Suction Heaters
Suction
heaters are designed to be bolted directly into a storage tank through a manway
or large flange. A tube bundle, with a partial shell, is inserted into the tank.
The heating medium (generally steam) is run through the tubes. The tank contents
are heated as they are pumped out of the tank. This heating reduces viscosity
and flow properties to reduce pump power.
The most common application is for oil tank heaters with all carbon steel materials
of construction, however they are available in the full range of materials of
construction and designs. Suction heaters are designed to Section VIII, Div
1, API specifications, and customer supplied specifications.