Consider a Stratomizer Dampered Face and Bypass Coil

In climates where temperatures fall below (or even near) freezing, commercial and industrial HVAC systems can benefit greatly from a Marlo Stratomizer. It is used to preheat and temper incoming outside air, making a heating system more efficient while also minimizing the chance of coil freezing. This general type of coil goes by many names, including face and bypass coil, dampered face and bypass coil, and integral face and bypass coil (IFB coil).

However, Marlo took the concept of a standard IFB coil and reengineered it to provide better and more efficient performance. The good news is, a Marlo Stratomizer can replace any existing face and bypass coil, and provide a number of important advantages. Each one is custom built to meet the specific size and needs of each application. Stratomizers can be added to air handling units (AHUs) to pre-heat the air entering the unit, or be used to heat make-up air entering a building.

With reducing energy costs and maintaining optimal indoor air quality being top priorities today, Marlo Stratomizers can play a key role in achieving these objectives. These coils provide a flexible, efficient and effective method for bringing fresh outdoor air into a building during colder months – maintaining precise temperature control and reducing energy use, particularly in large buildings and industrial environments.

How does a Stratomizer work?

Similar to a traditional face and bypass coil, a Stratomizer consists of multiple heating coils – either steam coils or hot water coils – and damper blades that allow some incoming air to pass through the coils and be heated, and some air to bypass the coils. But unlike traditional face and bypass coils which feature a single bypass damper, the Stratomizer features multiple dampers for better and more efficient air mixing.

In addition, the Stratomizer mixes the air in a much smaller footprint, and also does it closer to the coils – not far downstream as in older face and bypass systems. The result is much more accurate downstream temperature control. For a more detailed explanation of exactly how a Stratomizer works, read this previous blog post.

A wide range of benefits

Whether you’re adding a Marlo Stratomizer to a new air handling unit, using one for heating make-up air, or for replacing an older face and bypass coil, a number of important benefits can be achieved, as discussed below.

Freeze protection

In traditional steam and hot water coils, the steam or water temperature is modulated to try to control the temperature of the incoming air. This can result in the buildup of condensate, which can freeze inside the coil and cause severe damage and coil failure. But a Stratomizer maintains full steam pressure or constant hot water flow to the coil at all times, eliminating the possibility of freezing and providing reliable heating all winter long, regardless of outside temperatures.

Energy savings in air handlers

When used in air handling units, Stratomizers efficiently pre-heat the air entering the AHU, reducing the load on the unit to maintain the building’s heating needs. As outside air temperatures fluctuate, the Stratomizer can deliver consistent air temperatures to the unit, allowing it run more efficiently, offering energy savings and reduced operating costs.

The ability to bring in more fresh air

After the Covid-19 pandemic, the CDC, ASHRAE and other organizations continue to recommend that building HVAC systems bring in as much fresh outside air as possible in order to minimize the transmission of viruses and other airborne pathogens. Of course, this can get more challenging – and more expensive – the lower the outdoor air temperature falls. But a Marlo Stratomizer dampered face and bypass coil can help accomplish this objective while maintaining target indoor temperatures in an efficient, cost-effective way.

Enhanced temperature control

The Stratomizer damper blades open and close in virtually limitless positions to precisely mix the cold bypass air with the air heated by the coils, offering more precise temperature regulation. This is particularly important for environments where consistent air temperatures are critical, such as hospitals, laboratories and certain manufacturing applications. No matter how drastic the weather/temperature fluctuations, the Stratomizer adjusts the air mixture to deliver precise temperature control. Marlo blades feature a long-lasting seal that allows for minimum temperature override when the blades are fully closed – a unique feature not found on any other coil of this type.

Reduced maintenance costs and longer equipment life

The addition of a Stratomizer can allow air handling units to operate more efficiently, so they are subjected to less wear and tear. Reducing the workload on heating coils, fans and motors – compared to constantly running them at full capacity – can result in fewer breakdowns and less maintenance requirements. This not only lowers maintenance costs and downtime, but can also extend the life of HVAC system components.

If you have an older IFB coil that needs to be replaced – or if you’re looking for improved IFB coil performance – contact your Marlo representative today. We can custom design and build a Stratomizer that fits your specific application and meets your individual needs. And when ordering one of our modular MarloAir air handling units, be sure to consider all the benefits of adding a Stratomizer module.