Last updated on October 31st, 2022 at 07:29 pm

Immersion Water Heaters: Their Use in Chemical Processing

Immersion water heaters are beneficial for various industrial applications. One of which is chemical processing. These heaters are submerged in water and heat the liquid by releasing energy. Many industries regard these heaters as one of the most energy-efficient ways of heating. Yet, how are they used in chemical processing? 

Chemical Processes That Need Immersion Heaters

Immersion heaters provide a safe and effective environment for vital chemical processes. These processes include mixing chemical products, high-temperature heat transfer, polymerization reactions, and more. Let’s take a closer look at each of these below. 

Mixing of Chemical Products

Heat plays a vital role in chemical processes and reactions. By using heat, you can start a chemical reaction that usually would never occur or speed up the reaction itself. For the mixture of certain chemical products, an external heat source is needed to cause a reaction. Many industries use an immersion water heater for this purpose. These heaters use direct heat transfer to heat liquid mediums and solvents. This allows the liquid to reach its desired temperature to mix various chemical solvents and solutions. 

High-Temperature Heat Transfer

Heat transfer systems are designed to maximize efficiency in chemical processes. This step is energy-intensive. For this reason, industrial immersion heaters are recommended for high-temperature heat transfer. As immersion heaters have direct contact with the liquid, they can quickly achieve high and precise temperatures. 

Water immersion heaters provide consistent and controllable heat transfer for many chemical processes and applications. These systems are indispensable due to their speed, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

High-Pressure Steam Generation

Many industries rely on an immersion heater as part of steam generation. For example, immersion heaters are used to generate steam through an indirect heat application in the nuclear sector. These heaters keep the water in reactors pressurized for steam production. 

Polymerization Reactions

There are two types of polymerization: chain reactions and step reactions. These reactions refer to a process where many molecules react together to form a polymer. Various industrial processes need the polymerization or the de-polymerization of materials and liquids. In these situations, immersion heaters can speed up the process.

Industry Applications of Water Immersion Heaters 

Many industries use immersion water heaters. Yet, some industries rely on this technology more than others. These industries include pharmaceutical, oil and gas, construction, and food processing. 

Oil and Gas 

The oil and gas industry relies on water immersion heaters for safe and efficient processes. These heaters are used for heating and offer vital safety features, including explosion-proof housing. Oil and gas companies can use various immersion heaters. These include flange heaters, circulation heaters, inline heaters, and over-the-side heaters. For more uses of immersion heaters in this industry, click here. 

Pharmaceutical

Electric immersion water heaters sterilize, clean, and manufacture pharmaceutical products in the pharmaceutical industry. Screw plug immersion heaters are often used in batch processing. As many contaminants are involved in pharmaceutical manufacturing, immersion heaters are vital for ensuring a safe and clean environment.

Construction

The construction industry is another example of where immersion water heaters are evident. These heaters are used in various processes across a construction site, such as steam generation, sterilization of tools, central heating, and much more. 

For more information on the application of an immersion water heater in your industry, contact us online or call 1-866-604-3775. Our team at Wattco manufactures a range of industrial heaters for several sectors. We work with you to manufacture immersion heaters suitable for each of your specific projects.