Patron Electric Portable Heaters

For Heavy Duty and Professional Use

There are many reasons why you would want to use an electric heater on a job site.  You have no exhaust or ventilation issues to deal with.  You also never need to clean up fuel spills or have fuel odors in the area you are working.  Electric heaters are 100% efficient and environmentally GREEN.  There design is simple and therefore less likely to break down and if you do have a problem they are easier to repair.

When you need electric heat on a construction job site you need a heater that is built to handle years of abuse.  Look for heating elements that are made of copper and coated in Magnesium, then enclosed in a stainless steel jacket.  Find one with a high quality sealed blower motor and a rugged steel powder coated housing.  Make sure they have some type of overheat and tip over protection.

Electric heat is capable of a very quick and high temperature rise as long as you have an industrial-grade fan to distribute the air though the room you are heating.  Electric heaters come in different sizes and run on different voltages depending on the wattage rating.

Patron makes 4 different size Portable Electric Heaters for the professional.

E 1.5 - 5,100 BTU/hr 116 CFM air flow
E 3 - 10,200 BTU/hr 205 CFM air flow
E 9 - 30,700 BTU/hr 350 CFM air flow

 

New this season is the Patron E 6  20,500 BTU/hr 250 CFM air flow

With the Patron line of portable electric heaters you should be able to match all your heating needs. 

FAQ for Construction Heaters

1. How do I calculate the heat requirements for my job site?
    
   Use this formula:

   Heat required = cubic feet of an area (x) temperature rise (x) .133
   
   Example:
   Area needling heat is 80' (length) (x) 80' (width) (x) 12' (height) = 76,800 cubic ft 

   Temperature rise = 60 degrees F
   
   76,800 cubic ft (x) 60 degrees F = 4,608,000
   4,608,000 (x) .133 = 612,864 BTU per hour
   

    

   Refer to the manufacturer to find a construction heater or heaters rated to handle that load.

    
2. What size propane gas supply cylinder is recommended for use on construction heaters?
   
   Most heaters can operate off of smaller cylinders such as 20#, 30# or 50# capacity.  The problem that arises is the heater can use the vapor at a faster rate than the cylinder will supply.  Which causes the heater to supply a lower blower outlet temperature and may eventually shut down.  To eliminate this problem I recommend using 100# cylinders wherever possible.  You may even need to have several 100# cylinders manifolded together or even use a larger tank depending on the heat load of the installation and temperature.  Consult your local propane gas supplier for recommendations.
3. How long will a 100# cylinder last?
   It depends on a couple factors:

   The amount of gas that the heater uses per hour.
   Air temperature surrounding the gas supply container

   Heaters with larger heat outputs consume more gas per hour than heaters with smaller outputs.  Also the gas supply container will supply less vapor as the temperature drops.  At some point the gas container will begin to develop a frost buildup at the lower portion of its shell which indicates that the container is getting near the low limits of its ability to supply proper gas supply pressure. 
4. How do I determine how much gas my construction heater will use over one hour if it continually runs?
   
   Natural Gas Heaters:
   Divide the output of the heater by the BTU's in one cubic foot of natural gas.
   Example: 365,000 BTUH / 1000 = 365 cubic feet of natural gas per hour
   
   LP Gas Heaters
   a) To determine gas consumption in pounds per hour:
   Divide the output of the heater by the BTU's in one pound of LP gas
   Example: 155,000 BTUH / 21,591 = 7.2 pounds per hour
   
   b) To determine gas consumption in gallons per hour of LP gas.
   Divide the gas consumption in pounds per hour of LP gas by the pounds of LP gas per gallon.
   Example: 7.2 pounds per hour gas consumption / 4.24 pounds per gallon = 1.7 gallons per hour
5. Can I use a construction heater to heat my shop of garage?
   
   Maybe - Depending on the type of heater you are using.  Most construction heaters are non-vented and are designed specifically for the heating of buildings under construction, alteration, or repair.  These are typically areas where air exchange is established to promote proper gas combustion within the heater.  If the heater is used in a tighter structure without proper air exchange, potentially dangerous gases such as carbon dioxide will accumulate.
   
   If you choose a Indirect heater with a heat exchanger that can be vented to the outside then using it in a shop or garage can work.  Always check with the manufacturer before using it in an enclosed area.
6. My eyes water and throat burns a short time after using the heater.  What is the problem?
   
   The problem could be attributable to any of the following conditions:
   a) Poor ventilation at the job site which contributes to poor gas combustion.  Introduction of more fresh air is needed.
   b) Poor gas pressure to the inlet of the heater.  Gas pressure will need to be checked by a qualified gas heater service person.  The heater's data plate refers to proper inlet and burner manifold pressures. 
   c) The heater is burning contaminants that are in the air which is used for combustion.  Examples would be parts cleaning solvents, paints, etc.
7. My heater's burner flame is yellow and gives off a strong gassy smell.  What's wrong?
   
   Check these things:
   a) Proper gas pressure to the heater (refer to the heater's data plate)
   b) Obstructions in the burner casting, gas manifold or plugged burner orifice.  Clean out the obstruction.
   c) Do you have the proper supply of fresh air?
8. My forced air heater sparks, but will not ignite.
   
   Check the following:
   a) Low fuel gas supply pressure
   b) Tank valve not completely open
   c) Tank valve opened too quickly, causing lock-up in excess flow valve in regulator, close tank valve and wait 5 minutes, then reopen the tank valve
   d) Defective gas control valve 

Direct and Indirect Heating Systems

Since I have been blogging about portable heating systems I might as well keep it going. 

One question that keeps popping up when people talk about portable heating systems is

 Direct Fired and Indirect Fired Heaters. 

A Direct Fired Heater heats the air by a flame that is produced by burning some type of fuel. (Natural gas; Propane, Kerosene or Diesel)  Usually there is a fan to move the air through a tube or cylinder where this flame is contained.  These types of heaters are almost 100% efficient and therefore very cost effective.

An Indirect Fired Heater also heats air by a flame that is produced by burning some type of fuel. (Natural gas; Propane, Kerosene or Diesel)  There is a fan to move the air through a tube or cylinder where a heat exchanger is located.  This heat exchanger is where the flame is contained and has a port where the exhaust can be vented away from the area you are heating.  These types of heaters are not as efficient but are still very good.

The important thing to remember is you need to match the correct type of heater to your particlar application.

 

 



Temporary Power

Spyder Box and Cables

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us and the days are still getting shorter you might be thinking about temporary power for different applications.  Maybe you are in construction or maybe you are opening a Christmas Tree lot for the upcoming holidays.  Both of these projects need temporary power.  The key is to have safe and reliable power to run the equipment and / or lights.  You will need and a way to connect all this equipment and that is where a Temporary Power Box that is UL listed for use in wet and damp locations comes in.

There are 2-types of Temporary Power Boxes.  They both are rated the same for voltage / current and you can order either type of connector depending on your cables.  Where the difference comes in to play is the amount of circuit breakers.  The 1st type will only have 3 breakers and the 2nd type will have 6 or a breaker for each outlet.   

If you don't already have cables to connect to your Temporary Power Box you have a couple types to choose from.  Both are either 50 feet or 100 feet in length.
The 1st is a Vinyl temporary power cord rated from -40 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.  The wire type is STOW (Service, Thermoplastic jacket, Oil resistant jacket, Weather resistant).  Hard service Thermoplastic cord which will deform under extreme pressure or heat.  STOW features an oil resistant jacket and is for indoor/outdoor use with heavy tools, equipment, portable lights and power extensions. 

The 2nd type of temporary power cord is a SEOW (Service, Elastomer jacket Oil resistant jacket, Weather resistant)  Features a Thermoplastic Elastomer jacket and insulation, which offer exceptional low temperature capabilities.  SEOW has an oil resistant jacket and is water resistant and extremely lightweight.  SEOW is suitable for outdoor use in industrial applications with construction tools and other electrical equipment, but is not recommended for contact with hot surfaces.  This cable is rated from -58 degrees to 228 degrees Fahrenheit.



Temporary Heating Systems

Temporary Heat for the Construction Industry, Special Events or Emergency Services

Hytopz takes the time to customize your temporary heating system so you know that it will work for whatever your application might be.  We can size and layout your project for maximum effectiveness.  Being able to accurately estimate the energy consumption will help you quote your actual costs for an event or job.

Estimated Heating Load
The projected heating load for a project is based on maintaining a design temperature that the customer requests.  We take into account the transmission heat loss of the walls and roof from conduction and the heat loss due to infiltrations of outside air through cracks, pores, and other openings in the structure.  The load is calculated using project specific data, project measurements and regional temperature data from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Air Ventilation Changes per Hour
To adequately dry a structure and exhaust any dirty air we always recommend that you change the inside air of the building 1.2 times per hour.  This is one of the most important aspects of a heating system in a building under construction.  If the air flow is not replaced with fresh air you can have a multitude of problems.  Uncontrolled moisture indoors can cause major damage to the building structure, as well as to furnishings and to finish materials like floors, walls and ceilings.  Uncontrolled moisture can trigger mold growth which not only damages the facility, but can lead to health and performance problems for construction workers.

Fuel Consumption
Calculating the fuel consumption varies with the type of fuel/energy.  Formulas for each fuel type will be either in gallons (propane, diesel), Therms (natural gas) or kilowatts (electricity).  When calculating fuel consumption we take into account the outside average temperature during a given heating period and the average temperature differential.

To learn more about temporary heating systems go to Hytopz.com or call (866) 927-0092.

Safety Training

Safety is our number 1 priority here at Hytopz

We are in the business to keep our customers safe.  We want to ensure that the men and women using Scaffolding, Telehandlers and Aerial Work Platforms (Boom lifts - Scissor lifts) can do their jobs efficiently and safely.  The more people understand the equipment they are using the better they can do their jobs.

Accidents and incidents are preventable.  Safety training in the Spokane area for Scaffolding, Telehandlers and Aerial Work Platforms is scheduled 4 times a year. 

The class outline for Telehandlers & Aerial Work Platforms includes:

• Safety Precautions
• User Responsibilities
• Machine Preparation & Inspection
• Machine Operation
• Towing
• Emergency Procedures
• Machine Specification & Operator Maintenance
• Course time - 4 hours

After passing a written test and hands-on practical, the student will be issued a card valid for 3-years that meets both OSHA regulations and ANSI/SIA standards.

Scaffold orientation is designed to orient the worker to the "Code of Safe Practices" developed for the industry by the Scaffold and Access Industry Association, Inc. (SAIA).  The class is intended to address some of the many practices and conditions encountered in the use of steel frame scaffolding.  Upon completion of the safety training the worker will be able to identify different types of scaffolding and the hazards associated in the workplace.