Finned Tubular Heating Elements are typically used in dry applications which require a low watt density.
We construct finned tubular air heating elements like basic tubular elements, but we add continuous spiral fins. Attached by means of specialist machinery to roll and crimp the spiral fin material to create good contact and thermal heat transfer away from the element by increasing the surface area. During manufacture, we generally crimp or weld the fin material at each end.
You tend to use this type of heating element when your application has limited space, but you still need high wattage.
We manufacture our Finned Heating Elements with our standard 8mmØ sheath. With the applied fin this is 22mm OD.
Let’s compare…
Standard 8mm tubular heating element bent to a U shape.
The same Tubular Heating element with applied 22mm OD fin.
Image A above shows a standard 8mm U bent tubular heating element. For this element, rated at 3000W 240V, we advise using it only for immersed applications due to its watt density levels.
By using finning technique shown in Image B, the surface area has significantly increased. This means although the wattage has remained the same at 3000W 240V, the watt density has reduced significantly and would have a reduced risk of failure in a dry environment.
A lower watt density can reduce the risk of premature failure in heaters. However, finned heaters can be harder to maintain. In many cases, you can substitute a finned element with a different shape to allow a larger surface area. For example, if you have a finned U-bend, you could replace it with a loop or a coil.
Contact our team to find the right solution for your application.
