Last updated on July 3rd, 2023 at 07:07 pm

Looking for some practical advice for heating elements? We’ll break down how industrial operators can select the right type of heating element for their specific application. Get a better understanding of how factors such as temperature range, chemical compatibility, and durability affect the type of heating element needed for the project.

Industrial applications that require a heating element

There are so many industries that require heating elements and temperature control panels to produce the materials and products necessary for many things in a person’s life. Using a computer, cooking food, driving somewhere, and playing video games are all due to the products industrial settings create. 

While heating elements create the materials used in the early stages of production, it’s still a crucial part that can’t be skipped. The key difference between industries is they’ll each require different forms of heating elements depending on factors like desired temperatures, chemicals, metals, and required output.

The food industry

For example, in the food industry, heating elements like immersion heaters are used to heat liquid from the inside of a tank. This applies to brewing, distilling, canning, and baking. Wherever chemicals are concerned, the right temperatures must be maintained. The slightest temperature change can drastically alter how chemicals react and what materials are formed.

The pharmaceutical industry

Vaccines are an area that requires precise manufacturing. For vaccines to remain viable, they must be kept at specified temperatures. Immersion heaters help maintain temperatures in tanks so vaccines aren’t deemed unusable.

The industrial sector

This sector includes many industries as it involves multiple needs for heating elements. To process gas, the viscosity of petrochemical liquids and gasses must be maintained through extreme temperatures. Temperature control panels are also necessary so they can easily be managed by staff. Immersion heaters help provide direct, consistent heat. 

In chemical and petrochemical industries, petroleum can be distilled into different components, and chemicals can be combined or broken down into their basic elements. This is only possible using heaters at different temperatures.

Aerospace materials for aircraft bodies, wings, and satellite parts must be cured at certain temperatures for the right finished product. This is only possible using heating elements.

Many other kinds of construction and manufacturing use heating elements at some point in their process. While they won’t all use the same methods, they all require temperature control.

Which heating element will perform best for different applications?

To heat liquids in a tank

If the manufacturing or production process requires a liquid be kept at a certain temperature, the following options are applicable:

• Flanged heaters: Use this immersion heating element for direct, long-term heat to the liquid.
• Over-the-side heaters: Coming from over the top of a tank, this heating element provides freeze protection and maintains a specific temperature. This option can withstand harsh environments.

• Screw plug heaters: Quickly heat liquids in a tank with this option. Great application for the food and beverage industry as well as laboratories.
• Inline heaters: For oil and gas companies, this is a viable heating option. Inline heaters provide heat while maintaining a flow rate. They transfer heat generated from electrical power into the target fluid.

Heating explosive or flammable chemicals

When a spark from a motor could cause irreversible damage, you’re dealing with explosive materials. Where sensitive materials are concerned, heating elements must maintain a constant temperature without wavering. In these cases, use an explosion-proof duct heater. 

Applications include petrochemical plants, aircraft hangars, fueling areas, oil drilling rigs, sewage treatment plants, pipeline pumping stations, paint spray booths, storage areas for flammable products, labs, or testing areas.

Make a profitable, safe environment by using the right heating elements and temperature control panels for the job. If you still have questions about which heating element to use, contact us.