Last updated on October 10th, 2023 at 02:25 pm

Industrial or process immersion heater is a device used in industries for the manufacture and preservation of different chemicals, gases and viscous fluids like oil. With time, the advancement in technology has paved the way for many significant developments in the industrial sector as well. Today, electricity often powers this appliance. Electricity is comparably cheaper and environmentally friendly than any other fuel source.

There are four types of industrial heating devices namely Flange, Over The Side, Screw Plug and Circulation; with each having a different size, operating mechanism and mounting option.

Electric Heaters And Its Use In Industries

Industrial Electric heaters are common in the paper and pulp mills because of their specialty to endure voltage fluctuations. They are effective in producing the finest quality of paper and calendar roll without any bents and turmoil. Other application of these heaters is in different chemical industries where viscous fluids need constant heat supply for prevention against lump formation in the product, which would cause a decline in its quality.  

Electric Process Heaters

Yet another class of electric heaters are Process Heating devices, which are used for the treatment of fluids like oil, ammonia, nitrogen, water and fuel. The most crucial role of this device is in power generation along with oil and gas refining. The entire heating process is carried out using electricity as a power source.  

Manufacturing and Technical Details            

The bottom of industrial electric heater comprises of metal, which is carefully welded. This gadget is available in the market with multiple variations in designs and shapes, which includes flat, tubular and elongated. The deviation in outlook and operational properties also depend on the manufacturing company.

The actual heating element or rod is layered with Magnesium Oxide (MgO) along with Nickel Chromium (NiCr) used as an insulator. Immersion heaters are made specifically to provide quick heating without dissipating it and having robust technology for prevention against corrosion and rust. Temperature controller is also provided within, making it possible for you to maintain the right amount of heat according to the content in the container. Overall, the apparatus is shock proof so as to prevent injury; however, it is advised not to expose any body part to the device without taking necessary precautions.

Use In Gas And Oil Industries

Electric heating devices are mostly used in oil & gas industries for the following reasons.

• Electric heating of gas enhances the operating process of gas turbines.
• For protection against gases like butane or propane that might be present in a meager amount, which if turned into liquid can disrupt the entire heating process causing severe damage. An alternate term used in engineering for this malfunction is “Flashback”.  

Why Natural Gas is Heated in Circulation/Electric Heaters

Given below are some common reasons behind the natural gas preheating within industrial heaters.

• It is among the most common ways to increase the performance of gas turbines.
• Some other gases like propane or butane which are present in little amount may transform into an aqueous state if the temperature drops; thus causing a drastic damage to the process. Another word for this is a “Flashback” in engineering terms.
• Gases and oils are mostly preheated so as to prevent them against bacteria and sludge that can develop in the container.
• Hydrates which are present in the solution can freeze and ruin the heater without preheating the gas.

For more details, please visit https://www.wattco.com/industrial-heaters/.