Industrial heaters are an important element of all industrial processes. No production can take place without heat transfer. This is why it is important to know about the types of heaters available in the industry and know which apply to your purpose. The main ways industrial heaters operate are by using mechanisms of heat transfer such as conduction, convection, and radiation. They always require a source of energy, and they can be energy-intensive to run if you choose the wrong type. The main industries in which they are used are food production, chemical production, the medical industry, and construction. Here is a rundown on the available different types of industrial heaters:
Immersion heaters
These are mainly used to keep liquids heated, as is suggested by the name. They are popular in the chemical and food production industries, where different liquids need to be maintained at highly specific temperatures. They use conduction for the heating, and they are generally electric. Immersion heaters can be portable and versatile. They can be mounted in a number of different ways.
Circulation heaters
These are also used for the purpose of heating fluids. However, they are different from the way immersion heaters operate. Immersion heaters are mainly conductive rods that are kept submerged in the fluid they are heating. Circulation heaters work by containing the fluid within their pipes and releasing it through valves. They are used to keep liquids heated during movement or transport, such as within factories, or in oil and gas production.
Cartridge heaters
These are extremely useful in a number of processes. They are mainly used to heat up solids, and they consist of a narrow rod that can fit closely in many environments. They are also capable of heating up to a high degree of accuracy, which makes them ideal for usage in laboratories. Cartridge heaters are often used in food production and within larger components such as gearboxes. They can even be fitted with materials that make them capable of heating liquids.
Duct or space heaters
These are the heaters that we are most familiar with. They are used in homes as part of HVAC systems. They are used to heat up the air passing through them. Their wattage is largely flexible. Duct heaters used in homes have low wattage, but industrial ones have high wattage. They vary greatly in the specification and even operation between industry to industry. You need to get them custom-installed for your specific purpose.
Pipe heaters
These are made of conductive wires or metal running through an insulated tube or pipe. They provide a low degree of heat, and they can be used for finer applications such as keeping aquariums heated or maintaining a steady, low temperature.
Industrial heaters are some of the oldest and most reliable components in the process of production. There is a wide variety of them available, and one must do research to find the ideal make for their purpose. Knowing about the types of heaters should be helpful as a starting point.