In the olden days of manufacturing, the biggest concern that companies had in terms of running their operations was the set of dangers that came with traditional heating measures.
Although traditional options such as butane models were capable of delivering higher levels of heat at an instant, the difficulty of controlling them made them unreliable. Unfortunately, many companies unwittingly set themselves up for catastrophe because of the various fire hazards that they installed to warm and heat their water and other liquid products.
At this point, the risks associated with heating systems that use flames make them dangerous options for pipeline heating in any kind of factory, facility, or area. In recent years, however, makers of heating systems have been able to develop a much safer and more effective type of advancement that any forward-thinking firm should look into: Catalytic infrared heating.
Why the Catalytic Heating System Stands Out
Catalytic heaters emit heat primarily as infrared radiation, which heats objects directly and does not require a fluid medium for heat transfer. Many companies have been making the switch to catalytic infrared heating because it does not require complex permitting or containment rings for hazardous fluid baths, the catalytic reaction generates virtually no VOCs or NOx, and eliminates environmental risks. Along with those benefits, the catalytic infrared heaters do not produce a flame and operate below the autoignition temperature of natural gas and other common hydrocarbons. They are certified and safe for use in hazardous locations where natural gas and similar flammable fluids are present.
Its Role in Improving the Way Pipelines Are Maintained
Catalytic infrared heating systems are an excellent fit for pipeline heating applications.
Before catalytic infrared heaters were introduced into the pipeline heating equation, water bath indirect heaters were used as the main methods for heating pipelines and preventing freeze damage. But, the primordial mechanisms and risks that these pieces of equipment posed no longer comply with the current maintenance requirements, safety standards, and environmental policies that businesses now face. With catalytic infrared heating systems, however, the task of pipeline heating has become a much easier one to manage even with the rising standards concerning the said process.
What Makes It So Effective?
From a technical standpoint, the way the systems work is that they surround the heat exchanger of a pipeline with catalytic infrared energy that it absorbs directly. This process is carried out with two particular forms of heat transfers—one being the movement of infrared to heat exchanger and the other being heat exchanger to gas.
Another key reason catalytic infrared heaters are a much desirable option for pipeline heating systems is that they follow a much simpler installation process. Compared to older options, the systems mentioned above—such as those offered by Bruest Catalytic Heaters—bear the need for fewer steps, have a much smaller footprint, and use less space than a water bath of equal capacity. Also, the certification and safe characteristics of catalytic infrared heaters allows them to be installed close to the process within the hazardous location, where water bath heaters must be remotely installed away from the hazardous location. In turn, these advancements make it easier for companies to ensure that their processes pan out smoothly for the best results.
Conclusion
When it comes to pipeline heating in a safe, clean and effectively way, the best tool that any company can use is a catalytic infrared heating system. Through the help of this effective measure, you’ll be able to see the best results possible and help ensure that you achieve much more operational success.
Bruest Catalytic Heaters, located in Independence, Kansas, manufactures flameless gas fueled, infrared catalytic heaters and heating systems, and has been trusted for over many years with safe and effective heating systems installed around the world. Please get in touch with us today to see what Bruest can do for you.
