Last updated on October 31st, 2022 at 06:46 pm

Industrial heaters play a vital role in the maintenance of various industry-specific procedures. Whether it’s basic heating of water or processing oils, the right industrial heater can spell the difference between efficient or unsatisfactory operations. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the different types of industrial heaters and which ones work best for your industry. This post will examine four types of industrial heaters and their uses. 

Flanged Heaters

Flanged heaters are electric heaters that use the application of direct heat to the liquid. They contain hairpin or bulge tubular elements that extend from the face of the flange. Most flanged heaters often use a thermowell within the heating bundle to send temperature readings to a digital control panel. That helps maintain your desired temperature. 

Common Uses for Flanged Heaters

• Processing lubricant oils, waxes, mildly corrosive fluids and low gas heating 
• Processing of soap, detergents, demineralized and deionized water
• Food production and applications

Flanged heaters are most common in industries that process chemicals, petroleum, and water-based solutions. 

Over the Side Heaters

Over the side heaters are designed for feasibility and flexibility. They use a water-resistant terminal housing and come in various shapes and sizes to fit a wider range of tank dimensions. Wattco’s over the side heaters feature multiple tubular elements and a thermowell to secure your temperature probe. These heaters are also mobile, allowing for use in more than one type of container. 

Common Uses for Over the Side Heaters

• Heating oils of various viscosity levels
• Degreasing of apparatus
• Processing of heat transfer oils 

Over the side heaters are common in the petroleum and chemical industries. However, they are practical for almost any project limited by a smaller budget. 

Screw plug Heaters

Screw plug heaters contain tubular hairpin elements brazed or welded into a pipe thread fitting. They are screwed on directly through a threaded coupling in the unit’s tank wall (or vessel) or the pipe. Screw plug heaters offer a simplified means to heat compounds in smaller containers that require some sort of control. 

Common Uses for Screw Plug Heaters

• Processing of hydraulic oils and lubricants 
• Heating up of flammable liquids and gases

Screw plug heaters are ideal for the food and beverage industry and laboratory clinics. 

Boiler Heaters

Boiler heaters are very common and come in various flange sizes and lengths. There are also many different types of boiler heaters, but many fall into one of two categories – low-pressure steam boilers and high-pressure steam boilers. Low-pressure boilers operate under 15 psi and 250°F. On the other hand, high-pressure boilers can operate up to 1000 psi and at temperatures that exceed 250°F. 

Common Uses of Boiler Heaters 

• Heating water or steam
• Low carbon industrial heating

Boiler heaters service a vast range of industrial applications. However, they’re often used for comfort heating, laundry services and kitchen services. 

The Importance of Choosing Your Heaters Wisely

Understanding the differences between industrial heaters and how they work will help you streamline and maximize your processes. You can choose the right units to save energy costs and make specific processes less arduous. But choosing the right unit for your operations can still be a sophisticated process. 

Here at Wattco, we’re committed to providing you with expert consultation and guidance as you purchase your heater. A little professional support can go a long way when making your business processes more efficient. 

Need help looking for an industrial heating unit for a specific business application? Get in touch with us for a consultation and quote.