Is Your Thermal Oil Heater Truly Efficient?

Is Your Thermal Oil Heater Really as Efficient as You Think?

Figuring out the efficiency of your thermal oil heater might seem like a straightforward task, but it's far more complex than it appears. Many people rely on basic calculations that don't take into account several key factors affecting the heater's efficiency. This oversight can lead to overestimating its performance, which might result in higher costs down the line. To avoid this costly mistake, it's essential to understand the intricacies of thermal efficiency before purchasing a new oil heater. Having this knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions about the right efficiency level for your needs.

The Basics of How Thermal Oil Heaters Operate

One of the primary advantages of thermal fluid heating is its ability to deliver high temperatures at low pressures, making it perfect for various industrial processes. Here's how these heaters work:

  1. A direct-fired heater heats the thermal fluid, which is specially formulated to absorb and retain heat.
  2. This hot thermal fluid circulates through a closed-loop system, transferring heat to multiple components.
  3. Afterward, the fluid returns to the heater to be reheated, and the cycle starts again.

The exact composition of the thermal fluid depends on the brand and type of heater. While water and steam are common choices due to water's high heat capacity, many modern heaters use organic media in their circulating fluids.

Determining the True Efficiency of Your Heater

While manufacturers often provide an efficiency rating with their products, these numbers are usually generalized and may not reflect the actual conditions in your facility. To select the best heater for your space, you need to grasp the principles of efficiency and how they apply to your specific situation.

For energy systems like thermal oil heaters, efficiency is calculated as the ratio of thermal output to energy input. Although this seems simple, numerous factors influence how effectively you convert energy input into useful heat output. For instance, manufacturers frequently overlook the impact of flue-gas stack temperature on heat loss, which is one of the biggest contributors to inefficiency in these systems.

To better understand this often-overlooked variable, we've created a graph showing efficiency as a function of stack temperature. This visualization helps illustrate how changes in stack temperature affect overall efficiency. Our calculations assume a typical heater with 20% excess air and a 70°F (21.1°C) ambient temperature while controlling for other variables. If you know or can measure your stack temperature, this graph is an invaluable tool for assessing your flue-gas system's impact on heating efficiency.

“Is Your Thermal Oil Heater Truly Efficient?” eBook, by Sigma Thermal

At Sigma Thermal, we specialize in creating and delivering customized process heating solutions for a diverse range of industries. With our team of experts boasting decades of experience, we're prepared to offer tailored solutions to any heating challenge you face.

For more insights into the efficiency of your thermal oil heaters, check out our latest eBook: “Is Your Thermal Oil Heater Truly Efficient?” This resource brings our expertise directly to you. Whether you're looking to understand how efficiency is calculated or determine the efficiency of your existing equipment, this eBook is an excellent starting point. Download your copy today!


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