Thermal Fluid Heater Coils

Most industrial heating equipment manufacturers solely produce thermal fluid heaters that feature helical heating coils. While we do produce helical coil thermal fluid heaters for clients in need of this specific type of equipment, the majority of thermal fluid heaters we produce feature serpentine coil technology. In fact, our standard thermal fluid heaters are designed and equipped with the more efficient, durable serpentine coil technology.

While helical coil heaters feature helically wound coils, our serpentine coil heaters feature serpentine radiant coil bundles. The difference between the two coil types can be seen in the cross-section images below.

Serpentine Coil Heat Exchange

In the radiant section of the heater (A), heat is transferred to the front, sides and back of the serpentine coil. This allows for more even heat distribution, less coil degradation, longer tube life, and higher operating oil temperatures. In the convection section (B) of our serpentine coil, heat is transferred to a much larger surface area in our integrated economizer. This reduces stack temperature and makes the serpentine coil hot oil heater 10-15% more efficient.

Helical Coil Heat Exchange

In the radiant section of the heater (A), heat is transferred by direct radiation only on the inside surface of the helical coil. Convection (B) only occurs as the vapors pass over the outside surface of the helically wound coils, before leaving the stack at a much higher temperature. Although less efficient, this design is more compact. These, and other, factors set serpentine coil thermal fluid heaters apart from typical hot oil heaters and enable them to provide a number of benefits.