What is a catalytic heater and how does it work?

 In Catalytic Heaters

What is a catalytic heater, and how does it work?

Linc Energy Systems represents IMAC Systems, the manufacturer of pilot gas preheaters and distributor of Cata-Dyne catalytic heaters. Catalytic heaters are a reliable, efficient, and safe way to add flameless explosion-proof heat to various applications within the natural gas and oil industries.

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What is a catalytic heater?

imac systems catalytic heaters

IMAC Systems Pilot Gas Preheater

A catalytic heater is a flameless heat source that uses chemical reactions to break down molecules and produce heat. In the presence of a catalyst, which is within the heater, counter-current combustion or catalytic combustion occurs when natural gas (or liquid propane gas) in the presence of oxygen creates carbon dioxide, water, and heat. In this situation, the ignition temperature of natural gas occurs at substantially lower temperatures. Therefore, no flame is involved in the combustion process, and far-infrared wave emitters are created, producing radiant heat. Once the oxidation begins, the reaction and heating continue until the oxygen or fuel source is eliminated. The thermal efficiency of catalytic heating is also significantly higher than conventional heating.

Do you need Freeze Protection for Pilot Gas?

If you’re in the market for a pilot gas preheater utilizing a Cata-Dyne pad, check out the IMAC Systems pilot gas preheater. The heater heats supply gas for equipment and instrumentation, including valve actuation and pilot-operated regulators.

Applications and Industries Served

Catalytic heaters serve in various applications within the oil and gas industry, including:
Gas meters, chokes, orifice taps, and valves
Gas wellhead heaters
Oil production
Compressor Gas Preheat
Gate stations
Compressor stations

If you’re in the market for a catalytic heater or another oil and gas industry application, message us!

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Showing 15 comments
  • andy
    Reply

    can you run a catalytic heater off nat gas

  • Brian Cox
    Reply

    Catalytic heaters run on natural gas, they just need a 12V 24V or AC to ignite though.

  • Robert Moran
    Reply

    Hello: Is there a unit sized 30,000 to 50,000 BTUs for a residential workshop? If so, would you provide a price estimate and estimate maintenance expenses over say 10 years? Live in Northern Michigan and require direct vent, closed combustion natural gas heaters. I have only been able to find units sized for RV’s and would like to find out more about these. Thank you.

  • Susan
    Reply

    A member of our team will email you and direct you to someone who may be able to help.

  • David Chavez
    Reply

    Hello. I wonder if this cathalitic device could be used in a domestic cloth dryer machine. If so, it would be more efficient than the FIR gas infrared heaters? Thanks for your response

  • Customer Service
    Reply

    David, a member of our team will reach out to you by email.

  • Vijay
    Reply

    Do you know any one that produces the catalytic heaters for oil production and gas well heads?

  • Barry
    Reply

    Are there units that are portable and can be used in a wall tent for camping?

  • Aidos
    Reply

    do you have any solution for gas condensate wellhead heating, the problem is that because of pressure drop at wellhead choke we have hydrate formation

  • Colin Davis
    Reply

    Many years ago I saw a catalytic heater mounted in a cabinet and on wheels. In the rear of the cabinet was housed propane tank. A pilot light was ignited below and in front of the face of heater, after a being lit the whole face glowed a dull red a the heat was intense. I cannot find the same item in USA. W ant to use one in my mobile home.

  • Edwin
    Reply

    Looking for a very small heater to keep about ten or twelve cubic feet of space above freezing in Alberta temperatures.Damp location.
    Prefer continuous operation with natural gas for winter months.

  • Harry
    Reply

    Do domestic Catalytic heaters emit fumes that discolour paintwork in the home?

  • Modern Machine Works
    Reply

    HOW MUCH CATALYTIC BURNERS ARE NEEDED TO HEAT THE OVEN OF INNER DIMENSIONS 11FOOT X 6FOOT X 6FOOT. AND HOW THE CATALYTIC BURNERS WORK WITH FULL DETAILS NEEDED. CAN ANY ONE SUGGEST ANY WEBSITES OR CALCULATIONS THERE ALSO USEFUL

  • Lyndon Myers
    Reply

    Can the same orifice be used to burn propane or natural gas?

  • UNIVERSAL HEATING SOLUTIONS
    Reply

    Thanks for share useful information with us.

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