Originally Posted by
Michael Thomas
The flue baffle ("turbulator") detached from its support at its upper end, fell down into contact with the burners, and melted.
Michael,
Correct, but I always thought that was a strange name as its purpose is to help create a vortex spiral of hot combustion by-products so it goes up the center flue better. Otherwise, there could be turbulence created in the flue, causing a 'boiling up' effect in the air, reducing the efficiency of the upward flow.
At least that's what I learned many years ago (Bob H. will correct me if this is incorrect
).