The Science Behind Tube Heaters
Infrared waves and heat rays warm people and objects like the sun warms you on a cold winter day.
The heat is carried by electromagnetic waves from the tube heater to people and surfaces but is not seen or felt until it has made contact. In addition to warming people, the surrounding surfaces are also warmed.
The tube heater’s fan burner generates a long laminar flame heating the tubes up to 650°C, allowing the tubes to emit infrared heat through a special alloy.
Tube heaters are also referred to as ‘dark heaters’ because they do not glow brightly like luminous heaters. In fact, tube heaters do not emit any light at all.
The heat felt by these heaters always sits above the actual air temperature. The lower air temperature also reduces the differences between inside and outside temperature – thus cutting down on the heat transmission losses at the same time.
The radiant heat emitted from these tubes not only considerably improves the warmth, but it simultaneously reduces energy and operating costs. The savings usually range between 30% and 50% depending on the previous system and the building properties.
Schwank Gas Radiant Overhead Tube Heaters & ThermoControl Plus Controller
Schwank is the world leader in gas radiant heating. After having invented infrared gas heating over 75 years ago, Schwank has become internationally recognised for their state-of-the-art, high performing overhead heating systems.
Schwank is a German company with extensive experience in the development, production and implementation of heating systems.
With over 160 000 satisfied customers and more than two million units sold their systems are delivered with the highest possible quality. Providing energy saving and CO2 minimising products is the foundation of Schwank’s philosophy.
These German-made tube heaters have a fast pay-back and have proven their exceptional efficiency time and time again, reducing energy consumption by up to 50% when compared to traditional heating systems used to warm large spaces.
The core of the Schwank infrared radiant tube heater is the innovative “Whisper-Jet” burner with positive pressure fans that create a very long laminar flame that reaches far into the tube.
This leads to a more uniform transfer of heat which has an immediate positive effect on the energy efficiency of the overall system.
The tube is heated up to around 650°C and generates comfortable radiant heat. A further advantage of the burner’s pressure fan lies in the fact that it is not exposed to the hot flue gases and therefore has a much better longevity over conventional tube heater fans.
The heat felt by these heaters always sits above the actual air temperature. The lower air temperature also reduces the differences between inside and outside temperature – thus cutting down on the heat transmission losses at the same time.
The radiant heat emitted from these tubes not only considerably improves the warmth felt but it simultaneously reduces energy and operating costs. The savings usually range between 30% and 50% depending on the previous system and the building properties.
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Models: |
Application:
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| Models: |
| calorSchwank tube heater, Premium Model |
| infraSchwank tube heater, Industrial Standard |
| novoSchwank tube heater, Entry Model |
| ThermoControl Plus Controller |
| Application: |
| 5 Year warrantyCommercial & Industrial |
| Indoor & Outdoor Environments |
| Industrial factories |
| Warehousing and Logistics buildings |
| Vehicle service garages and Wash Bays |
| Plane Hangers |
| Welding and fabricating shops |
| Sports facilities |
| Show rooms |
Product Info 
Solutions Articles
SchwankControl Heating Control System
Energy Efficiency Made in Germany
For transparent information regarding your heating control system, look no further than the SchwankControl, made in Germany, and available from Devex Systems. Gather and analyse a broad variety of information about the performance of your heating control system, such as consumption for efficient heating operation. Allow the control to merge and analyse the information gathered in real time as developed by Schwank’s engineers, then clearly depict to you the necessary data.
The SchwankControl is easy to use with a touch screen and intuitive user interface. All provided information can be quickly and clearly examined, with the ability to implement individual modifications for each zone of your heating system. Temperature adjustments, holiday, or shift times can be easily accessed and altered.
SchwankControl user interface: all major information at a glance.
For commercial applications the SchwankControl can be adapted into the building management system. Gates, sprinklers, entry systems, and the like, all have an impact on your heating system. Therefore, integrating the SchwankControl allows the possibility to seamlessly maintain comfort by automatically reacting to the changing conditions, such as temperature or humidity changes. Due to this flexibility, the SchwankControl offers even greater energy efficient benefits and cost savings.
ThermoControl Plus Controller
ThermoControl Plus is designed for use with Schwank tube heaters. The controller can reduce running costs by determining when the heating system should be set into operation with a self-learning function.
It also switches automatically to and from Daylight Savings Time and allows eight specific “holiday programs”.
Features & Benefits:
- Compatible with single-stage, two-stage and fully modulating heating systems
- Automatically determines the optimum pre-heating time – CostControl
- Remote control/remote service as an option
- Integration into the company’s intranet or fire alarm system possible
- Capable of being integrated into Building Management Systems
- Economic, efficient and ecology-minded
- Simple operation
- Self-explanatory menu navigation
- Quick access to all important setting parameters
- Stores all heating characteristics and logs
- Manual heating time extension possible
- Can be retrofitted to all Schwank systems
| Features & Benefits: |
| Compatible with single-stage, two-stage and fully modulating heating systems |
| Automatically determines the optimum pre-heating time – CostControl |
| Remote control/remote service as an option |
| Integration into the company’s intranet or fire alarm system possible |
| Capable of being integrated into Building Management Systems |
| Economic, efficient and ecology-minded |
| Simple operation |
| Self-explanatory menu navigation |
| Quick access to all important setting parameters |
| Stores all heating characteristics and logs |
| Manual heating time extension possible |
| Can be retrofitted to all Schwank systems |
Product Info Solutions Articles
Schwank Tube Heaters
calorSchwank
The calorSchwank is incredibly energy efficient consuming up to 20% less energy than that of the infraSchwank. This premium model tube heater achieves this level of efficiency thanks to its innovative burner technology and high quality ceramic reflector insulation.
A combination of other advanced materials also enhances the radiant characteristics of the tubes and reflection properties of the reflector.
These heaters also ensure lower energy costs because of their insulated interior which minimises the amount of convection heat and increases the radiant factor and improving the efficiency as heat that accumulates below the ceiling is considered a waste of energy.
| Features: |
| Radiant factor of up to 70.2%* and therefore excellent efficienc |
| Ceramic insulation / minimisation of the convection heat share |
| Long laminar flame |
| Pressure burner system Whisper-Jet |
| As quiet as a whisper |
| Quick and easy installation |
| “Made in Germany” – high quality, European parts |
| Available as L- or U-version |
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* Radiant factor of a calorSchwank 30 measured by DVGW laboratory according to DIN EN 416-2
infraSchwank
The infraSchwank’s unique patented ceramic burner technology and specialised design of tubes and reflectors sets the standard in the realm of tube heaters and energy efficiency. Noticeable energy savings are easily achieved without compromising the quality or amount of heat felt.
| Features: |
| Radiant factor of 59,3%* |
| Long laminar flame |
| Pressure burner system |
| Whisper-Jet for stand-alone systems |
| Very low noise level – almost pure silence! |
| “Made in Germany” – high quality, European parts |
| Straight forward and easy assembly |
| Available as L- or U-version |
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*Radiant factor of an infraSchwank 30 measured by DVGW laboratory according to DIN EN 416-2
novoSchwank
The Entry Level Heater
novoSchwank is a robust and solid infrared tube heater. It is characterised by a simple design combined with long-life components, for example, the pressure fan. Furthermore, novoSchwank convinces by its extraordinary price-performance ratio keeping investment costs low.
The novoSchwank is an entry level heater built to be solid and robust. With a basic design, it’s long-life components like the pressure fan, allow this heater to stand the test of time. Also, with an extraordinary price-performance ratio, investments costs are sure to remain low.
| Features: |
| Radiant factor of 52%* |
| Pressure burner fan |
| Long-life components |
| “Made in Germany” – high quality, European parts |
| Quick and easy assembly |
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*Radiant factor of a novoSchwank 30 measured by DVGW laboratory according to DIN EN 416-2
Full Modulation – Thermal Comfort coupled with Energy Savings
Full modulation is an optimised energy-saving and thermal comfort operation mode that sets Schwank tube heaters apart from other tube heaters on the market today.
calorSchwank and infraSchwank are now available as fully modulating appliances. This not only reflects the current state of the art, but reinforces that Schwank assumes its role as a true innovator in the industry.
The Fully Modulating feature saves up to an additional 14% of energy costs
Similar to a motor vehicle an infrared heating system has the highest consumption of fuel at full throttle. The modulation control provides the possibility to adapt the performance of the heating system to the actual heat demand.
Therefore, the energy cost can be reduced by up to an additional 14% and the thermal comfort is improved. With 1-stage control the actual temperature can vary to the required set value. Schwank heaters with modulation control effectively adjust to the actual required room temperature.
Temperature fluctuations are therefore avoided and people can enjoy a pleasant and very comfortable environment.
Full Modulation Control – Even Higher Efficiency & Comfort
1-stage
On/Off regulation
2-stage
3 Levels: Off / 70% / Full
Improves efficiency
Improves comfort
Full Modulation
Variable heating: 0% / 70 to 100%
Even greater efficiency
Further Improves comfort
| Advantages at a Glance |
| Additional energy savings of up to 14% |
| High level of comfort, avoidance of temperature peaks |
| Constant thermal comfort |
| Less wear & tear by reducing the on/off cycles by up to 43% |
| Simple operation due to ThermoControl Plus M |
| Full integration into Building Management Systems |
| Required heat performance of an industrial building: |
| Winter/ Spring / Autumn |
Unique Burner technology
Whisper-Jet -A premium class burner across calorSchwank, infraScwhank & novoSchwank tube heaters! The Whisper-Jet burner constitutes the core of Schwank tube heaters.
Its design is the result of decades of experience in dealing with gas-fired infrared radiant heaters and the constant striving for further technical advancements. Schwank’s burner technology is second to none.
The unique Whisper Jet produces a very long and laminar flame. This flame runs through the tube in an axial direction, thus distributing the heat in a more uniform way. This guarantees a continuous heat transfer from the flame over the entire length of the tube.
The pressure fan allows for the flow characteristic of the gas-air-mixture to achieve a better and more uniform heat distribution. In addition to this, components, such as the fan and its ball bearings are not exposed to the hot flue gas. This contributes to a longer life of these parts.
By optimising the flow characteristic and using the pressure fan, Whisper-Jet is an exceptionally quiet burner with approx. 46dB[A] at 3m distance – only a quiet whisper can be heard.
The patented Schwank ceramic burner tile also ensures clean combustion of gas-air-mixture. The optional 2-stage or modulating operation of the burner further allows the control of the Schwank tube heaters to better match the actual heating requirement. This saves important resources and lowers the operating costs.
| Features & Benefits: |
| 2-stage modulation to reduce operating costs |
| Long, laminar flame for improved heat transfer inside the tube |
| Pressure fan design to increase the life cycle of components |
| Optimised flow characteristic inside the burner allows for almost fully silent machinery |
| Patented Schwank ceramic burner tile for the clean combustion of the gas-air-mixture |
ThermoControl Plus
The ThermoControl Plus is an intelligent control system that allows the tube heaters to adapt to the particular application they have been installed in.
This control is the brains behind the energy efficiency and cost effectiveness of the Schwank tube heaters. It can fulfil various requirements and demands, taking operating comfort into consideration.
The ThermoControl Plus in combination with a Building Management System (BMS) sets the standard for future automatic control engineering in industrial buildings.
It has practice-orientated service modules and a self-explanatory menu navigation that facilitates the daily handling of the heating system as well as the communication modules for remote service and Building Management System. It can also be easily retrofitted with existing Schwank heating systems.
| Features: |
| Compatible with single-stage, two-stage and fully modulating heating systems |
| Automatically determines the optimum pre-heating time – CostControl |
| Remote control/remote service as an option |
| Integration into the company’s intranet or fire alarm system possible |
| Capable of being integrated into Building Management Systems |
| Economic, efficient and ecology-minded |
| Simple operation |
| Self-explanatory menu navigation |
| Quick access to all important setting parameters |
| Stores all heating characteristics and logs |
| Manual heating time extension possible |
| Can be retrofitted to all Schwank systems |
ThermoControl Plus M
The operation of ThermoControl Plus M is simple and self-explanatory. Day, night and frost protection temperatures are clearly arranged and easily set. The clearly laid out display is easy to read and shows all relevant data.
By simple key operation, all nominal and actual values can be displayed and edited in a matter of seconds. In addition to this, ThermoControl Plus M allows for adding an external alarm contact to a Building Management System [BMS] or external fire alarm system.
Switch-on Optimisation – CostControl
Simple truth: When the heating is not running, it does not consume any energy. Using the integrated switch-on optimisation, operating times can be reduced to the absolute minimum.
ThermoControl Plus M includes an intelligent “learning” logic module which takes into consideration the environmental influences from the room and outside temperatures when determining the optimum pre-heating time.
The switch-on optimisation is done separately for each heating zone. This has two major benefits at a time:
- The programmed data must no longer be matching the weather periods.
- As the ThermoControl Plus M reverts to real-time data, the control is much more exact and saves energy.
Fully Modulating Control Included
ThermoControl Plus M controls single-stage, 2-stage and fully modulating infrared heating systems. This control method allows the modulating burner to intelligently adapt its heating output to the actual heat requirement and utilisation characteristic of the hall.
Compared to single stage systems, this saves up to 8% energy costs in 2-stage operation or up to 15% in modulating mode. The operating cycles [On/Off] is reduced by up to 35% which in turn increases the life expectancy of the appliances.
Radiant Efficiency Factor
Radiant heat is similar to the warmth felt by the sun on a cool winter day. It’s the heat that warms people and objects, not the air. The ‘radiant efficiency’ or ‘radiant factor’ of a gas radiant overhead heater is determined by the percentage of fuel energy transformed into radiant energy from the combustion process.
More simply put, the radiant factor is the measure of the radiant component of the total heat output.
The higher the radiant factor, the more heat will be directed to the desired area.
A higher radiant factor can mean that:
- Not as many heaters need to be installed, which results in savings of both capital and running costs
- Heaters do not need to run for as long to be able to maintain a comfortable temperature
Additional running cost savings are also achieved when 2-Stage or preferably the Full Modulation control option is included.
Radiant energy is a function of 3 factors:
- The surface temperature of the emitting body
- The surface area of the emitting body
- The ’emissivity’ factor of the emitting body
Radiant energy is emitted by any ‘body’ that is warmer than its surroundings.
An excellent example of a product with a high radiant factor is the Schwank Gas Radiant Overhead Tube Heater.
The calorSchwank is an example of an overhead gas radiant tube heating system with a very high radiant factor of up to 72.7%, followed by the infraSchwank – up to 60.2% and the novoSchwank – up to 52%.
For example, the calorSchwank’s extremely high radiant factor is attributed to its innovative burner technology, its high-quality ceramic reflector insulation as well as the combination of the most varied materials, increasing the radiant characteristic of the tubes and reflection properties of the reflector.
This tube heater minimises the amount of convection heat thus increasing the radiant factor and improving the efficiency as heat that accumulates below the ceiling is considered a waste of energy.
Similarly, the infraSchwank also has a high radiant efficiency resulting from optimised environmentally friendly combustion from the ceramic burner tile and the state-of-the-art design of the tubes and reflectors.
Schwank gas radiant overhead tube heaters are designed and manufactured based on the science of radiant heat. Radiant factor certificates are available on a number of models and are backed by independent laboratory testing by DVGW laboratory according to DIN EN 416-2.