Catalytic multifuel heater: types, design and main characteristics

bigl.ua

Each type of heating equipment has its own advantages and disadvantages. Our goal is to talk about each of the formats so that the buyer can make the right decision for himself and equip his home with the most productive system for him. In this article we will talk about a catalytic heater - a very new type of heating, which is gaining popularity both in Europe and in our country.

What is a catalytic heater

In this section we will talk about a device that creates heat based on a chemical oxidation reaction. For this purpose, there is a special catalyst in the housing, onto which fuel flows and heat is generated.

A stove with a catalyst consumes fuel without a flame. As a result, no combustion products are released into the atmosphere - an absolutely environmentally friendly production. In terms of efficiency, a catalytic stove is in many ways superior to gas burners.

This procedure of fuel breakdown with heat release is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. The catalyst plate is heated to high temperatures (from 200 to 500 degrees).
2. The fuel along with oxygen is heated in a separate chamber.
3. Fuel vapors fall on the hot catalyst.
4. Under the influence of enormous temperatures and a hot surface, flameless dissolution of steam occurs and heat is released outside.

That is, a catalytic heater works on the principle of oxidation of combustion products.

Gasoline or gas hits the heated catalytic plate and “burns” without the flame itself. Since it does not require large volumes of the apparatus, even the smallest heat output is many times greater than that of standard systems. For example, an average-priced gasoline heater can maintain the temperature in a room up to 25 square meters.

The average shelf life of a record is 5-7 years, after which it can be freely replaced independently or taken to a service center. After this, your catalytic furnace will serve for a very long time.

Catalytic heater: gas, gasoline or multi-fuel?

gsukr.com.ua

There are several formats of heaters, which differ both in technical characteristics and in the possibility of using a certain type of combustible elements. Let's look at each option in more detail:

1. Gas catalytic burners are devices operating on the basis of liquefied gas. For example, you can also use a propane-butane mixture. They have actively found their application for heating cottages or garages. More powerful models have proven themselves excellent in construction or in workshops where there is no central heating supply. Since the gas is burned in a flameless manner in the furnace, no harmful flammable substances are released into the air. The average area of ​​a heated room with a catalytic gas heater is 20 square meters. The maximum power of the device is 5 kW.
2. Catalytic gasoline heater - for burning this type of fuel there is a separate tank connected to the catalyst. Pre-heated vapors reach the surface, where they generate heat. They are distinguished by their small size, which is why they are so loved by hunters and fishermen, tourists and athletes who are actively in contact with the cold environment for a long time.
3. Some models of gasoline heaters have a cooking function, like on a standard stove - for this, a small hob is installed separately. No worse than my wife’s in the kitchen!
4. Systems operating on dry fuel or alcohol tablets are small devices and are more suitable for extreme conditions. There is enough heat to warm your hands, dry your clothes and boots, and then move on.

Tourist burners weigh about one and a half kilograms. The case has separate compartments for storing dry fuel pellets - you can put a couple and not carry around a box of fuel washers. It is especially convenient when there is already no space in your backpack, but you still need to put a lot of things.

Gasoline infrared or conventional heater

The peculiarity of infrared systems is that they have many ceramic panels that serve as heat reflectors. This allows the heat beam to be concentrated on a local scale.

The model works productively both indoors and outdoors. The main models in the infrared equipment segment consume gas.

Household devices running on liquid fuel or gas, but without an IR system, are no less in demand. Such devices vary in size: you can find both a camping version and a full-fledged boiler.

The principle of operation is no different from that described earlier.Therefore, for greater heat dissipation throughout the room, a powerful thermal cooler is always built into the case.

The peculiarity of wall-mounted gas catalytic stoves is that they have sensors for adjusting gas leakage and automatically turn off if the system breaks down.

In conclusion, we will describe the main difference between these models: infrared - not recommended for heating a small enclosed space, fits into a production room; household - ideal for home use, work in the garage, or a small room.

Pros and cons of a catalytic heater

gsukr.com.ua

The undoubted positive qualities of the equipment can and should include the following characteristics:

1. Small weight and size - if desired, you can find a model for home, active tourism or transportation in a car, for example, to the country.
2. Many safety settings - since there is no flame inside, the risk of fires is reduced to zero. Also, no harmful emissions into the atmosphere - everything is environmentally friendly. Another feature of catalytic gas, and any other heaters, is sensors for monitoring carbon dioxide in the environment.
3. Fuel economy. For example, gas devices process only 200 g of fuel in a few hours of tireless work.
4. A new cylinder or several liters of gasoline can be purchased freely.
5. There may be no combustion products at all. The air remains clean and pleasant.
6. The entire structure is assembled based on simple parts and mechanisms. If you wish, you can figure out the system yourself and repair the catalytic heater yourself.

The main disadvantage is the high price of equipment, especially extremely powerful ones. But what can you do: you always have to pay for high-quality equipment. Or be without her.

Catalytic systems have firmly occupied a niche among heating means - and this is a clear fact.

How to choose a burner

If you plan to use the device exclusively as a camping or fishing heater, feel free to look for small-sized models that will provide enough heat and save you in a critical situation. Don't count on more power as we sacrifice it in terms of weight and size.

For domestic needs, take large models - they have a powerful catalyst, a heat fan and are economical in fuel consumption. Also, such devices are always equipped with fuses so that the equipment can be left unattended. For transportation, you can find an option with a chassis or additionally buy a construction trolley.

Specifications

The first and most important thing that is valued in burners is their power. The instructions always specify the maximum heating area - be guided by it. It will also not be superfluous to study other technical components, including:

1. Fuel consumption. Pay attention to how much gasoline or gas the boiler consumes, and focus on a more economical option.
2. Dimensions. To ensure that the boiler fits in the room, measure the height, width and length of the required area in advance, and only then select a catalytic heating pad. Also, do not forget about a safe distance - at least one and a half meters from other equipment.
3. For moving, choose options that are light in weight. There will always be a case to move the device to another place, but no one wants to get a hernia.

Also check the package contents. All parts must be in organic contact within the heater. The kit always includes a reducer and a fuel hose/cylinder. If installation difficulties arise, you can always buy a couple of adapters.