Temperature control and frost protection for IBC containers
Practical container heating for sensitive products
Sensitive chemicals and other substances are being used more and more frequently in industry; these are stored and transported in a wide variety of containers. Container heating is required to maintain these substances at a specific temperature, to influence their viscosity, to prevent crystallisation and flocculation, or to heat the substance to a specific temperature. For containers stored outdoors, protection against frost damage during the colder months is also particularly important.
Efficient container heating from eltherm
An IBC heater (also known as a container heater) is a straightforward and efficient solution for heating or keeping an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) and its contents warm on site.
The IBC heater for a plastic container, which uses a heating jacket, is fitted around the outside of the IBC tank like a jacket. It consists of a heating element, insulation, an outer jacket, a thermostat and a connection cable. This heating system warms the air trapped between the heating jacket and the container wall, which in turn heats the container wall.
Key facts
- Quick and easy installation
- straightforward and efficient
- low overall weight
- even heat distribution
- Suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres
- Customised containers available
- The container can also be transported with the heater fitted
There are essentially two types of IBC heating:
1. Heating using a heating sleeve, including an insulated lid, for standard plastic IBCs (1000 l) with a power output of 2 kW for maintaining temperatures up to 90 °C
Heating is provided by a silicone-coated resistance heating element, which is monitored by a capillary tube thermostat with a control accuracy of +/- 5K. The heating system is connected to the power supply via the thermostat, on which the desired setpoint temperature can be adjusted. The heating sleeve is suspended from the metal frame of the IBC container using mounting hooks and secured with nylon straps fitted with lockable quick-release fasteners.
2. Permanently installed heating systems for stainless steel IBCs from 500 l to 1500 l
Heating is provided by resistance heating cables, which are installed on the surface of the container using self-adhesive aluminium foil to ensure better heat distribution. Control is managed via a complete control unit with electronic thermostats, including a PT100 sensor, with a control accuracy of +/- 1K. Separate insulation is required at this point, which is usually achieved using perlite fill. To this end, a rigid outer casing is fitted and the space between the container wall (including the heating elements) and the outer casing is filled with the insulation material. The control unit is connected at the bottom of the container via a 230V CEE wall socket plug.
FAQ
The power requirement can be adjusted to any size between 250 and 1500 litres.
By using the Ex-Box/REG/LIM, we are able to install an Ex-compliant control system despite the limited space available beneath the IBC container.
No. Individual components such as the heating cable, accessories, fixing materials and the control unit can also be purchased separately as required.