Open Coil Elements

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Open coil elements are the most efficient type of electric heating element and the most economically feasible for most heating applications. Used predominantly in the duct heating industry, open coil heater elements have open circuits that heat air directly from the suspended resistive coils.

The elements deliver constant heat transfer, which makes them suitable for systems that need both efficient operation and rapid response times. The system design enables air to move freely across the coils, which helps industrial operations to maintain constant temperatures while decreasing energy consumption during their nonstop processes.

What Are Open Coil Elements?

These industrial heating elements have fast heat up times that improve efficiency and have been designed for low maintenance and easily, inexpensive replacement parts.

Open coil elements function using exposed resistive coils that generate heat when electric current flows through them, which enables direct air contact to achieve efficient heating. This open design helps in achieving rapid temperature changes, which becomes essential in processes requiring quick thermal response.

Open coil heating elements from Wattco are typically made for duct process heating, forced air & ovens and for pipe heating applications. Open coil heater elements are made to fit inside standard 2’’ or 3’’ schedule 40 NPS pipe.

Their structure enables simple system integration, which provides a smooth installation process while delivering constant heating performance across all industrial environments. The system allows new system installations and existing system upgrades to proceed without major system changes.

Applications of Open Coil Elements

The elements are essential for industries which need to achieve consistent and effective heating throughout their operations. The equipment delivers reliable heating performance, which makes it suitable for use in various operational settings.

• Open coil heaters are used in tank, pipe heating, and/or metal tubing. 
• A minimum clearance of 1/8’’ is required between the ceramic and the inside wall of the tube. 
• An open coil element will provide excellent and uniform heat distribution over a large surface area. 
• Duct heating systems utilize this equipment to heat air through direct methods 
• Industrial ovens and forced air systems use this technology for their operations 
• The equipment functions as a drying mechanism and a temperature control system 
• HVAC systems use this technology to regulate heating for their air distribution system 
• The equipment operates in process industries that demand uninterrupted air stream heating functions

Types of Open Coil Elements

The open coil elements are designed to provide various operational features which industrial facilities can use according to their installation requirements. 

• Air heating systems use duct open coil elements as their design component. 
• The standard pipe sizes contain pipe-mounted elements which are installed for operational use. 
• Tank heating elements function as heating devices which heat fluids for various applications. 
• The custom-configured elements are built according to industrial specifications, which define their voltage and size requirements. 
• High-temperature variants which industrial users require exist as products which operate in extreme temperature situations.

Advantages of Open Coil Elements

The elements are chosen because they deliver optimal performance while maintaining cost-effective and user-friendly solutions for industrial heating systems.

• Open coil heater elements are an indirect industrial heating solution to decrease watt density requirements or the heat fluxes on the surface area of the pipe connected to the heated section and prevent heat-sensitive materials from coking or breaking down. 
• Fast heat-up time helps in improving operational efficiency. 
• The simple design enables maintenance work to be done quickly, while operators can replace parts without difficulty. 
• Better energy utilization results from direct heat transfer because it enables more efficient energy distribution. 
• The solution provides an affordable option for heating needs in extensive industrial processes. 
• The lightweight structure enables users to handle and install the equipment without difficulty. 
• The flexible design enables users to create custom solutions which meet their specific industrial requirements.

Open coil elements continue to support industrial heating requirements through their efficient performance, their ability to distribute heat evenly, and their capacity to adapt to different applications, which makes them a reliable option for heating processes that need to operate continuously.

The technology provides operational performance at an affordable price, which enables its use in industrial applications that need dependable heating systems for extended periods.

Get a quote for an open coil element today. WATTCO also manufactures other industrial heating products such as infrared heaters, control panels, circulation heaters and more. Click here to view all of our products.