Last updated on October 31st, 2022 at 07:07 pm

Electric circulation heaters are the ideal solution for industrial steam generation. They produce consistent quality for all types of process steam, whether saturated or superheated. 

Their versatility, reliability, and customizability make them an excellent choice for a wide variety of applications.

Uses of Process Steam Generated by Circulation Heaters

Operating in closed systems, circulation heaters are particularly useful where a high degree of control is necessary, for instance, in using pure steam for injectable pharmaceutical products. These products have strict hygiene requirements that electric circulation heaters help satisfy.

Here are a few of the most popular uses of steam generated by circulation heaters:

Heating 

Steam is not only cost-effective but also has impressive thermal transfer qualities. As such, it is an effective solution for process heating. Both direct and indirect steam heating can apply circulation heaters. They provide uniform heating in boilers, cookers, and a wide variety of other applications.

Sterilization

Sterilization is an important step in the medical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. High temperature and high-quality steam are required to meet regulations and provide adequate hygiene measures. Circulation heaters provide the high temperatures required and reduce the risk of releasing impurities in the steam.

Burners

Burners use steam to atomize fuel. Atomization improves combustion efficiency by breaking up the fuel particles to create a larger surface area. In addition to increasing efficiency, atomizing fuel in burners reduces sediment formation and buildup.

Power Plants

Power plants propel their turbines through the use of steam to create energy. This process requires superheating steam, which means a highly efficient heater is necessary. As well, the steam circulation heater needs to create the proper steam to prevent damage to the turbines and allow recapture.

Moisture Control

Where moisture is allowed to build, it can lead to product contamination, corrosion, and equipment damage. Steam is a superior option to heating air for drying products due to its safety and greater control.

Benefits of Electric Circulation Heaters

Circulation heaters powered by electricity are particularly beneficial for generating industrial process steam. Here we explore a few of their key advantages.

Efficiency

While circulation heaters are already one of the most efficient industrial heater types, electric power furthers this efficiency. Compared to fossil fuel, electricity has less waste and virtually no emissions. It can also achieve higher temperatures faster and with less heat up time.

Accuracy

An electric circulation heater is more reliable, offering more accurate flow rates and faster response times. It also further reduces heat loss, minimizing operating time and energy use.

Ease of Maintenance

Unlike combustion heat exchangers, electric heaters have simple designs. This means fewer moving parts and fewer potential failure points. It also means they are easier to clean, repair, and replacements are simple. This reduces downtime for maintenance and ensures long, productive equipment lifespans.

Compatibility

Not only are electric circulation heaters compatible with automated digital control panels and sensors, but they also offer future-forward compatibility. The increasing move towards renewable and sustainable energy sources is friendly towards electric equipment. 

Green hydrogen, batteries, and solar power, for instance, are all compatible with electric heaters. Whereas leveraging these emerging energy sources will require combustion heater users to purchase all new heating systems.

Process Steam Circulation Heaters

Wattco custom manufacture electric process steam circulation heaters for all major industries. Our engineers work with your project’s specific needs and budget to select the ideal heater type, configuration, and settings for any process steam application.

Contact Wattco today for electric circulation heater quotes and information.