Drums are a common type of container used for storing and transporting a variety of liquids and solids. However, in certain applications, the contents of a drum may need to be heated in order to reduce viscosity, prevent freezing, or maintain a certain temperature.
Every day we are paying more for energy than we should due to poor insulation, inefficient lights, appliances, and heating and cooling equipment – money we could save by investing in energy efficiency.
Bernie Sanders.
There are several different ways to heat drums, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Drum heaters : For who ?
Barrel heaters, also known as drum heaters, are used in a variety of industries to heat the contents of barrels or drums. Some common industries that use barrel heaters include:
Drum heaters : For who ?
Chemical. Barrel heaters are used in the chemical industry to heat chemicals for processing or storage. They can be used to reduce viscosity, prevent freezing, or maintain a certain temperature.
Pharmaceutical. Barrel heaters are used in the pharmaceutical industry to heat drugs and other medical products for storage and transportation. They can be used to prevent freezing, maintain a certain temperature, or sterilize the contents of the barrel.
Food and Beverage. Barrel heaters are also used in the food and beverage industry. They heat ingredients, syrups, and other products for processing or storage. They can be used to reduce viscosity, prevent freezing, or maintain a certain temperature.
Oil and Gas. For the same reasons, barrel heaters are used in the oil and gas industry to heat the contents of barrels for transportation or storage.
Construction. Barrel heaters are used in the construction industry to heat tar and asphalt for roofing, paving, and other applications. Again, they can be used to reduce viscosity, prevent freezing, or maintain a certain temperature.
Adhesives and Coatings. We us barrel heaters in the adhesives and coatings industry to heat the contents of barrels for processing or storage.
Plastics. Barrel heaters are used here for the same purpose, as well as in the :
Cosmetic industry.
These are some of the common industries that use barrel heaters. However, there are other industries as well that might use it depending on the application and requirement of the materials.
How do drum heaters work ?
The basic principle of a barrel heater is to transfer heat energy to the contents of the barrel. Which can be in the form of liquids, solids, or semi-solids.
There are several different types of barrel heaters available on the market. Each with its own method of heating.
Electric Barrel Heaters. Electric barrel heaters use electricity to generate heat, which is then transferred to the barrel through a heating element. They can be in the form of blankets, bands, or immersion heaters. Electric barrel heaters are typically easy to use. And can be controlled with temperature controllers.
Steam Barrel Heaters. Steam barrel heaters use steam to transfer heat energy to the barrel contents. They are typically used for heating viscous liquids or semi-solids, as the heat energy is transferred through the steam, which can penetrate the material.
Hot Water Barrel Heaters. Hot water barrel heaters use hot water to transfer heat energy to the barrel contents. They are similar to steam barrel heaters, but instead of steam, hot water is used to transfer heat. They are typically used for heating viscous liquids or semi-solids.
Gas Barrel Heaters. Gas barrel heaters use natural gas or propane to generate heat, which is then transferred to the barrel through a heating element. They are typically more expensive than electric barrel heaters, but can heat the barrel faster and more efficiently.
The specific method of heating will depend on the type of barrel heater and the contents of the barrel. Barrel heaters are typically used in industrial applications, to prevent freezing, reduce viscosity, or maintain a certain temperature.
They are often used in conjunction with temperature controllers, which allow the user to set and maintain the desired temperature.
Steam Barrel Heaters.
Why use a drum heater ?
Drum heaters, also known as barrel heaters, are devices used to heat the contents of drums or barrels. There are several advantages to using drum heaters in industrial settings, some of which include:
Viscosity Control
Drum heaters can be used to reduce the viscosity of liquids and semi-solids, making them easier to handle and transport. This can increase efficiency and productivity in manufacturing and processing operations.
Freeze Protection
Drum heaters can be used to prevent the contents of drums from freezing. This is particularly useful in cold weather. Or in industries that involve the storage or transportation of liquid or semi-solid materials.
Temperature Maintenance
Drum heaters can be used to maintain a certain temperature for the contents of drums. This is useful for industries that involve the storage or transportation of temperature-sensitive materials.
Thermal Mixing
Drum heaters can be used to facilitate thermal mixing of materials in drums. This can improve the consistency and quality of the final product, as well as increase efficiency in manufacturing and processing operations.
Melting of Solids
Drum heaters can be used to melt solids in drums, making them easier to handle and transport. This can increase efficiency and productivity in manufacturing and processing operations.
Easy to Use
Drum heaters are typically easy to use and can be controlled with temperature controllers. They can be used with a variety of different types of drums and barrels. Making them versatile and flexible.
Cost-effective
Drum heaters can be a cost-effective solution for heating drums. Especially when compared to other heating methods such as steam or hot water.
Portable
Some drum heaters are portable, which means they can be easily moved from one drum to another. This makes them a good option for industries that require the heating of different drums on a regular basis.
Safety
Properly installed and maintained drum heaters can be a safe way to heat drums and maintain the temperature of the contents.
Why use a drum heater ?
Overall, drum heaters offer a range of benefits for industries that involve the storage, transportation, and processing of liquids, semi-solids and solids. They can improve efficiency, productivity, and product quality, as well as prevent freezing and maintain temperatures.
Drum heating in four different ways
There are several different varieties of drum heaters available on the market. Each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of drum heaters include:
Drum Heater Blanket
These are large insulated blankets that are wrapped around the drum. They use electricity to generate heat, which is then transferred to the drum through the insulation. This type of heater is ideal for drums that need to be heated evenly and consistently.
They are also easy to use, as they simply need to be wrapped around the drum and plugged in. However, they can be relatively expensive and may not be suitable for drums that need to be heated quickly.
Drum Immersion Heater
These heaters are inserted into the drum and typically made from metal. They use electricity to generate heat, which is then transferred to the liquid or solid in the drum. They are ideal for drums that need to be heated quickly and efficiently. And can also be used to heat drums in difficult-to-reach locations.
Note, however, that they can be relatively expensive and may not be suitable for drums that need to be heated evenly and consistently.
Heated Drum Dolly
These are dollies that are equipped with heating elements. The drum is placed on the dolly and is heated as it is moved around. This type of heater is ideal for drums that need to be heated quickly and efficiently. And for drums that need to be moved around frequently.
However, they can be relatively expensive and may not be suitable for drums that need to be heated evenly and consistently.
Metal jacketed drum heater
Last but not least, these heaters are made from metal and are typically wrapped around the drum. They use electricity to generate heat, which is then transferred to the drum through the metal. This type of heater is ideal for drums that need to be heated quickly and efficiently, and for drums that are in difficult-to-reach locations.
However, they can be relatively expensive and may not be suitable for drums that need to be heated evenly and consistently.
Ohmbelt, your heating solution
As discussed, there are several different ways to heat drums. Each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The most appropriate method will depend on the specific requirements of the application.
Ohmbelt is a versatile and efficient solution for drum heating because it can be customized to fit virtually any length. And it can provide a wide range of possibilities for heating big round parts. Some of the processes that can be approached by an ohmbelt include curing, heat treatments, metal dilatation, and chemical reactor heat. It can replace big and costly ovens which makes it cost-effective.
Additionally, Ohmbelt is easy to install and maintain, and it can heat up quickly and evenly.
