Citation

Warren PR, Webb BC. Build. Environ. 1976; 11(4): 259-269.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0360-1323(76)90033-0

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The safe operation of any fuel burning appliance requires the supply of sufficient air to enable complete combustion of the fuel to take place and to enable the products of combustion to be completely removed or at least diluted to a safe level. Failure to ensure adequate removal of these gases either due to malfunction of the flue or inadequate air supply, may lead to the circulation of carbon monoxide within habitable rooms with possible fatal results.Unless the appliance is room-sealed, air for combustion must be supplied by a ventilation opening in the room containing the appliance. This paper describes the theoretical approach, using a mathematical model of the appliance/flue system, to predicting the required area of opening for a wide range of parameters and operating conditions. The predictive method is shown to agree well with experimental measurements and is used to identify areas where current regulations might be strengthened.