

Number of Pages:

12

File Size:

1 file , 120 KB

Product Code(s):

D-6988