Tubular Heater Application Basics

The Component Tubular Heaters, depending on mounting provisions and configurations, are suitable for use in solids, liquids, air, and gases. These heaters provide the most design versatility of any electric heater construction. Tubular Heaters because of their compacted MgO insulation construction can reach fairly high sheath temperatures, however, the successful application of these heaters is primarily dependent on the end use.

A major advantage of Tubular Heaters is the ability to form into custom shapes. Bend radii as small as 1/2 the tube diameter is possible depending on the heater tube material, configuration, and application.

Solids heating can be accomplished by clamping of Tubular Heaters to the heated object surface. Good surface contact is required in order to prevent localized overheating. Due to the round cross section of the heater, often a groove is machined into the solid and the heater pressed into the groove. Heaters can be configured with a flat surface pressed into the heater surface, certain shape limitations apply.

Tubular heaters are often cast into aluminum for broad surface coverage and uniform heating application requirements.

Heavy wall constructions such as the Armorwall design are available for hazardous or abusive environments.

Liquids heating requires the use of leak tight mounting provisions for direct immersion. Threaded mounting fittings, flanges, brackets, and custom mounting attachments are used for this purpose and often include custom element shapes. Please see Bushing Heaters, Flanged Heaters, Bottom Outlet Heaters, Over-The-Side Heaters, and Circulation Heaters for numerous standard catalog models and options. Heater sheath corrosion resistance and heater watt density (the amount of wattage spread out over the available heater surface area = watts/sq. in.) are important factors in designing and applying the proper heater.

Air and gas heating Tubular Heater designs typically incorporate low watt density constructions or Finned designs. As in most heater applications, the watt density, is critical to ensure heater temperatures are maintained within limits of the product capability. All Finned Tubular and Duct Heaters are suitable for air applications. Depending on conditions, some Bushing, Flanged, and Circulation Heaters may also be used for heating air.

In all cases, due to normal high temperature attainable on any metal sheathed heater, avoid contact with combustible surface or materials.

As with any electrically heated product, the proper application of Vulcan Heaters and the temperature control is the most important factor in optimum performance, efficiency, and longevity. No two systems are alike. It is extremely important that attention has been given to the total product or system design as well as operating environment.

Please refer to general application guidelines, recommended watt densities, sheath temperature limitations, corrosion guide, and other engineering data to assist you with product selection.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for application or product assistance.