Electric Chemical Heaters for Industrial Chemical Manufacturing

Last updated on August 6th, 2019 at 09:26 pm

Industrial chemical manufacturing requires precise heating systems. This is especially true for heating flammable or volatile solutions. The precision and reliability of electric industrial heaters, has made them a staple of the chemical manufacturing industry.

The Challenges of Heating Chemicals

Chemical manufacturers need to balance safety with efficiency. Using a heater with a combustible engine means either sacrificing safety or using inefficient, indirect heating methods. Electric heaters can safely offer direct heating that meets the specific needs of chemical manufacturers:

  • Uniform Heat Distribution
  • Accurate & Custom Temperature Controls
  • Safety
  • Simplicity

Uniform Heat Distribution

One of the most important requirements with industrial heaters for the chemical industry is uniform heat distribution. Electric chemical heating uses both inline and immersion heaters for this purpose.

Inline heaters provide even heating for processes where the medium is in circulation. For example, waste oil removal or steam processing. Inline electric heaters maintain consistent temperature and viscosity.

Immersion heaters are often used in storage and tank heating for chemicals. Heating elements are also customizable to ensure even heat distribution. Often, horizontal elements are placed towards the bottom of the tank. The heat rises, evenly distributing the temperature throughout the medium.

The type of immersion heater varies depending on the medium and the size of the tank. Over-the-side heaters, for instance, offer particularly uniform heat distribution. However, since they are placed in open tanks and containers, they aren’t appropriate for heating explosive or flammable chemicals.

Both screw plug heaters and flange heaters offer uniform tank heating as well. These electric chemical heaters can be placed in closed tanks, making them suitable for heating volatile solutions.

Uneven heat distribution is potentially dangerous when heating chemicals. Chemicals may react to high temperatures at the sheath of the heater if it is not balanced throughout the container.

 

Accurate & Custom Temperature Controls

Many chemical solutions require specific temperature maintenance to remain viable and/or safe. WATTCO electric chemical heaters offer custom settings to match temperature needs, as well as a high degree of accuracy.

Electric heaters are capable of great accuracy. They can be set to stay within specific temperature ranges. Adjustable temperature options are available.

Heaters can be outfitted with automated controls and temperature monitoring. These ensure an accurate temperature, as well as providing a safety disconnect if required. As well, constant temperature monitoring makes the heater more efficient.

 

Safety

One of the key advantages of electric chemical heating is safety. Electricity is safer for heating than combustible fuel heaters. It is easier to control and has quick shut-offs if required. As well, WATTCO heaters offer custom options to increase safety and longevity.

When heating potentially volatile, explosive, or flammable chemicals extra precautions are a necessity. Our industrial heaters can be outfitted with explosion-proof temperature control panels. These panels are available up 4000 Amps and offer automatic temperature control.

The sheath and flange materials are also customizable to match the temperature, wattage, and medium. This helps prevent damage from issues like corrosion. Corrosion damaged equipment can become dangerous or expensive problems. So it is best to be proactive in material selection and in regular maintenance.

 

Simplicity

The simple design of an electric heater has a lot of benefits in efficiency, safety, and costs. Simplicity leaves less margin for error, so less can go wrong. As well, for any issues that do come up, it is easier to perform maintenance, repairs, and replacements.

The ease of maintenance means there are fewer pauses in production. As well, it results in a longer lifespan. Both of these mean greater efficiency and more value out of your industrial heater.

 

Purchasing an Electric Chemical Heater

For electric chemical heating, you need a heater that matches the specific needs of your process. Our staff can help select the right heater for any chemical heating or manufacturing application. Contact us today for information, support, or a quote.

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