Heating Liquids - Surface Heating and Immersion
Heating a liquid can be accomplished using any of several heater types and/or a combination of types. Some heaters physically lend themselves to direct immersion in the liquid, while others are better suited for heating a pipe or vessel containing the liquid. The application descriptions below will give you a general idea on how a particular heater type is applied to heating liquids and some common examples.
Band Heaters
Clamped to exterior or interior cylindrical surfaces.
Applications
- Freeze protection of liquids in pipes
- Heating liquids in processing lines
Cable Heaters
Wrapped around a pipe or vessel containing a liquid, as an immersion heater, or coiled inside a short section of tubing to form a circulation heater. Often used in applications with limited space.
Applications
- Photo processing equipment
- Scientific instruments
- Heat tracing
Cartridge Heaters
Mounted with a screw plug or placed in a protection well. Direct immersion recommended for water or 90+ percent water soluble solutions.
Applications
- Food preparation
- Laboratory equipment
- Boilers
Ceramic Fiber Heaters
Heater panels assembled into a chamber that surrounds a tank, vessel, crucible or bath. Made-to-Order heaters can accommodate sinuated tubing and more. Radiant and convection heat transfer heats the load.
Applications
- Fluidized beds
- Non-ferrous metal melting and holding
Flexible Heaters
Bonded or vulcanized to the surface of a pipe or vessel. Well suited for curved and irregular shaped objects.
Applications
- Freeze protection
- Respiratory therapy units
- Hydrotherapy baths
Strip Heaters
Bolted or clamped to the flat wall of a tank or vessel. Used in applications offering a suitable mounting surface and location.
Applications
- Freeze and moisture protection
- Food warming
- Tank heating
Tubular and Immersion Heaters
Most often used for immersion heating as screw plug, flange, circulation or over-the-side heater assemblies. Elements can also be clamped to a tank wall. Well suited for high kilowatt requirements.
Applications
- Deionized water rinse tanks
- Chemical baths
- Heat transfer fluids
- Vapor degreasers