A BUYER’S GUIDE TO TUBULAR HEATERS

Tubular heaters are one of the most common and versatile types of electric heating elements, used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. Tubular heaters are designed with a tube-like structure, usually made of stainless steel or other materials that offer excellent heat transfer properties. These heaters can be used for heating liquids, gases, solids, or surfaces, depending on the configuration and installation method.

However, not all tubular heaters are created equal. There are many factors to consider before buying a tubular heater, such as the type, size, shape, material, power, voltage, temperature, and environment. Choosing the right tubular heater can make a significant difference in the performance, efficiency, durability, and safety of your heating system.

In this blog, we will discuss some of the key factors to consider before buying a tubular heater, and how Beeco Electronics can help you find the best tubular heater for your needs. Beeco Electronics is a leading manufacturer and supplier of tubular heaters and other electric heating elements in India, using Swiss technology and state-of-the-art manufacturing plants. Beeco Electronics offers a wide range of tubular heaters, such as finned, straight, U-shaped, M-shaped, and custom-made tubular heaters, for various applications and industries.

Type of Tubular Heater

The first factor to consider is the type of tubular heater, which depends on the application and the installation method. There are four main types of tubular heaters, as follows:

• Finned Tubular Heaters: These are tubular heaters with fins attached to them, which increase the surface area and enhance the heat transfer efficiency. Finned tubular heaters are suitable for heating air and gases in ducts, ovens, dryers, and other equipment.
• Straight Tubular Heaters: These are the most basic and straightforward design, ideal for immersion heating applications, such as heating liquids in tanks, boilers, or vessels. Straight tubular heaters can also be used for heating solids or surfaces, such as molds, dies, or platens, by clamping or brazing them to the metal parts.
• U-Shaped Tubular Heaters: These are tubular heaters that have a U-shape, making them suitable for applications that require a bent or formed heating element, such as in molds, dies, or platens. U-shaped tubular heaters can also be used for immersion heating applications, such as heating liquids in tanks, boilers, or vessels, by inserting them through holes or flanges.
• M-Shaped Tubular Heaters: These are tubular heaters that have an M-shape, making them suitable for applications that require a compact and flexible heating element, such as in small spaces or irregular shapes. M-shaped tubular heaters can also be used for immersion heating applications, such as heating liquids in tanks, boilers, or vessels, by inserting them through holes or flanges.

Each type of tubular heater has its own advantages and disadvantages, and selecting the correct type depends on the specific heating requirements and the intended application. Understanding the different types can help you make an informed decision when choosing the most appropriate tubular heater for your needs.

Size and Shape of Tubular Heater

The second factor to consider is the size and shape of the tubular heater, which depends on the power, voltage, temperature, and space available. The size and shape of the tubular heater determine the heating capacity, the heat distribution, and the installation method. There are three main aspects to consider, as follows:

• Diameter: The diameter of the tubular heater affects the heat transfer rate, the heat dissipation rate, and the bending radius. A larger diameter means a higher heat transfer rate, a lower heat dissipation rate, and a larger bending radius. A smaller diameter means a lower heat transfer rate, a higher heat dissipation rate, and a smaller bending radius. The diameter of the tubular heater should be chosen according to the application and the installation method, as well as the power, voltage, and temperature requirements.
• Length: The length of the tubular heater affects the heating capacity, the heat distribution, and the installation method. A longer length means a higher heating capacity, a more uniform heat distribution, and a more flexible installation method. A shorter length means a lower heating capacity, a less uniform heat distribution, and a less flexible installation method. The length of the tubular heater should be chosen according to the application and the installation method, as well as the power, voltage, and temperature requirements.
• Shape: The shape of the tubular heater affects the heating capacity, the heat distribution, and the installation method. A straight shape means a higher heating capacity, a less uniform heat distribution, and a simpler installation method. A bent or formed shape means a lower heating capacity, a more uniform heat distribution, and a more complex installation method. The shape of the tubular heater should be chosen according to the application and the installation method, as well as the power, voltage, and temperature requirements.

The size and shape of the tubular heater should be carefully calculated and designed, based on the specific heating requirements and the intended application. Choosing the right size and shape can ensure optimal performance, efficiency, durability, and safety of your heating system.

Material of Tubular Heater

The third factor to consider is the material of the tubular heater, which depends on the temperature, environment, and corrosion resistance. The material of the tubular heater determines the heat transfer rate, the heat dissipation rate, and the lifespan. There are four main materials used for tubular heaters, as follows:

• Stainless Steel: This is the most common and versatile material for tubular heaters, as it offers excellent heat transfer properties, high corrosion resistance, and long lifespan. Stainless steel tubular heaters can be used for heating liquids, gases, solids, or surfaces, in various applications and industries, such as food processing, chemical processing, water heating, oil heating, and more.
• Incoloy: This is a type of alloy that contains nickel, iron, and chromium, and offers superior heat transfer properties, high corrosion resistance, and long lifespan. Incoloy tubular heaters can be used for heating liquids, gases, solids, or surfaces, in various applications and industries, such as petrochemical, aerospace, nuclear, and more.
• Inconel: This is a type of alloy that contains nickel, chromium, and iron, and offers superior heat transfer properties, high corrosion resistance, and long lifespan. Inconel tubular heaters can be used for heating liquids, gases, solids, or surfaces, in various applications and industries, such as marine, automotive, power generation, and more.
• Copper-Nickel Alloy: This is a type of alloy that contains copper and nickel, and offers good heat transfer properties, high corrosion resistance, and long lifespan. Copper-nickel alloy tubular heaters can be used for heating liquids, gases, solids, or surfaces, in various applications and industries, such as refrigeration, air conditioning, and more.

Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and selecting the correct material depends on the specific heating requirements and the intended application. Understanding the different materials can help you make an informed decision when choosing the most appropriate tubular heater for your needs.