flue

In by Jackie Dunn

A pipe used to exhaust smoke, gas or air.

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
flue (noun)
an enclosed passageway for directing a current as
a) a channel in a chimney for conveying flame and smoke to the outer air
b) a pipe for conveying flame and hot gases around or through water in a steam boiler
c) an air channel leading to the lip of a wind instrument
d) - flue pipe
flue (Wikipedia)
A seven-flue chimney in a four storey Georgian house in London, showing alternative methods of sweeping

A flue is a duct, pipe, or opening in a chimney for conveying exhaust gases from a fireplace, furnace, water heater, boiler, or generator to the outdoors. Historically the term flue meant the chimney itself. In the United States, they are also known as vents for boilers and as breeching for water heaters and modern furnaces. They usually operate by buoyancy, also known as the stack effect, or the combustion products may be 'induced' via a blower. As combustion products contain carbon monoxide and other dangerous compounds, proper 'draft', and admission of replacement air is imperative. Building codes, and other standards, regulate their materials, design, and installation.

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