Some Heating Methods

W.R. Wilcox, Clarkson University, November 2002

From Perry’s 7th edition, Turton, Bailie, Whiting, Shaeiwitz 1st edition, and the author’s experience. Maximum temperature
achievable depends on heat transfer method (radiant, conductive, convective) and materials involved. Values are very approximate.

Heating method Example applications Approx max Approx 1996

process T (oC) cost ($/GJ)
Steam: Building heating Room heating 120
Low pressure proc stm Process stream heating 150 3.2
Medium pressure Process stream heating 170 3.7
High pressure Process stream heating 240 5.1
Fired: coal in air Metallurgical furnaces, steam generation 1000
methane in air Home heating, process stream heating, steam generation 1000 2.5
acetylene in air Welding 1500
hydrogen in oxygen Working fused silica (“quartz”), i.e. pure SiO2 1500
Electric resistance in air:
nichrome Home appliances (e.g. toasters, heaters), lab furnaces, furnaces requiring 1000 17
platinum (expensive) special T profiles, e.g. for chemical vapor deposition and annealing in 1500
Kanthal (MoSi2?) the semiconductor chip industry, growth of crystals for night vision 1300
silicon carbide sensors. 1500
Electrical resistance in inert Very high temperature needed with good control, e.g. growth of all
atmosphere: graphite silicon crystals used in chips & electronics. 2200 17
Induction Heating conductors rapidly or inside a cooler exterior, e.g. metal 2200 Efficiency low
processing and growth of crystals of YAG, sapphire, cubic zirconia, except with
silicon for sensors in digital cameras. some steels
Lamps Rapid thermal annealing after ion implantation, localized heating. 1600 Efficiency low
Laser Welding, drilling, surface melting. Depends on type Efficiency low
Thermit reactions e.g., Al + Fe2O3  Al2O3 + Fe (melt) for welding, manufacture of 2000 depends on
cermets. (“Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis, SHS”) chemicals used
Solar Commercial applications unknown limited by container needs sunshine
Nuclear reactors Substitute for other heating sources, e.g. for steam generation limited by materials
Geothermal Used in Iceland to generate steam for heating & electric power