A Comprehensive Guide to Chimney System Calculations for Engineers

At Schebler, our engineers have many responsibilities—and many of those duties involve math. Whether determining boiler exhaust sizes or grease duct air velocity, every project requires thorough, precise and accurate calculations. With the extensive experience gained from thousands of unique projects, we’ve honed our process and learned the vital computations for various applications, environments and performance requirements. After all, proper calculations are key to successful products.

Here is a sampling of the many calculations we undertake.

Calculating Exhaust System Size by Application

Boilers

Boiler systems require precise calculations to ensure the system operates efficiently and safely. Our engineers expertly determine what’s needed for vents, runs and exhausts, ensuring that every component is tailored to manage the expected pressure with seamless execution. The rigorous attention to detail optimizes energy consumption and upholds the safety standards needed for proper function. By ensuring that each boiler runs within its optimal conditions, we enhance its longevity and reliability, guaranteeing it operates at peak performance throughout its lifecycle.

Grease Ducts

Calculating the correct air velocity within grease duct systems is crucial, not just for compliance with safety regulations, but also to prevent hazardous grease buildup. Precise calculations mitigate the risks associated with incorrect sizing, such as potentially dangerous accumulations that can lead to fires. Proper system sizing guarantees that grease particles remain in motion, which is critical for maintaining a safe air balance throughout the facility. This meticulous approach to system design is essential for fire-hazard prevention. Ensuring the ducts are correctly engineered protects the facility and its occupants by maintaining a safe, efficient and compliant environment.

Generator Exhausts

Generator exhaust system sizing is imperative for maintaining operations and preventing back pressure that could lead to mechanical failures. Our deep understanding of pressure dynamics enables us to expertly engineer systems that can circumvent these potential problems.

Outer Shell Temperatures

Systems can approach extreme heat levels, as high as 1100°F. To address those concerns, we recommend products based on the outer shell’s temperature. Certain factors, like heat transfer calculations, require different products and insulation thicknesses. By tailoring the insulation to the exact system requirements, we can create safe products while still being mindful of other cost considerations. Additionally, we use these calculations to determine issues with pre-existing systems. For example, one of our customers had issues with discoloration and dangerously high building temperatures due to a system malfunction. We upgraded their insulation and improved the support plate protection to cover the gap in insulation and protect the building and its occupants. These measures and calculations allowed us to identify the problem and rectify it.

Load Calculations

Load calculations are essential in designing chimney systems that can safely withstand thermal expansion from high temperatures. These calculations determine the amount of stress materials experience as they expand and contract. We analyze the potential movement and stress on the structure, which allows us to select the appropriate materials and design the necessary supports.

With these load calculations, we ensure the supports are robust enough to maintain the structural integrity of the systems and prevent structural failures over time. This careful planning allows the chimney to perform reliably and safely throughout its operational lifespan, accommodating the natural expansion and contraction of the application without damage.

Expert Calculation with Exceptional Results

At Schebler, our engineers are more than just calculators—they are seasoned experts who embody the precision and diligence you expect from leaders in chimney systems. With each project and every analysis, we deliver comprehensive solutions that consider every variable to craft the most effective solution tailored to your specific needs. If you’re seeking a team that takes every measure to provide the best solution for your applications, contact us. You’ll experience the certainty and success that comes from partnering with leaders in engineering solutions.