WO1999039139A1

WO1999039139A1 - Apparatus for maintaining a sediment-free water heater

Info

Publication number: WO1999039139A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/001851
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles J. Frasure; Greg A. Frasure; Blake D. Frasure
Original assignee: Frasure Charles J; Frasure Greg A; Frasure Blake D
Priority date: 1998-02-02
Filing date: 1999-02-02
Publication date: 1999-08-05
Also published as: AU2479499A

Abstract

The instant invention relates to an improved water heater that includes a water tank with a bottom (307) having a water side surface formed of an upwardly or downwardly opening geometric shape having an outlet (308) at substantially its lowest point. The water heater also includes a conduit (302) having a first end (301) and a second end (304), for passing sweep water through a wall of the tank from outside the tank to the inside of the tank. The second end (304) connecting to a manifold (306) having multiple nozzles (303), sized, spaced and positioned within the tank for sweeping the substantial entirety of the water side surface sufficient to sweep any deposition of sediment accumulated thereon while the sweep water flow was disabled.

Description

Apparatus for Maintaining a Sediment- free Water Heater Tahis invention relates to apparatus for maintaining a substantially sediment-free water heater. More particularly, the invention relates to a water heater having a sloped bottom surface, a conduit for sweeping the surface with inlet water, and an automatic timed drain valve that opens periodically to drain the sediment from the tank. Still even more particularly, the invention relates to a water heater having a bottom in the preferred general shape of an upwardly or downwardly opening cone and an automatic arrangement for periodically sweeping sediment from the water side surface of the bottom with feed water and draining the sediment from the tank.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As a result of prolonged use, sediment accumulates in water heaters. The sediment either enters with the cold water or elevated water temperatures produce calcium carbonate deposition in the water heater. In either case, the sediments settle to the bottom of the water heater where they accumulate. Accumulated sediments eventually substantially contribute to the fowling of the heat transfer surfaces of heater, thus reducing its efficiency.

In a typical residential water heater having a cylindrical tank, the water to be heated is introduced into the lower portion of the tank through an inlet conduit and withdrawn from the upper portion of the tank through an outlet. Due primarily to the inverse solubility of calcium salts, sediment and/or hard water scale tends to collect in the bottom of the tank. Hard water scale collects in water heater tanks because its solubility decreases as the water temperature increases. Thus, cold inlet water includes, minerals in solution, such as calcium carbonate, etc., that precipitate from the water as it is heated and collect as sediment at the bottom of the water heater tank. As the sediment collects and deposits on the bottom of the tank, it tends to impede the heat transfer capabilities of the tank, thereby reducing the thermal efficiency of the water heater. Thus, it is desirable to remove the sediment from the water heater tank to maintain the efficiency of the water heater.

The most familiar method of removing sediment from the bottom of a water heater tank is to periodically drain a portion of the contents of the tank. To tliis end, water heater tanks are generally provided with drain valves at their lower end. Historically, sediment has been removed from the water heater tank through the drain valve by merely opening the drain valve and permitting the natural movement of water as the tank empties to sweep the sediment out of the tank. A problem associated with this method is that the velocity of the water caused by the natural draining movement is insufficient to sweep all of the sediment out of the bottom of the water heater tank. Therefore, a portion of the sediment fails to be dislodged or removed from the bottom of the tank. Particularly, larger aggregations of sediment remain in the bottom of the water heater tank and are not swept away by the water's natural movement during such draining. Consequently, to maintain acceptable heat transfer characteristics, the tank must be drained relatively frequently. Mother method of removing sediment that collects in the bottom of a water heater tank is to divert the influent water along the bottom of the tank so as to agitate the sediment whenever influent water is entering the tank. This is usually accomplished by decreasing the cross section of the inlet conduit so as to effect a higher average velocity of the influent water. This influent stream can then be directed to agitate the sediment and divert it upward off of the bottom of the tank. As heated water is drawn out of the bottom of the water heater tank, sediment at the bottom is agitated, diverted upward from the bottom of the tank, and swept out of the outlet conduit with the heated water. Devices employing this method are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,879, issued to Lindahl on Apr. 28, 1981, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,157,077, issued to LindaW on June 5, 1979. The inventors believe that these prior art schemes failed to recognize the importance of a manifold and nozzles critically sized, spaced, dimensioned and designed to sweep the entirety of a internal water heater surface otherwise prone to accumulate sediment.

Other U.S. Patents related to the instant invention include: 5,715,569, entitled: Vacuum cleaner accessory for water heaters; 4,813,383, entitled: Water heater tank flusWng device; 4,790,291, entitled: Sediment agitating apparatus for water heater; 4,790,289, entitled: Sediment agitating apparatus for water heater; 4,260, 110, entitled: Spray nozzle, devices containing the same and apparatus for making such devices; 4,976,004, entitled: Apparatus and method for cleaning hot water heater tanks; 4,566,406, entitled: Sludge removing apparatus for a steam generator; and, 4,505,231, entitled: Water heater construction with sediment removal means. All of these references are entirely incorporated herein by reference for the express purpose of aiding the person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the instant invention. .Another problem associated with the continuous removal of sediment from the water heater tank is that the sediment is carried out of the tank into plumbing lines downstream from the tank. This sediment can collect in plumbing, such as solenoids in dishwashers, clothes washer, faucet aerators, shower heads, etc. which can necessitate costly repairs. .Another problem associated with the continuous removal of sediment from the water heater, is that the sediment can find its way into the water to be consumed. These particles of sediment, although not harmful, can find their way into or onto hair, dishes, clothes, etc.

In some prior art heaters the incoming water supply is directed towards the base so as to dislodge and disperse the particulate sediment. Another method of dispersal of sediment involves use of a special nozzle that creates a swirling action. This special no.zzle or turbulator is attached at the lower end of a water supply pipe, typically called a dip tube. The dispersed sediment is then evacuated from the water heater through the hot water outlet. The sediment is next discharged at the hot water faucet or is trapped in the faucet strainers. The sediment trapped in the strainers must eventually be cleaned by unscrewing the strainer. Other heaters have a manually operated sediment drain valve to drain the accumulated sediment from the bottom of the water heater.

It would be of great advantage to provide the art of water heating, with an effective arrangement for periodically sweeping the entire water-side surface of a water heater otherwise prone to accumulate a deposit of sediment, with feed water and drain it from the water heater. The present invention constitutes a sediment flushing apparatus for a water heater tank that seeks to overcome the problems resulting from sediment collection in the bottom of a water heater tank Wahile at the same time providing a simple, easily constructed design that does not adversely affect either the heated water, the downstream equipment, and which is inexpensive to operate and maintain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved self cleaning hot water heater having bottom preferably in the shape of an upright or inverted conical section, an automatic drain valve at a lower portion of the bottom, and a feed water conduit for sweeping the substantial entirety of the water-side surface (e.g., inside the water heater) of the bottom. The end of the feed water conduit directs the water to sweep any sediment accumulation from the substantial entire water- side surface and down to the automatic drain valve at the substantial lowest point of the bottom. The automatic drain valve is controlled by a timer and a microprocessor for periodically opening and flushing out the sediment from the bottom. The water-side surface is preferably inclined at an angle of about 45° from the horizontal to aid in flushing and directing sediment to the bottom drain valve. This flushing action occurs when either the drain valve is opened or a hot water valve in the piping system is opened. The invention can be applied to both electric and gas hot water heaters. Other objects, advantages, and capabilities of the present invention will become more apparent as the description proceeds

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a front elevation of the present electric water heater. Figure 2 is a top section view of Figure 1 taken along lines 2-2. Figure 3 is a front elevation and section view of a gas-fired water heater. Figure 4 is a top section view of Figure 3 taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a front elevation of an alternate embodiment of the lower section of the electric water heater of Figure 1. Figure 6 is a front elevation of an alternate embodiment of the lower section of the gas- fired water heater of Figure 3. Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the invention to enable retrofitting of prior art electric water heaters so as to practice the invention. Figure 8 shows yet another embodiment of the invention to enable retrofitting of prior art gas water heaters so as to practice the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention will be described by refeπing to Figures 1 and 2. This improved electric water heater 10 has a cylindrical upper section 15 and a conical lower section 20 that has a slope angle α of preferably about 45° from the horizontal. The bottom of the cone 20 has an elbow 25 connecting to manual ball valve 30 and then to the automatic solenoid operated drain valve 35. Drain valve 35 is actuated by timer/microprocessor 40 wliich can be adjusted for the length of valve opening and the time of day.

The water heater temperature is set by electric heaters 45 and adjustable temperature microprocessor 50. For clarity, the drawing does not show heater insulation which would cover .all sections of the heater and hot water pipe 60. Penetrating the heater top section 65 are pressure and temperature relief valves 70, cold water inlet pipe 75, and anode 80. A hand hole cover 85 provides across to the tank interior for manual cleaning and inspection.

Referring now to Figure 2, the dip tube elbow 90 is shown directing cold water horizontally so as to swirl the incoming water around the top of conical section 20, thereby aiding the deposition of sediment 95 in the lower portion of cone 20. This water jet 100 occurs whenever water exits hot water pipe 60 shown by arrow 105 or the drain valve 35 is opened. In both cases this allows water to enter cold water pipe 75 as shown at arrow 110 and creates the jets 100, sized, positioned and designed to sweep the substantially entire water-side surface of cone 20.

The present invention water heater has convex top 120 and vertical sides of preferably about 40 inches. The conical portion as shown in Figure 1 is preferably about 12 inches in height and terminates at the bottom at a 1.5 inch outlet connected to a 90° elbow 25. A bell reducer reduces the piping preferably from about 1.5 inches to about 1.25 inches. The stainless steel ball valve 30 is used to isolate the stainless solenoid valve 35 for maintenance or replacement. The tank is about 2 feet in diameter and has a volume of about 33 gallons. The tanks can be manufactured in sizes different from the above dimensions.

The stainless steel inlet dip tube 75 teπninates at the 90° elbow 90 about one inch above the conical section. Three legs 125 support the tank and can therefore accommodate uneven floors. The preferred tank material is stainless steel surrounded by foam insulation and tliin metal shell.

Typically, the electrical components preferably include two 4500 watt heaters 45, temperature microprocessor 50, solenoid valve 35 and timer and valve microprocessor 40. It should be note that the wattage and number of may heaters vary according to tank size. Timer and valve microprocessor 40 is adjusted to activate solenoid valve 35 for varying durations and frequencies depending on the hardness of the water and amount of particulate residue in the water. For instance, the timer can be set to actuate the solenoid valve 35 for about 3 seconds during the middle of the night. Depending on water pressure and component sizes, in this 3 -second period about one cubic foot of water would be discharged to the drain. This one cubic foot of water would drain only the cool water located in the lower conical section 20. The hot water above the lower heater 45 would not be discharged since heater 45 is about 4 inches above cone 20.

The gas fired water heater will be described by referring to Figures 3 and 4. This improved gas water heater 140 has a cylindrical upper section 145 and a conical lower section 150 that has a slope angle β, preferably of about 45° from the horizontal. The bottom of the inverted cone 150 is adjacent to an elbow 155 connecting to manual ball valve 160 and then to the automatic solenoid operated drain valve 165. Drain valve 165 is actuated by timer/microprocessor 170 which can be adjusted for the length of valve opening and the time of day. The burners which heat the gas water heater are position at least about 10 inches from the floor according to typical regulation.

The water heater temperature is set by gas control valve 175, circular gas jet 176, and adjustable temperature microprocessor 180. For clarity, the drawing does not show heater insulation which would cover all sections of the heater and hot water pipe 185. .Also penetrating the heater top section 186 are pressure and temperature relief valves 190, cold water inlet pipe 195, and anode 200. The flue pipe 201 penetrates the center of the top section 186 and extends down to the inverted cone 150. Within flue pipe 201, there is a tubing coil 202 that by convection moves cool water at inlet 203 to an outlet near the top cover 186 (not shown). A handhole cover 205 provides across to the tank interior for manual cleaning and inspection.

Referring now to Figure 4 the dip tube tee 210 is shown directing cold feed water preferably in two directions so as sweep the substantial entirety of the conical section 150, thereby transporting sediment 215 to the lowest portion 220 of conical section 150. This feed water sweep 225 is activated whenever water exits hot water pipe 185 shown by arrow 230, or when drain valve 165 is opened. In both cases this permits water to enter cold water pipe 195 as shown at arrow 235 and creates sweep jets 225. This gas water heater has convex top 186 and vertical sides of about 40 inches. The conical portion 150 as shown in Figure 3 is about 8 inches below the bottom of flue 210 on the left side 240 and about 12 inches below the flue on lower side 220. A 1.5 inch outlet and a 90° elbow 155 are connected adjacent to the bottom of the cone 150. A bell reducer reduces the piping from 1.5 inches to 1.25 inches. The stainless steel ball valve 160 is used to isolate the stainless solenoid valve 165 for maintenance or replacement. The tank is about 2 feet in diameter and has a volume of about 33 gallons. The stainless steel inlet dip tube terminates at the branch of two outlets emanating from the 90° tee 210. The first outlet directs sweep water through a plurality of jets which are sized, positioned, designed for sweeping the entire water-side surface of the cone 150. A second optional outlet emanating from the 90° tee 210 is about one inch above the bottom of the conical section 150 and is sized, positioned, designed for transporting sediment which has been swept from the water-side surface of the cone, to and out though, drain valve 165. Three legs support the tank and can therefore accommodate uneven floors. The prefeired tank material is stainless steel surrounded by foam insulation and a thin outer metal shell. The electrical components consist of solenoid valve 165 and timer and valve microprocessor 170. Timer and valve microprocessor 170 is adjusted to activate solenoid valve 165 for varying durations and frequencies depending on the hardness of the water and amount of particulate residue in the water. Moreover, solenoid valve 165 can be adjusted for the length of valve opening and the time

of day.

.Although the materials referred to for construction are stainless steel, a less expensive heater could be made from a glass-lined carbon steel body using copper pipe and bronze valves. Figures 5 and 6 show alternate embodiments of the lower section of the water tanks shown in Figures 1 and 3, respectfully. Lower section 175 of the electric water heater is shown having sloped walls 180. Sloped walls 180 are preferably at about 45 degrees from horizontal. The angle of the sloped walls varies along the height of the walls 180.

Lower section 185 of the gas water heater is shown having sloped walls 190. Sloped walls 190 are preferably about 45 degrees from horizontal. The angle of the sloped walls varies along the height of the walls 190.

Figure 6 depicts a conduit aπangement for enabling an artisan to retrofit a prior art electric water heater so as to practice the present invention. Specifically shown is dip tube 302. At its upper end, the dip tube includes a standard flange. The diameter of the dip tube may range from about 1/4" to about 1 V.ⁿ, depending upon the inlet size of the water heater tank. A V_" or 3/4" inlet size is most typical. Not specifically depicted on the uppermost end of the dip tube 302 is a standard tube flange (e.g., at about 301). Further depicted is resiliently deformable manifold member 306, including spaced and critically directed nozzles 303. Connector 304 is any standard connector that can be used to mount resiliently deformable manifold member 306 to a metal dip tube 302. As noted above, the nozzles are critically sized, spaced and designed to sweep the entire water- side surface of conical surface 307 sufficient to transport any sediment accumulated thereon, to and through, outlet 308. The closed donut or torroid design is merely representative of any geometry which provides the function of critically directing the nozzles 303 sufficient to sweep the entire inner surface of conical member 307. Another preferred design not depicted here contemplates a substantially straight resiliently deformable manifold which extends from the connector 304 to the outlet 308. In this embodiment the manifold is unifoπnly spaced slightly above the inner surface of the conical member 307; the no.zzles 303 are equally spaced; and, are positioned substantially parallel to the inner surface and directed slightly downwardly relative to the plane of the base of the conical member 307.

Installation is as follows: The resiliently deformable manifold member 306 is connected to dip tube 302 in a substantially fluid tight relationship and in an orientation sufficient to provide the critical direction of nozzles 303 (e.g., the dip tube 302 should be installed so as to be substantially parallel to the plane of the resiliently deformable manifold member 306 when sweep water is passing through it). The proper alignment of the manifold relative to the dip tube may be assured by providing prepositioned marks respectively on the manifold and dip tube which may be aligned upon installation. The resiliently deformable manifold member 306 is then deformed sufficient to enable it to be inserted into the water heater tank through the feed water inlet. The dip tube 302 is then rotated sufficient so as to properly orient the deformable manifold member 306 relative to the inner surface of conical member 307. This can be accomplished by aligning positioning mark (not shown) on the dip tube 302 slightly above connector 301 with a positioning mark (not shown) on the top of the tank of the water heater. The connector 301 is then tightened sufficiently to form a fluid tight seal at the point at which the dip tube 302 passes into the tank of the water heater. Figure 7 depicts a conduit arrangement for enabling an artisan to retrofit a prior art gas water heater so as to practice the present invention. Specifically shown is dip tube 402. At its upper end, the dip tube includes a standard flange. The diameter of the dip tube may range from about 1/4" to about 1 77, depending upon the inlet size of the water heater tank. A V." or 3/4" inlet size is most typical. Not specifically depicted on the uppermost end of the dip tube 402 is a standard tube flange (e.g., at about 401). Further depicted is resiliently deformable manifold member 406, including spaced and critically directed nozzles 403. In this embodiment the resiliently deformable manifold member 406 is formed in the shape of a donut or torroid having a break in it at about 408, for accommodating installation of the manifold sufficient to encircle flue pipe 410 of the gas water heater. The ends of the manifold at the break (at 408) are blanked-off in fluid tight seals. Connector 404 is any standard connector, such as a stainless steel wire clamp, that can be used to mount resiliently deformable manifold member 406 to metal dip tube 402. In the case of a Two (2) piece manifold, the connector 404 is a Tee. Where a One (1) piece manifold is desirable, the connector 404 is an elbow. As noted above, the nozzles are critically sized, spaced and designed to sweep the entire surface of conical surface 407 within the water heater tank sufficient to transport any sediment accumulated thereon, to and through, outlet 409 when the dip tube assembly is properly installed. The broken donut or torroid design is merely representative of any geometry which provides the function of critically directing the nozzles 403 sufficient to sweep the entire inner surface of conical member 407. In the case were the manifold is designed to inflate under increased internal pressure when feed water is caused to pass into the tank through the feed water inlet; and, to deflate under decreased internal pressure when the feed water flow stopped; optional tabs 411 may be provided on the manifold itself or welded to the inner surface of the conical member 407, so as to ensure that the deflated manifold does not directly contact the heated water-side inner surface of conical member 407 when deflated.

Installation is as follows: The resiliently deformable manifold members 406 are connected to dip tube 402 in a substantially fluid tight relationship and in an orientation sufficient to provide the critical direction of nozzles 403 (e.g., the dip tube 402 should be installed so as to be substantially parallel to the plane of the resiliently deformable manifold members 406 when sweep water is passing through it). The figure also depicts optional no.zzle 405 which is positioned to direct a substantially strong jet of feed water positioned to create a substantial tangential flow against the outer wall so as to aid in transporting swept sediment to outlet 409. As in the case above, the proper alignment of the separate manifold sections relative to the dip tube is assured by providing prepositioned marks respectively on the manifold sections (or manifold, as in the case of a One (1) piece manifold option noted elsewhere herein) and dip tube and may be aligned upon installation. Here it should be noted that the break 408 can be provided in any place along resiliently deformable manifold members 406. As noted above, an alternate embodiment contemplates a one piece manifold that is blanked off at one end and connected to the lower most end of the dip tube by an elbow (rather than a Tee, as disclosed above). The only proviso here is that the break 408 be sufficient to enable the manifold to be positioned around the flue pipe 410 once the entire dip tube assembly is inserted through the feed water inlet of the tank. The resiliently defoπnable

manifold member 406 is then deformed sufficient to enable it to be inserted into the water heater tank through the feed water inlet. The manifold then is pressed against the flue pipe 410 at break 408 so it is sufficiently deformed so as to encircle the flue pipe 410. The dip tube assembly is then rotated sufficient so as to properly orient the deformable manifold member 406 relative to the water-side surface of conical member 407. As in the case above, this can be accomplished by aligning positioning mark (not shown) on the dip tube 402 slightly above connector 401 with a positioning mark (not shown) on the top of the tank of the water heater. The connector 401 is then tightened sufficiently to form a fluid tight seal at the point at which the dip tube 402 passes into the tank of the water heater.

It should be noted that the nozzles disclosed in all embodiments above, may be in the form of any fluid directing design including angled holes or slits disposed in the manifold. The only proviso here is that such nozzles be sized, spaced, dimensioned and positioned within the tank, or otherwise possess the capacity, for sweeping the substantial entirety of the water side surface sufficient to sweep any deposition of sediment that has deposited on it.

Materials of Construction

In addition to those disclosed above, the present invention contemplates all conventional materials of construction for the various conventional structural components of the invention, including but not limited to those disclosed in U.S. Patents disclosed above. As to the elastomer embodiment of the instant "defoimably resilient" structural member(s); the invention contemplates any elastomer which can effectively aid in performing the function sweeping a substantially entire upwardly or downwardly opening surface. .Although substantially any elastomer would be suitable for this function, polysiloxane elastomers are preferred.

Definitions

The term "water side" as used herein relates to the inside, water-contacting surface of the tank of the present invention.

The term "downwardly opening" as used herein relates to any geometric shape, as exemplified by a cone resting on its base, having a surface area which increases relative to a first point on its vertical radial axis as compared to any point below such first point. A pyramid resting on its base, e.g., would also be downwardly opening in accordance with this definition. Curved surfaces, e.g., a hemisphere are also contemplated by the invention within the meaning of the term "geometric

shape."

The term "upwardly opening" as used herein relates to any geometric shape, as exemplified by a cone resting on its apex, having a surface area which decreases relative to a first point on its vertical radial axis as compared to any point below such first point. A pyramid resting on its apex, e.g., would also be upwardly opening in accordance with this definition. Curved surfaces, e.g., a hemisphere are also contemplated by the invention within the meaning of the term "geometric shape J

The term "upwardly or downwardly opening" as used herein relates either upwardly opening or downwardly opening, in the alternative.

The term "deformably resilient" as used herein relates to embodiments which enable retrofitting of prior art water heaters in order to practice the instant invention. Broadly, the term relates to the capacity of a structural member to be deformed when subjected to a stress; and, to revert back (or be reverted back) to its substantial original shape when not subjected to such stress. More specifically, the term is intended to relate to any mechanical or chemical properties which enable one end of a dip tube to be sufficiently deformed prior to insertion through an opening in the tank of a water heater; but, enable sufficient restoration of the original shape of the one end sufficient for it perform the prescribed function of sweeping an entire surface with feed water. Mechanical properties contemplated by the invention within the meaning of this definition are those characteristic of, e.g., a ball joint. Chemical properties contemplated by the invention within the meaning of this definition are those characterized by any elastomer which is deformably resilient under the conditions of temperature and pressure as they exist witliin a typical water heater. This includes the circumstance under which a flexible elastomeric is made structurally rigid under internal water pressure as in the case of a manifold which may be inflated and deflated under internal water pressure. While the present invention has been described by reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent that other alternative embodiments and methods of implementation or modification may be employed without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Having described a preferred embodiment of our invention, what we claim and desire to secure by U.S. letters patent is:

1. A water heater comprising: a water tank including a bottom having a water side surface formed of an upwardly or downwardly opening geometric shape having an outlet at substantially the lowest point thereof; a conduit aπangement having a first end and a second end, for passing sweep water through a wall of said tank from outside said tank to the inside of said tank; said second end including a first sweeping aπangement sized, spaced, dimensioned and positioned within said tank for sweeping the substantial entirety of said water side surface sufficient to sweep any deposition of sediment from thereon; and, a control aπangement for periodically enabling and periodically disabling flow of said sweep water.

2. The water heater of claim 1, wherein said conduit aπangement further comprises a manifold including a plurality of spray nozzles designed, sized, and spaced thereamong to enable sweeping of the substantial entirety of said water side surface.

3. The water heater of claim 1 wherein the means for heating the water is an electric heater.

4. The water heater of claim 1 wherein the means for heating the water is a gas burner.

5. The water heater of claim 1 further including a discharge valve in said outlet.

6. The water heater of claim 5 further includes a timer/microprocessor for periodically opening and closing said discharge valve.

7. A conduit for passing sweep water through a wall of the tank of a typical water heater that includes a bottom having a water side surface formed in the general shape of an upwardly or downwardly opening geometric shape having an outlet at substantially the lowest point thereof; from outside said tank to the inside of said tank; said conduit comprising: a first end including a substantially fluid tight connection for fixing said conduit to said tank after insertion of said conduit into said tank; a second end including a substantially fluid tight connection for fixing a sweep water manifold a resiliently deformable material; wherein said conduit is sized, spaced and dimensioned for positioning said sweep water manifold witliin said tank to sweep the substantial entirety of said water side surface sufficient to sweep any deposition of sediment from thereon after said conduit is fixed to and inside said tank and said sweep water manifold is fixed to said conduit.

8. The conduit of claim 7 wherein the means for heating the water is an electric heater.

9. The conduit of claim 7 wherein the means for heating the water is a gas burner.

10. The conduit of claim 7 wherein said water heater further includes a discharge valve in said outlet.

11. The conduit of claim 8 wherein said water heater further includes a timer/microprocessor for periodically opening and closing said discharge valve.

12. A sweep water manifold fixable to a conduit for passing sweep water through a wall of the tank of a typical water heater that includes a bottom having a water side surface formed in the general shape of an upwardly or downwardly opening geometric shape having an outlet at substantially the lowest point thereof; from outside said tank to the inside of said tank; said manifold comprising: a first end for fixably foπning a substantially fluid tight connection to said conduit; and, a plurality of spray nozzles spaced along said manifold for spraying sweep water theretahrough; wherein said manifold is sized, spaced and dimensioned for sweeping the substantial entirety of said water side surface sufficient to sweep any deposition of sediment from thereon after said conduit is fixed to and inside said tank and said sweep water manifold is fixed to said conduit.

13. The manifold of claim 12, wherein said manifold is formed of a resiliently deformable material.

14. The manifold of claim 12 wherein the means for heating the water is an electric heater.

15. The manifold of claim 12 wherein the means for heating the water is a gas burner.

16. The manifold of claim 12 wherein said water heater further includes a discharge valve in said outlet.

17. The manifold of claim 16 wherein said water heater further includes a timer/microprocessor for periodically opening and closing said discharge valve.

18. The manifold of claim 13, wherein said resiliently deformable material is an elastomer.

19. The manifold of claim 18, wherein said elastomer is a polysiloxane.