On-Demand Heating & Cooling for Stored Fluids
Suction heaters and suction coolers are industrial heat exchangers designed to heat or cool viscous fluids—such as asphalt, bitumen, and heavy fuel oil—only when they are being pumped from storage tanks.
Instead of heating an entire tank, suction heaters raise the temperature of just the product flowing through the unit. This targeted approach reduces energy consumption and operating costs while maintaining proper pumping temperature.
What Is a Suction Heater?
A suction heater is a shell and tube heat exchanger installed through a tank manway. It heats thick or temperature-sensitive liquids to reduce viscosity, allowing them to flow and be pumped efficiently.
How Suction Heaters Work
- Fluid enters through the open end of the heater inside the tank.
- A heat transfer medium, typically steam or thermal oil, circulates through the tube bundle.
- Heat transfers to the product as it flows through the unit.
- The heated product exits the tank at the proper pumping temperature.
Suction coolers operate the same way but use a cooling medium to reduce product temperature as needed.
Suction heaters fit through a manway on the side of a tank.
Suction Heaters Built to ASME Code
Enerquip designs and fabricates ASME code-stamped suction heaters and coolers for demanding industrial environments.
Construction Features:
- Custom-designed tube bundles
- Shell open on one end and closed on the other
- Mounting flange engineered to bolt directly to tank manways
- Designed for steam, hot oil, or other thermal fluids
Enerquip manufactures suction heaters in:
- Carbon steel
- 304L stainless steel
- 316L stainless steel
- Additional corrosion-resistant alloys upon request
Our units are engineered for durability, long service life, and minimal maintenance.
Pairing Suction Heaters with Other Tank Equipment
In some applications, especially in colder climates, plants may combine multiple heating methods:
- Tank coils to maintain baseline tank temperature
- Bayonet heaters inserted through a side manway to regulate tank temperature
- Suction heaters for on-demand heating or cooling during pumping
- Heat exchangers for final heating or cooling before piping to truck transport
Suction heaters are often used when maintaining full tank temperature is not practical or cost-effective, or when products need a final burst of heat.
Common Applications for Suction Heaters
Suction heaters are commonly used in industries that handle heavy or viscous fluids, including:
- Asphalt storage
- Bitumen processing
- Heavy fuel oil storage
- Tank terminals
- Petrochemical facilities
By lowering fluid viscosity at the point of withdrawal, suction heaters protect pumps and piping while improving flow performance.
Key Benefits of Suction Heaters & Coolers
Because suction heaters and coolers heat or cool product only as it’s being transferred, they offer a smart, efficient alternative to maintaining full tank temperatures. Key benefits include:
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Lower Operating Costs: Heat or cool only the fluid being moved, helping reduce fuel use and utility expenses.
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Improved Energy Efficiency: When not needed, avoid the energy waste of keeping an entire storage tank at temperature 24/7.
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Equipment Protection: Maintain proper viscosity to support smooth flow and reduce strain on pumps, valves, and piping.
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Fast, Reliable Performance: Direct circulation of thermal fluid provides rapid temperature response with minimal heat loss.
Optimize Energy Use with a Custom Suction Heater or Cooler from Enerquip
Enerquip’s industrial suction heaters and coolers are engineered for durability, thermal performance, and long service life in demanding environments. Whether used alone or alongside tank coils, they help facilities maintain proper pumping temperatures without unnecessary energy use.
Looking to enhance your tank heating strategy? Request a quote to discuss the right solution for your process.
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