The operation of a gas-fired process heater involves burning natural gas or propane in a combustion chamber to produce heat, which is then transferred to the plastic resin or product. The heater can be designed in various configurations depending on the specific application and the heating requirements. For example, a heater may have a vertical or horizontal configuration, and may use a direct or indirect heating method.
Gas-fired process heaters are commonly used in the plastics industry because they can provide fast and efficient heating, allowing for high throughput and productivity. Additionally, they can be used for a variety of plastics processing applications, from melting plastic resin to curing finished products.
Gas-fired process heaters can be designed with various safety features, such as automatic shut-off valves and flame sensors, to ensure safe operation. They are typically made of durable materials, such as stainless steel, to withstand the high temperatures and harsh conditions found in industrial environments.
In many parts of the country, using natural gas instead of electricity can significantly reduce energy costs. Besides reducing costs, there are often programs that provide energy credits to companies that reduce energy usage - so there can be a double benefit in switching to gas.
The key to maximizing benefits is choosing a gas-fired process heater that has the highest energy-efficiency possible. Most gas-fired heaters have an efficiency rating of only 75-85% but there are models with 90+% efficiency ratings.
