Process heating is an integral role for most of the manufacturing industries. Industrial heaters are used to convert energy from fuel or other sources into heat. This thermal energy then passes to the system through the heat transfer process.
Industrial heaters are available in various shapes, sizes, form-factors, ratings, configurations, etc. We will classify types of industrial heaters them based on its applications, physical properties, fuel sources, mediums, and so on as follows:
1. Types of Heaters:
• Tubular Heaters
• Duct Heaters
• Circulation Heaters
• Strip Heaters
• Ring Heaters
• Band Heaters
• Space Heaters
• Immersion Heaters
• Flexible Heaters
• Corrugation Heater
• Cartridge Heaters
• Custom Built Heaters
• Coil Heaters
2. Fuel Source:
Common types of heaters will be classified by their fuel source include; electric heaters, gas/propane heaters and oil heaters.
3. Medium:
Common types of heaters described by the medium that they are used to heat include:
• Water Heaters
• Air Heaters
4. Configuration of Industrial Heaters:
These features define the configuration and operation of industrial heaters and help you select the best one for your process heating requirements.
• Heating Capacity: Heating capacity will be specified in kilowatts. It depends on the mass of the fluid, its specific heat capacity, change in temperature, and time taken to attain the temperature.
• Maximum Operating Temperature: maximum operating temperature, is the rated temperature of the heating element. Material properties and heater design affect the maximum temperature a heater element can attain.
• Pressure Rating: Maximum operating pressure at which the water, oil, or fluid heaters can be operated.
• Maximum Air Flow: Maximum airflow is required for all air heaters and defines the total volume that it can heat.
• Sleeve (Sheath) Material: Most heaters use sleeves that protect and cover the heating elements.
5. Industrial Heater Applications:
Application areas of industrial heaters are endless. Here are some of the key applications industries that utilize them in some form or the other:
• Chemical Industries
• Petroleum
• Water Treatment
• Oil & Gas Industry
• Nuclear Power Plants
• Food and beverage industry
• Plasma Heating Furnaces
• Industrial Ovens
• Steam Generation
• Polymer & plastic industries
• Rubber Industries
• Textile Plants