Heating systems
An ideal temperature in every pig house
Ideal house temperatures have a substantial influence on the health and performance of pigs. Adequate heating systems are therefore a necessity in many climate zones. The goal is to maximise the heat output and to transfer this heat to the pigs in an optimum way while keeping energy costs as low as possible.
Big Dutchman offers different systems for full-space heating or zone heating. The heaters can be fuelled by gas or oil, or use hot water.
JetMaster
Heaters with 100 % heat output
JetMaster is a tried and tested heater that has been part of the Big Dutchman product range for many years. JetMaster heaters are available for operation with natural gas or propane gas as well as fuel oil and are controlled thermostatically. Since the flame is monitored, the gas supply is immediately interrupted should the heater not ignite or the flame extinguish.
The built-in fan provides a wide throwing range, so distributing the warm air optimally in the house. The control unit provides information about the heater’s operating state.
Huvudsakliga fördelar
- the generated heat is 100% beneficial to the pigs: no heat loss;
- no chimney connection necessary;
- easy installation;
- excellent value for money
Gas heaters
For a targeted supply of heat
Gas heaters are especially well-suited if it is necessary to supply pigs with intensive heat in a specific area and for a defined amount of time. The fact that these heaters do not require an electrical power supply is a great advantage.
Convection heaters
Hot water heating, future-proof and sustainable
Hot water heaters continue to be very popular: they work without open combustion inside the house, which reduces CO2 concentration in the house and improves air quality.
The objective is to maximise heat output. This is achieved by a radiator with a large surface area. The heaters should be mounted directly below the air inlets to heat incoming air.
Renewable energy sources such as wood chips or straw pellets are an ideal solution for heating the water.
Delta pipe and Twin pipe
Ideally suited for diffuse fresh air systems
Delta pipes and Twin pipes are especially well-suited for perforated air channels and DiffAir ceilings. They are made from aluminium and are operated with hot water, of which they require only a small amount, however.
Thanks to their good thermal conductivity (heat output of 180 to 200 watts/m), they ensure constant room temperatures inside the house. These heating systems can also be used for pre-heating in the central aisle.
The pipes are anodised for improved protection against ammonia. They are of comparatively low weight and can be delivered in different sizes up to a length of 6 m. Installation is very easy.
Fin heater
Hot water heating with a large surface area for high heat output
The fin heater offered by Big Dutchman is either galvanised or made from aluminium with an epoxy powder coating. Hot water is pumped through the pipes.
The fins have a large surface area of 1 m² per running metre. Heat percolates between the fins, giving a strong thermal flow. The spacing between the fins is large enough to ensure that dust does not accumulate.
The pipes are attached to the wall with angles or suspended from the ceiling, if possible directly below the fresh air inlets, thus heating the incoming fresh air. Automatic aeration (for Delta and Twin pipes as well) ensures a high functional reliability of the heating system.
Huvudsakliga fördelar
- heat output of up to 600 watts/running metre;
- low space requirements;
- low weight (aluminium);
- simple, time-saving installation.
HeatMaster
Energy-saving air-to-water heat exchangers
The H series HeatMaster models are either suspended along the side of the building at the height of the fresh air inlets or mounted by wall brackets. The main components are a fan and a system of stainless steel fins.
The heaters are easy to clean with a highpressure washer and resistant to corrosion. The built-in fan provides a wide throwing range, so distributing the warm air optimally in the house.
Huvudsakliga fördelar
- no flue gases reach the air in the house;
- a great variety of fuels can be used;
- there is no open flame in the house.
Zone heating
Ideal for use in piglet rearing houses
Piglets need much warmth, especially in the first days after their move to the nursery, so they adapt well during the critical post-weaning
period. Ideally, the resting area should have a temperature of approximately 32 °C.
In addition to traditional full-space heating, hot water zone heating is becoming increasingly popular for nurseries. The zones are created using a covering plate that is fixed at 70 cm to 80 cm above the slatted floor. The required dimensions of the cover depend on the number of piglets and the pen depth.
A deep lip of approx. 20 cm at the front of the cover helps create an insulating blanket of warm air. The heating system (Twin pipe) is installed directly below the cover. The main purpose of this system is to heat the resting area of the piglets. Temperatures can be lower in the rest of the pen, allowing a significant reduction of overall heating costs.
