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The Best Ways to Prevent Ruud Furnace Twinning
In the world of commercial heating, there is an unfortunate phenomenon that plagues some boilers and furnaces with frightening regularity. It is known as “twinning”, or in simpler terms, when multiple combustion appliances are connected to the same exhaust stack. Each unit operates independently but both are connected to the same exhaust ducting and chimney. This results in both units overheating at the same time. The result is a pair of burned-out furnaces. If you have a Ruud furnace with twinning, you are especially at risk for this problem. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to lower your risk of experiencing twinning with your Ruud furnace. This article will detail everything you need to know about preventing twinning in your Ruud furnace.
Ruud Furnace Twinning Defined
Twinning occurs when two or more combustion appliances are connected to the same exhaust stack. Twinning is especially common in commercial boilers and furnaces, although it can also occur in residential types. The problem is that each unit operates independently and yet they are connected to the same exhaust ducting and chimney. Overheating is a common result. Twinning is dangerous because it could lead to an explosion. Twinning is also bad for the operation of the equipment. If one unit is forced to run at a higher pressure than the other, it may damage the internal parts.
Why does Ruud furnace twinning happen?
Twinning occurs when two or more combustion appliances are connected to the same exhaust stack. The result is that all of the appliances are run at the same pressure. Twinning can occur in any boiler or furnace where there is a common stack, but it is most common in large boilers used to supply hot water or steam for industrial processes. The most common cause of twinning is the use of a single-walled stack. The stack is a pipe that runs from the combustion chamber to the outside air. It’s the path through which exhaust leaves the boiler or furnace. A single-walled stack has only one layer of metal. A double-walled stack has two layers of metal, which not only allows for lower pressure, it also keeps the stack from overheating.
Ruud Furnace Twinning Prevention Measures
When you install a new Ruud furnace, make sure the exhaust system is not single-walled. The best way to prevent twinning is to use a double-walled exhaust. Double-walled systems are more expensive, but they will pay for themselves in the long run. Find out how much pressure your Ruud furnace was designed for. The correct pressure is critical to avoiding twinning. The pressure of an individual unit can be controlled by the engineer controlling it. However, if two units are connected to the same stack, the pressure will be the same for both. If the pressure is too high, it will lead to twinning. Install a carbon monoxide sensor on the new Ruud furnace. This will give you an early warning of any dangerous CO levels in the area around the furnace.
Ruud Furnace Diversion Device
A Ruud furnace diversion device is a device that is placed between two combustion appliances that are connected to the same chimney. The device diverts the exhaust of one unit to the other, so there is no pressure differential between the two. This prevents the twinning of the two units. A diversion device will lower the pressure of the unit without the device but will not damage the internal parts of the unit. The best way to prevent twinning is to install a double-walled exhaust. However, if you already have a single-walled exhaust, a diversion device is a good solution. The device is a valve that opens and closes to divert the exhaust from one unit to the other. A diversion device will lower the pressure of the unit without the device but will not damage the internal parts of the unit.
Ruud Furnace New Exhaust Seal and Flue Collar
If you do have a single-walled exhaust, you can put a new exhaust seal and flue collar on the Ruud furnace. The collar is a piece of metal that sits on top of the chimney where the exhaust duct comes out. The seal is the gasket that is between the collar and the pressure regulator. If the chimney is not airtight, it will result in a pressure differential between the two units. The pressure differential is what causes twinning. If the exhaust duct is not airtight, it will result in a pressure differential between the two units.
Ruud Furnace Carbon Monoxide Sensor
You can monitor carbon monoxide levels in your Ruud furnace by installing a CO sensor. CO is an odorless and colorless gas that is extremely toxic. When two Ruud furnaces are connected to the same stack, the pressure is equal for both. This leads to higher CO levels in the boiler room because of the increased flue gas flow rates. A CO sensor is a sensor that measures CO levels in the air. It can be installed near a Ruud furnace to monitor CO levels in the boiler room. A CO sensor can be used to detect dangerous CO levels before they become a serious issue. CO sensors are a great way to monitor CO levels in the boiler room.
Conclusion
Twinning is a serious issue that plagues some boiler and furnace systems with frightening regularity. It occurs when two or more combustion appliances are connected to the same exhaust stack. The result is that all of the appliances are run at the same pressure. Twinning can occur in any boiler or furnace where there is a common stack, but it is most common in large boilers used to supply hot water or steam for industrial processes. The best way to prevent twinning is to use a double-walled exhaust or install a CO sensor.
