What is Process Heat Equipment?

Heat is used in virtually all industries during manufacturing and production. “Process heating†is the technique of applying heat to raw or semi-finished goods, in order to achieve the final product.

Process heat systems are used for 4 different functions in manufacturing: generating, transferring, exchanging, or recovering heat.  There are many different types of process heat equipment that perform these functions. Some of the most popular systems are: indirect fired process air heaters, direct fired process air heaters, ovens, furnaces, dryers, kilns, heat exchangers, boilers, and heat recovery equipment.

Where is Process Heat Equipment Used?

Below is a list of applications and industries that utilize process heat equipment during manufacturing.

Materials:

• Steel
• Glass
• Basic Chemicals
• Ores and Minerals
• Copper & Brass
• Ceramic
• Petroleum
• Paper
• Aluminum
• Composite Materials
• Cement
• Precious Metal

 Value-Added Product Areas:

• Automotive Parts
• Appliances
• Specialty Steels
• Food
• Textile
• Pipe & Tube
• Fasteners
• Machinery
• Plastics
• Tools
• Powdered Metals
• Weapons & Armaments
• Rubber & Wire
• Farm & Heavy Equipment
• Paper Products
• Gypsum
• Foundry
• Paint
• Semiconductor
• Jewelry
• Defense Equipment
• Beverage
• Carbon & Graphite
• Asphalt Paving
• Forging
• Electronics
• Aerospace Components
• Can & Container

S&B made some slight modifications to the list above, but the original source is: The U.S. Department of Energy.

As the table shows, process heat equipment is not only used in the production of heavy duty materials like steel, copper, and brass, but it is also used in the manufacturing of materials like glass, ceramic and petroleum, among many others.  Based on the products generated from process heat equipment, we can conclude that “process heating†has been, and will be, around for a long time.

Where can I find Process Heating Resources?

Here is a list of process heating resources that we have compiled. It is broken up into two sections: websites & associations & institutes.

http://www.process-heating.com  – A wonderful resources to keep up with all the latest developments pertaining to process heating industry. The website serves as a good source for many major industrial OEM contacts in the process heating arena that focus on applications of up to 1000°F.

http://www.industrialheating.com  – As a subsidiary of the above website, this is a source for processes that use heat in excess of 1000°F. Manufacturers and heat treating companies can be found on this website.

http://www.connectingindustry.com  – Another well-crafted website which provides viewers with regularly updated industrial stories and content. Connecting Industry has 9 branches, all of which focus on a different niche interests in the industrial world.

http://www.directindustry.com   – This website is a self-proclaimed “virtual industrial exhibitionâ€, which is a great source for general & specific industrial supplies & equipment. Every item for sale on the website has a picture and a detailed description.

http://www.globalspec.com   – An engineering search engine that allows you to search by product, company or even part number.

http://www.thomasnet.com  – An industrial search engine that provides very detailed information on products, services & suppliers including specifications, CAD drawings, and more.

Associations & Institutes

http://www.asme.org  – The American Society of Mechanical Engineers official website provides a large source of journals and whitepapers, pertaining to industrial norms and processes. The website also provides information on events and group pertaining to mechanical engineers.

http://www.astm.org â€“ ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) International develops international standards for materials, products, systems and services used in construction, manufacturing and transportation.

http://www.eere.energy.gov– The Office of Energy and Renewable Energy works to increase energy efficiency throughout the US, while always striving for cleaner, more affordable energy technologies. The website offers many tips for saving energy, new regulation details, and many energy incentives put in place by the US government.

http://www.ihea.org  – The Industrial Heating Equipment Association (IHEA) is a national trade association that provides news, events, general resources and a supplier directory for those interested in industrial heat processing & equipment.

http://www.gastechnology.org  – The Gas Technology Institute is very prestigious organization which has been developing breakthrough gas technologies in order to solve energy challenges and achieve a secure energy future.

Who can I rely on for Process Heat Equipment?

https://stelterbrinck.com â€“ Stelter & Brinck can help you with your process heat equipment and combustion field service needs. They have been in business for over 90 years and have experience in vast industries.

Stelter & Brinck started as a manufacturer’s representative and evolved into an OEM of top-of-the-line process heat equipment. Our equipment is custom designed by our internal in-house engineering department to be durable, reliable, efficient, easy-to-use, and to provide unmatched performance. Our internal QC team tests and/or tunes each piece of equipment before shipment and is backed by our Field Service and Parts Departments.

Here’s a list of the equipment we design, manufacture and service:

Process Air Heaters

Indirect Fired Air Heaters

Recirculating

Non-Recirculating

Direct Fired Air Heaters

Packaged Air Heaters

Duct Type Air Heaters

Gun Style Air Heaters

Metals Industry Equipment

Ladle Dryers & Preheaters

Tundish Dryers & Preheaters

Scrap Preheaters & Dryers

Sow Dryers

SEN / SES Preheaters

Environmental Systems

Thermal Oxidizers

Catalytic Oxidizers

Afterburners

General Industrial Equipment

Ovens & Furnaces

Oven & Furnace Conversions

Combustion Systems

Integrated Packaged Systems (Skidded & Modular)

Combustion Systems

Packaged Systems

Skidded Valve Trains

Control Panel Systems

Burner Services Include:

Preventative Maintenance

Start-Ups & Recommissioning

Upgrades/ Rebuilds/ Retrofits/ Repairs

About Our Service Technicians

Why should I choose S&B for my Process Heat Equipment Needs?

We will let our customers do the talking; Consolidated Ceramics Products Incorporated’s Director of Engineering, gives the reasons he relies on S&B for his process heat equipment needs:

1. Quality of Work

“I have been dealing with Stelter & Brinck for 20 years- they have provided the highest quality work, year after year.â€

2. Availability & Support

“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!â€

3. Open Communication

“This project was out of the ordinary, as it required more collaboration between CCPI and Stelter & Brinck than usual. However, because of S&B’s open communication, I knew we’d form a great team- and we did!â€

4. The Final Results

“Since the installation of S&B’s equipment, we’ve had a 65% utility reduction of the old oven; we have the numbers recorded to prove it! I am very happy with S&B’s work on this project the entire process couldn’t have gone better! Thanks to the S&B crew for a great job, once again!â€

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Stelter & Brinck regarding your process heat needs.