Comments Off on Enerquip to Exhibit at CheeseExpo 2026 in Milwaukee
Enerquip is heading to CheeseExpo 2026, and we hope to see you there.
Join us April 14–16, 2026 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where more than 4,000 dairy industry professionals will gather for one of the largest events dedicated to cheese, butter, whey, and cultured dairy processing.
You’ll find Enerquip at Booth 1615, where our team will be ready to discuss sanitary shell and tube heat exchangers and thermal solutions designed specifically for dairy applications. From pasteurization and whey processing to utility heat recovery and CIP systems, our stainless steel equipment is built to meet the strict hygiene and performance standards dairy processors depend on every day.
Whether you’re expanding capacity, improving energy efficiency, or planning a new facility, stop by to talk through your goals. We’re always happy to share insights and explore practical solutions tailored to your process.
Planning to attend? Learn more and register at cheeseexpo.org.
Comments Off on Replaceable Fins for Industrial Tank Coils: Do They Work?
Reviewing Replaceable Tank Fins for Industrial Tank Coils
Replaceable tank fins are an alternative fin design sometimes considered for industrial tank coil equipment used in heating and cooling applications. These designs are often presented as a way to increase surface area and simplify maintenance when compared to traditional welded fin tank coils.
This article provides a focused review of replaceable tank fins specifically how they are constructed, what they are intended to accomplish, and how they perform when evaluated against established heat transfer principles. Understanding these factors can help facility managers and engineers determine when replaceable fins may be appropriate and when more proven tank coil designs are better suited for long-term, reliable operation.
What Are Replaceable Tank Fins?
Replaceable tank fins are typically aluminum fins that are mechanically attached to a pipe using bands or fasteners. Their primary purpose is to increase the effective surface area of the pipe, which can improve heat transfer under certain operating conditions. Another commonly cited benefit is the ability to replace individual fins if fouling or coking occurs, rather than replacing the entire coil.
While this approach introduces a different maintenance strategy, overall tank coil performance depends on more than surface area alone. Thermal contact, material compatibility, installation orientation, and flow dynamics all play critical roles in how effectively a tank coil performs in real-world applications.
Key Design Considerations When Evaluating Tank Coils
1. Thermal Bond Between Fin and Pipe
Efficient heat transfer requires a strong, consistent thermal bond between the fin and the pipe. Continuously welded fins provide a permanent connection that allows heat to move efficiently between the pipe and the process fluid.
Mechanically attached fins, by comparison, rely on clamping force to maintain contact. Over time and through repeated thermal cycles, small gaps can develop that reduce heat transfer efficiency.
2. Materials of Construction
Tank coils are commonly manufactured from carbon steel or stainless steel, depending on the process fluid, operating temperatures, and corrosion requirements. For optimal performance, fins and pipes should be made from compatible materials that expand and contract at similar rates when heated or cooled.
Enerquip designs and manufactures tank coils in both carbon steel and stainless steel, allowing material selection to be tailored to the specific application rather than constrained by a single design approach.
3. Installation Orientation Is Critical
The orientation of tank coil equipment has a significant impact on heat transfer performance and fouling tendencies.
Horizontally installed tank coils benefit from fin designs that promote continuous fluid movement across the heating or cooling surface. In these applications, helically wound fins are typically preferred.
Vertically installed tank coils can be well suited for longitudinally finned designs, where natural convection supports effective heat transfer and minimizes stagnant flow zones.
Longitudinal fins can perform effectively in vertical installations, but they are generally not ideal for horizontal mounting, where stagnant areas between fins may increase fouling risk.
Proven Tank Coil Equipment for Heating and Cooling Applications
Industrial tank coils are used for both heating and cooling, and proven designs have evolved to support reliable performance across a wide range of industries. Continuously welded fin coils, manufactured from carbon steel or stainless steel, remain a trusted choice because they offer:
Strong, permanent thermal bonds
Consistent performance across operating temperatures
Design flexibility for vertical or horizontal installation
Long service life in demanding industrial environments
Rather than focusing on a single feature, such as fin replaceability, effective tank coil equipment balances material selection, fin design, and installation pattern and orientation with the specific process requirements.
Selecting the Right Tank Coil Equipment
When evaluating tank coil options, it’s important to consider how the equipment will perform over its full service life. While replaceable tank fins may offer an alternative approach, established welded fin designs often provide more consistent heat transfer, reduced fouling risk, and greater long-term reliability.
At Enerquip, we design and manufacture custom tank coil equipment for both heating and cooling applications, with options available in carbon steel and stainless steel. Our coils are engineered to meet specific process requirements and are manufactured in the USA with a focus on performance, durability, and long-term reliability.
If you’re evaluating tank coil designs, our experienced team can help you determine the best solution for your application.
Comments Off on Heat Exchanger Material Guide: Factors That Impact Performance and Lifespan
Choosing the right material for a shell and tube heat exchanger, or any type of thermal process equipment, directly affects performance, reliability, maintenance requirements, and total lifecycle cost. With multiple alloys and material combinations available, the best option is rarely about a single factor. Instead, successful material selection balances performance requirements, operating conditions, and long-term value.
This guide outlines the most important criteria to consider when selecting heat exchanger materials and explains how common alloys compare across those criteria.
Key Criteria for Heat Exchanger Material Selection
Before comparing materials, identify which factors matter most for your application. Common priorities include:
Thermal efficiency
Cost and availability
Corrosion resistance
Cleanability and sanitation
Durability and service life
In many cases, trade-offs are unavoidable. A material with excellent heat transfer may not meet sanitary requirements, while the most corrosion-resistant alloy may exceed budget constraints. The goal is to find the material, or combination of materials, that best balances your priorities.
Thermal Efficiency
The primary function of a heat exchanger is to transfer heat efficiently between a process fluid (typically on the tube side) and a utility fluid (typically on the shell side). For this reason, the thermal conductivity of tube material is an important consideration.
High thermal conductivity: Copper and copper-nickel alloys
Moderate conductivity: Carbon steel, stainless steels, and most high alloys
Low conductivity: Plastics, graphite composites, and ceramics
Thermal performance can also be enhanced through modification to tubes, such as corrugating, adding external fins to the tubes, or by adding twisted tape turbulators to the inside of the tubes. However, because thermal performance among metals is so similar, this is not usually a high priority factor in heat exchanger material selection.
Cost and Availability
Material cost and lead time vary based on market conditions, alloy composition, and quantity required. In general:
Alloys with higher nickel content tend to be more expensive
Common materials are more readily available and have shorter lead times
Specialty alloys often require longer procurement and fabrication timelines
Relative Cost Ranking of Common Materials
(From highest to lowest cost, subject to market variation)
1. Nickel 200 (UNS N02200): Typically the most expensive and is a commercially pure nickel alloy. It is one of the most widely used nickel alloys due to its excellent mechanical properties and high corrosion resistance. Nickel 200 consists of 99.6% pure nickel, with small amounts of impurities such as iron, copper, and manganese.
2. Alloy 625 (Inconel 625): Nickel-based superalloy known for its excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and high temperature performance. It is composed mainly of nickel, with significant amounts of chromium and molybdenum, along with smaller additions of niobium, iron, and other elements. Alloy 625 is widely used in various industries, including aerospace, chemical processing, oil and gas, and marine applications.
3. Monel 400: Nickel-copper alloy known for its excellent corrosion resistance in various environments. It is composed of approximately 67% nickel and 30% copper, with small amounts of iron, manganese, carbon, and silicon. Monel 400 is highly resistant to corrosive substances such as acids, alkaline solutions, and saltwater. It is often used in applications where resistance to corrosion, erosion, and high temperatures are essential.
4. Hastelloy C22: Nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy known for its exceptional corrosion resistance in a wide range of aggressive environments. Hastelloy C22 is particularly resistant to pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking. Hastelloy C22 is often chosen for chemical processing and waste treatment.
5. Hastelloy C-276: Nickel-molybdenum-chromium alloy that is renowned for its corrosion resistance and high-performance properties. While similar to Hastelloy C22, Hastelloy C-276 has lower chromium content, easier weldability, and slightly higher upper temperature limits. Hastelloy C-276 is used in various industries, including chemical processing, pollution control, pulp and paper production, and petrochemical applications.
6. Duplex 2507: Super duplex stainless steel alloy that offers excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and durability. It is part of the duplex stainless steel family, which combines the desirable properties of both austenitic and ferritic stainless steels. Duplex 2507 is characterized by its high levels of chromium, molybdenum, and nitrogen, providing superior resistance to corrosion and high mechanical strength.
7. AL6XN: High-performance austenitic stainless steel alloy that offers exceptional corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. It is specifically designed to withstand highly corrosive environments, including chloride-rich environments, acids, and seawater. AL6XN is known for its versatility, making it suitable for various applications in industries such as chemical processing, pulp and paper, oil and gas, and desalination.
8. Titanium: Lightweight metal known for its high strength, low density, and excellent corrosion resistance. Titanium is widely used in various industries due to its unique combination of properties.
9. Duplex 2205: Stainless steel alloy with a combination of austenitic and ferritic microstructures, known as a duplex structure. It offers excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Duplex 2205 is highly popular in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, marine, and pulp and paper.
10. 316L stainless steel: Commonly used and known for its corrosion resistance, high strength, and versatility. It is an austenitic stainless steel alloy with low carbon content, making it suitable for various applications where resistance to corrosive environments is essential. It is widely used in marine applications, chemical processing, dairy, and pharmaceuticals.
10. 304L stainless steel: Commonly used and known for its corrosion resistance, versatility, and ease of fabrication. It is an austenitic stainless steel alloy with low carbon content, which enhances its weldability and reduces the risk of sensitization to intergranular corrosion. In comparison to 316L SS, 304L SS has no molybdenum content and it’s less resistant to chloride-induce corrosion. It is suitable for general-purpose uses that don’t require the enhanced corrosion resistance of 316L SS.
12. Carbon steel: Lowest cost steel that primarily consists of iron and carbon, with other elements present in smaller amounts. It is one of the most commonly used materials in the manufacturing and construction industries due to its affordability, strength, and versatility.
Higher-cost alloys are often produced in smaller volumes, which can significantly affect availability and pricing for small orders. Fabrication complexity and welding requirements can also influence overall cost.
Comments Off on Industrial Heating Equipment Warranties: What You Need to Know
When evaluating thermal fluid heating equipment, warranty coverage is often one of the first things buyers ask about. A warranty can provide peace of mind, but it’s important to understand that it’s only one part of the overall value equation.
Industrial heaters are long-term investments. If your facility has ever experienced downtime due to heater failure or unexpected repairs, you know that the real cost isn’t just the equipment—it’s lost productivity, delayed processes, and unplanned maintenance. That’s why understanding how warranties relate to equipment design, component quality, and lifespan is critical when selecting an industrial heating manufacturer.
Why Warranties Matter, or Don’t
A warranty helps protect against defects and early failures, and it shows that a manufacturer stands behind their product. However, warranty length alone doesn’t necessarily reflect how long a heater will perform reliably in real-world conditions.
When reviewing industrial heating equipment warranties, it’s important to look beyond the headline number and ask:
What components are covered?
How long is the coverage?
Are replacement parts, labor, or both included?
How does the warranty compare to the expected lifespan of the equipment?
A longer warranty doesn’t automatically mean a longer-lasting heater. In many cases, well-engineered systems with high-quality components continue operating efficiently long after the warranty period ends.
Thermal Fluid Heater Warranty
Enerquip thermal fluid heating equipment comes with a standard one-year warranty. This warranty aligns with the coverage provided by the component manufacturers used within Enerquip systems.
Rather than extending warranty periods for marketing purposes, Enerquip focuses on designing and manufacturing equipment that delivers decades of reliable service. The philosophy is simple: the true measure of value is how long the heater performs safely and efficiently—not how long it’s covered on paper.
The True Indicator of Heater Longevity
When it comes to thermal fluid heaters, the most important component to evaluate isn’t the warranty, it’s the radiant heating coil.
Enerquip heating coils are designed to last approximately 30 years under proper operating conditions. This long service life reflects careful engineering, material selection, and manufacturing practices that prioritize durability and thermal efficiency.
For buyers comparing thermal fluid heating equipment, coil lifespan is often a far more meaningful metric than warranty length. A heater that operates reliably for decades delivers significantly lower total cost of ownership than one that requires frequent repairs or early replacement, regardless of warranty terms.
Looking Beyond Warranty
When selecting a thermal fluid heater or hot oil system, it’s important to evaluate the full picture:
Engineering and design quality
Expected lifespan of critical components
Manufacturer experience and support
Proven performance in similar applications
Warranties play a role, but they should be considered alongside these factors, not in isolation.
Heating Equipment You Can Trust
At Enerquip, we’ve earned a reputation for manufacturing long-lasting thermal fluid heating systems used across a wide range of industries and applications. Our focus has always been on robust design, durable components, and reliable performance—not just meeting minimum warranty expectations.
We work closely with our customers to recommend or design thermal fluid heating solutions that meet operational needs today while supporting long-term reliability.
If you have questions about industrial heating equipment warranties, thermal fluid heaters, or selecting the right system for your facility, we invite you to contact us today.
Comments Off on Benefits of Buying American-Made Thermal Process Equipment
When sourcing thermal process equipment, plant managers and engineers in the United States often evaluate suppliers from around the world. While international manufacturers offer many capable solutions, there are practical advantages to choosing American-made thermal process equipment for U.S.-based facilities.
From shorter lead times to easier service access, domestically manufactured thermal process equipment can offer meaningful benefits across many industries.
5 Practical Advantages of Buying Thermal Process Equipment Made in the USA
1. Faster Delivery and Reduced Downtime
One of the primary advantages of American-made thermal process equipment is faster delivery times. Domestic manufacturing reduces shipping distances and can help minimize delays associated with international logistics.
For facilities replacing critical equipment or responding to unplanned shutdowns, faster delivery can mean:
Less production downtime
Quicker system restarts
Reduced operational and revenue losses
When timing is critical, U.S.-manufactured thermal process equipment helps keep operations moving.
2. Accessible, Knowledgeable Customer Support
Choosing a U.S.-based manufacturer often provides direct access to responsive, knowledgeable customer support. Clear communication, shared time zones, and familiarity with U.S. operating environments can make troubleshooting faster and more efficient.
At Enerquip, customers work directly with experienced thermal process experts who understand real-world plant challenges. When needed, on-site support is also available to evaluate equipment performance and recommend practical solutions.
3. Lower Total Cost of Ownership
While initial pricing is only one factor, total cost of ownership plays a major role in long-term value. American-made thermal process equipment can help reduce overall costs by:
Eliminating international freight, tariffs, and import fees
Minimizing downtime caused by extended lead times
Improving access to replacement parts and technical service
For U.S.-based operations, domestic equipment often provides better long-term cost efficiency.
4. Alignment With U.S. Safety, Quality, and Manufacturing Standards
Thermal process equipment manufactured in the United States must meet U.S. safety, quality, and labor standards. This alignment can help simplify documentation, inspections, and compliance—especially for regulated industries or projects with specific certification requirements.
For many facilities, working with a U.S.-based manufacturer provides added confidence that equipment is built to meet applicable standards and expectations.
5. Strengthening Domestic Supply Chains and Service Infrastructure
For some organizations, buying domestically is also a way to strengthen local supply chains and support long-term service responsiveness. When equipment is manufactured closer to where it will be installed and maintained, coordination and support can often be more efficient over the life of the system.
This approach can be particularly valuable for facilities that prioritize ongoing technical support, system upgrades, and future expansion.
Why Choose Enerquip?
Enerquip Thermal Solutions has decades of experience designing and manufacturing American-made thermal process equipment, including thermal fluid systems and heat exchangers for demanding applications. Our equipment is built for durability, efficiency, and long-term reliability—supported by responsive customer service and deep technical expertise.
If you’re looking for a trusted U.S. partner, Enerquip is ready to help. Contact us today.
Comments Off on Key Benefits of Low NOx Thermal Fluid Heaters
When evaluating a thermal fluid (hot oil) heating system, the term low NOx heater often comes up early in the decision-making process. In some regions, emissions regulations make low NOx technology mandatory. In others, it’s a proactive choice driven by long-term operational, environmental, and business goals.
While low NOx heaters are commonly discussed in terms of emissions reduction, their value extends well beyond compliance. When properly designed, they deliver meaningful benefits for environmental performance, plant reliability, maintenance efficiency, and overall operational resilience.
This article explores what low NOx heaters are, how they work, and why they make sense from the perspectives of environmental leadership, plant management, and maintenance teams.
What is a Low NOx Heater?
NOx (nitrogen oxides) are gases formed during high-temperature combustion. Industrial heating systems, including thermal fluid heaters, generate NOx when fuel is burned at elevated flame temperatures.
One of the most concerning components of NOx emissions is nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), which is associated with respiratory health risks and environmental damage. To limit these impacts, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state regulatory agencies set limits on allowable NOx emissions.
A low NOx heater is engineered to minimize NOx formation by controlling combustion temperature and improving heat transfer.
How Do Low NOx Heaters Reduce Emissions?
Low NOx heaters use combustion strategies that limit peak flame temperatures, where NOx formation is most likely to occur. One common approach is flue gas recirculation (FGR).
With FGR, a portion of exhaust gas is reintroduced into the combustion process. This lowers oxygen concentration and flame temperature, significantly reducing NOx formation. Designs that incorporate large-surface-area recirculation ducts allow exhaust gases to shed heat efficiently, further supporting low-emission performance.
For even greater emissions control, ultra-low NOx mesh head burners can achieve emissions levels below 9 ppm, offering an alternative or complement to flue gas recirculation depending on system requirements.
Benefits of Low NOx Heaters
1. Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Risk Reduction
For environmental and sustainability leaders, the most obvious benefit of a low NOx heater is emissions control.
Low NOx systems help facilities:
Meet or exceed EPA and state emissions limits
Reduce contributions to smog, acid rain, and ground-level ozone
Support corporate sustainability and ESG initiatives
Minimize the risk of violations, fines, and enforcement actions
Just as importantly, investing in low NOx technology helps future-proof equipment as emissions regulations continue to tighten. Facilities that plan ahead are less likely to face costly retrofits or forced equipment replacements later.
2. Increased Uptime and Operational Reliability
From a plant manager’s perspective, emissions performance matters—but uptime matters more.
Well-designed low NOx heaters often deliver:
Stable, clean combustion
Even heating and reduced risk of hot spots
Lower thermal stress on coils and burners
These factors contribute directly to more predictable production schedules.
3. Reduced Maintenance and Longer Equipment Life
Maintenance teams are often cautious about low NOx systems due to perceived complexity. However, in practice, thoughtful low NOx designs can reduce maintenance demands over the life of the heater.
Key maintenance-related advantages include:
Cleaner combustion with less soot and fouling
Lower peak temperatures that extend burner and coil life
Reduced thermal cycling stress on components
Improved access and service intervals on modern designs
Over time, this results in fewer emergency repairs, longer intervals between planned maintenance, and lower cost of ownership.
4. Higher Efficiency and Predictable Energy Performance
Enerquip’s low NOx thermal fluid heaters incorporate a serpentine radiant coil, which offer more uniform heat distribution.
The benefits include:
Improved thermal efficiency (often 10–15% higher) with the addition of a built-in economizer
Lower fuel consumption per unit of heat delivered
More consistent performance across operating loads
For plant managers and finance teams, this translates to predictable energy usage, improved budgeting accuracy, and reduced exposure to fuel cost volatility.
5. Improved Safety for Employees and Operations
Low NOx heaters contribute to safety in two important ways:
Environmental and health safety: Reduced NOx emissions improve air quality in and around the facility, lowering potential respiratory risks for employees and surrounding communities.
Operational safety: Stable combustion and lower flame temperatures reduce the likelihood of flame instability, misfires, and unsafe conditions during startups and shutdowns.
Safety improvements that come from better combustion control benefit everyone—from operators on the floor to leadership responsible for risk management.
A Smart Long-Term Investment
Low NOx thermal fluid heaters are no longer just a regulatory checkbox. When properly engineered, they support:
Environmental compliance and sustainability goals
Reliable, continuous plant operation
Reduced maintenance burden
Predictable energy performance
Safer working conditions
By addressing the priorities of environmental leaders, plant managers, and maintenance teams simultaneously, low NOx heaters offer long-term value that extends far beyond emissions reduction.
If you’re evaluating thermal fluid heating options or need guidance on low NOx solutions for your application, consulting with experienced industrial heater manufacturers can help ensure you choose the right system for your facility’s needs. Contact us today.
Comments Off on What Is Thermal Shock vs. Thermal Fatigue (and How to Prevent Both)?
Thermal shock and thermal fatigue are two common, but different ways temperature changes can damage heat exchangers and other thermal process equipment. One happens fast and is often obvious – the other builds quietly over time.
Understanding the difference matters. It affects how equipment is designed, how it’s operated, and how failures show up in the real world.
This guide breaks down what thermal shock and thermal fatigue are, how they affect heat exchangers, and what you can do to reduce the risk of both.
What Is Thermal Shock?
Thermal shock is a design issue, not just an operating issue. It occurs when equipment experiences a sudden temperature change it wasn’t designed for. For example, rapidly switching from heating to cooling.
Metals expand when heated and contract when cooled. When that temperature change happens too quickly, different parts of the equipment heat up or cool down at different rates. The result is rapid development of thermal stress inside the metal.
If that stress is high enough, it can cause immediate physical distortion or damage.
What Thermal Shock Looks Like in Practice
A channel plate distorts during rapid heat-up
Distortion reduces gasket compression, causing a leak
Components move, creak, or “pop” as the metal shifts
These changes happen quickly—and operators can often see, hear, or feel them as they occur.
Thermal shock is tied closely to startup, shutdown, and process upsets, which is why ramp rates and operating procedures matter so much.
What Is Thermal Fatigue?
Thermal fatigue is different. It happens when equipment is exposed to repeated heating and cooling cycles over time.
Each cycle puts the metal into tension and compression. One cycle usually isn’t a problem. Hundreds or thousands of cycles are.
Eventually, those repeated stresses add up and cause fatigue cracking, even if each individual temperature change was within design limits.
What Thermal Fatigue Looks Like in Practice
A crack slowly develops in the tube-to-tube sheet weld
The crack grows with each heat cycle
One day, a tube separates and starts leaking
Unlike thermal shock, thermal fatigue usually doesn’t announce itself. Operators rarely see it coming until a leak appears or a test fails.
How Thermal Shock and Thermal Fatigue Affect Heat Exchangers
Heat exchangers are designed to handle temperature differences, but those same conditions must be properly accounted for to manage thermal shock and thermal fatigue.
Distortion and Immediate Leaks (Thermal Shock)
Rapid heating or cooling can cause uneven expansion between:
Tubes and shell
Channel covers and tube sheets
Gaskets and sealing surfaces
That mismatch can distort components and lead to leaks during startup or process changes.
Fatigue Cracking at Welds and Joints (Thermal Fatigue)
Welded joints, especially tube-to-tube sheet connections, see repeated stress as equipment heats and cools. Over time, this cycling can initiate cracks that grow until failure occurs.
Gasket and Seal Degradation
Sealing materials are especially sensitive to rapid temperature swings and repeated cycling. Thermal shock can cause immediate leakage, while thermal fatigue can shorten gasket life through gradual loss of resilience.
How Design Plays a Role in Preventing Thermal Shock and Fatigue
Both thermal shock and thermal fatigue are influenced heavily by design decisions made early. When real operating conditions are known—startup ramp rates, temperature swings, flow changes, and seasonal variations—designers can account for them by selecting:
Appropriate materials
Wall thicknesses
Tube layouts
Expansion allowances
Designing for actual conditions reduces stress concentrations and helps equipment handle both sudden temperature changes and long-term cycling.
How to Reduce the Risk of Thermal Shock and Fatigue
Operators and engineers can take practical steps to limit damage:
Ensure appropriate design spec from the start
Warm up and cool down equipment gradually
Avoid sudden slugs of hot or cold fluid
Use control valves or automation to manage ramp rates
Follow startup and shutdown procedures closely
Confirm cycling frequency and temperature ranges during design
Choose materials suited for thermal cycling
Thermal shock and thermal fatigue don’t fail equipment in the same way, and treating them as the same problem can lead to missed risks. When you understand what fails fast versus what fails quietly, you can:
Improve startup reliability
Reduce unplanned maintenance
Extend equipment life
Avoid surprises during operation or testing
Want help reviewing your operating conditions or making sure your next design accounts for both thermal shock and thermal fatigue?Start the conversation today.
Comments Off on Enerquip Promotes Devilbiss to Technical Sales
Enerquip is strengthening its customer-focused sales team with the promotion of Kenny Devilbiss from Quality Control Manager to Technical Solutions & Service Engineer.
Devilbiss brings more than a decade of hands-on technical and service experience to customers. He began his career with American Heating Company in 2013 as a welder and moved into quality control in 2018. When Enerquip acquired American Heating Company in 2021, Devilbiss continued to play a key role in maintaining quality standards while supporting customers across multiple industries.
In his new role, Devilbiss works directly with customers from the design phase through installation and startup. “I enjoy the hands-on nature of the work, the problem-solving, and seeing real results,” said Devilbiss. “Being able to combine technical knowledge with strong working relationships is what makes this role so rewarding.”
As a Technical Solutions & Service Engineer, Devilbiss supports the design and application of thermal fluid heaters, economizers, heat exchangers, and other thermal process equipment. His background spans welding, inspection, quality, technical design, and field operations, allowing him to anticipate challenges, improve system performance, and help customers make informed decisions throughout a project’s lifecycle.
“Kenny understands thermal process equipment from the inside out,” said Troy Weik, Sales & Channel Manager. “He has welded it, inspected it, and supported it in the field. That level of experience brings real value to our customers and makes him a strong technical partner throughout the sales, design, and installation process.”
Devilbiss earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology and completed two years of coursework toward a Bachelor of Science at Oklahoma University. He holds a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification, an API 510 certification, and has completed classroom hours toward NDT Level II in Ultrasonic Testing (Thickness and Shearwave), Penetrant Testing (PT), and Magnetic Particle Testing (MT).
Outside of work, Devilbiss enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and staying active in his community. He resides in Beggs, Oklahoma, where his family enjoys youth sports, travel, and involvement in their local church.
Comments Off on Industrial Heat Exchangers: Types, Applications, and How to Choose the Right One
Industrial heat exchangers play a critical role in many industries, from manufacturing and chemical processing to asphalt, food, and energy production. Most commonly, they are used to heat viscous fluids and materials and are often integrated into larger industrial heating systems.
If you’re evaluating your options for industrial heat exchangers—whether you’re replacing existing equipment or exploring a more efficient solution for your facility—it’s important to understand the different designs available and how each one functions.
Common Types of Industrial Heat Exchangers
Industrial heat exchangers are available in several configurations, each designed to meet specific operational needs. Below is an overview of three widely used heat exchanger types and their typical applications.
Suction Heaters
Suction heaters are industrial heat exchangers that consist of a tube bundle mounted inside a shell that is open on one end and closed on the other. They use hot oil, steam, or another thermal fluid as the heat transfer medium.
Installed directly inside a storage tank, suction heaters are designed to heat only the material being pumped through them—not the entire tank. They are commonly bolted to the manway flange and heat the product as it exits the tank.
Best suited for:
Efficiently heating material as it leaves a storage tank
Applications where heating the entire tank is unnecessary
Processes requiring reduced energy consumption and faster heat-up times
Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
Shell and tube heat exchangers are among the most versatile industrial heat exchangers available. They can be used to heat a wide range of materials, including asphalt, water-based liquids, and process fluids, using either steam or thermal oil.
While similar in design to suction heaters, shell and tube heat exchangers differ in placement. Instead of being installed inside a tank, they are positioned externally to heat or cool material as it flows through the exchanger.
Best suited for:
Facilities with limited tank space
Applications requiring external installation
Processes that need material heated in transit
Bayonet Immersion Heaters & Coolers
Bayonet immersion heaters and coolers are installed directly inside material storage tanks and consist of a tube bundle fully exposed to the surrounding fluid.
Unlike suction heaters and shell and tube heat exchangers, bayonet heaters are designed to heat or cool the entire contents of a tank rather than just the material flowing through them. This makes them ideal for maintaining consistent temperatures across large volumes of material.
Best suited for:
Heating, cooling, or maintaining temperature in large storage tanks
Applications requiring uniform heat distribution
Processes involving highly viscous materials
How to Choose the Right Industrial Heat Exchanger
Selecting the right industrial heat exchanger is an important investment decision. The ideal solution depends on several factors, including:
The type and viscosity of material being heated
Whether the entire tank or only flowing material needs to be heated
Available space and installation requirements
Energy efficiency goals
Long-term maintenance considerations
Carefully evaluating these factors helps ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and return on investment.
Ready to find the right industrial heat exchanger for your application?
Enerquip’s experienced engineers work directly with you to design heat exchanger solutions tailored to your process, materials, and performance requirements. Whether you need a standard unit or a fully custom system, we’re here to help you maximize efficiency and long-term reliability. Contact Enerquip today to discuss your application.
Comments Off on Why Your Hot Oil Heater is Burning Up Your Heating Fluid
You did everything right. You reviewed specifications, confirmed operating requirements, and chose a fluid rated for your application. Your thermal fluid heater was installed correctly, the system was commissioned properly, and day-to-day operation appears normal.
Yet despite all of this, your heat transfer fluid is degrading, or even burning up, inside the thermal fluid heater.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Premature heat transfer fluid breakdown is a common issue in industrial process heating systems, even those that appear to be operating exactly as designed.
The good news is that this problem usually has a clear, understandable cause—and once identified, it can be prevented.
The Overlooked Cause of Heat Transfer Fluid Degradation
In most cases, heat transfer fluid does not burn up because of improper installation, poor maintenance, or equipment failure. Instead, the root cause is often a misunderstanding of film temperature and how it differs from operating (bulk) temperature.
Film Temperature vs. Bulk Temperature
Heat transfer fluids are typically selected based on bulk temperature, which is the temperature of the fluid as it exits the heater during operation.
However, thermal fluid heaters are engineered around film temperature—the temperature of the thin layer of fluid in direct contact with the hottest internal surfaces of the heater coil. This is where thermal degradation begins.
How Heater Design Influences Film Temperature
Film temperature is affected by several variables, including:
Heater design and coil geometry
Heat flux
Flow rate
Operating temperature
System turndown and firing rates
Different heater designs manage these variables in different ways, which is why understanding the relationship between heater design and fluid selection is critical.
Why Heat Transfer Fluid “Burns Up” in Otherwise Functional Systems
In many cases, fluid degradation occurs because:
The heat transfer fluid was selected based on bulk temperature only
Actual film temperature exceeds the fluid’s maximum rating
Heater design and operating conditions were not evaluated together with fluid limits
When these factors are misaligned, even a well-designed and properly maintained system can experience fluid failure.
How to Prevent Heat Transfer Fluid Breakdown
Preventing fluid degradation requires a system-level approach. Two strategies are particularly effective.
1. Select Heat Transfer Fluid Based on Film Temperature
When choosing a heat transfer fluid, it’s essential to understand not only the system’s operating temperature but also the maximum film temperature the heater will generate.
Selecting fluid that can withstand peak film temperatures helps:
Reduce thermal cracking and oxidation
Minimize carbon and sludge formation
Extend fluid service life
Improve heater efficiency
Lower long-term maintenance and operating costs
While higher-temperature-rated fluids often have a higher upfront cost, they frequently reduce total cost of ownership over the life of the system.
2. Consider Heater Design Based on Application Requirements
Different applications benefit from different heater designs. Evaluating how heater geometry influences film temperature can help optimize fluid life and system performance.
For applications where minimizing film temperature is a priority, heater designs that provide greater spacing between coils—such as serpentine coil thermal fluid heaters—can reduce peak film temperatures under comparable operating conditions.
Helical coil heaters, when properly specified and paired with suitable heat transfer fluid, remain an effective and dependable choice for many industrial processes. The key is ensuring that heater design, operating conditions, and fluid selection are considered together rather than independently.
A System-Level Approach Delivers the Best Results
The most reliable thermal fluid systems are those where heater design, operating temperature, and heat transfer fluid selection are engineered as a unified system.
When these elements are aligned, facilities can achieve longer fluid life, improved efficiency, and more consistent process heating—regardless of heater style.
Stop Premature Heat Transfer Fluid Failure
If heat transfer fluid degradation is a recurring issue in your facility, it’s often a sign that film temperature and fluid limits are not properly matched—not that your equipment is failing.
With decades of experience designing and manufacturing industrial thermal fluid heaters, Enerquip works with plant and facility managers to:
Identify the true cause of fluid breakdown
Evaluate heater design and operating conditions
Select appropriate heat transfer fluids
Optimize long-term system performance
Don’t accept recurring fluid replacement or inefficient heating as unavoidable. With the right system design and engineering support, thermal fluid heaters can operate reliably and efficiently for years. Contact us or request a quote today.
Enerquip Thermal Solutions uses cookies to give you a more personalized experience on our website. If you continue to use our services, we assume that you accept such use. Learn more about cookies and how you can refuse them on our Privacy Policy page.
