The immersion heater represents a sound, economical method of heating process solutions in the finishing industry. Classical heater installations consisted of hanging a steam coil on one tank wall, sized to heat up water to a "rule-of-thumb" temperature in two hours. While this method has proved adequate in providing heat and covering a multitude of oversights, it has also proved unsatisfactory with regard to energy costs and control. As the cost of energy rose, the finisher increased heat-up times in an attempt to conserve energy. Soon, heat losses prevented achieving desired temperature levels so tank insulation, covers, and other methods of loss conservation were added. Again, adequate solutions to most of the challenges were found, but the hanging steam coil remained unchanged. Today, we have the knowledge that allows us to adequately plan, design, install, and operate economical, efficient heating systems.
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