Air Pre Heater Inquiry

An Air Pre-Heater (APH) is a vital heat recovery equipment installed in industrial boilers and heaters to enhance overall energy efficiency. It functions by preheating the combustion air before it enters the furnace, utilizing the residual heat from flue gases. By recovering waste heat, an APH improves combustion efficiency, reduces fuel consumption, lowers stack temperature, and minimizes overall emissions.

Air Pre-Heaters are widely used in steam boilers, hot water generators, thermic fluid heaters, furnaces, and process heating systems, ensuring significant fuel savings and enhanced thermal performance. Their application becomes especially critical in industries such as power generation, petrochemicals, textiles, paper & pulp, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and chemical plants where continuous and efficient heating is essential.

Constructed from high-grade carbon steel, alloy steel, or stainless steel, the APH is designed to withstand high temperatures, corrosive flue gases, and long operating hours. Available in both Tubular Type and Plate Type designs, these units are compact, easy to install, and require minimal maintenance.

By preheating air up to 150–250°C, the system not only ensures efficient combustion but also reduces unburnt particles, improves flame stability, and optimizes overall boiler/heater performance.


Technical Highlights

  • ✅ Working Principle: Transfers waste heat from flue gases to the incoming combustion air, improving boiler/heater efficiency.
  • ✅ Types Available:
    • Tubular Type – Uses a bank of tubes for heat transfer.
    • Plate Type (Regenerative / Recuperative) – Compact design with high efficiency.
  • ✅ Heat Recovery Efficiency: Enhances overall thermal efficiency by 8–12%.
  • ✅ Temperature Handling: Designed to handle flue gas temperatures up to 400–500°C.
  • ✅ Combustion Air Preheating Range: Raises air temperature typically between 150–250°C (customizable).
  • ✅ Material of Construction (MOC):
    • Carbon Steel (IS 2062 / ASTM)
    • Alloy Steel for high temperature resistance
    • Stainless Steel (SS304/316) for corrosion resistance
  • ✅ Design Standards: Fabricated as per IS, ASME, or international boiler codes for safety & reliability.
  • ✅ Performance Benefits:
    • Improves fuel efficiency by up to 10%
    • Reduces fuel cost & CO₂ emissions
    • Lowers unburnt carbon and particulate matter
    • Ensures better heat transfer & stable furnace operation
  • ✅ Applications: Boilers, hot water generators, thermic fluid heaters, furnaces, dryers, and various industrial heating processes.