At Stelter & Brinck, with over 100 years of expertise in the process heat industry, we design and manufacture custom indirect fired air heaters that deliver clean, contaminant-free hot air to the most demanding industrial applications. Our indirect air heaters (IAH) separate combustion gases from the process air stream. See the diagram below.
In this post, we explore how S&B indirect fired air heaters serve key sectors and share authentic testimonials from customers who rely on our equipment every day. Below is an image of our Indirect Air Heater product lines.
Food & Dairy Processing
Indirect fired air heaters are the standard choice for food and dairy applications because they provide pure heated air without combustion by-products. Our IAH-R (recirculating models) are specifically accepted for use in USDA dairy programs, making them ideal for spray drying, fluid bed drying, and other sanitary processes.
Customers in this industry value the stainless steel construction, high thermal efficiency (up to 90%), and reliable temperature control that protects product quality.
Pharmaceutical & Chemical Manufacturing
In pharmaceutical and chemical production, maintaining product integrity is non-negotiable. S&B indirect air heaters supply clean, odor-free air for drying, curing, and reaction processes where any contact with combustion gases could compromise the end product.
Our recirculating, non-recirculating, and straight-through configurations give engineers the flexibility to match exact airflow, temperature rise, and space constraints while delivering consistent, low-emission performance.
Grain, Tobacco & Agricultural Products
For grain drying, fiber processing, and tobacco applications, our indirect heaters prevent contamination while providing the high-volume, controlled-temperature air needed for efficient drying. The robust design stands up to continuous duty in tough environments, and customers appreciate the long service life and straightforward maintenance.
Other Industrial Applications
S&B indirect air heaters are also widely used in:
- Print drying
- Mineral processing
- Specialty chemical drying
- Any process requiring heat free of combustion-related contamination
Whether paired with spray dryers, rotary dryers, fluid bed dryers, flash dryers, or ovens, our systems deliver dependable clean heat across diverse industries.
What Our Customers Say
Here are real quotes from companies that have experienced the Stelter & Brinck difference with our combustion and process heating equipment:
“Anyone looking for equipment and service would be making a mistake to look anywhere else for their needs, but Stelter & Brinck.” — Custom Laminating Company
“S&B’s equipment has considerably cut maintenance expenses at this plant!” – Fiber-Reinforced Production Company
“Stelter & Brinck’s engineers were not only readily available when I had questions, but the engineering support during this project was, as always absolutely incredible!” – Temperature Measurement Solutions
“When we hand over our projects to S&B, we know we don’t have to worry about anything! S&B takes absolute ownership of our projects and keeps us informed at every stage.” – Custom Laminating Company
These testimonials reflect the reliability, efficiency gains, and responsive support that our customers consistently experience.
The Stelter & Brinck Advantage
Every S&B indirect air heater is custom-engineered to your specific airflow, temperature, fuel, emissions, and space requirements. Units are fully packaged, thoroughly test-fired in our facility before shipment, and backed by expert field service and an inventory of combustion parts.
With more than a century of combustion experience, we don’t just supply equipment — we deliver products that improve efficiency, protect product quality, and reduce long-term operating costs.
Ready to explore the right indirect air heater solution for your industry? Contact us today at (513) 367-9300 or visit stelterbrinck.com/contact-us/. Our engineers will review your process requirements and provide a tailored recommendation.
Have questions about which indirect air heater configuration best fits your application, or want to share your own experience? Comment below or reach out directly — we answer every inquiry personally.