Designed for fluid heating, immersion heaters can be adapted to the liquid being heated (water, oil, corrosive fluids, etc.) and to the required operating temperature. When immersed in tanks or vessels, they deliver rapid and uniform heating of the contents through direct heat transfer.
With no residual waste or pollutants, they offer a clean and economical solution—one that may perfectly meet your industrial needs !
The Principles Behind Immersion Heaters
Whether for clean or process water, corrosive solutions, or highly viscous oils, immersion heaters are suitable for a wide range of industrial processes, including applications in high-pressure or hazardous environments.
The Principles Behind Immersion Heaters – ohmvo.comThey are constructed with a nickel–chromium resistive wire housed in a protective tube (sheath) and packed with magnesia, which ensures both electrical insulation and efficient heat transfer. A variety of mounting options are available, allowing easy integration into different processes.
Immersion heaters are generally classified into two types: direct and indirect. Direct immersion heaters are installed directly in the liquid, bringing the heating element into contact with the fluid. Once activated, electricity flows through the element, generating heat. Indirect immersion heaters, by contrast, are placed inside a closed pipe that is itself immersed in the liquid. In this case, the heating element warms the air inside the pipe through radiation or convection, creating a furnace effect that transfers heat to the surrounding liquid, eliminating any risk of contamination or corrosion.
Types of Immersion Heaters
Which immersion heater will be best suited to your needs?
- Screw-plug immersion heaters. Probably the most commonly used type for heating water or oil, in applications up to 110°C.
- Flanged immersion heaters. They consist of several heating elements brazed or welded onto a flange and are typically used in medium- and high-power applications. Custom-made designs are available, with a wide range of flange options (stamped sheet metal, stainless steel, quick-assembly, etc.).
- Pipe plug immersion heaters. Their caps are designed for small- and medium-sized containers with a pressure rating of up to 3,000 psi. They screw directly into an opening in the tank wall and can be equipped with sleeves made of copper, stainless steel, Incoloy, or steel.
- Quartz immersion heaters. Capable of withstanding pH values from 0 to 9, they are resistant to sulfuric and hydrochloric acids and are therefore commonly used in acid plating and finishing solutions.
Types of Immersion Heaters – ohmvo.com- Over-the-side immersion heater. They are inserted directly into tanks and heated through the top openings. This allows them to be immersed or removed without emptying the tank and enables use in multiple tanks without the need for cleaning between each one.
- Ceramic core heaters. Special elements designed for heating specialty baths or water heaters are protected by a glove finger and feature a ceramic core embedded in a cylindrical sheath. This design provides low specific power for sensitive fluids and offers high tolerance to clogging in the heating circuits.
- Removable immersion heaters. In open baths, they help prevent damage to the structure.
- Circulation heaters. Water heating, frost protection or oil heating, these systems are suitable for a wide range of applications. The principle is simple: heating a circulating liquid through an in-line or lateral pipe.
- Solar powered heaters. An effective way to save energy!
Applications of Immersive Heaters
Heating of surface treatment baths, oil baths, and heat-sensitive products, as well as heat transfer fluids, heavy fuel oil, or agri-food liquids. Immersion heaters are particularly used in :
- Laboratories (pill drying, sterilization…).
- Food processing (moisture control, vegetable oil heating…).
- Brewing industry.
- Nuclear power industry (wasterwater management).
- Cement curing.
Applications of Immersive Heaters – ohmvo.com- Gas/Oil industry.
- Water purification (elimination of chlorine, pollutants, and other substances).
- Replacement of roof heating elements.
- Ladle Melting Furnace.
- Chemical Industry.
- Electroplating.
Each application, of course, requires the use of a specific type of immersion heater.
Immersion Heaters or Steam Coils ?
Facing a tough decision? Immersion heaters may be the ideal choice thanks to their precision, versatility, rapid heating, and clean, quiet operation. Their compact design also makes them suitable for installations with space constraints, where alternatives such as steam coils are far bulkier.
From a cost perspective, immersion heaters have fewer components, which helps significantly reduce maintenance expenses. And when it comes to safety, electric immersion heaters (operating without high-pressure steam) offer an excellent alternative !
Immersion Heaters : Operating tips
Highly versatile, immersion heaters can be installed vertically on the oven lid, at an incline, or horizontally on the oven walls. Caution is required during use, as the temperature difference between the metal and the thermocouple must not exceed 300 °C (540 °F).
For secure installation, the immersion heater can be fastened to the oven surface using the mounting flange. Be sure to allow a preheating period before operation.
Immersion Heaters Operating tips – ohmvo.com
Making the Most of Immersion Heaters
Minimal maintenance, compact design, and uniform heating : immersion heaters are an obvious choice!
Discover how Ohmvo immersion heaters can optimize your operations, enhance efficiency, and meet the specific requirements of your industry. Explore our product range today to find the perfect solution for your application.