What Are Infrared Radiant Vacuum Systems?

Re-Verber-Ray infrared radiant tube heaters are the ideal solution for heating large spaces. But what if the space is extremely vast like an aircraft hangar, distribution facility, or a government vehicle storage garage? The solution in this instance is an engineered vacuum system.

The HLV Series infrared vacuum heating system is engineered specifically for the design parameters of the building it is required to heat. These systems are designed for the space with the assistance of factory engineers to ensure all requirements are met. Though the system may seem simplistic there are often many complexities. Careful consideration of design, installation and operation should be made when exploring this option.

 

Rather than relying on the interior fan of the burner box to push heat through the system, vacuum systems have a pump installed to pull heat through. That’s why these are sometimes referred to as “Pull Through” or “Negative Pressure” systems. Vacuum systems have multiple burner heads attached to one system with many emitter tubes. Adding the vacuum pump to the design allows for heat to be pulled through a longer, more complexly designed system.

These systems are versatile and can be designed as either condensing or dry. Dry systems are defined as those maintaining operating stack temperatures above the point of condensation. They typically have a shorter burner to pump length and more even radiant heat emittance from the system. Meanwhile, condensing systems are defined as those maintaining operating stack temperatures below the point of condensation. Condensing systems typically have longer burner to pump lengths, a sloped system with a condensate trap, and a less even radiant heat emittance from the system.

There are several benefits in using a vacuum system, as explained by product engineers:

• Operating Efficiencies. A vacuum system can be designed to achieve improved thermal efficiencies. This is because the system can be designed to condensate.
• Reduced Vent Penetrations. A vacuum system can tie multiple burners onto a single vacuum pump. Accordingly, the number of vent penetrations within the space may be reduced.
• Extended Tube Lengths. A vacuum system will best accommodate a design that employs extended runs of radiant emitter tubes. This may be desirable in large applications or in applications where the vent penetration is a long distance from the pump.
• Elevation Changes. A vacuum system will allow for a design that requires an elevation change in the system itself. This may be necessary in unique, pitched or obstacle ridden applications.

Vacuum systems should only be considered for appropriate applications. There are a handful of prohibitive factors to help determine if a vacuum system is right for your application:

• Cost. Vacuum systems are more costly than a similar “push” tube design because they require more components and are more complex to install and maintain.
• System Dependency. A vacuum system is dependent upon a single pump which, should it fail, would cause the entire system to be out of order.
• Noise. Vacuum pumps can be noisy and should be placed in an area where noise will not affect other work occurring in the space.
• Electrical Consumption. Higher horsepower, higher amp vacuum pump motors consume more electrical energy than a push tube system. This should be considered when computing operating efficiencies.

Great Lakes Radiant is ready and able to assist with determining what infrared radiant heat system is appropriate for your application. We will work with you, and factory design engineers, to ensure any space is adequately heated and comfortable.

To learn more about Re-Verber-Ray HLV vacuum systems by Detroit Radiant Products, give us a call at 888-501-0252 or email [email protected] today!