Tube heaters are a type of electric heating element that are used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. These heaters are provide efficient and reliable heat to a specific area or object. This makes them a popular choice for many businesses and manufacturing facilities.
Different Types Of Tube Heaters
There are several types of these units, each designed to meet specific heating needs and requirements:
- Infrared tube heaters: These heaters use infrared radiation to provide heat to a specific area or object. Infrared heaters often heat warehouses and factories.
- Finned tube heaters: These heaters consist of a heating element surrounded by fins to increase heat transfer. The fins help to dissipate heat into the surrounding air, making them ideal for heating large spaces or for use in outdoor environments.
- Ceramic tube heaters: These heaters use a ceramic heating element to provide heat. Ceramic heaters are durable. They also have high-temperature capability, making them ideal for use in harsh industrial process such as drying and molding products.
- Quartz tube heaters: These heaters use a quartz heating element to provide heat. Quartz heaters are capable of reaching high-temperatures. This makes them ideal for use in melting and refining processes.
Each type of tube heater has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right type of heater will depend on the specific heating needs and requirements of the application.
Pull Through vs Push Through Heaters
Pull-through (negative pressure) infrared heaters, draw air through the heater and pulls it through the tube, which elongates the flame down the tube. Its fan is in the flue end of the tube, providing efficient heating. This type of heater is often used in applications where air flow is limited.
Push-through (positive pressure) infrared heaters, push air through the tube via a blower in the burner box. Its fan is in the induction end of the tube, providing efficient heating. This type of heater is often used in applications where air flow is abundant.
The choice between pull-through or push-through infrared heater will depend on the specific heating needs and requirements of the application. Both types of heaters offer efficient heating. The choice will depend on factors such as the availability of air flow, the size of the heating area, and noise requirements.
Heater Controls
A tube heater typically uses thermostatic controls to regulate the temperature of the air or liquid passing through the heater. The controls consist of a temperature sensor, a control system, and a power control mechanism. Temperature sensors are usually a thermocouple or a thermistor that measures the temperature of the air or liquid passing through the heater.
The control system uses the information from the temperature sensor to determine when to turn the power on and off. This allows it to maintain the desired temperature. The power control mechanism is usually an electric valve or a switch that regulates the flow of electricity to the heater. Some tube heaters may also have additional features such as timers, temperature displays, and remote control capabilities.
Radiant Tube Heaters
Radiant tube heaters are a type of heating system that work by radiating heat from a long, metal tube. The tube is usually stainless steel and fills with a gas, such as propane or natural gas. A heating element burns this gas to heat the tube. The heat from the tube then radiates into the surrounding space, warming the area.
Radiant tube heaters are commonly used in industrial and commercial settings, such as workshops, garages, and warehouses. They are a popular choice for heating large, open areas where other heating methods, such as forced-air systems, are not effective. They are also popular for use in outdoor settings, such as patios, to provide warmth and comfort in colder weather.
Common Failures
According to the Certified Commercial Property Inspectors Association,
“Since these units are on the ceiling, access may be difficult. Inspectors may choose to use binoculars, an advanced zoom camera, or a very tall ladder to access one. The most common failure occurs at the flue end of the system. The upward transition between the tube and the flue system can often be found to be rusty or disconnected. There can also be failures in the igniter or gas valve, and this is why each unit should be operated during the inspection.”
