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| GAS FIRED INFRA-RED HEATERS: A comfortable, energy-efficient option The use of gas fired infra-red heaters in commercial, industrial, and residential applications have existed for nearly 40 years in the U.S. market. However, it has only been in the last 10 to 15 years that their use has become widely accepted and, in many applications, the preferred type of heating. COMFORT & ENERGY SAVING The popularity of these types of heating systems is a result of two inherent benefits. Gas fired infra-red heating has been proven time and time again to be significantly more fuel efficient than traditional hot air type systems. Fuel savings of 50% over hot air systems are not uncommon. The other reason for their popularity is the superior comfort levels achieved with their use. Infra-red heaters concentrate the heat at the occupation levels and utilize the floor and objects in the space as heat sinks which reradiate heat to the surrounding air. Hot air type systems deliver a blast of hot air to the floor level that quickly rises to the ceiling. In order to maintain a comfort level at the occupation level, the use of traditional hot air systems can result in extremely high temperatures at the ceiling. RADIANT HEAT In order to better understand this principal one only needs to consider the best example of infra-red heating - namely our own sun. The sun transmits its' heat through space to the earth by radiation, releasing its' heat only when the infra-red rays strike the earth's surface. Similarly, a gas fired infra-red heater, due to its' emitter's temperature, creates infra-red rays that do not become heat energy until they strike the floor, people, walls and other surfaces directly. As with the sun warming the earth, the objects heated by the infra-red heaters then heat the surrounding air, creating a comfort zone. HIGH INTENSITY CERAMIC There are two general types of gas fired infra-red heaters in the market today. One is referred to as High Intensity Infra-Red Heaters and the second are known as Low Intensity Infra-Red Tube Heaters. High Intensity Infra-Red Heaters utilize a perforated ceramic refractory surface in which a gas and air mixture are passed through the perforations and ignited on the surface of the ceramic. The ceramic material is heated to approximately 1800 degrees F temperature at which it incandesces. The ceramic then emits large amounts of infra-red energy that is directed from the suspended unit to objects and the floor below. This type of unit is not vented, allowing the byproducts of combustion to be released into the space. Indirect ventilation must be provided by ceiling mounted exhaust fans or natural infiltration. LOW INTENSITY TUBES The second, and most popular type, Low Intensity Infra-Red Tube Heaters consist of four main components: a control/burner box, radiant tubing, reflectors and . power / vacuum blower. The electrical components and main burner are located in the control box. A regulated balance of air and gases are mixed within the burner and fan forced into a 4 inch diameter steel tube emitter. Ignition is by means of a direct ignition system that incorporates no pilot. A sensor insures ignition and monitors the heater while operating. As the radiant tube temperature increases, peak radiant efficiency is reached and infra-red rays are emitted. Highly polished aluminum reflectors are used to direct these invisible rays downward. Even though most tube heaters are approved for installation as un-vented units, almost all installed units are direct vented through the roof or the side walls of the structure. An additional benefit of low intensity infra-red tube heaters is that combustion air can be brought from outside to the individual units. In applications such as welding shops, body shops, woodworking facilities, swimming pools, and chemical laden atmospheres, outside combustion air helps to extend heater life and peak performance. NEW 2-STAGE RADIANT TUBES A new innovation in infra-red heating is the 2-stage low intensity infra-red tube heater. Introduced by Detroit Radiant Products displaying the familiar Re-Verber-Ray brand logo, this complete series of new heaters are making a tremendous impact in the infra-red market. Known as the HL Series, this is the latest advancement in infra-red technology. Two stage infra-red tube heaters are characterized by a "high" fire and "low" fire mode. The HL Series has a high fire mode has a rated BTU/H input which is 30% greater than the low fire mode. The HL Series is available in 24 different models, ranging in lengths from 20 to 70 feet, from 75,000 to 200,000 BTUH high fire and are natural or propane gas. Only 10 % of the heating season in Minneapolis requires the high fire or maximum heat output according to ASHRAE technical data. The heaters can operate in the low fire mode more than 90% of the heating season with consequent lower gas usage. Two-stage infra-red heaters adjust firing rate to meet the demand of the moment. With this ability to adjust to heating demand, two stage infra-red tube heaters can save additional energy over single stage infra-red tube heaters and provide a more comfortable environment. DOCUMENTED FUEL SAVINGS An independent study of the performance of Detroit Radiant Products Series HL two stage versus Detroit Radiant Products Series DTHS single stage low intensity infra-red tube heaters was conducted in Canada. The study concluded that at least an additional 12% fuel savings and as much as 22% can be realized with two stage infra-red tube heaters. Other improvements such as non-filtered burners , black radiant tube coatings, extended heat transfer tube lengths, highly polished reflectors and flue gas condensing have each improved heater efficiency but this study shows that the 2-stage HL burner improved radiant heater overall efficiency the most. HIGH CEILING AND DRAFTY SOLUTIONS Application of the proper type and size of infra-red heaters is critical to customer satisfaction, optimum fuel savings, and safety. In general terms, high intensity infra-red heaters are best suited for buildings with high ceilings, large btu/sq.ft. heat loss, and/or large amounts of air infiltration. Due to their "high intensity" function, this type of infra-red heater delivers a large amount of heat into a relatively small area. In the type of building described above, a hot air heating system has difficulty keeping up with such a demanding application. High Intensity Infra-Red Heaters deliver a blanket of infra-red rays and warmth to the people, floors, and objects in the space without be altered by either the high amount of air infiltration or air volume. Good examples of such applications are aircraft hangars, steel warehouses, and older high bay industrial buildings. Additionally, High Intensity Infra-Red Heaters are affective as spot heaters. Auto service write-up areas, loading docks, and building entrances have all been effectively heated with this type of heater. COMFORT CONDITIONS Due to their long (up to 80 feet) length of radiant pipe, Low Intensity Infra-Red Tube Heaters deliver a softer more distributed heat pattern than High Intensity Infra-Red Heaters. This allows them to be mounted at lower ceiling heights. This opens up the possibilities of applications to most common industrial and commercial buildings. Such applications commonly have activities that can be detrimental to traditional types of gas heaters. Such activities include welding, parts washing, woodworking, sanding, and grinding. Low Intensity Infra-Red Tube Heaters can be installed using outside combustion air that seals the combustion process from the interior of the space being heated. This adds to the equipment life expectancy and keeps the unit performing at peak efficiency levels. Detroit Radiant Products Series HL two stage gas-fired infrared heaters are capable of adjusting easily to the environment. This two-stage adjustment allows the heater to maintain a constant operating temperature whereas single stage burners including condensing vacuum types where temperatures constantly cycle from high fire to off to high fire. The consistent low-fire operation of two-stage HL heaters assure the highest comfort levels for radiant heating. The Canadian study also showed that the use of two stage low intensity infra-red tube heaters resulted in 35% fewer heater cycles. Two-stage radiant heaters translate to more even heat and greater comfort for the occupants. IDEAL GAS HEATING APPLICATIONS Successful applications of 2-stage infra-red heaters include aircraft hangars, service garages, body shops, warehouses, manufacturing plants, loading docks, tennis courts, and swimming pool areas. Additionally, low intensity infra-red tube heaters especially designed and certified for use in residential garages, workshops, enclosed patios and solariums have met with great acceptance. AGRICULTURAL USE Many such successful 2-stage applications have been installed and documented through the help of the Agway Energy Products group. Agway, a leading LP Gas Dealer in the Northeast, has seen first hand the benefits of infra-red heating and promotes its' use to their customers. Applications include farm shops, dairy nurseries, milking parlors, firehouses, and auto service shops. Customers have reported fuel savings of up to 50%. Additionally, Agway was instrumental in pioneering the use of low intensity 2-stage infra-red tube heaters in dairy nurseries and milking parlors. Through a study conducted by Agway, the use of the infra-red tube heaters in a nursery barn resulted in a decrease of 60% in the mortality rate. This savings more than paid for the heaters in the first heating season. ENERGY-SAVING, COMFORTABLE SOLUTIONS WITH DETROIT RADIANT Whether your application is for an industrial, commercial, or residential structure, the use of gas fired infra-red heaters can bring significant benefits. Dramatic fuel savings, and a more comfortable environment can be the result. When faced with the decision to replace old worn out equipment, or what equipment to install in your new facility, you will do your bottom line and employees and customers a favor by considering Detroit Radiant Products Series HL 2-stage gas fired infra-red heaters. |
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