Last updated on August 30th, 2023 at 03:01 pm

Modern marine vessels are marvels of engineering and technology, requiring far less equipment and manpower than their predecessors. Yet, providing sufficient heating to power the various components of a ship can be a challenge depending on the vessel’s purpose. 

That’s where flanged heaters come in. These types of heaters are among the most efficient heating devices  boat crews can rely on. This post will examine why these heaters are so effective and how they work aboard various marine vessels. 

Flanged heater 101 and their appeal for marine applications

A flanged heater consists of a heating element (often shaped like a bent hairpin) attached to a flange. These heaters often contain temperature gauging apparatus, such as thermocouples and temperature probes, and these devices are protected by tubing known as a thermowell. 

Temperature readings recorded by the thermocouples get transmitted to control units that serve as an “on” and “off” switch for the heater. These heaters are ideal for various industrial applications, including marine shipping operations.  

1. Provides heating for a wide range of applications 

Flanged heaters can heat a wide range of fluids, including caustic chemicals, gas, oil and water. By extension, flanged heaters can provide heat for industrial kitchens, chemical processing, and oil refining. 

Onboard marine vessels, flanged heaters can supply heat to kitchens, refrigeration systems, engines, and propulsion systems, HVAC, and freshwater systems. These heaters can also be customized to ensure they provide the sufficient power required for your marine vessel. 

2. Provides efficient heating at sea 

Depending on the marine application, a ship and its crew may be at sea for months, meaning maximizing heating efficiency is necessary. Flanged heaters provide this efficiency. 

Since they’re a form of immersion heater, you can insert them directly into a fluid to provide heat, a method which results in no heat loss. Flanged heaters offer nearly 100 percent efficiency. Naturally, that means you can rely on flanged heaters for a wide range of marine applications, including comfort heating, oil-based operations, and more.  

3. Easy to install onboard ships 

Regarding installing heaters, limited space, safe placement, and tight schedules are all concerns for marine crews. Flanged heaters are solutions to all of these problems. 

First, they’re relatively compact and don’t require much installation space. That also means you can keep them away from potentially dangerous areas that can present fire and explosion risks. But one of the main advantages of flanged heaters is that they’re easy to install. Because of this, they take little time and effort to establish, meaning you don’t have to fall behind schedule due to installation. 

4. Flanged heaters promote onboard safety at sea

Flanged heaters come with temperature control systems, keeping the heater within a safe temperature threshold. That prevents overheating, which could pose a fire or explosion hazard aboard certain vessels. However, these temperature control mechanisms can prevent wear-and-tear and premature replacement of the heater. 

Considerations for marine flanged heaters

Industrial applications aboard marine vessels can vary, but there are some factors all crews should consider when choosing flanged heaters. These factors relate to the operating capacity of the heater itself, and it’s essential to know them because your heater must be able to provide the power necessary for your application. 

Marine flanged heater factors

• Voltage: The measurement of power output.
• Wattage: The available watt density the heater provides. 
• Size: This includes the length, width, and circumference of the heater. 
• Sheath: This refers to the material used in the sheath. Standard options include Incoloy®,
• Inconel®, and stainless steel. 
• Temperature controls: Built-in thermostats and thermocouples that help maintain safe temperature thresholds in the heater. 
• Speciality housing terminals: Housings that safeguard the heater from elements, such as moisture, explosions, and more. 

Types of ships that may use a flanged heater

Let’s reiterate a key advantage of flanged heaters: they’re versatile. Not only can they provide heat to various applications onboard a ship, they can also service multiple types of vessels. That includes both commercial and industrial ships alike. 

Types of marine vessels flanged heaters can service

• Passenger ships: Cruise ships and ferries that require comfort heating, kitchen support, and propulsion. 
• Naval/military ships: Aircraft carriers and military boats that require comfort heating, engine heating, and other propulsion systems. 
• Container and transport ships: Vessels carrying containers, freight, and goods to various ports that require comfort heating for the crew, but also steam heating for engine and propulsion. 
• Oil and chemical tankers: Large-scale vessels are involved in transporting oil and petrochemicals, where heat is required to help process these compounds. 

Wattco heaters for marine applications 

The nature of your marine application will ultimately determine the requirements of a flanged heater. That’s why it’s not unusual to need a custom-built solution that will provide heat in the manner needed aboard your vessel. 

Here at Wattco, we offer a wide range of flanged heating solutions that can facilitate your marine applications. That includes both pre-constructed and customizable units, which can help you achieve maximum heating at sea. 

Get a quote for your industrial flanged heater today. Our representatives will help you find the exact setup needed for your industrial needs.