Finned Tubular Heating

Finned tubular heating elements from WATTCO™ are the most versatile and dependable electric heating elements available today. These industrial heating solutions are among the most common heaters and are best suited for a large number of applications, such as conduction, convection, and radiation.

Finned tubular heaters continue to support industrial heating systems where enhanced heat transfer and consistent performance remain essential. The design of this system increases operational efficiency because it better serves air heating needs and surface heat distribution requirements.

What are Finned Tubular Heaters?

WATTCO™ factory-configures every finned tubular heater to almost any shape or size. Custom bending diameters can be made upon request.

Finned tubular heaters function as modern heating elements which manufacturers construct by adding fins to regular tubular heaters to create more surface area for enhanced heat distribution. The design makes it possible to transfer heat to air more effectively because it increases the surface area which contacts air.

WATTCO uses the finest materials in construction, such as steel, stainless steel, Incoloy, Inconel, and/or titanium alloys. WATTCO also uses high-quality magnesium oxide to allow for efficient heat transfer from the resistive coil to your heating medium, whether it is air, liquid or solid.

This material combination provides three essential benefits, which include durability, resistance to corrosion, and effective heat conduction across all industrial settings.

Applications of Finned Tubular Heaters

Industries that need efficient air heating with stable temperature control use finned tubular heaters as their primary heating equipment. The system’s design provides increased surface area, which makes it suitable for applications that need to transfer heat to air and gases.

  • These heater elements have a strong outer sheath to help protect the heater from physical stress and use high-quality alloys to allow efficient heat transfer from the resistance coil to your heating medium. 
  • Depending on their rating, sheath and shape, WATTCO™ electric tubular elements are used in a variety of heat applications that require process temperatures of up to 750°C (1 382°F) to heat liquids, gases and solids. 
  • Used in air ducts and HVAC systems for efficient air heating 
  • Applied in industrial ovens, dryers, and air circulation systems 
  • Used in space heating for industrial and commercial environments 
  • Suitable for heating gases in process industries 
  • Applied in drying and dehumidification equipment 
  • Used in enclosures and cabinets requiring controlled air temperature 

Types of Finned Tubular Heaters

Finned tubular heaters are designed in different ways, depending on the types of design, application requirements, and installation accessibility. These are adaptable to various industries.

  • Straight finned tubular heaters function as standard air heating devices for regular heating tasks. 
  • U-shaped bent heaters provide solutions for space-efficient custom design needs. 
  • Custom-shaped heaters designed for specific industrial processes serve specialized manufacturing operations. 
  • Heaters with different fin densities operate at specific heat transfer needs. 
  • Heaters use different sheath materials, which manufacturers select according to their operational environments.

Advantages of Finned Tubular Heaters

Finned tubular heaters offer enhanced heat transfer, efficiency, and durability, making them a preferred solution for air heating and industrial applications.

  • A variety of diameters is available to help adjust watt densities in your application to design these electric heaters for best performance and long life. 
  • Increased surface area improves heat transfer efficiency 
  • Supports uniform and consistent air heating 
  • Durable construction ensures resistance to physical and environmental stress 
  • Flexible design allows customization in shape and size 
  • Suitable for high-temperature applications across industries 
  • Energy-efficient solution for large-scale heating systems 

Additional features of Finned Tubular Heating

Finned tubular heaters include advanced design features that enhance their installation process and improve their overall performance and operational reliability.

  • Standard and custom-made terminal pins allow for easy installation and maintenance. 
  • Bending radiuses are designed with careful expertise to allow for optimal performance when meeting “form fit and function” within your application.

Finned tubular heaters continue functioning as a dependable heating system because they deliver better heat transfer capabilities and longer-lasting performance, and adaptable operation across different industrial applications. Their ability to perform effectively in both standard and high-temperature environments makes them a dependable choice for consistent heating processes.

Get a quote on a tubular heater today. WATTCO also manufactures other industrial heating products such as infrared heaters, immersion heaters, circulation heaters and more. Click here to view all of our products.

HAVE A QUESTION?

At Wattco, we have a dedicated team of experts ready to provide you with the answers and assistance you need. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for technical specifications or in maintenance inquiring about our products, our team of knowledgeable professionals is here to help. 

  • Options
  • Bends

    Unlimited number of custom bends available.

  • Flexibility

    Great flexibility to meet application need

  • Densities

    Watt Densities of up to 120 WPSI available

  • sheath

    Thicker sheath wall are available for intensive applications. Sheath temperatures of up to 1200ºF.

  • Humidity

    Silicone seals to ensure moisture resistance in humid environments.

  • Cold Section

    Custom made cold sections are available.

  • Terminations

    Numerous types of terminations available.

  • Standard diameters: 0.260 inch , 0.315 inch , 0.375 inch , 0.430 inch , 0.475 and 0.625 inch diameters
  • Available in a broad variety of sheaths, diameters, and ratings
  • Supplied with electrically insulated sheath
  • Provide superior internal electrical insulation and heat conductivity
  • CSA, CSA US & UL approved

Copper

  • Water
  • Oil
  • Grease
  • solutions non-corrosive to copper

Steel

  • Alkaline cleaning solutions
  • Tars
  • Asphalt
  • Air heating

Stainless steel

  • Corrosive liquids
  • Food processing equipment
  • Radiant heating

Incoloy®

  • Cleaning and degreasing solutions
  • Corrosive liquids

Inconel®

  • Plating and pickling solutions
  • Acid

Titanium

  • Corrosive liquids

KEY FEATURES THREADED FITTINGS

  • Brazed, crimped or welded to the element’s cold section.
  • Used as a tight joint to the heater, which is fixed in open tanks or vessels.
  • Supplied in brass, steel, or stainless steel. COMPRESSION FITTINGS
  • Available in nickel-plated brass for field installation on elements of 0.375”, 0.430”, 0.475” elements diameter.

BENEFITS

  • Easy to install
  • Configurable to virtually any shape
  • Compact size
  • Precise and easy control of heat output
  • Durable
  • Easy to maintain
  • Easy to replace thus eliminating long shut-down periods

FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED Please consider the following factors to select the ideal WATTCO™ tubular elements/tubular heating elements for your application:

  • Heating element watt density
  • Sheath material (corrosive or non corrosive)
    • Temperature of the product
    • Degree of aeration of the application
    • Air velocity within your application
    • Ambient temperature