Why Furnace Exhaust Codes Are Important and How to Get Them
When it comes to the safety of your workers and the quality of your manufacturing, it’s important to have all the necessary standards in place. Furnaces are a key piece of any manufacturing facility, but because they produce gases that can be hazardous in certain quantities, special rules need to be followed when installing and running them. But what are these codes? And how do you get them so you can bring your new furnace into compliance? In this blog post, we’ll go over the various codes related to exhaust systems for furnaces and explain why they are necessary. If you have just installed new equipment or are planning on doing so soon, keep reading to learn more!
What Are Furnace Exhaust Codes?
The codes related to furnace exhaust systems fall under the International Mechanical Code (IMC). The IMC is responsible for regulating the installation of equipment related to ventilation systems, indoor air quality, and exhaust ducts in commercial and industrial facilities. The IMC also oversees the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, which state that the exhaust gas from all industrial equipment is removed at a rate of 50 cubic feet per minute (cfm) per ton of furnace capacity. The codes related to furnace exhaust systems are: – Equipment and Piping Requirements – For exhaust systems, the maximum slope of the piping should be no more than 7 percent. The diameter of the pipe may vary depending on the length of the run and the exhaust rate. For example, a longer run may require a larger diameter pipe. The minimum diameter of the exhaust duct is also dependent on the length and the type of duct material. It is also necessary to calculate the backpressure in the system to determine the size of the duct. For fans used to move the air out of the duct, their capacity should be at least 1 cfm per square foot of the duct surface. The duct material should be selected based on the temperature of the air. – Venting Requirements – When venting a furnace, the code requires a 6-inch diameter pipe. For 90-degree bends, the maximum radius should be no less than 12 inches. A flexible connection should be used for a 90-degree turn; otherwise, a 90-degree elbow should be used. For roof-top furnaces, a 4-inch diameter pipe should be used. The roof of the building should be strong enough to support the weight of the pipe. The roof-top furnace should be at least 10 feet away from the air inlet to the building. The distance should be increased to 20 feet in the case of a high-temperature furnace. It is necessary to install a damper in the vent pipe. The damper should be able to close completely. – The Importance of Drying and Dehumidification in Furnaces – Drying and dehumidification are two important components of any furnace operation. These processes remove moisture from the air and prevent the build-up of condensation inside the furnace. Drying – Drying can be achieved by installing desiccant dehumidifiers or by installing a steam-heated dehumidifier. Dehumidification – A dehumidifier can be used for dehumidification. The dehumidifier should be connected to the exhaust duct of the furnace. – Summing it up Furnace exhaust is a critical part of any manufacturing environment. When these systems are properly installed and maintained, they keep workers and the surrounding environment safe, while also safeguarding the longevity of the machines. The codes related to furnace exhaust systems fall under the International Mechanical Code (IMC). The IMC also oversees the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, which state that the exhaust gas from all industrial equipment is removed at a rate of 50 cubic feet per minute (cfm) per ton of furnace capacity. When it comes to furnace exhaust, there are several important considerations. These include the equipment and piping requirements, the venting requirements, the importance of drying and dehumidification in furnaces, and more. To ensure your equipment operates safely and efficiently, it is important to follow these rules and regulations.
