When to Use Hot Oil Boiler?

15, Jul. 2024

 

3 Reasons to Use a Hot Oil Heater - Midstream & More

Direct fired heaters can be used in any number of different applications.  One of the most common uses for a fired heater is to heat oil (or thermal fluids).  Hot oil heaters, sometimes called thermal fluid heaters or heat medium heaters, are used in a variety of situations depending on the industry in which they are used.  Some industrial applications will use heated fluids to warm baths or kettles, presses, or even some types of ovens.  In larger applications, like in the oil and gas industry, hot oil heaters are used in combination with heat exchangers to warm up a secondary fluid - which could be gas or liquid. 

If you want to learn more, please visit our website gtboiler.

An analogy may help here.  Maybe you have been in a home that has heated floors, or maybe you have them in your own house (don't brag).  Many times this is accomplished by heating water and then sending the heated water through piping in the floors to indirectly heat the top surface of the floor.



You are probably asking, 'Why don't you just heat the secondary fluid directly, so you don't need both the heater and the exchanger?'  And that is not a bad question.  Sometimes it makes sense to heat the secondary fluid directly, but other times it may not.  Let's take a look at a couple of the reasons why it may make sense to use a hot oil heater in a system.

1. If you have a secondary fluid with low temperature limits

Amine is commonly used in gas processing plants and other applications to help remove H2S and CO2 from gases.  The downside to amine is that it begins to degrade rapidly when portions of the fluid reach 350°F or higher.  Using a direct fired heater as the heat source in this case is difficult because the film temperature of the amine can easily surpass the 350°F limit. In cases like this using a specialty heat transfer fluid (or hot oil) is a clear solution.  

By picking a heat transfer fluid with a higher maximum film temperature ' maybe 600°F ' you can feel comfortable heating it directly in the heater, and using the hot fluid in an exchanger to warm the amine in a more controlled environment that is less prone to temperature variations.  Now the amine is happy, the heat transfer fluid is happy, and you are happy because you don't have maintenance or performance issues.

2. If you need to heat a corrosive fluid

If you constantly pump a corrosive fluid through a heater you can corrode the coils inside the heater, which can result in costly repairs and even tube ruptures.  One solution would be to change the metallurgy of the heater coil to stainless steel or something with more corrosion resistance.  Because of the length of coil required in a heater, this could be a costly change.  Another solution would be to utilize a hot oil heater with an exchanger.  The surface area required in the exchanger is typically much smaller than in the heater, requiring less money to change to corrosive resistant materials.  Limiting the amount of material exposed to the corrosive fluid reduces equipment and maintenance costs.

3. If you have a secondary fluid that has a tendency to coke

When heated many fluids will lay down deposits on the coils of a heater ' commonly called coke.  These deposits begin to act like insulation in all the wrong places.  It is like putting a sleeping bag over your radiator ' it prevents the radiator from heating the house and could result in a catastrophic fire.  Using a heat transfer fluid that that can handle the heat and flux from the heater and will not lay down coke can prevent costly maintenance, overheating of tubes, and ultimately tube rupture.  As with the scenarios before, this heat transfer fluid can then be used to heat the secondary fluid in a more controlled manner.  We see this sometimes in cases where someone needs to heat a heavy fluid like crude oil, which has a tendency to coke when overheated.


When heated many fluids will lay down deposits on the coils of a heater ' commonly called coke. These deposits begin to act like insulation in all the wrong places. It is like putting a sleeping bag over your radiator ' it prevents the radiator from heating the house and could result in a catastrophic fire. Using a heat transfer fluid that that can handle the heat and flux from the heater and will not lay down coke can prevent costly maintenance, overheating of tubes, and ultimately tube rupture. As with the scenarios before, this heat transfer fluid can then be used to heat the secondary fluid in a more controlled manner. We see this sometimes in cases where someone needs to heat a heavy fluid like crude oil, which has a tendency to coke when overheated.

These are just a few of the reasons why you may want to use a hot oil system instead of directly heating a fluid.  As you are designing you next plant or process take these into consideration.  If you still have questions, feel free to contact us and we can work with you on the process conditions and recommend possible solutions.  Need a hot oil heater for your project?  Check out heater and auxiliary equipment options!

Stay tuned to the blog all month as we talk about hot oil heaters and design considerations.  We will also be giving away a free tool at the end of the month, so make sure to check it out.

Sign up on the right side to make sure you never miss a post!


 

Why Hot Oil Is Better Than Steam for Industrial Heating


In most manufacturing facilities where products and materials are being produced and transformed, some type of process heating is required. In many of these facilities, this heat is produced and distributed through the use of a boiler system.

Though boilers are among the most common heating equipment when it comes to industrial heating, hot oil heaters are simply a better option. Keep reading to learn why.

Hot Oil Heating Systems vs. Steam Boilers

So what makes thermal fluid heating systems the ideal choice when it comes to industrial heating? Here are several key reasons why.

1. Thermal Fluid Systems Don't Need to Be Pressurized

Steam heating systems require some level of pressure in order to function. With hot oil heating systems, all of your equipment is non-pressurized. This decreases the risk of dangerous explosions in your facility and eliminates the necessity of monitoring and regulating system pressure levels continuously.

2. Hot Oil Does Not Cause Corrosion

Though steam-based heating systems are popular with some facility managers because water is an affordable heating medium, they are also susceptible to corrosion. Water seems innocent, but in reality, it wears away everything in its path. As a result, steam heating systems need to be carefully monitored for corrosion and repaired if rust or other damage is detected.

In contrast, hot oil is a lubricant and can run smoothly through a thermal oil heating system without causing corrosion.

3. Thermal Oil Systems Do Not Require Chemical Regulation

Because water is a corrosive liquid, when it's used in steam heating systems it needs to be treated with various chemicals. These chemicals must be carefully monitored and regulated constantly in order to ensure that the system can operate effectively.

With hot oil boilers, you don't have to worry about chemical regulation. The thermal heating fluid runs through the system in a loop and requires no chemical regulation.

4. Hot Oil Boilers Can Operate at Higher Temperatures

When it comes to efficient heating, operating temperature is very important. Since hot oil has a higher boiling point than water, thermal oil heating systems can operate at higher temperatures.

3 Reasons to Use a Hot Oil Heater - Midstream & More

Direct fired heaters can be used in any number of different applications.  One of the most common uses for a fired heater is to heat oil (or thermal fluids).  Hot oil heaters, sometimes called thermal fluid heaters or heat medium heaters, are used in a variety of situations depending on the industry in which they are used.  Some industrial applications will use heated fluids to warm baths or kettles, presses, or even some types of ovens.  In larger applications, like in the oil and gas industry, hot oil heaters are used in combination with heat exchangers to warm up a secondary fluid - which could be gas or liquid. 

An analogy may help here.  Maybe you have been in a home that has heated floors, or maybe you have them in your own house (don't brag).  Many times this is accomplished by heating water and then sending the heated water through piping in the floors to indirectly heat the top surface of the floor.



You are probably asking, 'Why don't you just heat the secondary fluid directly, so you don't need both the heater and the exchanger?'  And that is not a bad question.  Sometimes it makes sense to heat the secondary fluid directly, but other times it may not.  Let's take a look at a couple of the reasons why it may make sense to use a hot oil heater in a system.

1. If you have a secondary fluid with low temperature limits

Amine is commonly used in gas processing plants and other applications to help remove H2S and CO2 from gases.  The downside to amine is that it begins to degrade rapidly when portions of the fluid reach 350°F or higher.  Using a direct fired heater as the heat source in this case is difficult because the film temperature of the amine can easily surpass the 350°F limit. In cases like this using a specialty heat transfer fluid (or hot oil) is a clear solution.  

By picking a heat transfer fluid with a higher maximum film temperature ' maybe 600°F ' you can feel comfortable heating it directly in the heater, and using the hot fluid in an exchanger to warm the amine in a more controlled environment that is less prone to temperature variations.  Now the amine is happy, the heat transfer fluid is happy, and you are happy because you don't have maintenance or performance issues.

2. If you need to heat a corrosive fluid

If you constantly pump a corrosive fluid through a heater you can corrode the coils inside the heater, which can result in costly repairs and even tube ruptures.  One solution would be to change the metallurgy of the heater coil to stainless steel or something with more corrosion resistance.  Because of the length of coil required in a heater, this could be a costly change.  Another solution would be to utilize a hot oil heater with an exchanger.  The surface area required in the exchanger is typically much smaller than in the heater, requiring less money to change to corrosive resistant materials.  Limiting the amount of material exposed to the corrosive fluid reduces equipment and maintenance costs.

3. If you have a secondary fluid that has a tendency to coke

When heated many fluids will lay down deposits on the coils of a heater ' commonly called coke.  These deposits begin to act like insulation in all the wrong places.  It is like putting a sleeping bag over your radiator ' it prevents the radiator from heating the house and could result in a catastrophic fire.  Using a heat transfer fluid that that can handle the heat and flux from the heater and will not lay down coke can prevent costly maintenance, overheating of tubes, and ultimately tube rupture.  As with the scenarios before, this heat transfer fluid can then be used to heat the secondary fluid in a more controlled manner.  We see this sometimes in cases where someone needs to heat a heavy fluid like crude oil, which has a tendency to coke when overheated.


When heated many fluids will lay down deposits on the coils of a heater ' commonly called coke. These deposits begin to act like insulation in all the wrong places. It is like putting a sleeping bag over your radiator ' it prevents the radiator from heating the house and could result in a catastrophic fire. Using a heat transfer fluid that that can handle the heat and flux from the heater and will not lay down coke can prevent costly maintenance, overheating of tubes, and ultimately tube rupture. As with the scenarios before, this heat transfer fluid can then be used to heat the secondary fluid in a more controlled manner. We see this sometimes in cases where someone needs to heat a heavy fluid like crude oil, which has a tendency to coke when overheated.

These are just a few of the reasons why you may want to use a hot oil system instead of directly heating a fluid.  As you are designing you next plant or process take these into consideration.  If you still have questions, feel free to contact us and we can work with you on the process conditions and recommend possible solutions.  Need a hot oil heater for your project?  Check out heater and auxiliary equipment options!

Stay tuned to the blog all month as we talk about hot oil heaters and design considerations.  We will also be giving away a free tool at the end of the month, so make sure to check it out.

Sign up on the right side to make sure you never miss a post!


 

Why Hot Oil Is Better Than Steam for Industrial Heating


In most manufacturing facilities where products and materials are being produced and transformed, some type of process heating is required. In many of these facilities, this heat is produced and distributed through the use of a boiler system.

Though boilers are among the most common heating equipment when it comes to industrial heating, hot oil heaters are simply a better option. Keep reading to learn why.

Hot Oil Heating Systems vs. Steam Boilers

So what makes thermal fluid heating systems the ideal choice when it comes to industrial heating? Here are several key reasons why.

1. Thermal Fluid Systems Don't Need to Be Pressurized

Steam heating systems require some level of pressure in order to function. With hot oil heating systems, all of your equipment is non-pressurized. This decreases the risk of dangerous explosions in your facility and eliminates the necessity of monitoring and regulating system pressure levels continuously.

2. Hot Oil Does Not Cause Corrosion

Though steam-based heating systems are popular with some facility managers because water is an affordable heating medium, they are also susceptible to corrosion. Water seems innocent, but in reality, it wears away everything in its path. As a result, steam heating systems need to be carefully monitored for corrosion and repaired if rust or other damage is detected.

In contrast, hot oil is a lubricant and can run smoothly through a thermal oil heating system without causing corrosion.

3. Thermal Oil Systems Do Not Require Chemical Regulation

Because water is a corrosive liquid, when it's used in steam heating systems it needs to be treated with various chemicals. These chemicals must be carefully monitored and regulated constantly in order to ensure that the system can operate effectively.

With hot oil boilers, you don't have to worry about chemical regulation. The thermal heating fluid runs through the system in a loop and requires no chemical regulation.

4. Hot Oil Boilers Can Operate at Higher Temperatures

When it comes to efficient heating, operating temperature is very important. Since hot oil has a higher boiling point than water, thermal oil heating systems can operate at higher temperatures.

Additionally, thermal fluid systems can operate at these higher temperatures without the additional pressure build up you would see with a steam boiler system. All heating equipment will perform better at higher temperatures.

5. Thermal Heating Fluid Will Not Freeze

While water can freeze, causing boiler system issues and hazards, thermal heating fluid will not freeze. This eliminates the safety hazards and system operation issues that can be caused by cold temperatures, another benefit of hot oil heating systems.

6. Industrial Heating Oil Systems Do Not Require a Licensed Boiler Operator

In order to operate a boiler system in your facility, many areas require that you have a licensed boiler operator on staff. If you are implementing a new system, this means you need to hire a new staff member or train an existing staff member in order to comply with regulations.

With a hot oil heating system, you do not need to add a new staff member to your facility in most cases, saving you an annual full-time salary and resources.

7. Hot Oil Heating is Safer Than Steam

Perhaps the most compelling reason you may want to consider a thermal fluid heating system over a steam heating system for your facility is safety. Hot oil heating is safer than heating processes involving steam for a number of reasons.

Since the system does not require pressurization, the risk of a dangerous explosion is eliminated. Additionally, you won't run into the dangers caused by steam trap issues, or by freezing steam since hot oil's freezing point is significantly lower than water's.

You can learn more about thermal fluid system safety here.

8. Hot Oil Heating Systems Require Less Capital Than Steam Systems

Hot oil heating systems typically require less capital than boiler systems as they are significantly simpler. Boiler system components include boilers, blow down tanks, chemical feed tanks, deaerators, condensate tanks, feed pumps for the boiler, feed pumps for the make-up water, pumps for the chemical feed, steam traps ' the list goes on and on.

Hot oil heating systems require only one pump, a heater, and an expansion tank.

9. Thermal Oil Systems Are More Efficient

Steam traps and blow down results in a lot of loss when it comes to steam heating systems. Thermal fluid heating systems operate much more efficiently. With lower operating costs and better process control, an efficient hot oil heating system will save your plant money and valuable resources.

Read more about the importance of efficient industrial heating equipment.

Find The Hot Oil Heating System That's Right for Your Facility

If you're looking to replace an existing industrial heating system or implement an entirely new one, consider a thermal fluid heating system. From efficiency and maintenance to safety, these hot oil systems offer a variety of benefits over standard steam boiler systems.

Ready to learn more about how a thermal fluid heating system could benefit your specific plant or facility? Turn to the experts at Enerquip!

With decades of experience in the heating industry, we have extensive knowledge of both steam and hot oil heating systems. We can help you make the right choice for your facility so you can feel confident the system you've selected is the best for your unique situation.

Give us a call at (715) 748- or contact us online to learn more about hot oil heat can work for your plant!

Learn More About Industrial Heating Oil Systems

Interested in finding more information about hot oil heating? These resources are a good place to start:

Why Replacing Your Industrial Heating System Might Be Better Than Repairing It: Learn about four key reasons why investing in new equipment for your facility is often the better alternative, even if you're on a budget.

Factors to Consider When Shopping For an Industrial Heating System: Review our list of the key things to consider as you're shopping your options for the best heating solution for your industrial facility.

Why Industrial Hot Oil Heating Systems Should Be More Commonly Used Than Steam Boilers: Find more information about how hot oil systems outperform steam boilers in a variety of industrial applications.

Serpentine Coil Technology: Learn how Enerquip's serpentine coil thermal fluid heaters provide optimal efficiency, low maintenance, and long-life.

Additionally, thermal fluid systems can operate at these higher temperatures without the additional pressure build up you would see with a steam boiler system. All heating equipment will perform better at higher temperatures.

5. Thermal Heating Fluid Will Not Freeze

While water can freeze, causing boiler system issues and hazards, thermal heating fluid will not freeze. This eliminates the safety hazards and system operation issues that can be caused by cold temperatures, another benefit of hot oil heating systems.

6. Industrial Heating Oil Systems Do Not Require a Licensed Boiler Operator

In order to operate a boiler system in your facility, many areas require that you have a licensed boiler operator on staff. If you are implementing a new system, this means you need to hire a new staff member or train an existing staff member in order to comply with regulations.

With a hot oil heating system, you do not need to add a new staff member to your facility in most cases, saving you an annual full-time salary and resources.

7. Hot Oil Heating is Safer Than Steam

Perhaps the most compelling reason you may want to consider a thermal fluid heating system over a steam heating system for your facility is safety. Hot oil heating is safer than heating processes involving steam for a number of reasons.

Since the system does not require pressurization, the risk of a dangerous explosion is eliminated. Additionally, you won't run into the dangers caused by steam trap issues, or by freezing steam since hot oil's freezing point is significantly lower than water's.

You can learn more about thermal fluid system safety here.

8. Hot Oil Heating Systems Require Less Capital Than Steam Systems

Hot oil heating systems typically require less capital than boiler systems as they are significantly simpler. Boiler system components include boilers, blow down tanks, chemical feed tanks, deaerators, condensate tanks, feed pumps for the boiler, feed pumps for the make-up water, pumps for the chemical feed, steam traps ' the list goes on and on.

Hot oil heating systems require only one pump, a heater, and an expansion tank.

9. Thermal Oil Systems Are More Efficient

Steam traps and blow down results in a lot of loss when it comes to steam heating systems. Thermal fluid heating systems operate much more efficiently. With lower operating costs and better process control, an efficient hot oil heating system will save your plant money and valuable resources.

Read more about the importance of efficient industrial heating equipment.

Find The Hot Oil Heating System That's Right for Your Facility

If you're looking to replace an existing industrial heating system or implement an entirely new one, consider a thermal fluid heating system. From efficiency and maintenance to safety, these hot oil systems offer a variety of benefits over standard steam boiler systems.

Ready to learn more about how a thermal fluid heating system could benefit your specific plant or facility? Turn to the experts at Enerquip!

With decades of experience in the heating industry, we have extensive knowledge of both steam and hot oil heating systems. We can help you make the right choice for your facility so you can feel confident the system you've selected is the best for your unique situation.

Give us a call at (715) 748- or contact us online to learn more about hot oil heat can work for your plant!

Learn More About Industrial Heating Oil Systems

Interested in finding more information about hot oil heating? These resources are a good place to start:

Why Replacing Your Industrial Heating System Might Be Better Than Repairing It: Learn about four key reasons why investing in new equipment for your facility is often the better alternative, even if you're on a budget.

Factors to Consider When Shopping For an Industrial Heating System: Review our list of the key things to consider as you're shopping your options for the best heating solution for your industrial facility.

Why Industrial Hot Oil Heating Systems Should Be More Commonly Used Than Steam Boilers: Find more information about how hot oil systems outperform steam boilers in a variety of industrial applications.

Serpentine Coil Technology: Learn how Enerquip's serpentine coil thermal fluid heaters provide optimal efficiency, low maintenance, and long-life.

The company is the world’s best Hot Water Boiler supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.