Last updated on November 2nd, 2022 at 03:17 pm

Whether it’s for decontamination or fluid circulation purposes, circulation heaters (a.k.a inline heaters) have numerous applications. These industrial heaters also come with their unique benefits. This post will examine the advantages of circulation heaters in various industrial settings. 

High Energy-Efficiency

Circulation heaters, namely electric ones, are 100% energy-efficient due to their operation. They use a process known as electric resistance heating, which converts all of the heater’s electric energy into heat. That heat then flows from the unit into a tank or room that needs it. That is far more efficient than standard fuel circulation heaters, which only convert 30% of their energy into electricity.  

With circulation heaters, the total conversion of electricity into usable heat has financial and environmental benefits. First, there’s no wasting of energy, meaning more heat is produced without spending more money. Also, the fact that electric circulation heaters waste no energy reduces carbon footprint. 

Protects Thermal Insulation 

Whether you’re heating a working space or a vessel, poor insulation leads to energy wasting. Essentially, you lose heat, requiring a higher energy output to maintain adequate temperatures for your processes. That brings about increased business costs and can impact the environment more. 

Circulation heaters use 100% of the electricity they produce to generate heat, which, in itself, reduces thermal losses. However, some circulation heaters use digital thermocouple probes or RTDs, allowing them to maintain sufficient temperature of liquids or air.

Additionally, many circulation heaters come with preset watt densities. Choosing a heater with the right watt density influences the unit’s flow rate, preventing excessive thermal loss.

Provides High Dielectric Strength

Dielectric strength refers to the electric strength of insulating materials. A material (or substance) with high dielectric strength has properties that break down enough to allow for a sufficient flow of charge. The more the charge can flow through the material, the more thermal insulation there will be. That is advantageous. 

Circulation heaters – like our own line of units – produce maximum dielectric strength. Any vessel you attach the circulation heater to will receive a higher energy output. Ultimately, fluids in your vessels and tanks will maintain your desired (or necessary) temperatures. Of course, this also helps you save on heating costs since the heater reduces heat loss. 

Circulation Heaters Provide Even Heat Distribution 

Heat distribution is a complex process, and the efficient distribution of heat relies on different mechanisms. They may include:

• Convention 
• Conduction 
• Irradiation 

However, poor distribution makes it a costly and inefficient unit regardless of how a heater distributes heat. A standard efficacy measurement is whether thermal mass covers at least 50% of an enclosed space. Anything less is likely insufficient. Also, if there are significant temperature imbalances within an area, the heat distribution in that space is likely poor. 

Circulation heaters distribute heat evenly (and quickly) so that an enclosed space or vessel has proper thermal coverage. These changes also happen in response to operator changes at the control panel. 

Circulation Heaters Serve a Variety of Industrial Applications 

Circulation heaters are designed to serve a wide range of purposes and applications. Any process requiring superior heat transfer and even distribution can benefit from circulation heaters. 

For example, you can use circulation heaters in various terminal enclosures. They include those used for general purposes, weather/moisture-resistance and explosion-proof applications. 

Regarding specific applications, you can use circulation heaters for water heating, freeze protection, and waste-oil operations. One key consideration is that the material in a circulation heater must be suitable for the application you want to use it for.

Using Circulation Heaters for Your Industrial Processes

Circulation heaters are a cost-efficient solution for various industrial processes that require heat. They generate significant heat levels with low wastage and can serve as an add-on for immersion heaters. Circulation heaters can provide water, oil, and gas heat and are easy to install for various applications. 

Are you looking for a circulation heater for your industrial applications? Get in touch with us for a quote.