You may have heard of a thermal fluid heater but not really understood how it works. That’s okay!
In this blog post, we’ll give you a brief overview of how a thermal fluid heater works and why it’s such a useful piece of equipment.
Thermal fluid heaters are devices that transfer heat to a fluid that is then circulated through a closed loop.
The most common type of thermal fluid heater is the gas-fired heater, in which combustion gasses transfer their heat to the fluid.
Thermal fluid heaters are used in many industries, including aviation, food processing, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and chemicals.
They are especially useful in applications where high temperatures are required but direct contact between the heating element and the product being heated must be avoided.
Thermal fluid heaters are also used as an energy source for absorption chillers.
How They Work
A typical gas-fired thermal fluid heater will have three main components: a burner, a heat exchanger, and a control system.
The burner is the component of the heater that produces the combustion gasses. The gases are burned in either a forced draft or induced draft furnace.
In a forced draft furnace, fans are used to force the gasses through the furnace; in an induced draft furnace, fans are used to remove combustion products from the furnace and create negative pressure within the furnace that pulls the gasses through it.
The heat exchanger is the component of the heater where heat is transferred from the combustion gasses to the thermal fluid.
The most common type of heat exchanger used in thermal fluid heaters is the fired tube heat exchanger, in which tubes are placed inside the furnace through which the thermal fluid circulates.
The combustion gasses flowing around the outside of the tubes transfer their heat to the thermal fluid circulating inside of them.
The control system is responsible for regulating all aspects of the heater’s operation, including fuel flow, air flow, and temperature.
Most control systems these days are computerized and use programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
PLCs allow for very precise temperature control and provide data logging capabilities that can be used for troubleshooting or performance analysis.
Where Do I Get Thermal Fluid Heaters?
There are a few different places you can get thermal fluid heaters.
One option is to purchase one from a thermal fluid heater manufacturer. There are many different manufacturers that sell these types of heaters, so you will likely be able to find one that sells the specific type of heater you’re looking for.
Another option is to purchase a thermal fluid heater from a retailer. Many retailers that sell other types of industrial equipment also sell thermal fluid heaters.
Finally, you can also find thermal fluid heaters for sale online. There are many websites that sell these types of heaters, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs and budget.
The Bottom Line
Thermal fluid heaters are an essential piece of equipment in many different industries due to their ability to transfer large amounts of heat without coming into direct contact with the product being heated.
If you’re looking for an energy efficient way to heat your products, a thermal fluid heater may be right for you!
