In industrial ventilation systems, coils are responsible for heating, cooling, and dehumidifying the air. There are many different types of coils, each with its own function and purpose. Heat transfer coils are versatile, refrigerant coils offer precise control, chilled water coils excel at consistent cooling, hot water coils provide reliable heating, and steam coils deliver intense heat.
At Eldridge, our team are experts in designing industrial ventilation systems and sourcing your essential ventilation components. We can help you select the perfect coil for your specific application. We’ll also make sure it is integrated correctly into your system for peak efficiency. Contact us now to schedule a technical assessment for your industrial ventilation system.
Heat Transfer Coils for Cooling or Heating
Heat transfer coils exchange heat between two fluids, typically air and a heating or cooling medium. These coils consist of finned tubes, where the fins increase the surface area for efficient heat transfer. The tubes can be made of copper, aluminum, or stainless steel, depending on the specific application and fluid compatibility.
Heat transfer coils come in two primary types: cooling coils and heating coils. Cooling coils remove heat from the air, utilizing chilled water or a refrigerant as the cooling medium. They are widely used in air conditioning systems, industrial process cooling, and data centers to maintain optimal temperatures.
Heating coils add heat to the air, typically using hot water or steam as the heating medium. These coils find applications in heating systems for buildings, preheating ventilation air, and various industrial processes requiring elevated temperatures.
Volatile Refrigerant Coils for Precision Temperature Control
Volatile refrigerant coils operate on the principle of phase change, where the refrigerant absorbs or releases heat as it transitions between liquid and vapor states.
There are two primary types of volatile refrigerant coils used in industrial ventilation systems: direct expansion (DX) coils and flooded coils. In DX coils, the refrigerant flows directly through the coil tubes, expanding and evaporating as it absorbs heat from the surrounding air. Because of their efficiency and compact design, DX coils are commonly used in air conditioning, refrigeration systems, and industrial process cooling systems.
Flooded coils are submerged in a pool of refrigerant, ensuring maximum heat transfer surface area. The refrigerant boils within the coil, extracting heat from the air passing over it. Flooded coils are often employed in large-scale industrial refrigeration systems and chemical processing plants where a high heat transfer capacity is required.
Chilled Water Coils and Hot Water Coils for Low Maintenance
Chilled water coils provide efficient cooling by using chilled water as the heat transfer medium. The cold water absorbs heat from the warmer air as the air passes over the coil surface. These coils are commonly found in central air conditioning systems for large buildings, industrial process cooling, and environments like hospitals and laboratories that demand stringent climate management.
In contrast, hot water coils create heat. As hot water flows through the coil tubes, it transfers its heat to the cooler air passing over the finned surfaces. This heat exchange process effectively warms the air.
Constructed similarly to heat transfer coils, both chilled and hot water coils feature finned tubes to maximize heat exchange efficiency. The tubes are typically made of copper or stainless steel to ensure compatibility with either hot or cold water. These coils deliver consistent and reliable temperature control with relatively low maintenance requirements.
Steam Heating Coils in Industrial Ventilation Systems
Steam heating coils harness the power of steam to deliver robust heating capabilities. They use high-pressure steam to create rapid air heating. Steam flows through the coil tubes, condensing as it releases its latent heat to the surrounding air.
Constructed with specialized tubes designed to withstand the high pressures and temperatures of steam, these coils are built for durability and performance. They are commonly found in industrial processes that demand elevated air temperatures, such as drying chambers, ovens, and certain manufacturing operations.
The advantages of steam heating coils lie in their ability to deliver intense heat quickly, their suitability for high-temperature applications, and their relatively compact size. However, they require careful handling and maintenance due to the high pressures involved.
Experts in Complex Industrial Ventilation Systems
Choosing the right coil is key for any industrial ventilation system, whether you need precise temperature control, high heat output, or energy efficiency. Each type of coil has its own strengths and ideal applications.
For a full assessment of your system and recommendations on design improvements and upgrades, count on our team at Eldridge. We’ll guide you through every step, from selecting the right components to ensuring optimal performance of your ventilation system.