Importance

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Abstract

Compact, easily installable apparatus is disclosed for attachment to a conventional domestic hot water heater tank using only the preexisting threaded drain valve opening normally provided, in order to convert the heater into a simple storage tank and effect water heating externally of the existing heater in an indirect heat exchanger coupled to, for example, an existing boiler forming a part of a space heating system. In this fashion energy savings can be realized inasmuch as boiler water is used for heating the domestic water supplies, as opposed to separate firing of the hot water tank. The apparatus of the invention preferably includes a circulator fitting having a housing and a pair of interfitted, outer and inner, water withdrawal and delivery pipes designed for coupling to the single threaded valve opening in the water heater tank, thereby avoiding the need to drill additional holes through the tank wall; in addition, a compact pump unit is affixed to the fitting housing for moving water through the system as needed. A coaxial coil heat exchanger is also provided, along with appropriate conduits for coupling the exchanger to the tank fitting housing and boiler respectively.

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First Claim