How Drum & Barrel Heaters Can Help You Effectively Control Fluid Temperatures

Drum and barrel heaters can offer consistent heat at specific preset temperatures for your liquid materials. Read on to learn how to best use these heaters.

$950.30 USD

55 Gallon Drum Heater 145°F Adjustable Thermostat (120V)

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For efficient viscosity and flow control, consider using Heat Authority's drum & barrel heaters. These heaters provide safe, uniform heat to ensure optimal fluid temperature without the risk of overheating.

What drum and barrel heaters are, and how do they work

Drum and barrel heaters (also known as a drum blanket or barrel blanket) are a type of electric heater that are used to heat barrels. They work by heating the air around the barrel, which then heats the barrel itself. Drum heaters are typically used by businesses that store and transport certain types of liquid or semi-solid material. The most common use for drum heaters is in the transportation of chemicals. This is because heating a barrel can make it more difficult for the chemical to freeze, especially in cold weather conditions.

Temperature-sensitive materials need to be kept within a specific range both in storage and in use, even in warm work environments. Drum and barrel heaters are the go-to choice for fluid temperature control due to their ease of use, simple setup, and adjustable sizes for different containers.

How to use a drum or barrel heater to control fluid temperatures

You can use a drum or barrel heater to control the temperature of fluid inside of the barrel. Place the heater around the barrel and plug it in. This will heat the air around the barrel, which will then heat the barrel. You can also use a heating blanket to wrap around the barrel. This will create a barrier of heated air around the barrel that will help to keep the fluid warm.

Additional tips for using drum heaters

Here are some key tips for using a drum and barrel heater to warm up fluid:

• Use a heater that is sized appropriately for the drum or barrel that you are heating. A heater that is too small will not be able to heat the fluid effectively, while a heater that is too large could overheat the fluid.
• Position the heater so that it does not come into contact with the fluid. The heater should be placed on the outside of the drum or barrel.
• If you are heating a flammable fluid, make sure that the heater is properly vented to the outside. This will help prevent the build-up of fumes, which could create a fire hazard.
• Do not leave the heater unattended. Always keep an eye on the heater when it is in use, and turn it off if you leave the area.
• Inspect the heater regularly for signs of wear or damage. If you see any problems, have the heater repaired or replaced immediately.
• Make sure that the heater is properly grounded. This is especially important for electric drum heaters.

The benefits of using a drum or barrel heater for temperature control

When dealing with temperature-sensitive materials, it is vitally important to maintain a constant and reliable temperature. Barrel and drum heaters and blankets are superior to band heaters, and to any other type of heating system for that matter. For one, these heaters wrap the barrel or drum entirely, providing overall convection to the container: no hot or cold spots. You won’t have to worry about uneven heat distribution.

A wide variety of applications

Businesses don’t have to be in the oil and gas industry to see benefits from using drum and barrel heaters. For example, heat coconut oil with a drum heater. BodyTech Cosmetics, a manufacturer of handmade skin care products, needed Powerblanket’s drum heaters to improve coconut oil viscosity. Previously, BodyTech used an aquarium heater or a microwave to warm the coconut oil. Neither of these options proved consistent or effective.

BodyTech found that using a drum heater allowed for consistent, evenly-spread heat across the container. This helped warm their materials to usable levels at a pace that prevented scorching and overheating, while also raising the temperature of the material quickly enough to avoid delay in their schedule.

Read the BodyTech Cosmetics Case Study

Drum and barrel heaters can also be used for buckets.

Things to consider when purchasing a drum or barrel heater

When purchasing drum and barrel heaters, you’ll need to find the right kind of heater for your needs. Consider looking for heaters that offer the following benefits:

• Work with both steel and poly containers.
• Full wrap-around design provides complete insulation and ensures equal heat distribution.
• Delivers safe, uniform heat to expensive materials without overheating or burning.
• Design decreases and prevents product waste among temp-sensitive materials by maintaining consistent storage temperatures without significant fluctuations.
• Highly energy-efficient design lowers energy-related expenses and overall project and equipment costs.

Additionally, look for vinyl-covered drum heaters that have internal insulation layers. This keeps plastic barrels from melting and will still provide an even spread of heat.

Even plastic and poly barrels are safe with most drum and barrel heaters.

How to properly care for and maintain your drum or barrel heater

Heating drums and barrels can wear down heaters and drum blankets after prolonged use. However, regular inspection and care can keep your drum and barrel heaters in great condition for years.

Here are some tips on how to properly care for and maintain your drum or barrel heater:

• Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully. This will give you important information about how to use and maintain your heater safely.
• Inspect the heater regularly for signs of wear or damage. If you see any problems, have the heater repaired or replaced immediately.
• Keep the heater clean. Dust and dirt can build up on the heater and cause it to malfunction. Wipe down the heater with a damp cloth regularly.
• Store the heater properly. When you're not using the heater, store it in a dry, well-ventilated area.

For additional tips, contact the heater’s manufacturer.