Hot Air Generators and Industrial Heaters: Buying Guide

Combustion Types in Hot Air Generators

Among types of hot air generators, also called heating blowers or industrial heaters, we have:

• Diesel heaters:
  Powered by diesel, these heaters are used for heating large spaces and industrial environments. Hot air blowers should be used in ventilated areas with air circulation and cannot be used in closed spaces as they produce harmful exhaust fumes. A gas-powered hot air generator generally has low operating costs and excellent heating efficiency. Among gas heaters there are two combustion types:
  - Direct combustion: The burned gas directly heats the air released into the environment. A direct combustion hot air blower emits fumes and combustion residues, so it's only suitable for open or well-ventilated spaces.
  - Indirect combustion: In this case the combustion process is separated as fumes are vented outside through an exhaust, while clean hot air is released into the environment. These heating blowers are ideal for closed spaces where fume contamination must be avoided, ensuring safe hot air free from emissions.

• Gas heaters:
  Divided into LPG or methane heaters, they're used to heat large open and ventilated spaces like warehouses, greenhouses, construction sites where powerful and effective heating is quickly needed. There are 2 types of gas heating blowers:
  - LPG heater: Operates with liquid propane gas stored in portable tanks. This makes LPG suitable for remote areas or places without gas distribution networks, like construction sites or outdoor spaces. It's versatile and easy to transport. Has higher heating power than methane.
  - Methane heater: Connects directly to the gas distribution network. Ideal for fixed installations where natural gas is readily available. More economical long-term than LPG but requires fixed infrastructure. Doesn't need storage tanks like LPG.

• Electric heaters:
  Simple heating systems that connect to 230V single-phase or 400V three-phase electrical networks. They don't have burners so can be used where open flames aren't permitted. Heat is generated through steel resistors then pushed by the fan's airflow.

Usage Sectors

Common uses for hot air blowers include:

• Industrial use:
  For spaces without central heating like warehouses and industrial buildings, high-power industrial heaters capable of operating at low temperatures are recommended. Besides heating, these models are ideal for accelerating paint and concrete drying or restoring flooded buildings. In agriculture, they help maintain optimal greenhouse climates and improve animal welfare in farms.
• Construction sector:
  For construction, durable, easy-to-handle and transportable heaters (often diesel or gas) are recommended. These wheeled/handled models work effectively in challenging conditions like construction sites or temporary structures. Useful for heating spaces and accelerating cement/paint drying while keeping operating costs low.
• Workshops and garages:
  For labs, workshops and small work areas, compact, easy-to-install heaters with reduced power but suitable for quick, low-cost heating are ideal. Perfect for seasonal use, adapting to specific business needs.
• Events:
  For events and temporary installations where other heating systems wouldn't be practical, mobile heaters that are easy to install and quick to activate are best. Ideal for heating during both setup and events, ensuring comfort without delays.
• Emergency/Military use:
  In emergencies or natural disasters, professional heaters capable of quickly warming shelters and flooded spaces are essential. These models provide immediate, reliable support for timely action in critical conditions.
• Agriculture/Livestock:
  For agricultural needs, mobile heaters designed for environments like greenhouses and farms where maintaining constant temperatures is essential while keeping costs low are recommended. Models with ceiling or floor mounting options (often with integrated or separate burners) are ideal. Separate burners are suggested for dusty, gaseous or humid environments as they can connect to external air intakes ensuring clean air and corrosion protection. In livestock environments where disinfectants and cleaners are common, high-quality heaters designed to resist toxic gases and ammonia are particularly recommended for longevity and maximum safety.

How to Calculate Thermal Requirements

Fixed Industrial Heating Systems

Heating systems for production environments are designed to generate large volumes of hot air, distributing heat evenly throughout the workspace. Choosing between fixed heaters at the work area center with direct hot air emission or ducted solutions depends on various factors: required power, space size/type, noise levels and required airflow control. "Hot air blowers" represent an optimal solution for versatile distributed heating, particularly for work environments where indirect heating machines are preferable as they exhaust combustion residues outside. For greenhouse and livestock heating, direct heating units are recommended as they maximize fuel efficiency while emitting minimal residues thanks to high operating temperatures. Suspension heaters with lifting frames are ideal for high airflow requirement areas like greenhouses, farms, warehouses and labs, compatible with diesel, LPG or natural gas burners.

Safety Considerations

Key safety considerations before purchasing an industrial heater include:

• Overheat protection: Thermal cutoff switch turns off the heater if safety temperature is reached;
• Cool touch: Some heaters are designed so the exterior remains cool to touch;
• Safety distances: Follow manufacturer guidelines for distances from walls and ceilings;
• Electrical requirements: The circuit must support the required amperage and voltage;
• Don't block openings: Keep heater vents, exhausts and other openings clear.
• Shutdown: Always turn off and unplug before any cleaning, moving or maintenance.