Alcohol/gasoline catalytic heater

What is it and how does it work

Catalytic heaters are devices that produce heat through oxidation. To do this, a catalyst plate is located in the body of the device; when fuel enters it, a reaction occurs, resulting in the generation of heat.

Fuel consumption is carried out in a flameless manner. And this eliminates the formation of combustion products, which makes the device environmentally friendly and safe. In terms of efficiency, the heater outperformed a standard gas burner.

All of these factors explain the growing consumer confidence. Heating occurs according to the following scheme:

1. The surface of the catalyst plate is heated from 200 to 5000C.
2. The fuel-air liquid is heated in a separate chamber.
3. Fumes from burning fuel fall on the hot fiberglass plate.
4. Under the influence of a catalyst, a so-called flameless combustion reaction occurs.

In other words, the operation of the device is carried out due to the oxidation of combustion products.

Varieties

All catalytic heaters are primarily distinguished by their design features. Monolithic devices are most widespread. In them, the liquefied gas cylinder is located directly inside the body. Depending on the model, the volume of this container can be no more than 27 cubic meters.

Other types of structures do not provide for a housing. They only contain a plate impregnated with catalysts. These models are often used during travel and camping trips to heat cars and tents. They are compact in size and convenient to take with you.

In addition, the devices differ in the type of heating: they can be ordinary or infrared. Infrared gas devices use a ceramic panel for heating. For more efficient and faster heating and to achieve a comfortable room temperature, special reflective plates are installed inside the devices.

Catalytic gas heaters for home, cottage or camping

When winter comes, you always want to be warm and cozy. This is what causes increased demand for home heating systems during the colder months. In various stores there is a huge number of heating burners, which differ in design, operating principles, and the design of the heating element. Nowadays, anyone can appreciate a new device - a catalytic heater. This article will discuss this heating device, its positive and negative sides, and points that you need to pay attention to when purchasing.

Fuel types

For heating using catalytic heaters, it is not necessary to use only liquefied gas in cylinders. The one that is supplied to houses through central gas supply pipes is also suitable for this.

However, catalytic equipment can operate not only on gas. Although these are the most common models, some types of heaters may use other fuels.

1. Petrol. Such devices contain a reservoir with a catalytic cartridge attached to it. The principle of their operation is based on the fact that fuel vapor enters this cartridge. Here they interact with the catalyst and are oxidized. Gasoline models are distinguished by their modest dimensions and light weight, which is why they are especially popular among hunters and fishermen.
2. Industrial alcohol. In devices operating on this type of fuel, there is a special compartment inside the housing into which a container with alcohol or dry fuel is placed. Such heater models can weigh no more than 2 kg. They are used to heat tents, dry clothes and heat food.
3. Combined fuel. The most convenient types of heaters, since they can use all types of fuel. However, they have one main drawback - the power of such models does not exceed 1200 W.

Advantages and disadvantages of catalytic heaters

One of the main advantages of these devices is their environmental friendliness and safety. They do not emit carbon monoxide, maintaining the normal balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the room. Due to the absence of flame, the devices are absolutely fireproof. By adjusting the power of the device, you set the desired temperature in the heated room, saving fuel. All devices are mobile, on wheels; small camping devices fit in backpacks.

There are only two fundamental disadvantages of catalytic heaters. All the rest are designer ones. The first, most significant drawback is the limited service life, about 2500 hours. During this time, the catalyst burns out. Replacing a catalyst costs about two-thirds of the cost of a new device. Therefore, it will be easier to throw away the old device and buy a new one. With round-the-clock operation of the device, it will last for no more than five months of operation.

The second serious drawback is that low-quality fuel reduces the operating time of the catalyst, and, consequently, the entire device.

Are catalytic emitters harmful?

No! Heaters that emit infrared waves and use a catalyst to generate heat are not dangerous. Of course, during operation you should follow safety precautions (instructions are given in the instructions).

Operational safety is ensured by the following:

• IR radiation – waves of a certain low spectrum are used, which have a beneficial effect on the human immune and nervous system.
• The operation process uses flameless combustion of fuel through oxidation. As a result, carbon monoxide does not accumulate in the room.

Catalytic heaters relatively recently became available to domestic consumers. Heating systems are most popular among outdoor enthusiasts. Heaters using a catalyst are the optimal solution for heating tents and construction sites. Powerful radiators are effective in heating large areas.

When there is a need for temporary heating of a space, or in the absence of a centralized supply of gas and electricity, a gas heater can be useful. They come in the form of beautifully designed converters that can be placed on the wall for regular use, or as a floor-mounted portable type to quickly heat a room such as a warehouse or workshop. On a picnic, in the cool season, you can use the outdoor version of this gas equipment, and when hiking or fishing, its compact analogue will be useful. After reading this article, you can learn to clearly distinguish between these models and choose the one that is better suited for certain circumstances.

Areas of use

Catalytic air heaters are rarely used for heating residential premises. Unless we are talking about an unfinished private house, where renovations are being done, or people have already moved, and the main heating system has not yet been installed. In this case, the device will become a real salvation. However, there are more common uses:

1. Garages. The heater is able to warm the area of ​​a standard garage, and operation without fire makes it safe to use near cars.
2. Small workshops. The catalytic heating method is a real salvation for workers in various workshops. There are fire safety rules there, but there are usually no heating systems.
3. Tents. A catalytic tent heater will provide warmth to tourists who love to spend the night in nature. The camping version weighs a little, but warms an area of ​​about 20 sq.m.
4. Greenhouses. An excellent replacement for stoves, now gardeners don’t have to wake up at night to add firewood: the harvest is under reliable protection.
5. Temporary buildings. In such buildings this is the only safe way to keep warm.

Kharkov smoldering boilers

The Kharkov smoldering combustion boiler (KTG) is a waste recycler, and was designed to reduce heating costs for residential, industrial and warehouse premises, cottages, workshops, greenhouses, and farms.

Characteristics of CTG

The characteristics table deliberately does not indicate the power of the heating device, because this parameter depends on the type of fuel, its humidity, and smoldering time. The volume of the heated room column contains reference characteristics. The selection of a heating device must be carried out for each specific case separately.

KTG operates stably on any type of solid fuel: firewood and wood waste (sawdust, boards, wood chips, bark, branches), agricultural processing waste (manure, husks, corn cobs and stalks), peat, cardboard products. It operates reliably on fuel with high humidity (up to 40-60% for different types of fuel). The time of continuous operation on one stack of firewood is 6...9 hours, of bulk fuels – up to 24 hours.

KTG is: – a solution to the problem of recycling wood, agricultural and cardboard waste; – complete autonomy from electricity, ease of operation and maintenance, reliability and safety in operation, long service life.

KTG has a number of design advantages over similar systems; it can be used as a WATER and AIR HEATER. KTG is produced in several standard sizes, but can also be designed and manufactured by our specialists for any specific room, taking into account its specifics. KTG is accompanied by the necessary package of certification documents.

For all questions, please contact the address: Ukraine, Kharkov, st. Marshala Fedorenko, 1 State municipal repair and construction division of the Kominternovsky district, tel/fax, 63-66-85

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive characteristics of catalytic heaters include:

1. Compact volume and light weight: the medium-sized device easily fits into the trunk of a car.
2. Security mode. The devices are able to monitor the level of carbon dioxide in the room. In addition, as mentioned, they have no flame, which eliminates the possibility of fire.
3. The devices are very economical. Gas appliances consume about 200 grams in about an hour when operating at full power.
4. Availability of fuel. A new cylinder or a couple of liters of gasoline can be purchased at any gas station.
5. There are no unpleasant odors. The devices do not pollute the air with combustion products.
6. Simple device. There are no complicated mechanisms, everything is arranged clearly and simply.

The only downside is the high cost, especially for models with high power.

Catalytic gas heater: operating principle of the device

Catalytic heaters appeared in our country relatively recently, but this has not stopped them from currently occupying a worthy position in the market. The principle of their operation is fundamentally different from those used in other gas appliances. In the standard scheme, fuel entering the burner undergoes combustion, resulting in the release of thermal energy.

Diagram of a catalytic gas heater

Among the disadvantages of this method of heat extraction is the fact that the process releases a large amount of combustion by-products. This negatively affects both the efficiency of the devices and the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the room. These disadvantages are unusual for catalytic heaters, since their operating principle is different.

The process of burning fuel in a catalytic gas heater does not involve the presence of a flame. Instead, the following processes occur:

• When the device is turned on, the surface of the catalyst begins to heat up. Depending on the selected mode, the temperature can range from 200 to 500 °C;
• at this time, the air-fuel mixture is prepared in a special chamber;
• liquefied gas is supplied to the heated catalyst plate, which, under the influence of all factors, burns without forming a flame.

Typically, the plate used in catalytic heaters is made of fiberglass with platinum powder added to it. This allows the device to be not only safe, but also environmentally friendly. In addition, the thermal efficiency of such a system is significantly higher than that of standard gas burners, which explains the popularity of these devices.

Operating principle of a catalytic gas heater

What to look for when choosing a catalytic heater

When choosing a heater, you need to focus on the main criteria.

Where and how the device will be used

Before buying a heater, you need to clearly understand where exactly and for what purposes it will be used. This is necessary in order to correctly select the device according to the type and size of the structure, and the type of fuel used.

If you plan to use the heater on hikes, outdoors or while traveling, then it is better to purchase small-sized types of equipment that are convenient to transport from place to place and do not require communications to operate.

Types of catalytic heaters

Catalytic heaters may vary depending on the type of fuel used, as well as some operating features. Since the internal structure of the heater directly affects its performance characteristics, let’s consider the main groups of such devices:

• gas heaters are the most common, but far from the only option. It is based on the combustion process of a propane-butane mixture. This option is ideal for heating country houses or garages. The most powerful devices can easily heat entire construction sites or warehouses. The maximum power of devices on sale is 4900 W. And although the device does not emit harmful impurities and combustion products during operation, it is worth using such devices with special attention in rooms whose area is less than 20 m²;
• A gasoline catalytic heater is a device that has a built-in fuel tank in advance. It is connected to a catalytic cartridge, where gasoline vapor is supplied to undergo oxidation. Such models are modest in size, which makes them convenient to use while hiking, fishing or hunting;

Review of the best manufacturers

Although the choice of catalytic models is currently quite large, in order not to make a mistake, it is better to choose devices from the best manufacturers.

Bartolini

The company produces some of the most reliable and high-quality devices. They run on liquefied gas and boast high power - for some models it reaches 4200 W. Also, one of the main advantages of Bartolini devices is their independence from the presence of communications.

Most models are equipped with a gas cylinder built into the body. The devices have several power levels that can be adjusted independently. Depending on the model and configuration option, Italian heaters can cost from 11 to 18 thousand rubles. In addition, Bartolini heaters have a high degree of safety. Most are equipped with a carbon dioxide sensor and an automatic rollover shut-off system. The most popular model is considered to be Bartolini pullover k.

Campingaz

The French company is known for its economical and compact heaters. It produces equipment for use in residential, industrial and warehouse premises, as well as portable models. The devices are characterized by economical fuel consumption and cost around 10,000 rubles. The most popular model is the Campingaz cr 5000 turbo.

Kovea

The Korean company is known for its portable models with infrared radiation. Equipment safety is achieved by almost completely eliminating the use of plastic parts. On average, Kovea heaters cost 5-11 thousand rubles.

Best models

Quite a few manufacturers provide equipment that is of high quality. The following will be a list of models that were selected based on positive consumer reviews .

• Gas equipment produced by the Italian company Bartolini pullover k is very popular in the market and has won the hearts of Russians due to its reliability, safety and ease of operation.
• A portable and very small catalytic gas device for a tent is manufactured by Campingaz. There are several modifications. They differ in the type of purpose. When traveling, it is very convenient to use the Bluecat gas model. Ignition occurs thanks to a piezoelectric element. The price is relatively low;
• Catalytic hand burner. Powered by alcohol. This is a very small model that can fit in the palm of a person. A heater called Kovea is especially popular. The main advantage of this device is its very thoughtful design, as well as its operating efficiency. The company also sells special technical alcohol that is suitable for this particular heater;
• A portable catalytic device that is used for a tent. This device runs on gasoline. The heater is manufactured by an American company called Coleman. This company specializes in the manufacture of various accessories and devices for hiking. The heater operates on special cartridges that are filled with gas. Usage time without refueling - 14 hours;
• A heater that is used to heat a home. This is a very powerful and productive unit manufactured by Bartolini. This heater has a fan heater that operates autonomously. Very well suited for heating living spaces and used as a main or auxiliary heating source;
• Campingaz cr 5000 turbo. A wonderful model from a French company. Perfect for a house with an area of ​​30 square meters. The price is quite affordable;
• There are also multi-fuel devices that can be filled with any fuel. They are small in size and suitable for winter fishing.

Gas infrared heater Bartolini pullover k is designed for heating houses, utility rooms, garages and so on.

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