Turbulator is for improved heat transfer. Without it, you could have laminar airflow. That means only the boundary layer of hot gases would be in contact with the heat exchanger walls. By creating turbulence, more heat rubs against the heat exhanger, thus improving efficiency.

The current theory is that smoke follows a spiral pattern on its own, all this considered equal. May have something to do with the Coriolis Effect. The turbulator does not speed up gases--it slows them down allowing more time for heat transfer. It adds flue restriction.

The question for this water heater pictured is: did the turbulator fall on its own somehow then get all melted and distorted or was the unit overfired, which resulted in this condition?Either way, the base of the tank may have been stressed to where it will soon fail. Probably ought to replace the entire unit.

Bob

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