What Is a Drum Induction Heater Used For?

 

Temperature can affect certain materials in many ways. If they get too cold, the molecular properties of the materials may be altered, so heaters may be used to maintain a consistent temperature. In some instance, however, heat may be applied to intentionally alter the molecular properties of the materials contained within a drum. 

Drum heaters are used to keep the materials contained inside drums at temperatures that are higher than the ambient temperature. This type of heater has unique properties that enable it to provide uniform heating and maintain a consistent temperature. Induction heaters are energy efficient, easy to clean, take up little space and are safe to use in explosive areas. They are also easy to move and will not rust. Their maintenance-free design makes them perfect for long-term use.

How Drum Induction Heaters Are Made

Drum induction heaters are designed to heat drums that can hold up to 200 liters as well as smaller steel vessels. They are constructed using a single induction coil that is completely encapsulated in a glass-reinforced resin cylinder that was developed specifically for use in chemical plants. This cylinder is placed over the drum.



The induction heater is connected to the main power supply, which generates heat uniformly in the drum. The heat is transferred via magnetic fields, and there is no need for the barrel to be in physical contact with the heater. There are no moving parts to this type of heater, and it stays much cooler than the drum it is warming, making it extremely safe.

Safety

Because all electrical components are encapsulated and there are no hot elements, induction heaters are extremely safe and can be used just about anywhere. They can be used in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas. Zone 1 includes areas in which explosive gas mixtures may occur during operation, and Zone 2 includes areas where an explosive gas mixture may occur rarely or briefly but is not expected to occur during normal day-to-day operation.

Uses for Drum Induction Heaters

As already mentioned, drum induction heaters can be used in a wide variety of applications. Certain oils, for example, tend to thicken at cooler temperatures, so induction heaters may be used to maintain a thinner viscosity that makes the product easier to pump or mix. Materials that crystalize at colder temperatures, such as honey, may also be stored at higher temperatures to prevent this from happening. Drum induction heaters are commonly used to store products like paint that freeze in cold environments.

Drum heaters may also be used to thaw perishable food products so they can be poured. These devices may be used to heat barrels in order to maintain viscosity, liquidity or fluidity. They may also be used to melt frozen materials, lower viscosity or increase the rate of evaporation.

Other Types of Heaters

Induction heating is extremely safe and efficient, so it is widely used for heating drums in warehouses, factories and other environments. It is also commonly used in the logistics industry. While induction drum heaters are generally the most common, other types of drum heaters are also available. For situations where multiple drums need to be kept warm or heated, induction cabinets are a good choice because they come in various sizes and can heat up to 32 drums at the same time.



Heating blankets and jackets are also used to heat drums and protect them from cold. If you need to heat smaller 5-gallon buckets, a bucket heater is an excellent choice. While these types of heaters do not use induction, they are still safe, fast and energy efficient.

Conclusion

Many drums and barrels contain materials that are not temperature sensitive, but others contain products that must be kept warm. Whether a certain temperature must be maintained to ensure proper viscosity, prevent crystallization or speed up evaporation or heat is needed to melt a frozen product, a drum induction heater is an excellent choice for getting the job done.

At Air Sea Containers, we offer a range of drum induction heaters that are safe to use and extremely efficient. We can also fulfill your need for a drum heater, heating jackets, blankets or cabinets.