User Guide

Infrared Heater Selection Procedure – Partial Building/Area Heating
9-200.6 7
Partial Building Heating
Partial building or area heating is used for smaller areas within
a building that are larger than a spot heating application.
Examples include an assembly line or an open office/service
counter area in the middle of a large open warehouse type
building. These areas all have people moving about in a small
area that need to be kept warm without heating the remainder
of the building to comfort heating levels.
Typically, low intensity units are the ideal choice for partial area
heating. Critical to a proper selection/layout is having a clear
understanding of the heat spread/distribution across the length
of the tube system. This was discussed in an earlier section,
but to better illustrate the differences that tube lengths and
configurations make in an application, we will look at an
imaginary fish packing company that has a 60 foot long fish
packaging line. At one end, an employee is loading frozen fish
onto a conveyor. In the middle, an employee is packaging the
frozen fish for shipment. At the far end, an employee is taking
the boxes and loading in a refrigerated trailer on the dock.
Example 1
A common mistake is to layout the heating system as a single
60 foot straight tube system. While it will be physically be
located over the entire packaging line, remember from the heat
spread/distribution discussion that when the tube temperature
falls below approximately 600°F, radiant heat will be negligible.
The first two people on the line will feel comfortable, but the
person loading the trailer will feel very little heat. One option
would be to place high intensity heater(s) in that area and treat
it as a spot heating application within a partial area heating
application.
Example 2
The use of two 30 foot straight tube systems will help
significantly over the configuration shown in Example 1. The
employees on both ends will be blanketed with radiant heat.
However, remember from the discussion on heat
spread/distribution, that the tube end opposite the burner will
be about 350 to 400°F. The person in the middle of the line
may not receive an ideal level of radiant heat, although they
may get some heat from adjacent warmer sections. This is a
good layout, but comfort could be enhanced.
Example 3
The use of two 60 foot U-tube systems is the ideal solution for
ensuring ideal radiant heat across the entire packaging line.
Summary:
Example 1 – Bad application, occupant complaints on one end
of the assembly line.
Example 2 – A good layout, although temperature may be a bit
low in the middle of the assembly line.
Example 3 – A great layout with even heat distribution across
the entire assembly line.
Choosing between Example 2 and Example 3 as a solution
comes down to the cost/benefit ratio of comfort level versus
equipment price.
Example 1 – Qty (1) 60 Foot Straight Tube System
Example 2 – Qty (2) 30 Foot Straight Tube Systems
Example 3 – (2) 60 Foot U-Tube Systems
I agree, it’s so nice, I
feel productive.
It’s so freaking cold
over here, that heater
above is junk.
It’s so nice and warm
at work, I could handle
cold fish all day.
It’s so cold here,
that heater is junk.
It’s so warm here, I
could handle cold
fish all da
y
.
I agree, it’s so nice, I
feel so productive.
Approximate Tube Temp Across Tube System
Qty (2) - 60 Foot U-Tubes
200
400
600
800
1000
0 102030405060
Feet from Burner
°F
Approximate Tube Temp Across Tube System
Qty (2) - 30 Foot Straight Tubes
200
400
600
800
1000
0 102030405060
Feet from Burner
°F
Approximate Tube Temp Across Tube System
60 Foot Straight Tube
200
400
600
800
1000
0 102030405060
Feet from Burner
°F
I agree, it’s so nice, I
feel productive.
It’s so freaking cold
over here, that heater
above is junk.
It’s so nice and warm
at work, I could handle
cold fish all day.
I’m really happy my
employer cares enough
to keep me warm.
It’s so warm here, I
could handle cold
fish all da
y
.
I agree, it’s so nice, I
feel so productive.
I agree, it’s so nice, I
feel productive.
It’s so freaking cold
over here, that heater
above is junk.
It’s so nice and warm
at work, I could handle
cold fish all day.
I’m really happy my
employer cares enough
to keep me warm.
It’s so warm here, I
could handle cold
fish all da
y
.
It’s not bad, I wish it
was a little warmer.