Question 1

What are DIFHEMI inductive fluid heaters?

Accepted Answer

DIFHEMI inductive fluid heaters (DIFHEMI is an acronym of ‘direct fluid heating by electromagnetic induction’) are of leading-edge innovative technology which is the sole property of Brascoelma; they belong to a new generation of fluid heaters which are unparalleled worldwide. They are currently the most-efficient equipment and heat any type of fluid, directly or indirectly, liquid or gaseous, at the desired temperature, flow rate and pressure. They utilise electromagnetic induction to generate heat and do not require electrical resistances of any kind, nor the use of fossil fuels. DIFHEMI inductive fluid heaters have permitted realising heating projects which would otherwise be nonviable, and since 1983 over 300 companies have used them. They have been found to be more advantageous than systems utilising resistance heating, fuel oil or natural gas, due principally to the inefficiency inherent in these latter systems of heat generation because of their requirement for constant maintenance. Precise working-temperature control, low cost, practically maintenance-free and heating any type of fluid at any temperature and pressure are some of the advantages offered by the DIFHEMI inductive electrothermal generators (or inductive fluid heaters) manufactured by Brascoelma.

Question 2

Do DIFHEMI heaters contain eletrical resistences?

Accepted Answer

No, unlike conventional heaters DIFHEMI heaters do not contain electrical resistances. They utilise the principle of electromagnetic induction as the source of heat.
In DIFHEMI inductive heaters, heat is generated in the walls of the stainless-steel tubes which surround the magnetic nucleus in coil form, in a similar manner to the windings of a network transformer, and they are derived from transformer principles. The stainlesssteel tubes, heated by the Joule magnetic-induction effect, transfer all their heat to the fluids flowing within them; they do not have electrical resistances and they have a high energy efficiency exceeding 98%. From the thermodynamic and Exergetic* points of view, DIFHEMI inductive heating has been shown in practice to be greatly superior, by up to 30%, when compared with traditional heating systems.

Question 3

Do short-circuits occur or does the fluid penetrate the resistences resulting  in combustion of the fluid during heating, this occur in DIFHEMI?"

Accepted Answer

No! Short-circuits will never occur in DIFHEMI inductive electrical heaters, nor will liquid penetration and nor will liquids be combusted while being heated. DIFHEMI
equipment operates at ZERO voltage in the coiled tubes of the heating system, offering greater safety in fluid heating, even in the case of conductive fluids such as acids or bases. There is total safety in operation, additional care not being required by virtue of the physical separation between the tubes of the coils of the heating section and the electric mains. The DIFHEMI inductive heater project was conceived with the objective of heating highly-flammable or explosive gases or fuels directly, even when operating in hazardous areas, such as petroleum platforms. The fluid circulates within stainless-steel tubes welded and tested to a pressure of up to 300 bar (4000 psi); they are consequently free from the risk of penetration. These characteristics, allied with a specific design for each client and the unique properties of durability of stainless steel tubes, make the DIFHEMI inductive fluid-heating equipment practically maintenancefree, no heating-element change being required during its working life. DIFHEMI inductive fluid heaters have permitted the realisation of heating projects which would be 2 non-viable employing other electrical means. Brascoelma’s welding procedures and Brazilian welder certificates for welding stainless steel and carbon steel are signed by a welding inspector qualified to Petrobras/SEQUI and FBTS level 2 in Brazil.

Question 4

Why do DIFHEMI heaters run at zero voltage, and why is their electrothermal performance so excellent?"

Accepted Answer

The concept may be summarised as being the application of voltage to the primary winding, producing heat in the tubular bundle of the secondary coil through the Joule effect because the terminals of the coil are short-circuited. Consequently, all the energy applied to the primary source is converted into thermal energy in the secondary coil, through which the fluid circulates, a fact leading to a very high exergetic efficiency of at least 98%.

PERFORMED BY BRASCOELMA AND AA CONSULTRADE

Grain Dryer & Minerals Heating

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Questions & Answers about Grain Driers

What are DIFHEMI inductive fluid heaters?

Do DIFHEMI heaters contain eletrical resistences?

Do short-circuits occur or does the fluid penetrate the resistences resulting in combustion of the fluid during heating, this occur in DIFHEMI?"

Why do DIFHEMI heaters run at zero voltage, and why is their electrothermal performance so excellent?"

PERFORMED BY BRASCOELMA AND AA CONSULTRADE