5 Key Features to a Quality Infra-Red Tube Heater

Two-Stage Operation. - Advanced two-stage infra-red heaters fire at 100% or 65% of rated output.  This varied operation reduces on/off cycles by 35%, improves comfort levels, provides faster recoveries, offers design protection benefits and has been proven to save a minimum of 12% fuel savings over single stage.  By reducing on/off cycles you directly reduce wasted energy.

Burner Design. - A burner that produces an elongated and spiraled flame is superior to a "cup" style burner that produces a shortened flame.  An elongated flame emits more flame radiation than other flames (p.6 N. American Combustion Handbook, VII) and improves heat distribution.  Detroit Radiant's stainless steel burner is specifically designed for an elongated flame.

Tube Construction. - Radiant tubes are constructed of stainless steel, titanium coated, aluminized coated and hot-rolled steel.  Different tubes have different tolerances to heat and corrosion.  An efficient radiant heater will use 100% aluminized coated tubes, at a minimum.  A highly emissive (.95+) black coating will further enhance performance.

Highly Polished Reflectors - Highly polished aluminum reflectors transmit nearly 90% (ASHRAE 1996 p 3.8) of radiant energy.  Mill finish reflectors have an absorption value of 40% to 60% (ASHRAE 1996 p 3.8).  Reflector construction material is more critical than the reflector design.

Other. - Hot surface ignition is superior to spark ignition, complete mounting kits (hangers, clamps, flex connectors, end caps & gas cocks) save time during installation, interlocking tubes are easier to install and offer a superior fit to non-swaged tubes, titanium combustion chambers offer more protection over aluminized tubes.