Energy Savings, Deep Decarbonization, Zero Emissions, and Improved Uniformity with the Airtorch®, MightySteam®, E-Ion, and Large Radiative Panels.

Summary:  In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, the urgent need for decarbonization and sustainability has become a central focus for businesses worldwide. MHI Inc. recognizes that electrifying industrial heating systems present a vital opportunity to achieve significant energy savings and deep decarbonization, ultimately striving for zero emissions. The introduction of advanced electric heating solutions, such as the Airtorch®, MightySteam®, E-Ion, and Large Radiative Panels, exemplifies a commitment to improving energy efficiency and enhancing operational performance and uniformity.

As climate change accelerates, characterized by extreme weather events and rising global temperatures, it becomes increasingly essential for industries to transition away from fossil fuel-based systems. Electric heaters provide a compelling return on investment due to their ~95% energy efficiency compared to traditional fossil fuel options, which can range between 35% and 83%. This shift reduces greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to lowering the overall social costs associated with carbon emissions.

With recent regulatory changes like the SEC’s climate disclosure rules, companies must now assess and report climate-related risks, driving the need for transparent environmental strategies. By adopting high-efficiency electric heating technologies, MHI Inc. empowers its customers to improve their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics while meeting these new requirements. The pursuit of decarbonization is not just an environmental imperative but a cornerstone of modern industrial practices that promises both profitability and sustainability for the future to be between one and four years with a very significant payback rate even when the cost of emissions is not accounted for (please contact MHI for assumptions for the calculation).  The payback period is considerably lower when accounting for the emissions costs.   This web page also lists several examples where electric heating improves efficiencies beyond the heating energy savings.  Please    for details and assumptions for the calculations for your specific installation.

Emissions Saved by Converting to Electrical Heaters:  (4.17-6.99) × 10-4 metric tons of CO2/kWh (source).

CO2 Emissions Equivalence of GHGs: 1 kg of nitrous oxides and 1 kg of methane emissions are equivalent to 298 kg and 25 kg, respectively, of CO2 emissions.

Excess Electric Power: The United States has 63 GW of capacity above and beyond the NERC target reserve supply 2013. Source. In 2023, capacity additions (35,807 MW) outpaced retirements (15,722 MW). 65% of the capacity retired was from coal-fired facilities. Source.

Climate change refers to long-term temperature shifts and changes in erratic weather patterns. Its consequences include intense droughts, water scarcity, severe wildfires, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, catastrophic storms, and declining biodiversity. Climate warming is primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels, which produce greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and soot. The increase in temperature and humidity leads to severe weather events that result in significant asset losses. Focussed spots of extreme heat waves and stormy weather are now emerging globally.  As the tropospheric instabilities continue to manifest, it is not clear how these extreme-weather regions will behave.

The emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) carry a significant social cost. For example, 1 kilogram of nitrous oxide (N2O) is equivalent to 298 kilograms of CO2, and 1 kilogram of methane (CH4) is equivalent to 25 kilograms of CO2. Among the key sectors contributing to CO2 emissions—transportation, power generation, and industrial heating—electrifying industrial heating presents one of the lowest costs per kilowatt, making it an effective strategy for reducing global emissions. Thus, eliminating fossil fuel combustion is a critical priority.

The global asset losses associated with every kilogram of CO2 emissions can range from $51 to $3,000 per ton (the average was recently about $283 per ton of CO2 in PNAS in 2024). A 1 MW electric conversion can save over 250 kg/hr of CO2.

Efforts are underway to capture CO2, but this could be expensive. The costs of capturing and storing CO2 vary widely, from about $20 to $120 per ton, while direct air capture (DAC) can exceed $400 per ton. Direct capture methods are very energy-intensive –Source.

Therefore, investing in high-efficiency equipment that minimizes GHG emissions is a sensible approach.

On December 2, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report increasing estimates of the social cost of greenhouse gases. This is further underscored by the new climate disclosure rules introduced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 6, 2024, requiring companies to disclose climate-related risks that may impact their business.

MHI Inc. has identified transitioning to electric heating as the fastest route to global decarbonization while providing clients with reliable ESG impact assessments. These regulatory changes reflect a growing demand for transparency in ESG matters. While around 50% of Fortune 500 companies have climate plans, all large, medium, and small companies must rapidly convert to electric heating systems. Electrifying industrial heating offers one of the most effective strategies to lower global emissions.

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Fossil fuels are in the news- but not in a good way.  The hottest year on record was 2023, and 2024 is set to break this record.    In May 2024, carbon dioxide levels measured at NOAA’s observatory peaked at 424 parts per million.    For the first time, the global average temperature in late 2023 was more than 2 Celsius warmer than levels before industrialization, according to preliminary data (source citation.   New mandates for decarbonization, such as the one for Federal buildings, are being considered the world over.  Click here for per-capita and country-wide GHG emissions.  Industrial, home, and rental repair incidence has been notably climbing.

Fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas, and oil, are nonrenewable energy sources that produce CO2 and other greenhouse gases when burned. Burning such fuel is a significant contributor to planet-warming pollution in our atmosphere.

  • The widespread use of fossil fuels also magnifies energy inefficiency. In 2019, of the 600 EJ (Exajoules) of energy produced, only ~200 EJ was used productively. The rest, almost 400 EJ, was wasted.
  • Sometimes, waste is inevitable, and a balance has to be struck. For example, traction is impossible without some friction, but friction also causes energy loss because friction produces heat. Considerable global research goes into reducing friction or finding the right balance between helpful friction and friction-related energy and material losses. For example, special plasma treatment of drills can make them suitable for green machining criteria. 
  • But sometimes one can and should prevent loss – e.g., from smokestacks (a necessary feature of fossil fuel burning is the energy loss from combustion gases).
  • Particulates called aerosols are also emission products that impact global heating and cooling.  Aerosols can influence the Earth’s climate in two ways. When the sky is clear (devoid of clouds), reflective aerosols can reflect incoming sunlight to outer space. This blocks part of the energy that would have reached the surface, thus cooling the climate. However, absorbing aerosols, particularly black carbon (fine soot), can trap solar energy within the atmosphere. The enhanced atmospheric heating eventually warms up the troposphere and the Earth’s surface and counteracts any cooling caused by reflection.  At this time, the effect of aerosols is not completely understood, but experimental evidence exists for positive global warming rates.
  • Climate sensitivity is measured by the change in temperature expected when the tropospheric CO2 changes. This sensitivity has been increasing.  Fossil fuel combustion, which currently adds about two ppm of CO2 to the troposphere annually, is the leading cause of an unstable atmosphere.    An increasing tropospheric entropy density rate occurs with an increasing rate of the tropospheric CO2 and temperature (10−8 J/(m3.K.s.ppm(CO2)    Citation.    This triggers erratic and intense weather. A video that relates global warming to climate change is shown here.

In 2023, wildfires in Hawaii claimed 97 lives, while blazes in Canada blanketed much of the Eastern US with smoke for weeks.   The Florida Keys soared to 101.19F (38.43C) in December 2023, which could be a global record as ocean heat reaches unprecedented extremes. Developing an actionable, fact-based, and implementation-ready plan that effectively balances and prioritizes the components of deep decarbonization, namely Electrification, operational efficiency, clean fuels, and smart sourcing, can be a competitive advantage.. Using high-efficiency electrical, industrial heating is not only climate-friendly but brings about (1) a significant lowering of energy use, (2) enables downstream process efficiencies, (3) enhances safety, (4) allows efficient grid stability from renewables, and (5) mitigates climate-related health problems associated with fossil fuel usage.    Contact MHI for project payback metrics.

MHI Gamut of Decarbonization Electric Heating Products

MHI offers a Gamut of Decarbonization and Load Reduction Electric Heating Products for Steel, Cement, Food and Beverages, Drying, Cement, Heat treating, Glass, Batteries, and Chemical Prices.

There is a push towards renewable power.  Renewable power is both cost-competitive and the most cost-effective energy source in many situations, depending on the location and season.  Such resources (also called low-exergy fuels) are finite in quantity and can take hundreds of thousands of years to form, and whereafter, they must be extracted from the earth and burned to create energy.  In 2023, about 60% of U.S. utility-scale electricity generation was produced from fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and petroleum), about 19% was from nuclear energy, and about 21% was from renewable energy sources. Source.

High-efficiency electric devices reduce the grid’s load. Newer electric technologies, such as efficient Airtorch or instant MightySteam and thermal batteries (LDES), improve grid stability and permit clean energy processes. Dirty energy sources, including coal, gas, and oil, are also nonrenewable.

Deep decarbonization eliminates CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from any process, making it a crucial sustainability advantage.

Sustainability initiatives can help improve financial performance with high public support as these initiatives have a global impact.     Companies with a high sustainability vision tend to have a lower cost of debt and appear to have better operations management.    Sustainability includes: 

  • Climate risk management with the elimination of fossil fuel use.
  • Electrification, energy, and emissions reduction.
  • Company-wide sustainability strategies.
  • Resilient infrastructure with intelligent operations.
  • Sustainable supply chains.

The deep decarbonization market for industrial heating is expected to top US $1 trillion and aid global health. When transitioning to electrical systems, it is essential to use the technologies that offer the highest efficiency (>96%). Modern controls and optimized materials and design are critical selection criteria for this global effort.

 Equipment for deep decarbonization

High-efficiency electric industrial heating systems, including steam or energy-efficient convective heaters, are now available for electrifying industrial heating systems with zero CO2, NOx, and SO2 emissions.    Deep decarbonization is a competitive advantage.    Electric systems offer many advantages in control and improved productivity in industrial furnace processes, drying and roasting, cement, steel, aluminum, magnesium, comfort heating, fuels, cement, hydrogen heating, aviation, materials heat treatment, and heating of food, milk, sterilization, and beverages.

Project Costing Principles.

The transition to a greener future has an initial price, which is recovered quickly because of the enhanced efficiencies.    The longer the wait by countries and companies, the larger the cost.    There are many ways to justify the returns on the capital required for new equipment to replace fossil fuel-burning equipment.    Promoting deep decarbonization through Electrification requires understanding the key advantages of Electrification of industrial heating compared to fossil-fuel heating.    The returns from rapid investments in large MW electrified equipment can be substantial.    This page provides general guidelines for project costing when changing from fossil fuel heating to electric methods.    It discusses the costs of various methods, from Electrification to carbon capture.    Significant social costs are incurred when using fossil fuels.    Read more about the social cost of making CO2.

The most straightforward approach is to use the social cost of GHG production in any cost calculation.    Depending on the number allowed, this could be $51 to $400 per ton allowed.    Fossil fuel use has a significant social cost.    By 2026, this could be $3,700 per ton of CO2 emissions.

Next, the operational savings can be computed by using a modern electric heating system.    The benefits could be enormous.    First, consider the savings from using electricity for a typical drying system.    One can start with the energy benefit.    An example we like to tout in the drying sector is that a 6 MW electric system replaced a 40MW fossil fuel system.    The operational savings are substantial.    35MW of power in a device for the same objective could save ~US$24.5 million in electric energy costs for the year.    This is an easy payback scenario.

Why does electric heating bring in better efficiencies?

Fossil fuel systems are also inherently more complex and inefficient than their electric heating counterparts, with more avenues for failures and loss of efficiencie    The composition of fossil fuels almost always requires heat exchanger    Eliminating heat exchangers in hot air heating already saves considerable energy and cos    Burners require an ideal oxygen mixture that must be adequately regulated to operate efficiently, but achieving stoichiometric combustion is unrealistic, such that excess levels of air must be introduced to ensure complete combustio    This excess air is counter-productive by directing heat straight to the flue stac    However, it is a necessary loss since the exhaust temperature must be maintained above dew points to prevent the formation of corrosive mixtures, which can degrade equipment at an accelerated rat    Internally, the firetubes can be coated with soot, resulting in a lower thermal efficienc    The upkeep for these systems is extensive because of the complexity of the design — burners, fans, fuel mixtures, exhaust stack temperature, scale build-up, and pollution treatment.

Electric systems are straightforward by design and easily scalable. There are no parasitic losses as there is no combustion, and highly efficient operation can occur without issues. Maintenance includes inspecting a blowdown vessel and electrical connections and ensuring no water or steam leaks. Annual maintenance involves pulling out the element to clean—a process that can be done in an hour. For maintenance and downtime reasons alone, industrial facilities that want to minimize their capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX) should consider making the switch.

Summary:

  • The industrial heating and transportation sectors emit almost the same amount of CO2.
  • The fastest way to decarbonize is by electrifying industrial heating.
    • A 55-KW automobile typically emits one ton of CO2 in 50 hours (or about every 2,500 miles).
    • A ~0.8 MW natural gas heater (typical size in a factory) emits one ton of CO2 ( the social cost is $51 to $400 per ton of CO2)  in just four hours.
    • One ton of CO2 is made for every half-ton of steel produced.
  • The capital costs for electrifying industrial heating per kW are lower than those for electrifying vehicles (EVs    Typically, EVs have a capital cost of US$5000/KW compared to $500-1000 for industrial heating equipment.
  • When all the costs and improved efficiencies are factored in, large KW to MW electrical heaters can offer much lower overall operational costs than fossil-fuel heaters.
  • Industrial electrical heaters are very energy efficient and compact—a 500C 1 MW heater is only 24″ long—and the pressure drops are low—less than 0.1 psig for the 1 MW 800C heater.    The low-pressure drops benefit space savings, safety from potential explosions, and lower insurance costs.
  • Electrification in industrial thermal equipment provides enormous momentum to total global decarbonization.
  • Significant social costs are associated with fossil fuel combustion.  Organizations are now using the social cost of carbon (anywhere from $51-$5400 or more per ton of CO2 emitted) to help evaluate investment decisions and guide long-term planning that considers the full extent of how their operations impact society and the environment.    Additional pressures for change are from climate-conscious cities and youth groups. Electrification is the safest and most efficient route for deep decarbonization.    About a third of excess CO2 emissions can attributed equally to industrial heating, transportation, and the power generation sectors. 

Global temperature rise and CO2 levels are correlated.    The global temperature rise promotes intense weather.

The atmospheric CO2 levels in 2022 were >410 ppm+, and the temperature rise was almost ~ 1.1 C above a safe preindustrial baseline.    In 2024, the temperature is already closer to 1.5C above the baseline.    Global energy-use-related CO2 emissions grew by ~321 million tons, reaching a new high of more than 36.8 billion tons in 2022. The year 2022 was eventful when the temperatures, extreme climate zeros, and the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere increased. The year 2023 was the hottest on record.    If we continue to use fossil fuels, the predictions are for higher CO2 and other GHGs, leading to higher temperatures and, consequently, more extreme events.

Rapid Steam Generator

Rapid steam generation in the industrial heating sector with considerably improved efficiencies (decarbonization) can quickly reduce CO2 and methane emissions to zero. Compare the prices of the lowest-priced fossil fuels in various countries as of 2022 with electric power (source). The project payback is quick. 

How can we achieve zero CO2 and NOx with the lowest capital cost? Industrial heaters with high efficiency, high temperature, compactness, and quick on-off features without idling are now readily available. If you have requested a quote for heaters or steam units, please contact MHI for the project cost recovery period. The capital cost per KW for industrial Electrification is estimated to be far lower than that for electric vehicles.

Is there enough electricity available?    We think so – even without counting the novel rapid advances in electricity production by sustainable and rechargeable mean    Giant batteries that ensure stable power supply by offsetting intermittent renewable supplies are becoming cheap enough to make developers abandon scores of projects for gas-fired generation worldwide.    Electric grids have become more efficient all over the world.    The efficient use of power may be required as the demand escalates.    An efficient use, for example, is using a car battery for other purposes when an EV is not in use – which is almost 90% of the EV’s daily cycle.    Efficient use also means using less energy for an objective like Process Heaters, i.e., with a low-pressure drop of only 0.1 psi for 1 MW instead of 1 psi with traditional inefficient electric heaters.

How much CO2 emission is prevented by Electrification?    The total CO2 emissions from fossil fuels depend on the fuel and other factors determining the combustion quality (please see the emissions table for specific fuels on the right    The Electrification of industrial heating can entirely reduce these rapidly.   Typically, using 1 KWh (3,600,000 Joules) of electric energy instead of fossil fuel energy for industrial heating can save at least ~0.18 -0.5 kg of CO2 equivalence from being emitted on average by a heater.    Other GHGs like NOx, methane, SO2, or particulates emitted during fossil fuel combustion are even more potent than CO2 and are simultaneously reduced with electric energy use.    NOx and methane can be clubbed together into a CO2 equivalence.     NOx emitted is approximately 298 times more potent than the amount of CO2 (in weight), and methane emissions are 25 times equivalent to CO2 in weight for emission impact.

Emissions can sometimes occur even before the combustion process when using fossil fuels, e.g., during the transmission or transportation of GHG gases.

Both CO2 levels and global temperatures are rising The generation rate of new entropy is rising.


A visualization of how global warming increases the probability of extreme events. Extreme heat-related events increase by shifting and flattening the curve. Earth’s surface warming and rate of warming increase the rate of tropospheric entropy generation demand, leading to unpredictable and severe weather events.

Today, a loss of $300 per ton of CO2 equivalence emission is not unreasonable to add to the project cost. By placing a value on carbon emissions, decision-makers can purchase electrical and industrial heaters with an excellent projected return on capital. Such calculations are shown here.    One can expand upon traditional financial decision-making tools with such cost adders and create accurate and proper metrics for measuring investment decisions.    As a rough rule, 1 MW of energy production with electricity instead of fossil fuels could save anywhere from 0.2 – 0.5 tons of CO2 emission equivalent per hour.    The best option for decarbonization is to quickly change to electrical, industrial heating systems with zero CO2, NOx, and SO2 emissions.   Kilowatt-to-megawatt electrical systems are available today with good payback scenarios when considering energy at $0.06 per kWh and only partially including the social cost of emissions.

New electric heater equipment often pays back quickly when considering the CO2 emission costs of using fossil fuels for heating.    Several organizations are now using the social cost of several hundred dollars per ton of CO2 emitted to help evaluate investment decisions. 

In addition to the severe cost of CO2 emitted, one should also consider the following factors for a payback analysis:

  • The efficiency of thermal transfer.    Typically, electrical efficiencies are 30% better than combustion heating efficiencies.   On average, MHI Airtorch® systems offer more than 95% efficiency.    Process Gas Heaters Comparison Table.
  • Pressure drop:    Some large MHI models have a pressure drop at 1000C of as low as 0.1 psi (~3wc).    High-pressure drops for large flows lead to a higher blower price and PV-energy waste and costs.
  • Control system    Reasonable control with high-sensitivity instruments offers an excellent turn-down ratio with intelligent cascade electronics, allowing for versatile control. MHI uses the best SCRs and electronics that exceed typical industry standards.
  • Materials and Design.    What is the best temperature rating of the Airtorc    Depending on the model, MHI Airtorch® systems offer 1200°C exit temperature    A higher temperature-rated Airtorch® will perform better and last longer even at a lower temperature.
  • Productivity vs. Temperature (in pdf format    Higher temperatures typically lead to faster outputs.
  • Improvement of over 30% in energy efficiency compared to …..(click here for case studies)
  • Request Information on an Electric Airtorch

The costs of burning fossil fuels are increasing rapidly.

Can one capture CO2 from the air and store it?   As of today, direct capture costs are prohibitively high. The range of costs varies between $250 and $600/ton CO2, depending on the chosen technology. Some solids and liquids can absorb CO. Plants naturally remove carbon dioxide from the air.   Trees are especially good at removing and storing CO2 from the atmosphere by photosynthesis. Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide naturally. Amines, algae, zeolites, salt solutions, water, and hydroxides can capture CO. Activated carbon can also absorb CO. The captured carbon dioxide can be used to make value compounds. Still, the CO2 may be given off again. Various reports detail the difficulties and dangers of CO2 capture.

If we add the carbon capture cost to the dangers of CO2 capture and the asset reduction cost of emitting CO2, the actual cost of emitting CO2 could be extremely high for industrial heating with fossil fuels.    To limit global warming to less than 2°C above pre-industrial temperatures, current estimates indicate the troposphere must lose or have removed  ~1 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually by 2030.   Even if the CO2 can be collected from power plants and stored through sequestration, there are two potential problems.    The first is cost, and the second is the very high risk of leakage. Carbon sequestration projects can involve storing CO2 in underground reservoirs, which raises the risk of leakage and acidifying water. Some of the craziest unanticipated problems of climate change are: dozens of pristine Alaskan rivers have turned bright orange in recent years because melting permafrost has released high levels of toxic metals into the waterways, a worrying new study reveals.    The colorful contamination, which can be seen from space, is a potential ecological nightmare.

Economic: Electric methods are generally more efficient than fossil fuel combustion for heating. Regardless,  it is essential to use the most efficient electrical system. Improving energy efficiency can lower utility bills, create healthy jobs, help stabilize electricity price volatility, and improve the climate with lower CO2 emissions for any objective.    Several attractive loans are available for curtailing anthropogenic carbon emissions with new equipment, i.e., reducing the emissions of various forms of carbon – the most concerning being carbon dioxide – associated with human activities.    These activities include burning fossil fuels, deforestation, land use changes, livestock, fertilization, etc., resulting in a net increase in emissions.   The payback period for new equipment for decarbonization is attractively small when one includes the high social cost of CO2 emissions from alternate methods.    Contact MHI for your decarbonization system needs (free).

Electrifying industrial heating could be the most rapid method of addressing CO2 emissions in the near term.

Summary of Energy Cost Factoring CO2 emissions:  When one includes the social cost of CO2 production, the price of one KWh of electric or combustion energy starts converging.    The CO2 emissions per million kilojoules of energy used range from 50.4 kg for natural gas to 68.8 kg for jet fuel. The social cost of emitting industrially produced  CO2 is estimated at $51-$414/ton, rising rapidly with time.    Adding climate cost to combustion heating increases the price of all fossil fuels on average by at least ~$300 or more per ton of CO₂ with a high of $414+/ton  (i.e., corresponding 2 to 4 US cents per kWh that could be added to the average price of toxic fossil fuel energy costs).

Increased energy efficiency from Electrification can lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other pollutants and decrease water usage. Converting from a 16MW  combustion heater to an electric Airtorch could save over 30% energy and several millions of dollars in climate-reduced asset and insurance costs.    A 30% improved efficiency is typically noted in electric heater devices over combustion (fossil-fuel) heaters.   For example, a 14.2 MW combustion gas heater could be replaced with an 11 MW electric Airtorc    A savings of ~$48,000 daily (assuming 1 KWh ~10 US cents).

Productivity:  MHI systems adjust to optimize the energy required by drawing only the necessary power and accelerating productivity at the optimal highest temperature.    A higher temperature significantly adds to the production rate.    More power equates to a higher energy delivery per unit of time.    Conventional furnaces have fixed heat loss; the higher power will mean that you deliver heat faster to reach the required temperature. An underpowered system will struggle to get to the Temperature.

Emissions from Natural Ga    The emissions from natural gas-fired boilers and furnaces could include nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), trace amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter (PM).

MHI Airtorch® models are designed for low thermal energy loss. Simultaneously, the the low-pressure-energye-energy loss. MHI Airtorch® models offer high-temperature input, which benefits duct heaters and ovens that quickly replace natural gas heating. This is the best method for decarbonization.

For the best energy saving, the following tips could be helpful depending on the application:

  • Energy-saving Tips

    1. If less energy is used for the same objective, it will substantially reduce CO2 emissions. Modern light generators (bulbs) produce the same visible light intensity with much less energy. So does an Airtorch (process air and gas generator) or a modern decarbonized steam generator.
    2. Improved practice: There is no need to pressurize compressors and bleed them every day, as pressurization leads to substantial energy demand.    If using high-volume air flows, ensure the pressure drop is the least.
    3. Reclaim waste energy.    Contact MHI.  Regardless, beware of calculations that say preheating air in a fossil fuel heater dramatically improves efficiency.  Although about a ~5% gain is possible when otherwise waste energy could be used to preheat the incoming combustion air,  if one uses the output useful heat or enthalpy to preheat air, then it does not help.  The efficiency should always be calculated as the ratio of useful heat or energy output divided by the total energy input from preheating and chemical bond restructuring.  A higher flame temperature equals a higher NOx production.  In terms of a global warming climate gas, Nitrous oxides are 298 times more potent than CO2.
    4. An electric Airtorch device is almost always much more efficient than a fossil-fired heat exchange. Opt for modern electric machines; they generally use less energy for the same objective than a machine with a combustion source.   For example, we have shown that an 11MW electric Airtorch® for the same heating objective can replace a 16MW gas heater.    Or use an electric instant steam generator instead of a conventional boiler.    Or implement methods to conserve the quality of energy. 
    5. Did you know that saving 5MW of power in a device for the same objective could save over US$3.5 million in electric energy costs for the year?
    6. There are additional benefits with the MHI Airtorch.    The pressure drops for electric Airtorch devices are lower than those of traditional heat exchanger devices.   For a 2000 SCFM flow, saving ~5 psi in pressure drop equals about 30 KW in power saving. This is almost a saving of $25,000 per year, assuming a price per kWh of 10 US cents.   
    7. Upgrade equipment.    Replace old furnaces and devices with the most modern emissivity heaters, crisp controls, safe insulation, and high productivity.    Processes at higher temperatures to achieve the same objective and glean profits from higher productivity.    Many thermal process outputs accelerate exponentially with Temperature.
    8. Productivity vs. Temperature (in pdf format)
    9. Clean smartly. Cleaning chemicals use a lot of energy, but that energy comes from somewhere. Please keep it clean without adding new chemicals or contaminants. Save energy with high-temperature steam.
    10. Electric air heating is considered substantially superior to large dies’ flame heating in terms of temperature uniformity. Some examples are discussed below.

      Heating Rate ProfileCompare Airtorch Heating to Flame

      Aluminum Melting Overview with MHI products

      Aluminum Melting Overview


      18 Bar

      18 Bar

      High Power Airtorch

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Resources

Continuous Overn with Airtorch

Continuous Oven with Airtorch

Click here to view typical applications.

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Airtorch Flow vs. Temperature ChartsRequest a quote for Airtorch®

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Airtorch® System Introduction

Please use a five-step process for selection. First, choose the maximum rated exit temperature of the Airtorch®.  If below 900 °C, please select TA models, e.g., VTA and Mls. If above 925°C, please choose the MVTA or DPF model – please contact MHI.

Sometimes, the lowest power users work through several cycles in a recuperator mode. The SH models can accept inlet gas temperatures up to 800°C. Please get in touch with MHI for details.

The Airtorch® convective system uses a particular class of elements to heat the ambient air and direct that heated air towards a surface or into a chamber. Depending on the model, the Airtorch® system can achieve temperatures ranging from room temperature to 1100-1200°C (~2200°F) with infinitely variable volume flow rates and no harmful emissions, providing a beneficial new heating method with modern controls.

MHI Airtorch® applications are in drying electrical varnish, weld preheating, die heating, plastic softening before forming, drying motor parts, removing moisture, expansion fitting, combustion, simulation preheating and heating molds, curing, prosthetics, heat shrinking, compression molding, flock setting, curing catalysts drying slurries, freeze-drying, improving ink print finish, finishing mirror drying, latex, heating adhesives, and general heating of chambers as shown below. Add to chambers for powder and liquid finishing. Add to continuous furnaces for wood conditioning, metal finishing, and forming. A small but finite temperature drop is experienced when directing Airtorch® flow with insulated piping because of the high velocity.

  • For impingement types of applications, the DPFs offer very superior value.
  • A good rule of thumb for augmenting uniformity in an existing furnace with an Airtorch® add-on is choosing an Airtorch® power with at least 30% of the original. This may not be enough if a temperature increase is also sought.
  • When planning to extend the Airtorch® exit piping, please note that well-insulated pipes will drop the temperature very little as the exit velocity is m/s. A helpful but rough rule of thumb may be about 50°C-100°C/m drop for good internal pipe insulation. Good pipe insulation is specific to whether the pipe is internally or externally insulated. The MHI industry standard is about a 1-2″ thick insulation. Please get in touch with MHI when required.
  • Introduction to Airtorch® | Airtorch  Applications | CalculatPowerower .vs Flow Rate | Easy Design Criterion

  • With its variable volume flow rate and power adjustability, the Airtorch can be set up to perform at any condition of flow temperature under the curve. Such features offer the user maximum flexibility when applying the Airtorch™ technology to heating applications.

    Easy to use selection and design page.

    Continuous Ovens.

The use of Airtorch® products may be classified into three major categories schematically drawn below.

Direct Impingement

Direct Impingement

Gas Preheating

Gas Preheating

Retrofit for Enhancement

Retrofit for Enhancement

Retrofit/Upgrading.


Use the Airtorch® with
existing furnace technology
infra-red, gas, radiant
to improve uniformity and
furnace efficiency.

   

Example of Use to Augment an Existing Furnace Installation for Improved Power and Uniformity.

An example of a 4kW Airtorch® augmentation application is schematically shown below. In this application, many complex-shaped rods are to be heated uniformly. The heat-treater reported that the rods were not uniformly heated in his existing radiant heat furnace. MHI proposed an add-on to his existing furnace with a system of Airtorch products, significantly impacting the uniformity – reducing the total energy consumed. More Green Installation and more Profits to the user. Improve oven performances and eliminate harmful emissions.


A uniform surface heating retrofit example and continuous oven examples are illustrated below.

As a rule of thumb, an Airtorch power of ~0.3 the furnace power is employed when designing for better uniformity.

A UN report states that fossil energy sources account for over 75% of global planet-warming pollution and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide pollution. Several countries have set ambitious goals. The US  climate goals are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to below 2005 levels by 2030 – a step towards a sustainable future. The goal requires a 50% reduction in current emissions. The further goal of achieving 100% carbon pollution-free electricity generation by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by 2050 underscores the urgency of action. The US has made significant strides in its climate and energy policies for decarbonization.  194 states representing over 98% of global greenhouse gas emitting regions, including the US and the EU, have ratified or acceded to the Paris Agreement by 2023. Such global cooperation indicates the shared responsibility in combating climate-changing emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs). However, the industrial sector also has to do its part if the goal of 1.5C is to be met (the Paris Agreement goal).

Solution

Choose from electric AirtorchSteam, or Radiative panel products to eliminate GHG production.   Did you know sometimes electricity (electric energy) is almost free?

Case Study: For Aluminum melting, which theoretically requires 397 kJ/kg of energy, many fossil fuel direct furnaces are only about 13% efficient. This efficiency could be five times or more higher with electric furnaces powered by the Airtorch.

Learn MorePower conversion MW to Btu/hr (Multiply by 3412142)

0.01 MW 34121.42 BTU/h
0.1 MW 341214.2 BTU/h
1 MW 3412142 BTU/h
2 MW 6824283 BTU/h
3 MW 10236420 BTU/h
4 MW 13648570 BTU/h
5 MW 17060710 BTU/h
6 MW 20472850 BTU/h
7 MW 23884990 BTU/h
8 MW 27297130 BTU/h
9 MW 30709270 BTU/h
10 MW 34121420 BTU/h
  • Industrial heating Sectors for Decarbonization
  • OAB Electric Steam Generators. Decarbonized.

Ask MHI about compact KW to MW electrical systems. MHI products for heating and steam do not use any fossil fuel nor emit greenhouse gases. Using fossil energy like fuel oil, gasoline, or natural gas for heating creates considerable CO2 and other greenhouse gases. Every ton of CO2 emission causes about the same amount of global warming, no matter when and where the CO2 is emitted. (Free calculator).

Why is there so much efficiency gain with electrification compared to fossil-fuel heaters?

This is mainly related to inherent thermal energy loss from flames (short wavelengths) and the natural inefficiency of heat exchangers. Conventional drying is an open process where flame radiation causes heavy energy losses. When drying is done by directly heating the bed with combustion burners, the flue gases take away a lot of energy. There is a 20% to 50% loss when heat exchangers are employed. Without a heat exchanger, the energy efficiency is always better.  Ask MHI about Waste Heat Recovery (WHR)  Systems.

Airtorch IntroductionVideo.

Specific fossil fuel emissions of CO2 per GJ of heating specific fuels.

 The heat value of fuels (MJ/kg of fuel) 
Natural Gas (the main component is methane). Heat value 42-55 MJ/kg. 50.4 – 56 kg of CO2 per GJ
Jet Fuel  Heat value 50-55 MJ/kg. ~68.8 kg of CO2 per GJ
Bituminous (coal)  Heat Value ~ 18 MJ/kg. 88.8-100 kg of CO2 per GJ
Diesel and Home Heating Fuel (Distillate Fuel Oil)  Heat Value 42-46 MJ/kg. 59.9-69.3  kg of CO2 per GJ
Gasoline and Ethanol Blends. Heat value 44-46 MJ/kg. 64.1 -72. 5 kg of CO2 per GJ

The Gamut of Airtorch Products

Airtorch 1000C

heat treating uniformity

binder burn off

A fuel’s “Heat value” is the heat released during combustion. Also referred to as energy or calorific value, the heat value measures a fuel’s energy density and is expressed in energy (Megajoules or Gigajoules) per (kg). If the fuel contains carbon, there is CO2 emission, as shown in the table above.

 Fuel Heat value
Hydrogen (H2) 120-142 MJ/kg
Methane (CH4) 50-55 MJ/kg
Methanol (CH3OH) 22.7 MJ/kg
Propane (C3H8) 46 MJ/kg
Dimethyl ether – DME (CH3OCH3) 29 MJ/kg
Petrol/gasoline 44-46 MJ/kg
Diesel fuel 42-46 MJ/kg
Crude oil 42-47 MJ/kg
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) 46-51 MJ/kg
Natural gas 42-55 MJ/kg
Hard black coal (IEA definition) >~23.9 MJ/kg
  Hard black coal (Canada) ~ 25 MJ/kg
Sub-bituminous coal (IEA definition) 17.4-23.9 MJ/kg
  Sub-bituminous coal (Canada) ~ 18 MJ/kg
Lignite/brown coal (IEA definition) <17.4 MJ/kg
  Lignite/brown coal (Australia) c. 10 MJ/kg
Firewood (dry) 16 MJ/kg
Natural Uranium in LWR

with U & Pu recycle

650 GJ/kg
Natural Uranium, in FNR 28,000 GJ/kg
Uranium enriched to 3.5% in LWR 3900 GJ/kg

When fossil fuel (say Natural gas, CH4) is combusted in air, about 64gms of Oxygen is lost from the atmosphere, and about 44gm of CO2 is emitted back instead for one mole of CH4 that is combusted.  This reaction produced about ~192 kcals per mole.

Steam OAB Unit 360 view Video (download).

Request OAB and VHGA Information

A uniform surface heating retrofit example and continuous oven examples are illustrated below.

As a rule of thumb, an Airtorch power of ~0.3 the furnace power is employed when designing for better uniformity.

MHI Airtorch® Supplemental Heating Proposal
Scope: Supplement existing electrodes by applying Airtorch convective heating to increase performance and life
Request OAB and VHGA Information

Solution: By supplementing the existing electrodes with the Airtorch® and blankets, the watt density is increased, thus reducing their workload.

1 Heating: Create a convective cavity around the assembly using two 4kW Airtorch® units. Fixture Airtorch units behind mold and electrodes at angles to create air movement. This should improve the overall heating of the mold.

2 Insulation: The assembly is surrounded by refractory blankets (five sides) to retain as much heat as possible.

Add a duct heater

Extremely Compact High Power

Extremely Compact High Power Airtorch®

Learn about Thermal Batteries by Contacting MHI.

EFFICIENCY

Electric Systems Offer Design Improvements / Enhancements
Combustion/Flame MHI Electric Systems
Appearance Non-uniform heating. Repeatable uniform heating – resulting in consistent label results.  Once conditions are dialed in, the setup will yield minimal variation.
Bottle or Treated Surface Combustion leaves deposits on the surfaces (visible to micro level) Airtorch® or Steam or Steam/ Air patented heating leaves no combustion product on treated surfaces.  Improves detail and appeal.
Sources Combustion source creates:

Explosion hazard

Costly fuel and disposal

Emissions of CO2 from combustion

‘Hot’ spots from flame  heating

Venting required

Electric Systems:

Electric flexible source.

Air or Water

No emissions

No combustion

Evenly distributed heat

No explosive consumables

SUSTAINABILITY

Modules for a Green Work Environment
Combustion/Flame MHI Electric Systems
Modularity New gas lines, more consumables used, safety approvals, etc. Modular with flexible power lines as needed.

You can add and subtract modules in minutes.

Easy to install

Easy to operate

Easy change of configuration

Highly mobile

Repeatability Non-uniformities result from combustion treatment surfaces— uneven heating, combustion deposits, NOx, SO2, and more. Electric systems offer uniform, repeatable, and continuous treatment of products resulting in less variance.
Control Lack of precise control from combustion is a problem. Precise control of temperature and output gives high efficiency to your process.  A high level of control also allows for protection features such as overtemperature protection.