Important Precautions to Reduce Electric Tank Immersion Heater Explosions

There have been a number of electric tank explosions in the last few years. Usually, these take place at oil and natural gas sites where these tanks are kept. It has been revealed through analysis that the reason for the explosions is the amount of liquid within the tanks and the immersion heater.

When a tank is half full or the liquid is at a low level, the immersion heaters are required to be switched off. When they are not switched off, the heater reacts with the gas vapors within the tank, creating a spark that leads to an explosion. Needless to say, this is an urgent matter that has to be resolved. There are certain precautions that can be taken to ensure that the chances of explosions is reduced or even eliminated.

Precautions for Reducing Electric Tank Explosions

Keep the Immersion Heater Submerged: Immersion heaters comprise coils or wires that produce heat via an electric current. The heater has to be submerged in order for it to work effectively. If they are not completely submerged, and if the density of watts of the coils is high enough, then it can cause a spark. Hence, engineers need to check the liquid level within the tank regularly and ensure that the heater is always submerged.

Watt Density and Size of Heater: Watt density is the amount of heat per square inch of the heating element. Every immersion heater manufacturer provides recommended heat levels that the immersion heater produces. Many times, oil and gas companies use smaller heaters beyond their recommended levels, which produce extremely high amounts of heat within the tank. The high heat level can help to create an explosion. It is always recommended that the size of the heater and its heating capabilities be in line with the size of the tank.

Replacement of Immersion Heater: Immersion heaters are also designed to ensure that the oil mixture does not freeze in cold temperatures. Due to the fact that the oil is always kept in liquid form, there is a tendency for liquid waste to leak from the electric tank pipeline. When this starts occurring on a regular basis, it means that these heater is not able to heat the oil to the required temperatures, and needs to be replaced.

Using Temperature Controllers: To ensure that the above mentioned occurrences do not take place, many manufacturers offer temperature limit controllers. These are installed outside the electric tank and are used to keep a tab on the temperature within the tank. The engineer has to regularly check the temperature and shut off the tank once it has exceeded the required temperature limits.

Regular Checks of Heating Elements: This is an extremely important point that has to be carried on a regular basis.

Use a multi-meter that can check electrical resistance (OHM).

Check the breaker box for any tripped breakers.

Ensure that the wires for the water heater are producing the appropriate amount of volts.

Make sure the thermostat is not tripped.
Electric tank This Website immersion heaters can create disastrous consequences if not utilized properly. With regular checks and the use of external maintenance devices, the number of explosions in oil and gas sites can be reduced.