By Wayne Moore
One of the features we have introduced in our newly launched newsletter is a supplier highlight section. Some might wonder why on Earth we would give away all our trade secrets. Well, really we’re not, because there is a lot more to designing, integrating, and building a malting system than just knowing about several of the key component suppliers. Our expertise shines when we ensure that the right components, of the right size, are utilized in the right way to create a fully functional malting system. This knowledge and experience are integral to what Malters Advantage brings to the table.
Selecting the appropriate components and equipment stands as a critical step in our equipment and design development. When we choose components for our systems, we weigh multiple factors. First and foremost, we ensure that the component is suitable for its intended application. Second, we strive to find the best value for the money.
So, why do we use and recommend Heatco heaters in our malting systems? Let’s look at the two criteria I mentioned above, starting with their suitability for the purpose. Heatco offers several different types of furnaces and heaters, we use two of their distinct types in our malting equipment: HPA tubular heaters and HE/HF Drum and Tube Furnaces. Both of these heaters are of the indirect style and come in various configurations and material options, making them ideal for craft malt kiln applications.
The HPA tubular heaters are well-suited for small to mid-sized systems, thanks to their wide range of sizes and the ability to configure up to three modules in a series. The HPA line offers heater outputs ranging from 113,000 up to 1,125,000 BTU/hr. On the other hand, the HE/HF drum and tube heaters are single units and offer outputs from 260,000 up to 4,000,000 BTU/hr.
Now, let’s consider the second criterion: value for the money. Once again, Heatco heaters prove to be an excellent fit. Several companies in the US manufacture good quality heaters but there is a reason I keep using Heatco. In my opinion, their products offer the best value for the money for the size of systems we have been designing and building.
If you're interested in learning more about the heaters we've discussed, I encourage you to visit Heatco’s product page. And by the way, if you happen to contact Heatco about a heater for a malting application, don't be surprised if they provide you with my contact information. Typically, I handle heater sizing for them when it comes to malting system applications.