Operating principle and selection criteria for a catalytic heater

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The issue of heating is more relevant in our area than anywhere else - the rather harsh climate forces us to think through home heating systems in the cold season. But when it comes to autonomous systems that do not require high costs and complex installation, many questions arise. Let's consider one of the most popular options - a catalytic gas heater: advantages, disadvantages, as well as features of use.

Catalytic gas heater in a country house, stylized as a wood-burning fireplace

Catalytic gas heater: operating principle of the device

Catalytic heaters appeared in our country relatively recently, but this has not stopped them from currently occupying a worthy position in the market. The principle of their operation is fundamentally different from those used in other gas appliances. In the standard scheme, fuel entering the burner undergoes combustion, resulting in the release of thermal energy.

Diagram of a catalytic gas heater

Among the disadvantages of this method of heat extraction is the fact that the process releases a large amount of combustion by-products. This negatively affects both the efficiency of the devices and the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the room. These disadvantages are unusual for catalytic heaters, since their operating principle is different.

The process of burning fuel in a catalytic gas heater does not involve the presence of a flame. Instead, the following processes occur:

• When the device is turned on, the surface of the catalyst begins to heat up. Depending on the selected mode, the temperature can range from 200 to 500 °C;
• at this time, the air-fuel mixture is prepared in a special chamber;
• liquefied gas is supplied to the heated catalyst plate, which, under the influence of all factors, burns without forming a flame.

Typically, the plate used in catalytic heaters is made of fiberglass with platinum powder added to it. This allows the device to be not only safe, but also environmentally friendly. In addition, the thermal efficiency of such a system is significantly higher than that of standard gas burners, which explains the popularity of these devices.

Operating principle of a catalytic gas heater

Types of catalytic heaters

Catalytic heaters may vary depending on the type of fuel used, as well as some operating features. Since the internal structure of the heater directly affects its performance characteristics, let’s consider the main groups of such devices:

• gas heaters are the most common, but far from the only option. It is based on the combustion process of a propane-butane mixture. This option is ideal for heating country houses or garages. The most powerful devices can easily heat entire construction sites or warehouses. The maximum power of devices on sale is 4900 W. And although the device does not emit harmful impurities and combustion products during operation, it is worth using such devices with special attention in rooms whose area is less than 20 m²;
• A gasoline catalytic heater is a device that has a built-in fuel tank in advance. It is connected to a catalytic cartridge, where gasoline vapor is supplied to undergo oxidation. Such models are modest in size, which makes them convenient to use while hiking, fishing or hunting;

A catalytic gas heater can look very organic in the interior

Helpful advice! For greater convenience, some models of portable catalytic heaters are additionally equipped with a hob. This makes cooking on the go more comfortable.

• heaters operating on dry fuel or industrial alcohol. These are small-sized models, which, like gasoline ones, are intended for use in field conditions. Their heat is only enough to cover minimal needs - such as heating food, water, drying clothes and keeping the inside of the tent warm. Such models are lightweight (about 1-1.5 kg) and small in size. Inside the structure there is always a special compartment in which a container with alcohol or, if necessary, a gas cylinder is installed.

In addition to the main types, there is one more - catalytic multifuel heaters. This type of device can operate on any available fuel - both liquid and gaseous. The power of such a device usually ranges from 500 to 1200 W.

Portable infrared catalytic heaters powered by gas fuel

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Recommendations for choosing devices, main design differences between models:

The feasibility, pros and cons of using a catalytic heater in the following video:

The process of applying a catalyst to the surface of a plate at home:

How catalytic combustion occurs is a visual experiment in the following video:

Catalytic gas heat generators are an excellent option for temporary heating of various premises, heating garages, tents, and greenhouses. They are completely safe: during their operation no harmful combustion products or unpleasant odors are emitted .

A large selection of sizes and designs makes it easy to choose a device, both for stationary use and one that you can easily take with you on the road. When choosing a catalytic heater, you need to focus on the operational characteristics of the room, individual requirements, and financial capabilities. It is also important to give preference to reliable manufacturers with a positive reputation in the market.

Do you use a gas heater with a catalytic plate and want to share your opinion about the advisability of purchasing such a device with other users? Tell us about the pros and cons identified during operation, add unique photos of your heater model in the comments block below.

When winter comes, you always want to be warm and cozy. This is what causes increased demand for home heating systems during the colder months. In various stores there is a huge number of heating burners, which differ in design, operating principles, and the design of the heating element.

Infrared catalytic gas heater for a summer residence

Another parameter by which catalytic heaters are usually distinguished is the presence of an infrared emitter. Models with this addition have a targeted effect thanks to ceramic panels and reflectors located on the inner surface. Thus, thermal energy, converted into infrared radiation, enters the environment.

Such devices, as a rule, have extremely high performance and run on gas fuel. Their use is not limited to heating homes. You can often find such heaters on the street: they can be equipped with summer areas and verandas. Thanks to infrared radiation, devices do not waste energy on heating the surrounding air, but act on surrounding objects, heating them.

It is difficult to say clearly which gas heater is better: infrared or catalytic without a diffuser. In the second case, the device warms up the air, not objects, which is absolutely inappropriate if we are talking about installation outdoors. In any case, it is worth studying the issue of gas catalytic heaters more deeply: reviews of each model can easily be found online and the appropriate conclusions can be drawn.

Many models of catalytic heaters are ideal for travel use

Helpful advice! If you need to heat a large area, it is best to consider a heater with a fan heater. This addition will quickly increase the air temperature in the room.

Advantages and disadvantages of heating with a catalytic heater

Before you buy a catalytic heater, you need to understand all the advantages and disadvantages of this heating method.

Advantages of a catalytic heater:

• A catalytic heater for a summer house or home does not have a negative effect on the microclimate of the room. It does not disturb the natural balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide and does not emit harmful substances that are usually formed during the combustion process, thus maintaining a healthy microclimate;

Catalytic gas heaters are environmentally friendly and safe devices

• The device is much safer than traditional gas ones, since there is no danger of poisoning due to excessive carbon monoxide release. In addition, there is no risk of fire. Such a device can be used without fear in a home, a tent, or an industrial workshop;
• Another important advantage is the ability to regulate the power of the device. This allows you not only to maintain a comfortable temperature, but also to save significantly;
• mobility – even large and powerful devices can be moved quite easily, not to mention compact heaters. According to device owners in reviews, catalytic heaters often easily fit into a bag or backpack.

Despite the abundance of significant advantages, catalytic heaters are not without disadvantages:

• such devices have a fairly limited operating period - about 2500 hours. The fact is that during use the catalyst gradually burns out and after a certain time it needs to be changed. The amount is approximately 2/3 of the cost of exactly the same new equipment, so it’s easier to throw away the old device and buy a new one;

With small dimensions, a portable catalytic heater can easily heat a small room or tent

• The quality and life of a catalytic heater directly depend on how well purified fuel you use. Low-quality gasoline or technical alcohol will very quickly render the device unusable.

Best models

Quite a few manufacturers provide equipment that is of high quality. The following will be a list of models that were selected based on positive consumer reviews .

• Gas equipment produced by the Italian company Bartolini pullover k is very popular in the market and has won the hearts of Russians due to its reliability, safety and ease of operation.
• A portable and very small catalytic gas device for a tent is manufactured by Campingaz. There are several modifications. They differ in the type of purpose. When traveling, it is very convenient to use the Bluecat gas model. Ignition occurs thanks to a piezoelectric element. The price is relatively low;
• Catalytic hand burner. Powered by alcohol. This is a very small model that can fit in the palm of a person. A heater called Kovea is especially popular. The main advantage of this device is its very thoughtful design, as well as its operating efficiency. The company also sells special technical alcohol that is suitable for this particular heater;
• A portable catalytic device that is used for a tent. This device runs on gasoline. The heater is manufactured by an American company called Coleman. This company specializes in the manufacture of various accessories and devices for hiking. The heater operates on special cartridges that are filled with gas. Usage time without refueling - 14 hours;
• A heater that is used to heat a home. This is a very powerful and productive unit manufactured by Bartolini. This heater has a fan heater that operates autonomously. Very well suited for heating living spaces and used as a main or auxiliary heating source;
• Campingaz cr 5000 turbo. A wonderful model from a French company. Perfect for a house with an area of ​​30 square meters. The price is quite affordable;
• There are also multi-fuel devices that can be filled with any fuel. They are small in size and suitable for winter fishing.

Gas infrared heater Bartolini pullover k is designed for heating houses, utility rooms, garages and so on.

Reviews:

When choosing an Italian Bartolini heater, I was guided by the fact that I liked its appearance, and it had a 2-year warranty from the company. There is no smell, it is easy to use and it also has a built-in electric fan, which is quite convenient. The heater is on wheels, easy to transport around the house. The cylinder fits inside the heater and is completely covered with a plastic casing, which, in turn, does not spoil the appearance or confuse the cylinder in the house, since it is not visible. It heats well and quickly and most importantly, there is no smell. I was very pleased that I was able to purchase. I recommend.

Firstly, the country of production is Italy, there are many advantages, but I can’t find any disadvantages. I really like it, it couldn’t be better at the dacha.

As you can see, users are happy. Such a device can be purchased for use at home or in the country.

Catalytic heater for the garden and home: safety of use

If you are thinking about whether to buy a catalytic heater for your cottage or home, the most important selection criterion will probably be the safe operation of the device.

There is a misconception that catalytic gas heaters can be unsafe and can put the life and health of users at risk. In fact, this is not true. Of course, as with any other device, with a catalytic heater it is necessary to follow safety rules that are designed to reduce potential risks to a minimum.

Long-wave infrared radiation not only does not harm human health, but can also have a positive effect

As for the effect of this heater on the human body, we can say with confidence the following: carbon monoxide is not formed as a result of the oxidation process and, accordingly, does not accumulate in the room. This means there is no risk of poisoning. In the case of using infrared radiation, only long waves are used, which are not only not harmful, but even useful.

Note! It has been repeatedly confirmed that long-wave infrared radiation has a positive effect on both the nervous and immune systems of humans, having a beneficial effect on overall health.

Choosing the optimal heater

When choosing a suitable heater, you need to take into account many nuances, evaluate the convenience of the design, functionality, additional features and equipment of the model you like. Let's consider the main criteria for making the right choice.

Criterion No. 1 – place and conditions of application

The first step is to decide on the purposes for which you plan to buy a catalytic device. The optimal type of design and the set of characteristics required in this case depend on where and under what conditions the device will be used.

The main indicators should be selected taking into account the conditions of upcoming operation and the parameters of the heated object. It is necessary to take into account the expected frequency of use, heating area, and preview reviews of real customers about the model.

So, to heat rooms, it is worth buying larger heaters with sufficient power and automatic safety sensors. If the device will need to be moved frequently, it is better to choose a mobile design on wheels.

Criterion No. 2 – technical characteristics

One of the main parameters of a heater is power. To choose a device with the correct performance, you should perform preliminary calculations, consult with the seller, and carefully study the instructions. The technical documentation must indicate what area the power of a particular model is designed for.

In addition, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

• gas consumption - how much fuel is required for operation, is the device economical;
• dimensions - what is the width, length and height of the device, is there enough space in the room to provide free space around it (1.5 m in the front, 0.2 m in the back and sides);
• control type - mechanical or electronic;
• the weight and volume of the intended cylinder - is the device too heavy, how difficult will it be to move and install.

It is important to check the packaging and its compatibility with the equipment. The standard kit includes a reducer, a gas hose, and sometimes a cylinder. If any of the elements do not fit with the device, you must purchase suitable adapters.

It is desirable that the heater be equipped with additional design and functionality.

The main additions and features are as follows:

• automatic power control in several modes;
• horizontal position sensor that turns off the device in case of sudden mechanical impact, distortion, or overturning;
• indoor carbon dioxide level control system;
• infrared heating;
• piezo ignition;
• electric turbofan;
• overpressure relief valve.

For greater ease of use, you should choose a device with wheels for free movement, handles, and stand legs that can be installed in different positions.

The most popular brands and models of catalytic gas heaters

There are not many companies on the heating equipment market that offer truly high-quality products. Therefore, when choosing the option that suits you, you should pay attention to reputable manufacturers. Let's try to figure out which companies' devices are the most popular, and also consider the features of some models from these manufacturers.

The ability to regulate the power of the device allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room, as well as save money

Gas catalytic heaters Bartolini

Heating equipment from the famous Italian brand Bartolini is very popular in Russia. Producing fairly powerful devices (from 2900 to 4200 W), this company has provided heat to many homes. The manufacturer placed the main emphasis on the complete independence of the devices from the presence of any communications. All models run on liquefied gas.

Popular Bartolini catalytic gas heaters:

The most popular among the presented models is the gas catalytic heater Bartolini pullover k. Reviews about it are very positive, and the cost of this device is one of the most affordable. At the same time, if you need to heat a room whose area exceeds the standard 35 m² for these devices, you can purchase Bartolini pullover i. It has great power and can easily heat about 50 m².

In the production of heating equipment, Bartolini focuses on the complete independence of the devices from the presence of any communications

Which gas catalytic heater to choose: Bartolini pullover k, Bartolini pullover i or any other of the proposed options should be decided based on personal preferences and operating conditions of the room that is supposed to be heated. In any case, there is no doubt about the quality and reliability of the devices from this manufacturer.

Heating equipment from Campingaz company

The second most popular place is confidently occupied by Campingaz. For more than 60 years, this French company has been producing all kinds of equipment, mainly gas equipment. The company focuses on providing the most comfortable stay in nature at any time of the year. And an excellent example of this is the Campingaz cr 5000 turbo gas catalytic heater.

The maximum power of this heater is 3000 W, and the device is equipped with a power regulator and piezo ignition. The device is quite economical - when used at maximum power, fuel consumption is no more than 0.2 kg/h.

When choosing catalytic gas equipment, it is important to consider under what conditions it will be used

Gas catalytic heaters Kovea

The Korean company Kovea closes the top three among foreign manufacturers whose gas heaters are popular today. This company is ready to offer its customers a wide variety of models, as well as, as a supplement to them, special purified fuel.

Table with characteristics of the three best Kovea heater models:

Gas catalytic heater Argo

If you want to purchase an even more budget-friendly heater, you should pay attention to the domestically produced Argo gas catalytic heater. This device is widely used for heating verandas, garages, and industrial premises where there is a fairly high level of air circulation. This appliance should not be used in small or confined spaces.

Most often, the Argo heater is used when it is necessary to maintain a high temperature in a greenhouse or barn where animals are kept. Many farmers use it to grow their products.

Portable catalytic gas heaters are popular among fishermen, as well as lovers of various types of outdoor activities.

The device also runs on liquefied gas, which enters it from a cylinder through a special hose. The volume of the connected cylinder can be from 5 to 15 liters. With a power of 2900 W, the device consumes only 0.25 kg/h of gas, burning it on a panel heated to 800-900 °C. At the same time, the percentage of carbon dioxide released does not exceed 0.01%. Nevertheless, as mentioned above, it is not recommended to use this heater in poorly ventilated areas.

The device is small in size but significant in weight. With dimensions of 420x330x210 mm, its weight is 6.7 kg, which makes it difficult to move over significant distances. However, for stationary use the Argo heater is a completely suitable option. Moreover, you can purchase such a model for only 2100 rubles.

Advantages

1. A catalytic gas heater consumes oxygen, but this consumption does not exceed the maximum permissible standards.
2. Safety and autonomy. Most models are equipped with a sensor for monitoring the presence of gas in the air, which turns off the device if the maximum value is exceeded.
3. Mobility. Large appliances are equipped with 4 wheels, with which even a pregnant girl can move the heater around the room. Before moving the device from place to place, it must be turned off.
4. Several operating modes. The Bartolini Pullover K catalytic burner (like many other models) has 3 operating modes with different fuel consumption. With this you can use the heating device more efficiently and economically:

• Mode 1 (1200 W) – fuel consumption 100 g/hour;
• Mode 2 (2400 W) – 200 g/hour;
• Mode 3 (2900 W) – 300 g/hour.