What is Chimney ? Types of Chimney in Civil Engineering.
A chimney is an architectural ventilation structure made of masonry, clay or metal that isolates hot toxic exhaust gases or smoke produced by a boiler, stove, furnace, incinerator or fireplace from human living areas. Chimneys are typically vertical, or as near as possible to vertical, to ensure that the gases flow smoothly, drawing air into the combustion in what is known as the stack, or chimney effect. The space inside a chimney is called the flue. Chimneys are adjacent to large industrial refineries, fossil fuel combustion facilities or part of buildings, steam locomotives and ships.
Types of Chimney in Civil Engineering.
1) Masonry Chimneys.
2) Metal Chimneys.
3) Prefabricated Chimneys.
4) Wood Burning Stove Chimneys.
5) Fireplace Insert Chimneys.
6) Freestanding Stove Chimneys.
Types of Chimneys According to Purpose
1) Masonry chimneys
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| Masonry chimneys |
Stone fireplaces not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a home, but they also provide warmth and character. Masonry chimneys are the old types that are constructed with stone, masonry blocks, concrete, or a combination of bricks and stone laid with bed mortar joints. A fireplace that accompanies this type of chimney is usually an open log fireplace with an indented wall where all the wood is stored. Masonry chimneys are among the top preferences of prospective home buyers because of their charm and value.
2) Metal Chimneys
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| Metal Chimneys |
Metal is an excellent heat conductor, and as such, metal chimneys make a good option. Metal is highly durable, doesn’t corrode or rust, and it’s abrasion-resistant. This material is especially ideal for high humid climates, hence the reason why many stone chimneys use metal flue liners.
Stainless steel or metal chimneys complement any home design, especially a new property, since they have an industrial style and modern appearance. While metal chimneys are fully insulated to withstand high heat, they may still warp in very high temperatures.
3) Prefabricated Chimneys
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| Prefabricated Chimneys |
Prefabricated chimneys are contemporary designed structures that are most often found in newly-built homes. These chimneys have innovatively designed fireplaces that are fabricated using sheet metals.
A prefab chimney is manufactured in a factory and costs less than a stone chimney. You can choose from a wide variety of designs. These chimneys are installed or assembled on site.
4) Wood-burning Stove Chimneys
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| Wood-burning Stove Chimneys |
The freestanding type of wood-burning stoves can be connected to special chimneys that are made from masonry materials. Another alternative is the prefab chimney that is specifically designed and tested for wood-burning stoves.
Freestanding wood-burners can also be connected to an existing chimney provided the position and height of the flue liner allows it. There are stoves that give you the option of burning pellets, not just wood.
5) Fireplace Insert Chimneys
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| Fireplace Inserted in a Chimney Wall |
This is a type of fireplace chimney that makes use of fireplace inserts which are usually special kinds of wood stoves. They are specially designed to be able to perfectly fit in an open masonry fireplace. The stove is directly connected to the top of the chimney with the help of a stainless steel liner system. These inserts are typically inserted into an existing masonry fireplace and are further connected to the chimney and the flue leading outside.
6) Freestanding Stove Chimneys
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Freestanding Stove Chimneys
This is a type of stove chimney in which a freestanding stove is inserted or installed into a custom-built chimney. The kind of chimney used here can either be masonry or one of the prefabricated factory-built metal chimneys. The chimneys are also duly tested for their ability to be used with wood burning appliances.