Viscous products like molasses, resins and heavy oils flow poorly when cold, so totes carrying them use band or blanket heaters plus insulating jackets to hold a target temperature. Controlled, even heat prevents both slow dispensing and product damage from hot spots.
Read on for the full breakdown.
Why viscosity is the enemy
Many industrial and food liquids thicken dramatically as they cool. A product that pours in summer can barely move in a January warehouse. Rather than fight it at the valve, the fix is to keep the whole tote at a workable temperature.
Heater options
Different jobs call for different heat sources:
- Wrap-around blanket heaters cover the bottle for even warmth
- Band heaters ring the tank for targeted heating
- Base or panel heaters warm from underneath
- Thermostatic control holds a set point without overshoot
Insulation multiplies the effect
A heater fights heat loss; insulation reduces it. An insulated jacket over the heater dramatically cuts energy use and holds temperature longer during outages. Together they are far more efficient than a heater alone.
Avoid hot spots
Even heat matters as much as enough heat. Concentrated hot spots can scorch sensitive products or degrade the HDPE. Choose heaters sized for full coverage and controlled by a thermostat, and match everything to the product’s temperature limits.
Plan for winter early
Retrofit heat before the first cold snap, not during it. A tote that stays warm all season dispenses on demand, protects the product, and saves the labor of thawing a tank that never should have chilled.
Published November 19, 2024 · By IBC Solutions Illinois