Can Radiant Heat Be Used In A Car Wash?

Introduction

Did you know that Great Lakes Radiant & Industrials sells both fully and partially stainless-steel Re-Verber-Ray gas-fired tube heaters made by Detroit Radiant Products? Let’s explore some information for using these in a car wash application.

Fully Stainless

There are two primary choices for a stainless-steel system: the DX2 single-stage and the HL2 two-stage gas-fired low intensity infrared tube heaters. The difference between these two amounts to energy savings. The HL2 infrared tube heater has a high-fire mode to kick things into gear and heat up quickly. It also has a low-fire mode that can cycle on and heat things up when the temperature drops slightly.

The DX2 and HL2 come in two versions: full stainless (SS) or just a sealed burner box (SB). Great Lakes Radiant always recommends a fully stainless system for this application. Fully stainless-steel systems are available in lengths of 20ft to 60ft. With a full stainless system you get:

• Silicone sealed burner box to prevent water and chemicals from damaging the parts and components
• 304 and 409 grade stainless-steel construction
• Stainless-steel tubes, reflectors, clamps, hangers, and supports
• Stainless-steel gas flex connector
• Other stainless-steel accessories by request

Stainless Box Only

If the environment isn’t extremely harsh might be appropriate to choose a heater with just a sealed burner box (SB). The burner box is sealed with silicone to prevent damage. Systems with just a sealed burner box are available in lengths of 20ft to 80ft.

Most Re-Verber-Ray heaters can be upgraded to a fully stainless-steel system. These upgrades mean the factory at Detroit Radiant Products will build your system with these extra tough components.

Installation Concerns

Keep in mind that car washes are a special application, so unique considerations must be made when installing a low intensity infrared heater. Installation should be out of the way of the washing equipment and any vehicles that pass through. Fresh air will be from outside the space. The unit will be exhausted out of the space to prevent moisture from entering through the exhaust end.

 

Conclusion

At Great Lakes Radiant & Industrials, our experts can assist you with any questions you have including design, heat loss calculations, technical, installation and more! Next time you are pulling into a car wash, look up! You might just see one of our Re-Verber-Ray brand heaters hanging overhead!

Call us at 888-501-0252 or email sales@glradiant.com for more information.