Roberts Gordon Tube Heater: Complete Guide

A Roberts Gordon tube heater is a gas-fired infrared heating system commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings. Instead of heating air first, radiant tube heaters emit infrared energy that warms floors, equipment, vehicles, inventory, and people. Combustion Research Corporation offers comparable low-intensity radiant tube systems including Reflect-O-Ray, Omega II, and Serengeti-IR for facilities requiring efficient overhead comfort heating.

Radiant tube heaters are typically efficient in high-bay, leaky, or door-cycling buildings because they heat surfaces directly rather than trying to maintain a large warm air column. Combustion Research systems document 30-50% energy savings compared with conventional forced-air heating in comparable applications, with some company value propositions noting energy cost reductions up to 75% depending on the application and operating conditions.

Sizing depends on square footage, ceiling height, insulation, door cycle frequency, fuel type, and required comfort zones. CRC reference guidance suggests approximately 25-40 BTU per square foot for insulated low-bay warehouses, 40-65 BTU per square foot for high-bay or less insulated facilities, and 65+ BTU per square foot for poorly insulated or frequently opened buildings. Facility-specific sizing should use engineering calculators and submittals.

Vacuum radiant tube systems, such as Reflect-O-Ray, are custom-engineered negative-pressure systems generally used for larger or more complex facilities where coverage and fuel efficiency are critical. Power-vented systems, such as Omega II and Serengeti-IR, are unitary systems often faster to specify for smaller spaces or zone-by-zone layouts. Both approaches can deliver radiant comfort with lower operating costs than forced-air heat.

Combustion Research radiant tube systems are available for natural gas and propane, with select oil-fired Reflect-O-Ray variants for off-grid or rural commercial facilities. Electric infrared options are also available through the Solaira Alpha Series for covered outdoor or semi-outdoor commercial spaces where gas is impractical, although CRC generally recommends evaluating gas-fired radiant tube systems first when gas service is available.

Required clearance to combustibles varies by heater model, configuration, mounting orientation, and application. CRC reference information notes typical Reflect-O-Ray and Omega II clearances can range from 12 inches to 60 inches depending on the installation. Always review the product submittal, coordinate with the authority having jurisdiction, and confirm clearances before final specification or installation.

Combustion Research radiant tube systems are used in warehouses, aircraft hangars, manufacturing plants, auto dealership service bays, CNG repair facilities, ice arenas, natatoriums, military vehicle bays, agricultural buildings, pole barns, and shipping or receiving docks. These applications benefit from radiant heat because tall ceilings, large doors, exhaust loads, humidity, or corrosion can make forced-air heating inefficient or difficult to control.

Combustion Research manufacturer warranties include a 10-year radiant tube warranty for internally created corrosion on Omega II, Reflect-O-Ray, and Serengeti-IR systems, plus a 3-year burner control warranty. Synergy high-intensity systems carry a 1-year limited warranty. Warranty coverage should be reviewed against the exact product, construction type, environment, and project documentation before purchase.