Circulation Heaters
- ASME Certification to Sections I, IV and VIII, Division 1 —
Chromalox is the leader in pro viding ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
certification for pressure vessel applications.
- Underwriters Laboratories — UL Listing available for many
circulation heaters. Consult your Local Chromalox Sales office.
- Canadian Standards Association — CSA certification available
including NRTL/C.
- National Electrical Code (NEC) — All Chromalox circulation
heaters are built to allow NEC installation requirements.
Selection Guidelines
Selecting the proper circulation heater component requires critical engineering
judgement and careful evaluation of the application. After determining the heat
requirement for a specific heat application, the proper selection of the flange
and vessel material, heating element sheath material, and correct watt density is
critical to achieve long heater life. The ultimate selection of equipment is determined
by the knowledge of the process and engineering acumen of the designer or plant
engineer. Consult the Technical section of this catalog for circulation heater calculations
and guidelines.
Application Factors
Heater selection is influenced by the following parameters.
- The heated medium, viscosity, specific heat, density and corrosive
properties.
- The presence of contaminants in the medium.
- The corrosion resistant properties of the heater sheath material.
- The sheath watt density of the heating elements — the watts
per square inch, and the flow rate of the heated medium.
- The vessel design and material — pressure and temperature of
the fluid being heated.
Circulation Heaters — Selection Guidelines
Corrosion Policy - Chromalox will not warrant any electric heater
against failure by sheath corrosion if such failure is the result of operating conditions
beyond the control of the heater manufacturer. It is the responsibility of the purchaser
to make the ultimate choice of sheath material based on his knowledge of the chemical
composition of the corrosive solution, character of materials entering the solution,
and controls by which he maintains the process.
Application
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
Solution or Heater Type
|
Alkaline or Acid Content (Est. % by volume)
|
Sheath Material
|
Watt Density (W/In2)
|
Vessel Material
|
Water
|
Clean Water
|
pH6 to pH8 (Neutral)
|
Copper
|
45 - 100
|
Galvanized Steel
|
Mild Solutions
|
Process Water and Very Weak Solutions Weak Solutions Demineralized, De-ionized or
Pure Water
|
ph5 to pH9 (2 - 3%)
5 - 6%
—
|
INCOLOY® INCOLOY® INCOLOY®
|
45 - 86
45 - 75
45 - 75
|
Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
|
Corrosive & High Viscous Solutions
|
Mildly Corrosive Solutions More Severe Corrosive Solutions Severely Corrosive Solutions
|
5 -15%
10 - 25%
30 - 60%
|
INCOLOY® INCOLOY® INCOLOY®
|
20 - 25
20 - 25
10 - 20
|
Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
|
Oil
|
Low Viscosity Oils Medium Viscosity Oils High Viscosity Oils (Fuel Oil)
|
——
|
Steel Steel Steel
|
20 - 25
10 - 20
5 - 15
|
Steel Steel Steel
|
Air, Gases & Steam
|
Medium Temperatures to 750°F High Temperatures to 1400°F
|
——
|
INCOLOY® INCOLOY®
|
20 - 25
10 - 20
|
Steel Stainless Steel
|
Circulation Heater Typical Applications
Inline Heating — Where demands for heated water or oil are
nearly constant, circulation heaters may be installed directly in the fluid line,
eliminating the need for storage tanks and their related heat losses.
Side Arm— Requirements of large storage tanks can be satisfied
by using a number of circulation heaters, providing flexibility in temperature control
and reducing power demand.
Closed-Loop Fuel Oil Heating — Requirements may be provided
by a number of circulation units individually adjustable to temperature and fluid
flow, reducing electrical demand on your utility bill.
Circulation Heaters — Selection Guidelines
Circulation Heater Special Features
Kilowatt Ratings — Large kilowatt circulation heaters (500
kW and above) are available as single chambers or with multiple chambers in series.
Skid mounting and integral control panels are also available.
Vessel Construction — Chamber size available in 10, 12, 14,
16, 18" and above for larger kilowatt capacities.
Pressure Ratings — 150, 300, 400, 600, 900, 1,500 and 2,500
Lb. Class.
Materials — 304, 316, 321, 347 Stainless Steel, INCONEL
® and more.
Thermocouples can be provided on element sheath for overtemperature protection and/or
mounted in the outlet nozzle for process control.
Inlet and Outlet Nozzles — Available with flanged or threaded
connections, smaller or larger pipe sizes and different orientations.
Baffles mounted on element bundle inside chamber to increase fluid
or gas velocity.
Terminal Standoffs in 4, 6 and 8" allow the terminal enclosure
housing and the field wiring connection to operate at lower temperatures in high
temperature heaters. Standoffs are frequently used in heat transfer and gas heating
applications.
Mounting Saddles for horizontally mounted circulation heaters.
Weatherproof Insulation Jacket for outdoor unprotected installations.
Circulation Heaters Features
- Kilowatt Ratings from 0.5 kW (500 W) to Over 500 kW (500,000 W)
- Voltage Ratings to 600V
- Pressure Ratings from 150 - 2,500 psig
- Temperatures to 1500°F (815°C)
- Pipe Chambers 1 - 18" NPS (or Larger)
- Quality Heating Elements in Screw Plugs or Flanges for Ease of
Replacement
- Sheath Materials include Copper, Steel, Stainless, INCOLOY
® and INCONEL ® to Suit Most Operating or Corrosive Environments
- Vessel Materials include Carbon Steel, 304 or 316 Stainless Steel,
Non Ferrous Alloys and High Temperature Plastics
- Terminal Enclosures for General Purpose, Moisture Resistant and
Explosion Resistant Applications
- Thermocouples and RTD Sensors for Process and Overtemperature
Control
- Wide Range of Mechanical and Solid State Electronic Controls including
Temperature Controllers
- Contactor or SCR Power Panels for Close Temperature Control (see
Controls Section)
- Vertical or Horizontal Mounting with Mounting Lugs or Saddle Supports
- Available with High Temperature Standoffs and Internal Element
Baffles
- Custom Designed Skid Mounting, Multiple Chambers and Integral
Control Panels
- ASME Certification Section I, IV or VIII, Division 1
- UL, CSA and Other Third Party Approval, Listing or Certification
Available on Many Models
Basic Construction
Circulation Heater Terminal Enclosures — E1 General Purpose,
sheet metal, painted with red enamel, E2 Moisture Resistant/Explosion Resistant,
E3 Explosion Resistant, E4
Moisture Resistant Controls — Stock and assembly stock NWH,
NWHO and GCH circulation heaters, models -MT, -3 and -6 are provided with a thermostat
mounted on the heater.
Mounting — Small units supported by inlet and outlet piping;
larger units provided with mounting lugs for support.
Outer Jacket — Constructed of heavy gauge painted steel sleeving
which contains high temperature thermal insulation to reduce heat losses from heating
chamber.
Heating Chamber — Pipe chambers (150 Lb welded construction,
standard) have a flanged Terminal Enclosure To Power Supply Thermostat (type AR)
Outer Jacket Heating Chamber Heavy Duty Heating Elements or threaded end to receive
heater assembly and are closed at the opposite end. Larger units have drain connections
to allow sludge removal. Inlet and outlet nozzles are provided for circulation of
fluid or gas through heater chamber. Chamber material available in Steel, Galvanized
Steel or Stainless Steel depending on the application.
Heating Elements — Flange or screw plug mounted tubular type
heating elements offered in Stainless Steel, Copper, Steel or INCOLOY ®
sheath to suit corrosive resistance requirements
Wiring Connections — All Chromalox circula tion heaters are
provided with internal wiring and power connections that are sized in accordance
with wiring tables in the National Electrical Code. For safe operation of the heaters,
all external wiring should also be in accordance with NEC, state and local codes.
Circulation Heaters Terminal Enclosures
- E1 General Purpose
- E2 Moisture Resistant/Explosion Resistant
- E3 Explosion Resistant
- E4 Moisture Resistant
- Conduit Openings Matched to the Number of Circuits
Circulation Heater Applications The versatility of electric heaters
permits them to be used in almost any conceivable location indoors or outdoors,
exposed to the weather. Chromalox provides a variety of electrical terminal enclosures
to match the unique requirements of virtually any environment.
Circulation Heater Features
E1 General Purpose Enclosure — Suitable for most indoor or
protected commercial and industrial applications. E2 Combination Moisture Resistant
and Explosion Resistant and E3 Explosion Resistant Enclosures — Type E2 and
E3 explosion resistant terminal enclosures are intended for use in hazardous locations
including:
- Class I Groups C & D, Div. 1 & 2
- Class I Group B 1 , Div. 1 & 2
- Class II Groups E, F & G, Div. 1 & 2
- Class III, Div. 1 & 2.
Type E2 terminal enclosures are provided with gaskets and are suitable for outdoor
or wet locations as well as hazardous areas. E4 Moisture Resistant Enclosure —
Suitable for outdoor or wet locations. The terminal covers are provided with water-tight
gaskets to seal the electrical terminals and connections from the environment.
Special Requirements for Electric Heaters & Terminal Enclosures in Hazardous
Locations:
Wiring — The proper use of Type E2 and E3 terminal enclosures
on electric heaters located in hazardous areas requires that all electrical wiring
comply with National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for hazardous locations.
Maximum Temperatures — Safe operation in a hazardous location
requires the maximum operating temperatures of all exposed surfaces of the heater
including temperatures on the outside of the vessel, piping, flanges, screw plugs,
enclosures and other heat conducting parts be limited. The maximum surface temperature
permitted in any hazardous location is determined by the flammable liquids, vapors
or gases present. The end user or purchaser of the electric heating equipment is
responsible for determining the proper classification of an area and for providing
Chromalox with hazardous area specifications and requirements for proper equipment
design. (NEC Articles 500 and 501 provide guidelines for evaluating and classifying
hazardous locations.)
Safety Devices — Approved pressure and/or temperature limiting
controls must be used on electric heaters and heating elements to ensure safe operation
in the event of system malfunctions.
Note 1 — Class I Group B locations include Hydrogen gas.
These areas require additional conduit seals and thread engagement. Contact your
Local Chromalox Sales offi ce for heaters and terminal enclosures suitable
for Class I Group B hazardous locations.
Terminal Enclosure — Dimensions (Inches)
Series
|
No. Elements
|
A B E1 General Purpose
|
A B Dimensions (In.) E2/3 Moist./Explos. Resistant
|
A B E4 Moisture Resistant
|
|
A
|
B
|
A
|
B
|
A
|
b
|
3
|
3
|
4
|
3-1/2
|
4-1/4
|
5-3/8
|
4-1/4
|
5-3/8
|
6
|
6
|
6-11/16
|
3-1/2
|
5-3/4
|
6-15/16
|
6-3/4
|
3-9/16
|
18
|
18
|
9-13/16
|
5-3/8
|
9-1/2
|
10
|
10
|
5-11/16
|
27
|
27
|
11-3/16
|
6-9/16
|
10-1/2
|
9-1/8
|
12
|
5-11/16
|
36
|
36
|
13-3/16
|
6-9/16
|
12
|
9-1/8
|
12
|
6-5/16
|
45
|
45
|
15-3/16
|
6-9/16
|
14
|
9-1/8
|
14
|
6-5/16
|
72
|
72
|
17-3/16
|
6-9/16
|
18
|
10-1/8
|
18
|
7
|
108
|
108
|
19-3/16
|
7-7/8
|
20
|
10-1/8
|
20
|
7
|
Mechanical & Electronic Control Options
- Wide Range of Mechanical and Electronic Control Options
- NEMA 1, 4, 7 and 12 Enclosures
- Process Controllers - Integral or Remote with the Sensor in the
Heater Thermowell (AR Control) or in the Heater Outlet
- High Limit Controllers - Integral or Remote, Sensor in the Heater
Thermowell (AR Control) or Welded to Element Sheath
- Type J or K Thermocouples (Std.) RTD’s and Other Type Thermocouples
Available
- Mechanical and Electronic Controls can be Combined
- Magnetic Contactors for Multiple Circuits and High Amperages
Circulation Heater Applications
Mechanical and Electronic Controls & Thermal Sensors can be provided for all
circulation heaters for overtemperature protection for the heater and fluid medium
and/or for process control.
Circulation Heater Control Selection Guidelines
AR Controls — Type AR bulb and capillary controls are standard
on many stock heaters with temperature ranges as indicated in the product descriptions.
These rugged non-indicating controls are suitable for most applications. Optional
temperature ranges are available. Consult the Controls Section for details.
Electronic Controls — Electronic process controls provide
greater control accuracy and operating system flexibility than is available with
mechanical controls. Consult the Controls Section for details.
Control Panels — Integral or remote mounted control panels
with electronic controls and solid state (SCR) or contactor power controllers can
be provided using virtually any combination of control devices. Consult the Controls
Section for details.
Overtemperature Protection — De-energizing the heating elements
when sheath temperatures exceed recommended limits can prevent element damage and
extend the life of the heater. A thermal sensor can be attached to the element sheath
for overheat protection. Properly connected to a solid state high limit controller,
the sensor will turn the heater off in the event of a low-flow or no-flow condition.
Type J thermocouples are recommended for liquid and type K for gas applications.
Remote Mounted Electronic Control
High Limit Controls — Electronic high limit controls can
be mounted on the heater chamber with an overheat thermocouple welded to heating
element sheath inside the chamber. This arrangement provides protection by shutting
down the heater at a predetermined element sheath temperature. Option also available
with thermocouple only, welded or clamped to heater element sheath as shown above.

Magnetic Contactors — Heaters utilizing two or more circuits
or with amperage draw that exceeds the thermostat rating will require a contactor(s).
Contactors are ordered separately and mounted remote from the heater. Consult the
Controls Section for details.
Electronic Process Control Thermocouples — Thermal sensors
can be mounted in a tee on the heater outlet nozzle. Electronic controller is remote
mounted. Option also available with process controller mounted on the heater insulation
jacket.
Assembly Stock Delivery — Where heaters are listed as Stock
(S) or Assembly Stock (AS), electronic control options are available as assembly
stock delivery. When heaters are listed with a standard mechanical Type AR thermostat,
the thermostat will be provided on the heater unless otherwise stated.
Note — Circulation heaters with a screw plug header - Series
NWHSSMT, NWHMT, NWHMTO and GCHMT are not available as assembly stock with a thermocouple
welded to the element sheath.
Download the Circulation Heaters Selection Guidelines