A Circulation Heater as a Complete Heating System

A circulation heater is a complete heating system that can be set up in-line or in a closed-loop configuration. This makes them the heating element of choice in applications such as military, off-shore, commercial, and industrial operations. There are several components that combine together in such a heater. It comprises a set of pre-assembled heating elements, terminal housing, insulated pressurized receptacle, inlet and outlet channels that are threaded for securing a connection, and other mounting components.

These heaters allow the user to set up a compact heating unit that starts working instantly. Immersion heaters are the most common heat source within a circulation-type heater. These heaters can be used in a myriad of applications for heating air, gases, water, liquid chemicals, fuels, oils, solvents, and so on. Such heaters are also used for maintaining the right viscosity of materials in the plastic injection molding process. They need to be specifically engineered according to the process they are used in.

Here are some major advantages of a circulation heater:

• They cause minimal heat loss because the heat is instantly passed on to the process material. The insulation on the vessel further prevents heat loss from taking place.
• Such heaters are fitted with a thermostat, allowing the user to precisely control the amount of heat that needs to be generated. This makes for a more energy-efficient heating process.
• They can be installed in several different configurations, making them an extremely versatile heating element in all types of industries.
• The heater(s) can be set up in a short time by a single person. Setting up the inlet and outlet connections and securing the electric screw terminals are the two crucial steps in the installation process. They start functioning almost immediately.
• If maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, such heaters provide an exceptionally long service life. Just get them checked for efficiencies from time-to-time for nominal costs to enjoy their services for several years at a stretch.

How should you choose the best circulation heater?

Whether it is circulation or immersion heaters, some basic guidelines should be followed when selecting heaters. Speaking specifically of a circulation-type heater, it is important to first evaluate the requirements of your application. The nature of your application has a direct bearing on the selection of the vessel material, process temperature, the heating capacity of the heater and its watt density, and the sheath of the heating element. For instance, if you need to heat highly corrosive solutions, you might need to use Incoloy heater material for optimal performance. Also, you would need to consider other factors such as indoor or outdoor usage.

Also, it is vital to choose heaters that comply to codes and standards such as ASME, UL, the NEC, and so on. Selecting the right circulation heater is a task best performed in consultation with an experienced distributor of industrial heating products.