All About Tubular Heaters
Last updated on October 11th, 2023 at 09:08 pm
In process heating, tubular heaters fall in the category of electric heaters usually having high surface temperatures within a preheated segment of a machine. They use infrared radiation along with air flow for transferring heat to a liquid or gaseous medium. Not just this, but these are also used in a variety of applications; one of which being used for the greenhouse process to provide heat to the plants, in a closed room or synthetic gardens, and within birds and animal cages.
Heating Elements
Heating elements of tubular products are factory configured and are properly tested prior to their launch in market. These are available in different sizes and shapes, designed according to the heating devices they are to be applied for. Elements used during manufacturing of these heaters are similar to that of others namely titanium, Incoloy, Inconel, steel and stainless steel. The exterior sheath material uses robust technology and sturdier alloy so as to withstand physical strain and for protection against heat.
Technical Insight
The watt density, size, shape and sheath of each tubular heater and its related elements vary as per their application. These are used during the industrial process of conduction, convection and radiation in which the temperature surpasses beyond 750 degree centigrade to heat several solids, liquids and gases.
Terminal pins manufacturing follows industrial regulations. However, they can vary upon request for easy installation and overall maintenance of the device. For best performance and output, superior quality magnesium oxide (MgO) transfers heat in an efficient way via coil, directly to the source.
Additional technical details are provided below:
- Manufacturing of cold sections is also available upon request
- Maximum flexibility for better performance and watt density range can be as high as 120 WPSI but only on request
- Thick and sturdier sheath material is also available for rigorous applications
Common Applications 
Below is a table which highlights in detail about the application of each tubular heating device according to the sheath material.
| Sheath Material | Applications |
| Copper | Tubular heaters having copper based sheath material are ideal for use in water, oil and grease to provide the right amount of heat. As well as to stabilize the viscosity. |
| Steel | For stronger applications like in tars, air heating solution, asphalt and alkaline cleaning fluids, steel sheath material is ideal. |
| Stainless Steel | Stainless steel is effective for mediums that are corrosive and may develop a layer of sludge or rust without proper treatment. Acidic fluids, food processing and radiant heating solutions are commonly heated with stainless steel covering. |
| Incoloy | Anti-corrosive and sturdy, Incoloy heating devices can withstand caustic fluids and cleaning/degreasing liquids. |
| Inconel | This is common in plating and picking solution along with acidic medium. |
| Titanium | The stronger sheath material uses a titanium flange which is durable and prone to deterioration. Common applications include almost all types of acidic and harmful liquids. |
Benefits
Check out below for all the benefits you can get out of tubular heaters and its use:
- Advance controlling mechanism for precise heat transfer and temperature maintenance
- Compact size that makes it easy to install, clean, maintain and even replace in case of damage without seizing the production period for a longer term
- Available in different shapes and sizes with each category specifically designed with robust technology for longer durability of the product
Please visit https://www.wattco.com/product_category/tubular-heaters/ or more details.