The Watlow FIREBAR heater introduces an innovative flat surface geometry that delivers significant performance advantages over traditional round tubular heaters. This unique design packs more power in shorter element lengths while maintaining lower sheath temperatures, extending heater life without compromising performance. Available in single and double-ended configurations with either 1-inch or 5/8-inch heights, FIREBAR heaters can replace round tubular elements in virtually all applications.

Performance Advantages

Providing the same wattage and watt density, the FIREBAR heater is 41% shorter than a 0.430-inch diameter tubular heating element, enabling equipment designers to add power without increasing space requirements. The flat surface geometry allows the heater to heat fluids from ambient temperatures faster than tubular elements while using the same wattage and achieving lower sheath temperatures. This combination of benefits makes FIREBAR heaters particularly effective with oils and other viscous materials.

Reduced Scaling and Coking

Problems associated with scaling, coking, and sediment are significantly reduced by the FIREBAR design. The heater's geometry creates a breathing effect that breaks many types of scale and deposits off the heater sheath. The thin profile provides little space for solids to settle, while fluid flowing past the flat surface creates a wiping effect. In oil and similar products where coking is a concern, the lower sheath temperature of FIREBAR heaters directly addresses the root cause of coking.

Configuration Options

Single-ended models feature both terminations at one end, simplifying wiring and installation. Double-ended configurations provide additional flexibility for specific mounting requirements. Both styles accommodate various mounting and termination options to suit diverse applications including direct immersion in water and oils, clamp-on mounting for hoppers and griddles, forced air heating, and radiant heating systems.