Method and Apparatus for Cleaning Chimneys

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for cleaning soot, creosote, and other materials adhered to the interior walls of a chimney using a mobile cleaning and vacuuming unit. The apparatus is comprised of a pressurized water delivery system, a vacuum system, a chimney cleaning attachment having a plurality of spray nozzles arranged radially about a central axis, and one or more extensions. The required length and corresponding number of extensions are attached to a pressurized water delivery system as needed to access the chimney interior. The chimney cleaning attachment is mechanically affixed to the free end of the extensions and the device is lowered into a chimney. The water delivery system delivers high pressured water to the nozzle abrade the undesirable material within the chimney. A vacuum system positioned near the base of the chimney removes the water and substances that are dislodged during the washing process.

1 . A chimney cleaning apparatus for cleaning chimney interiors comprising:
 a. a fluid delivery system having an adjustable pressure setting and adapted to deliver pressurized fluid to a length of hose or piping that corresponds to a depth of the chimney being cleaned, wherein the length of hose or piping has a first and second end and wherein the first end is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system;   b. a chimney cleaning attachment comprising:
 i. at least one manifold having a central axis in fluid communication with the second end of the length of hose or piping and adapted to fit within the chimney interior; 
 ii. a plurality of apertures arranged radially about and in fluid communication with the central axis of the manifold; and 
 iii. a plurality of nozzles corresponding to the number of apertures on the chimney cleaning attachment, each nozzle adapted to fit within and mechanically connect to the corresponding apertures and each nozzle being selected to provide a desired angle of pressurized fluid; 
   c. a storage tank; and   d. a vacuum system adapted to suction and transport liquids and solids from a collection point in the chimney to said storage tank.   
     
     
         2 . The chimney cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a trigger gun or spray mechanism is disposed between the fluid delivery system and the first end of the length of hose or piping to selectively stop, start, and meter the flow of fluid. 
     
     
         3 . The chimney cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a wire brush mechanically affixed to the chimney cleaning attachment and having a size adapted to fit snugly within the chimney interior. 
     
     
         4 . The chimney cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the length of hose or piping is comprised of two or more shorter lengths of hose or piping and mechanically connected in series. 
     
     
         5 . The chimney cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the chimney cleaning attachment is comprised of two or more manifolds arranged in series along their respective central axes and in fluid communication with the second end of the length of hose or piping. 
     
     
         6 . The chimney cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the chimney cleaning attachment is comprised of two or more manifolds arranged in parallel wherein each manifold is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system via a connection between the central axes of each manifold and the second of the length of hose or piping. 
     
     
         7 . The chimney cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid delivered by the fluid delivery system further comprises a resistive element for heating the water. 
     
     
         8 . The chimney cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid delivered by the fluid delivery system includes an emulsifying agent. 
     
     
         9 . The chimney cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the angle of each nozzle ranges from 25° to 65°. 
     
     
         10 . The chimney cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the nozzles are mechanically affixed to the apertures via a quick connect mechanism. 
     
     
         11 . The chimney cleaning apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid delivery system, storage tank, and vacuum system are housed within a vehicle. 
     
     
         12 . A method for cleaning chimney interiors, said method comprising:
 a. Providing a fluid delivery system having an adjustable pressure setting and adapted to deliver pressurized fluid to a length of hose or piping that correspond to a depth of the chimney being cleaned;   b. Providing a length of hose or piping having a first and second end;   c. Connecting the first end of the length of hose or piping to the fluid delivery system;   d. Connecting a chimney cleaning attachment to the fluid delivery system, the chimney cleaning attachment comprising:
 i. at least one manifold having a central axis and adapted to fit within the chimney interior; 
 ii. a plurality of apertures arranged radially about and in fluid communication with the central axis of the manifold; and 
 iii. a plurality of nozzles corresponding to the number of apertures on the chimney cleaning attachment, each nozzle adapted to fit within and mechanically connect to the corresponding apertures and each nozzle being selected to provide a desired angle of pressurized fluid; 
   e. Connecting the second end of the length of hose or piping to the chimney cleaning attachment;   f. Providing a storage tank;   g. Cleaning said chimney interior with said chimney cleaning attachment by applying pressurized fluid to the chimney interior along the length of the chimney to dislodge material;   h. Providing a vacuum system adapted to suction and transport liquids and solids from a collection point in the chimney to said storage tank; and   i. Vacuuming the liquids and solids from the collection point in the chimney interior and transporting said liquids and solids to the storage tank.