Watlow Electric Rapid Response Electric Heat Exchanger User Manual

RAPID RESPONSE ELECTRIC HEAT EXCHANGER

Compact, Rapid
Heating of Gases,
Vapors and Liquids for
Precision Applications

Watlow has developed an innovative circulation heater solution
for applications that demand precise temperature control for
gases and other fluids. The RAPID RESPONSE Heat
Exchanger provides faster thermal response and higher power
in a smaller footprint when compared to most other
conventional circulation heaters. Add to this the value of high
pressure operating capabilities in custom formations and
integrated sensing with Watlow sensors and controllers and
you will quickly see the advantages of using the RAPID
RESPONSE Heat Exchanger.

This patent-pending product was developed around Watlow’s
high quality WATROD electric heating element placed inside
of a tube designed to specifically accommodate your process
pressure and temperature. A wide range of special fittings on
the ends of the outer tube facilitates transition of both the fluid
and WATROD electrical terminations.

The intimate contact of the WATROD element with your fluid
and the low thermal mass of the overall system result in
high-energy efficiency and fast response. If needed,
appropriate molded insulation packages can be added for
efficiency improvements or touch-safe protection. The design
of this product tends to enhance the circulation of your gas or
fluid because of the excellent convective film coefficients
created, even at lower flow rates.

If your application demands precise temperature control, let
the RAPID RESPONSE Heat Exchanger provide the thermal
response, wattage and space savings you need. High
operating pressure will not be an issue. Add integrated
sensing with Watlow sensors and controllers and you will
have a complete thermal solution.

Applications

• Solvent replacement • Gas heating

• Fuel cell gas heating • Supercritical fluids

• Parts cleaning • Humidity generation

• Biomass extraction • Bio reclamation

• Refrigeration systems • Aerospace, food and

• Epoxy resin deionized water heating

components

Features and Benefits

Compact size and lightweight design

• Reduces the physical space required by other

circulation heater technologies substantially

Fast thermal response

• Allows low flow conditions to be efficiently heated

High and low working pressure availability

• Provides a wide range of operating pressures

Low internal volume

• Increases heater efficiency significantly

• Minimizes overall system volumetric impact

Use with gases and liquids

• Assures effectiveness in all media states

Specifications

• Up to 30 amps in compact configurations

• Process temperatures up to 600°C (1200°F)

• Operating pressure up to 411 bar (6000 psi)

• Standard 208 Volt (120-480 Volt 1-phase and 3-phase

capability)

• Optional finishes include: electro polished, bright annealed,

passivated

• Integral inlet/outlet RTD or thermocouple sensors

• Standard 0.25 in. (6.35 mm) NPT low pressure fitting

(standard and specialized process fittings are available and
chosen by pressure and formation)

• Materials of construction – 304 and 316L Stainless Steel,

• Outside tube diameters: 0.5 and 0.625 in. (13 and 16 mm)

• Trim length and electrical terminations consistent with

• Bend radii – 0.625 in. (16 mm) for flat bends, 2 in.(51 mm)

• Insulation materials available – foam rubber, castable

®

Incoloy

typical WATROD options

inside diameter for coiled bends

ceramic and fiberglass

, Copper

Patent Number: U.S. 6,944,394 B2

Incoloy®is a registered trademark of the Special Metals Corporation.

HAN-RRHE-0807

RAPID RESPONSE

RAPID RESPONSE
Heat Exchanger

WATROD Heating
Element

High Limit

Male Process Fluid Connection

Sensor

Inline Process
Sensor

Exchanger
Outer Wall

Female Process
Fluid Connection

WATROD
Electrical Connection

*This drawing is intended
for illustrative purposes

WATROD
Electrical
Connection

Heater/Process
Fluid Transition

only and is not intended
to depict a specific RRHE
design.

Heat Exchanger and Circulation Heater Performance Comparison

RAPID RESPONSE Tubular Type Aluminum Block

Heat Exchanger Circulation Heater Circulation Heater

Heat Exchanger 5 in. tall x 6 in. dia. 25 in. tall x 4 in. dia. 13.5 in. tall x 4 in. dia.

(127 mm tall x 152.4 mm dia.) (635 mm tall x 101.6 mm dia.) (342.9 mm tall x 101.6 mm dia.)
Ambient to 32°C 10 seconds 30 seconds 371 seconds
(90°F)

Response time from ambient to 32°C (90°F) at 9.3 W/cm2(60 W/in2)

3 liters per min. (0.8 gallons per min.)

To be automatically connected to the nearest North American Technical and Sales Office:

1-800-WATLOW2 • www.watlow.com • [e-mail]

International Technical and Sales Offices: Australia, [phone] • China, [phone] • France, [phone] •

Germany, [phone] • Italy, [phone] • Japan, [phone] • Korea, [phone] • Malaysia, [phone] •
Mexico, [phone] • Shanghai, [phone] • Singapore, [phone] • Spain, [phone] • Sweden, [phone] •
Taiwan, [phone] • United Kingdom, [phone]

© 2007 Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company