is also known as a hot oil system. They have been in use for decades and continue to provide a reliable source of heat for industrial and commercial applications. Understanding how these systems work will help business owners decide if they are the right choice for their Serpentine Coils needs.
The Thermal Fluid Heater
These Serpentine Coils systems move some form of a liquid through pipes. It works by moving the recirculating liquid through cylindrical coils. Passing through a heat exchanger, the liquid is heated, and that heat can then be used further down the line for other purposes. Additionally, there are some systems available that pass the liquid through the exchanger multiple times to achieve higher temperatures.
Typical Uses
When something needs to be heated to between 200 and 750 degrees Fahrenheit, these are an excellent choice. They are used for heating press platens such as the ones required to make OSB and plywood or other laminated materials. They heat calendar and drying rolls for various purposes, and they can heat a variety of chemicals and even equipment like reactors, dryers, evaporators and heat exchangers.
Low Pressure is Better
Unlike other heating systems, these work with very low pressure. The only pressure required is the level needed to move liquid through the lines, so they are safe to work with. Correctly designed and installed, they are also very efficient and will reliably produce the high heat levels required. There is little wear and tear on the system with low pressure, so maintenance costs are lower.
Serpentine Coils are Ideal
The radiant coil is an integral part of these systems, and the best coils feature a serpentine design. There are a few key benefits to this design. With a serpentine pattern that allows liquid to heat steadily as it moves around the heat source, higher temperatures can be developed in the liquid. The flow is smooth and steady, so the thermal fluid will not bog down or stop moving at any point. The steady rate of flow provides efficient heating and functioning, and the coil will also last longer because the flames do not directly touch the coils, but heat steadily circulates around them.
Choosing a Thermal Fluid Heater
Maintenance is an important part of any system. The rounded serpentine coil is ideal for minimizing the direct heat source while still warming the liquid inside the coils, and it’s also easier to maintain. Look for a system where the coil can be removed for cleaning and any necessary preventive maintenance like replacing gaskets or repairing tubes. With this type of design, any maintenance that is necessary will also be completed faster, and that limits downtime and repair expenses.
There are different efficiency ratings for various heaters. The thermal fluid heaters with a serpentine coil achieve energy efficiency levels of 90 percent L.H.V. to help businesses control rising operating costs.
Businesses that need to move heat through machinery will appreciate the benefits of thermal fluid heating. Efficient, safe and durable, these systems make working teams safer and help them do their jobs better. The best systems for almost any application use serpentine coils to move the liquid through the heat chamber more efficiently. These heaters are also more affordable to maintain and offer higher energy efficiency ratings.