Why Black-Painted Tubes Improve Infrared Tube Heater Efficiency

Introduction

Infrared tube heater technology continues to evolve, driving new levels of efficiency and performance. Among these innovations, black-painted radiant tubes have emerged as a significant improvement. This article explores how black paint enhances emissivity and why it leads to greater radiant output compared to traditional calorized steel tubes.

 

Understanding Infrared Tube Heaters

Infrared tube heaters work by emitting infrared radiation, transferring heat directly from the surface of the tube to nearby objects and people. Unlike convection heaters, which warm the surrounding air, infrared heaters deliver energy more efficiently. As a result, they provide faster, more targeted heating.

 

Black Paint and Emissivity on Infrared Tube Heaters

Emissivity measures how effectively a surface emits radiant heat. Materials with high emissivity release more infrared energy at a given temperature than those with lower values.

Black paint stands out for its high emissivity, typically between 0.9 and 0.95 on a scale from 0 to 1. This makes it highly effective at both absorbing and emitting infrared radiation. When applied to radiant tubes, black paint significantly improves heat emission. Consequently, it increases the efficiency of heat transfer to the surrounding environment. This ensures Infrared Tube Heaters work more effectively.

 

 Here you can see our Black-Painted Tubes in full, operational display.

 

Calorized Steel Tubes vs. Black-Painted Tubes on Infrared Tube Heaters

Traditionally, manufacturers have used calorized steel to construct radiant tubes. They apply a thin layer of aluminum to the steel and bake it in, enhancing oxidation resistance and boosting emissivity.

Although calorized steel is effective, its emissivity typically ranges between 0.8 and 0.85—lower than that of black-painted surfaces. Because of this, black-painted tubes emit more radiant heat at the same operating temperatures.

This higher emissivity results in cooler stack temperatures—often 150°F to 200°F lower than those of calorized tubes. These lower temperatures reflect greater radiant output and improved thermal efficiency. Additionally, black-painted tubes reduce heat loss and help maintain consistent heating performance across various environments.

By increasing the amount of heat radiated, black paint transforms more of the generated energy into useful infrared radiation. This results in better energy efficiency and more effective heating, whether in humid industrial plants or outdoor patio spaces.

 

Conclusion

The use of black paint on radiant tubes marks a meaningful advancement in infrared tube heaters technology, especially as implemented by Detroit Radiant Products. With increased emissivity and radiant output, black-painted tubes outperform traditional calorized steel tubes. They deliver better energy efficiency, enhanced performance, and greater versatility across a wide range of commercial and industrial applications.

That’s why Detroit Radiant Products equips all its gas tube heaters with black-painted tubing. As heating technologies progress, black-painted tubes will continue to play a key role in maximizing comfort and conserving energy in modern infrared heating systems.

 

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Email: sales@glradiant.com

Website: www.GLRadiant.com