When it comes to repairing thermal fluid heaters, understanding the differences between helical coil and serpentine coil designs is crucial. Two common repairs—fluid replacement and coil replacement—vary significantly depending on the type of heater. In this post, we’ll also explore how downtime and expenses factor into these repairs, helping you make informed decisions for your facility.
Common Thermal Fluid Heater Maintenance
1. Fluid Replacement
Thermal fluid plays a vital role in your heater’s operation, but over time, it can degrade and require replacement. How frequently this happens depends largely on the design of your heater.
Helical Coil Heaters: Helical coil heaters often necessitate more frequent fluid replacement. This is due to the higher film temperature compared to the bulk temperature in their design, which accelerates fluid degradation.
Serpentine Coil Heaters: The radiant coil bundles in serpentine coil heaters provide more even heat distribution. This reduces oil degradation, meaning fluid replacement is required less often compared to helical coil heaters.
If your heating fluid is causing issues, check out these guides:
- Why Your Hot Oil Heater Is Burning Up Your Heating Fluid
- Why Investing in High Grade Heat Transfer Fluid is a MUST
2. Coil Replacement
The heating coil is the heart of any thermal fluid heater, and its replacement can be a critical (and costly) part of maintenance.
Helical Coil Heaters: Coil replacement is typically a planned part of helical coil heater maintenance. However, replacing a helical coil is a major undertaking, often requiring several weeks to complete. This process involves significant downtime and expense, as the entire coil generally needs to be replaced.
Serpentine Coil Heaters: In contrast, serpentine coils are known for their durability. Coil replacement is rarely necessary and, when repairs are needed, they can often be performed while the coils remain in place. This makes repairs quicker and more affordable than those for helical coils.
Factors to Consider When Repairs Are Necessary
1. Downtime
Facility downtime can have a major impact on productivity and revenue.
Helical Coil Heaters: Repairs to helical coils often require extended downtime, as replacing the entire coil is a complex, time-intensive process. Your facility could face weeks—or even months—of reduced or halted operations.
Serpentine Coil Heaters: Serpentine coil repairs are far less disruptive. Because the coils can typically be repaired in place, downtime is minimal. With a solid spare parts strategy, you can reduce downtime even further.
2. Repair Expenses
The cost of repairs is another critical factor to consider.
Helical Coil Heaters: Between replacement parts, labor, and lost productivity during downtime, repairing helical coil heaters can be expensive. In some cases, facility managers may find it more economical to replace the system entirely.
Serpentine Coil Heaters: Repairs for serpentine coil heaters are typically faster and less costly. While still an investment, the shorter downtime and ability to repair in place make them more budget-friendly compared to helical coil repairs.
Thermal Fluid Heater Repairs on the Horizon? Let’s Talk!
If your thermal fluid heater needs repairs or replacement, we’re here to help. With decades of experience, we’re experts in evaluating your facility’s needs and providing the best solution—whether that’s repairing your system or investing in a new one.
We’re proud to manufacture high-quality thermal fluid heaters featuring serpentine coil technology. If you’re considering upgrading your heating system, we’d love to show you how our innovative solutions can save you time and money.
Give us a call today at (833) 516-6888 or contact us online to learn more about how our heating technology could benefit your business.