Thermal Fluid Systems

Thermal fluid heating systems use indirect methods for heating a substance or system. The heater is used to heat an intermediate liquid (often water, thermal oil or glycol). This intermediate liquid is then used to transfer heat to the end target. The end target can be process equipment, or other liquids during transfer or while being stored in a tank. The advantage of a thermal fluid system is that it operates with a medium, the thermal fluid. The object being heated never comes into direct contact with the heater. This allows for very fine control over the heating of the object, which is ideal for slow processes that require precise timing of heating.

Wattco offers both custom made and pre-designed electric circulation heaters for use in thermal fluid systems. These circulation heaters are used to heat the thermal fluid being used in the system, which is then transferred to the object being heated.

Why Electric?

Due to the intermediary use of a thermal fluid, thermal fluid systems are naturally less efficient than direct heaters. Energy in the form of heat is always lost to some degree as the thermal fluid travels to its destination.

Electric circulation heaters offer the most energy efficient and precise method for heating thermal fluids. Compared to gas burning heaters, the temperature can be modulated quickly and precisely. When combined with a temperature control panel, they can even control an entire thermal fluid system entirely autonomously. By minimizing energy loss during the initial heating of the thermal fluid, as electric circulation heaters do, you can maximize the overall efficiency of the heating system, compared to a gas-burning heater. Finally, electric heaters only require electricity to function, with no other fuel source being required. This allows for reduced cost in powering heaters as well as greater environmental efficiency as electric heaters produce no waste besides heat. This means that you can completely bypass emissions requirements for your heater such as Carbon dioxide and Nitrogen oxide.

Meeting your needs

Wattco is able to provide fully customized solutions for your thermal heating needs. We deliver quotes within 24 hours and also offer turn key solutions, such as skid circulation heaters, which come fully prepared with controls to be fit into any heating process. Contact us now if you have any questions or begin the quote process below: