Gaumer Process Heaters - Watt Density Calculation

The most important factor is selecting and specifying process electric heaters is Watt Density. A conventional heat exchanger cannot heat a fluid to a higher temperature than its heat source, which is generally another fluid. An electric heater, on the other hand, achieves whatever temperature is necessary to remove the heat from the heat source even if it means destroying the heated material or destroying the electric heater. Choosing too high of a watt-density can be destructive!

Tip: The Watt-Density guides provided should be used as a tool to help select the proper Watt-Density for an application. If in doubt between two different Watt-Density choices, always choose the lower one.

Gaumer has conducted extensive testing of materials not covered in the Watt-Density guide. Testing has been performed at various temperatures within the heater assembly under different flow conditions and configurations. Gaumer utilizes an internally developed "U Machine" to compare heat transfer characteristics of known materials to those properties of new or proprietary materials. If there is any doubt in selecting the Watt-Density for your application, please contact Gaumer for information or to provide a sample of your heated material for testing.