What is ASME Code and Why Does it Matter? Insight on ASME Industrial Heaters
When it comes to shopping for an industrial heating system, there are many factors to consider. From deciding between a hot oil heating system or a steam boiler system, to understanding film temperature and bulk temperature, and contemplating the benefits of serpentine coil heaters over helical coil heaters, there is a lot to think about. Another important element to consider when shopping for a heating system for your plant or facility is ASME Code compliance. In short: Do you need an ASME industrial heater? What is ASME Code? ASME stands for American Society of Mechanical Engineers, a non-profit organization that promotes art, science and multidisciplinary engineering while encouraging collaboration across all engineering disciplines. ASME also serves as the leading international developer of standards and codes used to regulate the mechanical engineering industry. ASME code – also known as ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code or BPVC – is the code that regulates the design, development and construction of boilers and pressure vessels utilized in a variety of industries. Why is ASME Code Important? Finding a heating system that adheres to ASME’s BPVC is important for a number of reasons, including: Safety ASME’s Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code was established in the early 1900s following two devastating boiler explosions that took place at factories in Massachusetts. Since then, the BPVC has provided guidelines that have helped to prevent accidents by making steam boilers and other mechanical engineering equipment safer. Quality ASME industrial heaters and boiler systems that are ASME stamped have been thoroughly inspected and have met the quality and safety standards established by the Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code. By purchasing a system that adheres to BPVC code, you can feel confident that you are investing in a high-quality piece of equipment for your plant or facility. ASME-Compliant Equipment for Your Plant At Enerquip, we have decades of experience designing and manufacturing ASME industrial heaters and ASME code compliant industrial heating equipment. We take pride in providing our clients and customers with the high-quality heating solutions they need to keep their plants running smoothly and efficiently. Whether you’re in the market for a complete ASME-compliant industrial heating system or an ASME stamped thermal fluid heater, we can help! We have a number of standard heaters and heating system elements available. Need something customized for your facility? We can work with you to develop a specialized solution for your plant specifically. Give us a call today at (833) 516-6888 or contact us online to find out how our American-made ASME code compliant heaters can make a difference for your facility. Additional Resources: How Long Will Your Industrial Thermal Fluid Heater Last? Addressing Thermal Fluid Heater Life Expectancy Thermal Fluid System Safety: How to Reduce Hazards and Keep Your Plant Safe
Benefits of Tank Coils with Helically Wound Fins
Tank heating coils are an imperative component of the industrial heating equipment your facility relies on every day. As experts in the industrial heating industry, we’ve spent decades honing our craft and developing efficient, innovative heating technology that our clients and customers can rely on. We take great pride in creating tank heating coils that are engineered to meet our client’s needs while also being among the most reliable and longest lasting on the market. In the decades we’ve spent designing and manufacturing hot oil heating equipment, it has been proven over and over again that tank coils featuring helically wound fins are the best way to go. Here, we’ll delve into exactly what makes helically wound fins the best option when it comes to tank heating coil design. Advantages of Helically Wound Tank Coil Fins There are a handful of key benefits to tank coils with helically wound fins. These advantages include: Better Heat Transfer Our experience with heating coils used in various applications has proven that horizontally installed helically wound fin tubes have nearly double the heat transfer rate compared to horizontally installed longitudinal fins. If you’re looking to transfer heat more effectively within your tank, investing in tank coils with helical fins is a good option. The heat transfer coefficient for a helically finned pipe is about twice that of a longitudinally finned pipe. As a result, it will take about half as much surface area for a helical finned tank coil to do the same heating as a longitudinally finned tank coil. Reduced Cost Cost is often an important deciding factor when it comes to selecting industrial heating equipment for your plant or facility. Despite the fact that tank coils with helically wound fins tend to be the better option from an operational and performance standpoint, they are also typically the better option from a cost standpoint. As mentioned above, because tank coils with helically wound fins can deliver twice the amount of heat transfer to the tank product when compared to coils with longitudinal fins, half as many coils are required to achieve the same result. For this reason, they typically cost less to both manufacture and install, which can result in significant savings. Combined with their higher efficiency, which can provide savings over the long run as well, this is a compelling advantage in favor of helical fins. Higher Efficiency Speaking of higher efficiency, tank fins with helically wound coils are significantly more efficient than both tank coils with longitudinal fins and bare pipe tank coils. Because tank coils with helically wound fins have 2x better heat transfer than tank coils with longitudinal fins, they operate much more efficiently, which can result in energy savings in the long run. When it comes to bare pipe coils, adding helical coils can provide 12x greater surface area per foot of pipe. This means you can heat a tank much more efficiently and will need significantly less pipe to heat the tank, which can provide cost savings as well. Reduced Coking One of the biggest advantages of tank heating coils with helically wound fins is the lack of coking that occurs. Tank coils with longitudinal fins have stagnant flow areas that occur between the fins. These ‘dead spots’ are prime targets for coking. Because of their unique design, tank coils with helical fins are significantly less likely to coke. Reduced coking means you’ll have to worry less about tank coil replacement. Helically wound tank coils can last for decades without requiring repair or replacement. Need Tank Coils You Can Rely On? Invest in Tank Coils with Helically Wound Fins. With more than 30 years of experience building heating equipment for a wide variety of industries and applications, we’re confident in saying that tank coils with helically wound fins are the way to go if you’re looking for an efficient and reliable solution. Interested in learning more about tank heating coils? Read on. Industrial Tank Heating Coil FAQs Tank Heating Coils Designed for Long-Lasting Efficiency Benefits of Enerquip’s Tank Coil Design Have questions about tank coils for your specific industry or application? Let’s talk! Just give us a call at (715) 748-5888 or contact us online to get the conversation started.
Industrial Heat Exchanger FAQs
Heat exchangers are key elements of industrial heating systems for facilities in a variety of industries. Alongside other major pieces of industrial heating equipment, like thermal fluid heaters, heat exchangers serve to transfer heat between fluids and gases, making various processes possible. Looking to learn more about heat exchangers? You’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll delve into the basics of heat exchangers and answer some commonly asked questions about these important industrial heating system components. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Exchangers What Do Heat Exchangers Do? In the simplest of terms, heat exchangers transfer heat between fluids of different temperatures within the context of an industrial process. What Are Heat Exchangers Typically Used For? The industrial uses of heat exchangers vary widely, especially given that they are used in many different industries and processes. That being said, heat exchangers often work in conjunction with other heating system components in order to regulate the temperature of viscous fluids like oil and asphalt. There are a few different types of heat exchangers, each used in a slightly different way to transfer heat between materials. What Are The Different Types of Heat Exchangers? Industrial heat exchangers come in a variety of sizes and styles, including: Bayonet Heaters: This type of heat exchanger attaches to the side of a tank. They have the capacity to heat an entire tank filled with fluid. Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers: These heating system components are designed to heat fluids from outside the storage tank through the use of hot oil or steam. Suction Heaters: These are designed to heat fluids as they are pumped, rather than heating an entire storage tank of material at once. They use hot oil or steam. You can learn more about the specifics of each type of heat exchanger here. How Can You Determine Which Type of Industrial Heat Exchanger You Need? The main way to figure out which type of heat exchanger will work best for you is to think about the application it will be used for. Uses vary from industry to industry, so another good option is to talk to others in your industry to determine which option has worked best for them. It’s also a good idea to reach out to an industrial heating equipment company (like us) to find out if there might be a specific heat exchanger or customized solution that will work best for your scenario. This resource is a good place to start when it comes to choosing the best heat exchanger option for your facility. Can Heat Exchangers Be Customized? Absolutely! While many companies offer standardized heat exchanger options, heat exchangers are customizable and can be custom built if necessary. If you’re looking for a custom solution to work for your facility, don’t hesitate to reach out. We often build completely customized solutions for our clients so we are used to designing equipment that meets specified needs and specifications. What Are Some Signs That My Industrial Heat Exchanger is Failing and Might Require Replacement? There are a number of signs to look for that may indicate that your current industrial heat exchanger is failing. A few signs include: Loss of efficiency Change in the rate of heat transfer Physical damage, such as cracks or erosion Leaking fluid If you come across any of these signs, it’s worth further investigation to determine the cause and correct the issue, either through repair or through heat exchanger replacement. Looking for Additional Details About Industrial Heat Exchangers? Interested in learning more about our industrial heat exchangers? These resources are a good place to start: Industrial Heat Exchangers from Enerquip – Find additional details about the various heat exchangers we offer, including customized solutions. What Type of Heat Exchanger Do You Need? – Explore the similarities and differences of the various heat exchangers we have available to determine which option may be right for your facility and application. Have a question about heat exchangers that you don’t see answered here? Just give us a call at 715-748-5888 or request a quote and we will be happy to provide the information you’re looking for! Interested in other FAQs about thermal fluid heating equipment? Check out our other industrial heating system FAQ pages here.
Steam Generator FAQs
Thinking about investing in a new steam generator for your facility? If you’re early on in the process of shopping for this new piece of equipment, you likely have some questions in mind that you’re mulling over. And we’ve got answers! As leaders and innovators in our industry, we know a lot about what it takes to build efficient, durable industrial heating equipment. Our products have been known to last for decades! In the market for a steam generator? Read on to find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we hear about steam generators. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Steam Generators How do steam generators compare with boilers? Steam generators can meet a facility’s steam needs without the requirement of a boiler operator in most cases. This can contribute to a significant cost savings when compared to a boiler system, which often requires the presence of a licensed boiler operator that can cost a company six-figures each year. Additionally, steam generators don’t require an emissions permit while most boilers do. Securing a permit can be a huge headache for facilities that rely on boilers, so avoiding that headache by choosing a steam generator instead can be hugely advantageous. Steam generators also don’t have a burner, which means facility operators who choose steam generators over boilers can avoid the challenges of running gas lines, gas fuel trains, burners, the burner panel, and all the controls. Boiler burners require a lot of maintenance in comparison to steam generators, which operate using a simple and reliable valve that opens and closes when more or less steam is needed. With fewer moving parts, there are fewer complications and operational issues that can arise. Overall, while steam generators and boilers serve similar functions, steam generators are a great alternative for those who need steam for their facility but do not want to invest in a large-scale boiler operation. Those can be very pricey and inconvenient for a variety of reasons, making steam generators the better option in most cases. What are the main advantages of steam generators? Thermal fluid steam generators offer a number of advantages over boiler systems. Some of these benefits include: 1. Affordability: Steam generators are typically more affordable than boilers. 2. Efficiency: Steam generators heat up and operate more efficiently than some of their alternatives. 3. Safety: Steam generators don’t produce explosive gases or include a gas fuel train. 4. Minimal maintenance: Steam generators don’t include a burner, which would need to be serviced regularly. They also have fewer moving parts and operate more simply, which means less potential for operational issues that can slow your facility down. 5. Fewer permits: Steam generators don’t require a burner or stack permit. This is a big advantage, as securing these permits can be a huge headache. 6. Cost savings: Steam generators typically don’t require a boiler operator on site, saving your facility thousands of dollars a year since you won’t have to keep an additional professional on your payroll. You can read more about the key features and advantages of steam generators here. What types of facilities use steam generators? Steam generators can be used in a wide variety of applications throughout various industries. They are versatile pieces of equipment that can be used to create power to fuel many different industrial processes. As such, they are used in dozens of types of facilities, including: Chemical process heating facilities Asphalt and roofing plants Tank terminal facilities Food and beverage processing plants Commercial laundry facilities Hospitals and healthcare facilities Manufacturing facilities Wastewater management facilities Are steam generators and boilers the same thing? While they often serve very similar functions and can be used in the same or similar contexts, steam generators and boilers are not the same thing. As mentioned previously, in many contexts steam generators offer a number of advantages over boilers, including cost savings both up front and throughout the duration of operation. Are custom steam generators available? We understand that many facilities are looking for specific and unique solutions that resolve a problem, serve a particular purpose, or are compatible with the existing equipment set up. As a result, we take pride in creating customized industrial heating solutions for our clients and customers. Our steam generators can be custom built to meet the needs of your plant or facility. We’d be happy to work with you to design a steam generator solution that meets your specifications. Your Steam Generator Questions Answered! Our engineers are proud to build durable, reliable, and long-lasting heating equipment – and with 30+ years of experience doing so, our team has developed a breadth of knowledge that we’d be happy to put to work for your business! Have additional questions about steam generators? Think an Enerquip steam generator might be just what your facility needs to take your efficiency and productivity to the next level? Don’t hesitate to contact us today! Contact us and we’d be happy to answer your questions and/or discuss how our team can design and manufacture a steam generator to meet your facility’s specifications. More from the Enerquip Blog High Efficiency Thermal Fluid Steam Generators from Enerquip Double Tubesheet Design: Importance and Applications Heat Exchanger vs. Asphalt Heater for Asphalt Applications How Economizers Enhance Thermal Oxidizers Five Ways to Increase Terminal Efficiency
Case Study: Lamberti Employs Enerquip Bayonet Heaters to Maximize Efficiency
Heating Challenges in a Complex Chemical Operation Lamberti provides specialty chemicals to a wide range of industries—from ceramics to agrochemicals and PVC additives. With operations in 17 countries and a client base spanning 14 industries, Lamberti delivers chemical solutions that help customers enhance product quality across the board. At the company’s Tennessee facility, Lamberti Systems USA, Product Manager Bill Ruder oversees operations focused on ethoxylation and propoxylation technology. The Chattanooga plant produces surfactants, polyols, block copolymers, and combinations of these for use in textiles, oil and gas, cosmetics, ceramics, and agriculture. To maintain product quality and ensure batch accuracy, temperature control is critical—especially during heating and cooling stages. However, the facility needed a way to heat large storage tanks without disrupting its existing system or production workflow. Installing bulky new equipment simply wasn’t an option. Turning To A Trusted Company When Ruder began exploring heating solutions, he turned to a familiar name: Enerquip. Lamberti had a history working with Enerquip to source custom shell and tube heat exchangers for its Tennessee and Texas facilities. Despite Enerquip being based in Wisconsin—over 900 miles away—the company consistently delivered high-quality equipment quickly and reliably. Lamberti purchased over a dozen shell and tube heat exchangers from Enerquip. According to Ruder, Enerquip’s team stands out for their industry knowledge and responsiveness. Ron Herman, Enerquip’s Director of Business Development, has been a key contact throughout the relationship. When Enerquip launched a new line of bayonet heaters, Ruder saw an opportunity and reached out to learn more. A Custom-Fit Solution Lamberti needed to heat liquids stored in large vessels. After reviewing the setup with Enerquip, Ruder discovered the bayonet heaters were a perfect match. The heaters could be installed directly into the manways at the top of the vessels, allowing for easy insertion and removal—an important factor since Lamberti requires routine equipment inspections. What made the bayonet heater especially appealing was its in-vessel installation. Unlike traditional systems that require external loops or extra piping, the bayonet heater heats the fluid directly inside the tank. This eliminated the need for any equipment relocation or system redesign, saving time and money. Additionally, preheating the raw material before it enters the unit allows the fluid to reach its target temperature more efficiently. This reduces reaction time and energy consumption—an added bonus for the facility’s production goals. Reliable Results The bayonet heater continues to perform well. It’s easy to use, simple to remove for cleaning and inspection, and reliably heats liquids to the required temperatures without issues. Ruder is pleased with the outcome and confident in recommending Enerquip to others. “They’re fast, reliable, and willing to work with you to customize equipment that fits your process,” he said. Looking for a custom thermal solution? Meet the team and request a quote today. More from the Enerquip Blog Industrial Tank Heating Coil FAQs The Art and Science of Film Temperature to Achieve Goldilocks Efficiency Five Ways to Increase Terminal Efficiency What are Suction Heaters? Steam Generator FAQs