Identity

The Gas Brooder (Infrared) is an automated, open combustion thermal microclimate system that utilizes controlled gas burners (LPG, propane, or natural gas) to produce direct radiant infrared heat for poultry flocks.

Overview

The Gas Brooder (Infrared) is a high-priority heating system primarily used during the first 14 days of brooding. It converts fuel into targeted radiant energy, heating the birds and litter directly without wasting energy on the entire house volume. Operational risks include blocked orifices, incomplete combustion leading to carbon monoxide accumulation, and fire hazards if proper clearances are not maintained.

Structured Facts

Classification

Open Combustion Thermal Microclimate Equipment / Automated.

Purpose

Reduces early mortality and supports immune development by heating chicks during the first 14 days when they cannot thermoregulate. Directs heat to the litter and birds.

Working Principle

Uses direct gas combustion to heat a ceramic or high-temperature stainless steel emitter to 700°C to 900°C. This releases infrared radiation, which travels through the air with minimal heat loss and converts to thermal energy when it strikes physical surfaces (litter or birds).

Technical Specifications

• Shen Glow Output Rating: 40,000 BTU/h (11.72 kW).
• Shen Beam Output Rating: 25,000 BTU/h (7.33 kW).
• H-17 / I17 Output Rating: 17,000 to 17,100 BTU/h (approx. 5.0 kW).

Capacity

• Standard Zone Coverage: 200 to 225 sq. ft. per unit (approx. 1,500 to 2,500 chicks).

Installation Requirements

Suspension installation height of 1.2 to 1.5 m (4 to 5 ft). Must be suspended away from combustible materials like feathers, dust, or straw. Clearance to combustibles: Top 0.91 m (3 ft), Side 0.91 m (3 ft), Below 1.07 m (3.5 ft).

Operating Parameters

• Fuel Consumption (LP at Max): 0.79 lbs/hr (17,000 BTU) up to 1.86 lbs/hr (40,000 BTU).
• Inlet Line Gas Supply Pressure: 5.0 PSIG (High-Pressure Models).

Maintenance

Filters and burner venturis must be cleaned weekly using compressed air. When switching fuel types (e.g., LPG to natural gas), the correct burner orifice must be selected and installed from on-board storage.

Cleaning & Disinfection

Cleaned weekly with compressed air.

Advantages

Targets heat directly to the birds and litter without heating the entire house volume, minimizing energy loss. Helps reduce early chick mortality.

Limitations

Open combustion can produce toxic carbon monoxide (CO) if gas pressure is low or orifices are blocked. Dust clogs air filters causing yellow-tipped flames, soot, and reduced efficiency. Exposing unit to the wrong fuel type without swapping the orifice causes unsafe combustion or ignition failure.

Safety Precautions

Strict clearances to combustible materials required. Proper fuel orifice matching required to prevent toxic combustion.

Quantitative Data

• Capacity: Standard Zone Coverage 200 to 225 sq. ft. per unit (approx. 1,500 to 2,500 chicks).
• Dimensions: Clearance Top 0.91 m; Clearance Side 0.91 m; Clearance Below 1.07 m.
• Operating Temperature: Emitter Element Reaches 700°C to 900°C.
• Pressure: Inlet Line Gas Supply Pressure 5.0 PSIG.

Relationships

• Housing Systems: Brooding houses.
• Environmental Controls: Smart Controller (monitors local sensors and uses relays to automate heating cycles to match growth curve).
• Production Stages: Chicks (First 14 days).
• Related Equipment: Smart Controller.
• Diseases: Reduces early mortality.
• Maintenance SOPs: Chamber Pre-Warming, Weekly filter cleaning.