LE to LHS Air Heater Upgrade

The time has come to make the move from Leister’s LE TOOL series of air heaters to the next generation: the LHS series. The LE series was available in three versions: without control electronics, with control electronics, and for KSR. The tool models without control electronics were a basic on/off heater, the tool models with control electronics had adjustable power output using an on-unit potentiometer, and the tool models for KSR had the opportunity for closed loop control when used with a custom Leister controller.

The LHS series has all of the same options available as its LE predecessor, with some added functionality. The SYSTEM model is compatible with standard temperature controllers and has a sophisticated option where closed loop control is possible using only the internal electronics, not requiring any external control components. Below is a comparison between the old LE models and the new LHS tools.

Built-in Control Type	LE Type	LHS Type
No control over power output	'without electronics'	'CLASSIC'
Power output control via on-unit potentiometer	'with electronics'	'PREMIUM'
Closed loop control with external control loop	'For KSR' Requires custom controller	'SYSTEM' Uses standard controller
Closed-loop control using no external control components with digital display	None available	'SYSTEM'

With installation of a new tool comes the opportunity to take advantage of more sophisticated temperature control options. To learn more about the control capabilities of the LHS SYSTEM line of air heaters read our application note. We recommend you contact your technical sales representative to discuss what will work best for your application needs.

With a new line of tools come new names. Below is a general guide:

LE TOOL Model	LHS Model
LE TOOL 700	LHS 15
LE TOOL 3000	LHS 21L/21S
LE TOOL 3300	LHS 41L/41S
LE TOOL 5000	LHS 41L/61S
LE TOOL 10000	LHS 61L
LE TOOL 40000	LHS 91

We recommend discussing your needs with your technical sales representative before choosing a specific replacement tool. In some cases, a directly comparable tool is not available. Replacing a tool is an excellent opportunity to address any shortcomings you may have with your current tool or process. STANMECH is always happy to help select the best possible tool for your application.

Reminder! Tool footprints are different between the LE and LHS air heaters. In most cases, the LHS air heaters are the same or smaller in all dimensions. Adapter plates are available to enable easy mounting of an LHS tool to an LE tool’s mounting pattern. Be sure to double-check all dimensions including heater tube diameter when ordering a new tool.

Some specialty versions of the LE TOOL series are still available including the High-Temperature, Double-Flange, and Double-Flange Recirculating models.