PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The Cooperheat Surface Combustion Unit (SCU) is a highly efficient infrared gas radiant heater designed for industrial metal preheating applications. Powered by propane or natural gas, the SCU delivers intense radiant heat to rapidly preheat metal fabrications, vessels, and rotating components before welding. Available in multiple sizes, this economical heating solution is widely used for controlled preheating in heavy fabrication, pressure vessel manufacturing, and industrial welding environments.
Product description
The Cooperheat Surface Combustion Unit (SCU) is an infrared gas radiant heating system engineered to provide fast, efficient preheating for metal fabrications and large industrial components. Particularly effective for rotating fabrications, the SCU delivers concentrated radiant heat that helps achieve the required preheat temperature quickly and uniformly across the workpiece.
The unit operates using propane or natural gas, which enters the rear of the burner through a self-sealing quick-release coupling for safe and convenient connection. As the gas passes through the injector, combustion air is entrained and mixed with the fuel. A built-in deflector distributes the gas–air mixture evenly across the burner’s hot face.
The burner surface consists of rectangular ceramic plaques, each containing hundreds of small holes. When the gas-air mixture emerges through these openings, it is ignited by an electric spark, causing combustion to occur directly on the plaque surface. The plaques are manufactured from advanced ceramic materials capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1000°C (1800°F) on the hot face while remaining relatively cool on the rear surface where the gas enters.
To protect the burner surface, a domed expanded Inconel mesh grill shields the ceramic plaques from mechanical damage while also helping retain heat at the burner surface for improved thermal efficiency.
When positioned approximately 50–75 mm (2–3 inches) from the workpiece, the burner can deliver up to 50,000 BTU of radiant energy (for a 600 mm × 150 mm unit) directly onto the metal surface. Heat transfer occurs primarily through radiation, enabling rapid and efficient heating.
For improved installation flexibility, Cooperheat offers optional stands and magnetic mounting feet that allow quick and secure positioning of the SCU during welding and preheating operations.
The Cooperheat Surface Combustion Unit is widely used in industries such as oil & gas, petrochemical, power generation, pressure vessel fabrication, and heavy engineering, where reliable and efficient metal preheating is required.
Product specifications
| Model | Nominal Heat Input | Length ‘A’ | No. of Tiles | Weight kg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Supersaver | ||||||
| Btu/hr. | kW | Btu/hr. | kW | ||||
| W12 | 12,500 | 3.7 | 9,700 | 2.8 | 214 | 2 | 0.7 |
| Model | Nominal Heat Input | Length ‘A’ | No. of Tiles | Weight kg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Supersaver | ||||||
| Btu/hr. | kW | Btu/hr. | kW | ||||
| W28 | 28,000 | 8.2 | 21,000 | 6.1 | 400 | 4 | 1.9 |
| W35 | 35,000 | 10.2 | 26,250 | 7.6 | 490 | 5 | 2.3 |
| W40 | 40,000 | 11.7 | 30,000 | 8.8 | 584 | 6 | 2.8 |
| W45 | 45,000 | 13.1 | 33,750 | 9.8 | 675 | 7 | 3.1 |
| W50 | 50,000 | 14.6 | 37,500 | 11.0 | 767 | 8 | 3.5 |
| W55 | 55,000 | 16.1 | 41,250 | 12.1 | 857 | 9 | 3.9 |
| W60 | 60,000 | 17.6 | 45,000 | 13.2 | 947 | 10 | 4.3 |
| W65 | 65,000 | 19.1 | 48,750 | 14.3 | 1037 | 11 | 4.7 |
| Model | Nominal Heat Input | Length ‘A’ | No. of Tiles | Weight kg | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Supersaver | ||||||
| Btu/hr. | kW | Btu/hr. | kW | ||||
| L09 | 9,000 | 2.6 | 6,750 | 2.0 | 203 | 1½ | 0.9 |
| L12 | 12,000 | 3.5 | 9,000 | 2.6 | 268 | 2 | 1.1 |
| L15 | 15,000 | 4.4 | 11,250 | 3.3 | 333 | 2½ | 1.3 |
| L18 | 18,000 | 5.3 | 13,500 | 4.0 | 398 | 3 | 1.6 |
| L24 | 24,000 | 7.0 | 18,000 | 5.3 | 528 | 4 | 2.0 |
Product resources
Surface Combustion Units (SCU)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cooperheat Surface Combustion Unit (SCU) used for?
The SCU is used for preheating metal fabrications, vessels, and rotating components prior to welding. It provides intense infrared radiant heat that helps achieve the required preheat temperature quickly and efficiently.
What type of fuel does the SCU use?
The Surface Combustion Unit operates on propane or natural gas, which is supplied through a quick-release coupling for safe and convenient connection.
How does the SCU generate radiant heat?
Gas and air are mixed in the burner and ignited on the surface of ceramic plaques containing hundreds of small holes. Combustion occurs on the plaque surface, producing a high-temperature radiant heat source reaching up to 1000°C (1800°F).
Can the SCU be mounted or positioned easily during welding operations?
Yes. Cooperheat provides optional stands and magnetic mounting feet that allow the Surface Combustion Unit to be positioned quickly and securely during heating operations, including when heating rotating components.