- Drum/Pail Heaters & Insulators
- Wraparound Tote Tank/IBC Heaters & Insulators
- Silicone Rubber Tote Tank/IBC Heater & Control
- Hazardous-Area Rated Silicone Rubber Drum Heater
- XtremeFLEX® Silicone Rubber Heating Tapes
- RKP XtremeFLEX® Silicone Rubber Heating Tapes
- XtremeFLEX® Silicone Rubber Heating Tapes
- Digital Temperature Controllers
- Outdoor Digital Controllers
- Ambient Sensing Capillary Temperature Controllers
- On/Off Thermostats
- Bulb & Capillary Temperature Controllers
- Hazardous-Area Equipment Bulb & Capillary Controllers
- Hazardous-Area Silicone Rubber Heating Blankets
- Heavy-Duty Silicone Rubber Heating Blankets
- Standard-Duty Silicone Rubber Heating Blankets
- Enclosure Heaters
- Crankcase Heaters for HVAC/R Compressors
- Mica Band & Nozzle Heaters
- Screw Plug Immersion Heaters
- Immersion Cartridge Heaters
An informative and educational resource specializing in process control instrumentation, analytical instruments, and related industrial equipment. Content includes technology basics, how-to's, new product developments, and application notes. Blog is courtesy of Alliance Technical Sales, a leading Manufacturers' Rep headquartered in Clarendon Hills, IL and serving customers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin.
The Crucial Need for Timely Freeze Protection in Modern Commercial and Industrial Facilities
From Safety to Efficiency: Why Industrial Electric Tote Heaters are Key in Process Plants
- Process Optimization: Many industrial processes require specific temperature maintenance for optimal efficiency. If the temperature is too low or too high, the process might not work as effectively or be damaged. IBC tote heaters ensure that the materials remain at the optimal temperature throughout the process.
- Preventing Material Solidification: Certain materials, such as certain oils, chemicals, or foodstuffs, can solidify or thicken at low temperatures, making them difficult to work with or damaging equipment. Tote heaters can prevent this from happening by maintaining a stable temperature.
- Improving Material Flow: By maintaining or increasing the temperature of the materials, tote heaters can improve the flow of viscous materials, making processes more efficient and preventing blockages in machinery.
- Safety: In some cases, materials might need to be kept at a specific temperature to prevent them from becoming hazardous. For example, certain chemicals might become volatile or corrosive if they get too cold or too hot. Tote heaters can help maintain a safe temperature.
- Product Quality: Maintaining the correct temperature can also be necessary to ensure the final product's quality. For example, a food product at the wrong temperature could spoil or develop off-flavors.
- Cost-Efficiency: Electric tote heaters are often more energy-efficient than other heating methods, which can save money in the long term. They also provide uniform heat distribution, which is more efficient and prevents hotspots.
- Flexibility: Many electric tote heaters are adjustable and portable, quickly moved between different totes or adjusted to accommodate other materials or process requirements.
Smart Planning: Tackle Your Freeze Protection Winterization in the Warm Season
Piping systems, valves, tanks, vessels and gutters require freeze protection in cold weather. The term winterization refers to safeguarding these components against freezing temperatures. The winter season presents numerous challenges for property and business owners, particularly in protecting their structures from freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. Frozen pipes, gutters, and roofs during winter can damage property. Utilizing freeze protection products like heat trace systems, roof, gutter kits, and insulation can effectively safeguard you and your property from harsh weather conditions in various ways.
But when should your freeze protection preventive maintenance effort begin?
Let's discuss undertaking winterization during the non-winter months, a prudent strategy for several reasons:
- Mild weather conditions provide better access to areas requiring winterization, ensuring a thorough and efficient process.
- Performing winterization in advance allows for careful planning and assessment of the facility's needs, minimizing the chances of overlooking vulnerabilities.
- It enables businesses to schedule professional services during periods of lower demand, which can lead to cost savings and better availability of resources.
Ultimately, by proactively winterizing facilities during non-winter months, companies can reduce downtime and costly repairs caused by freezing temperatures and other winter-related issues, ensuring the smooth operation of their industrial plants and factories throughout the colder months.
Easy Access
Setting up freeze protection solutions in mild weather conditions enables effortless access to the installation locations. In comparison, winter months may cause these areas to be obstructed by snow or ice, making access challenging or hazardous. Taking a proactive approach ensures you protect property without jeopardizing your safety or that of others.
Strategic Planning and Readiness
Implementing freeze protection solutions during warmer periods allows you to strategize and prepare for the upcoming winter, minimizing potential stress and eliminating the need for rushed decisions. You can evaluate your property's requirements and choose the most suitable solutions. Additionally, you can engage a professional to guarantee proper and efficient installation.
Financial Benefits
Opting for freeze protection solutions in warmer months may save long-term costs. You can avert emergency repair expenses that tend to be considerably higher during winter when the demand for such services and products peaks.
Damage Prevention
Setting up freeze protection solutions before winter arrives helps avert property damage caused by freezing temperatures. It spares you the inconvenience and costs of adequately preparing for unfavorable issues.
In summary, opting for freeze protection solutions during warmer months is a forward-thinking strategy for safeguarding your property against the detrimental impacts of freezing temperatures. By planning proactively and taking early action, you can ultimately save time and money and reduce stress in the long term.
Winterization Tips for Your Building, Facility, or Industrial Plant
- Roof and Gutter: Inspect, remove debris, and patch/repair (if needed): roof drains, scuppers, canals, gutters, down spouts before first frost. Inspect and functionally test installed roof and gutter heat trace system. Apply heat in susceptible areas.
- Identify and test main water supply cutoffs for each facility. Ensure these areas are readily available to emergency personnel responding to a freeze/thaw incident. Apply heat in susceptible areas.
- Inspect wet‐pipe sprinkler systems for areas prone to freezing. Apply heat in susceptible areas.
- Identify materials that are subject to freeze damage in outside storage pads and unheated storage areas. Develop plan to ensure these materials can be easily heated and thawed to maintain production.
- Check and place antifreeze used in cooling systems as necessary.
- Protect heating system power and temperature controls against inadvertent deactivation.
- Inspect insulation on piping and vessels. Look for damage and vulnerable areas that might be exposed to freezing conditions. Add or replace insulation as needed.
- Drain and remove water from all seasonal cooling systems (unless protected by heating tapes or antifreeze).
- Inspect, test, and stage portable auxiliary heaters.
- Inspect conditions of all surface heaters such as heating tapes, heating cable, drum heaters, IBC heaters, tank heaters, and pipe heaters. Verify operation and temperature settings and test ground‐fault equipment protection. Replace as needed.
- Inspect, test, and repair heat trace heating cable located on cooling tower supply and return lines. Apply heat in susceptible areas.
- Inspect and identify remaining water and air lines subject to freezing. Install appropriate heat and insulation. Apply heat in susceptible areas.
- For steam systems: Blow down drip legs, clean strainers, test temperature sensing devices for actuation of control valves and dampers, check steam traps, control actuators/valves, face and bypass dampers, linkages, and temperature controllers. Ensure that a vacuum breaker is installed and in working order on all preheat and heating coils which may be exposed to freezing conditions.
- For ventilation systems: Test and calibrate all temperature sensing devices, and check operation of valves, dampers, linkages, control actuators, and temperature controllers.
- Identify areas where personal safety is at risk due to icy conditions. Develop a slip prevention maintenance plan. Apply heat in susceptible areas.
- Identify control panels and electronic devices susceptible to condensation. Install enclosure heaters to prevent short outs and corrosion.
- Institute a facility wide awareness plan to identify and report any suspected problems with heating or other cold weather protection equipment during the cold season.
- Special Consideration: Hazardous Materials
- Ensure that all containers used for hazardous or toxic materials are properly stored, and inspect them for deterioration prior to handling. If containers become brittle (due to the combination of chemical attack, freezing temperatures, and ultraviolet light) they may break when moved.
- Liquids should not be permitted to remain in unheated process lines during periods when production has been stopped. All lines should be drained and purged to prevent future line breakage due to freezing temperatures.
- Ensure that piping, tanks, and valves in systems that carry hazardous or toxic substances are properly insulated and/or heated. Install heaters such as heating blankets, insulators, heating tapes, heating jackets, and heating cable as appropriate.
The BriskHeat 15th Edition Full Electric Heating, Control and Insulating Product Catalog
For more information, contact Alliance Technical Sales.
Alliance Technical Sales
630-321-9646
https://alliancets.com
BriskHeat Industrial Heating Products from Alliance Technical Sales
- Removable insulators and heating cable installed at compressor station
- Hazardous-area rated gas cylinder warmer
- Monitor light, heat trace, and removable insulators on pipe system
- Cloth heating jacket installed on valve for freeze protection
- Silicone rubber heating blankets installed on a vessel
- Heating mantle and flexible heating tape installed in a laboratory
- Immersion heater installed on IBC/Tote Tank
- Hazardous-area rated heaters providing heat to a 55-gallon (208 litre) barrel and IBC/Tote Tank
- Self-regulating heating cable and connection kits suitable for up to Class I, Division 1 environments
For more information, contact Alliance Technical Sales.
Alliance Technical Sales
630-321-9646
https://alliancets.com
Winter is Hard On Process Piping, Tanks, and Valves. Protect Them with BriskHeat.
We don't want to say we told you so, but .... we told you so. Winter weather is here, and the need to freeze protect vital process control equipment is evident. Frozen pipes, valves, and vessels caused by sub-zero temperatures and harsh winds cause spills, downtime, and unexpected costs. Additionally, frozen equipment presents the danger of shutting down factory production. It's not too late. You still have time to heat trace and freeze protect your critical equipment for the rest of this winter season.
Traditional heat tracing design schemes combine with innovative products, installation, control, and monitoring technologies in BriskHeat industrial heating products. BriskHeat industrial heating products are ideal for maintaining the proper temperature of valves, pumps, joints, crosses, elbows, flanges, pipes, and tees. Heat tracing cable (constant wattage and self-regulating), tote heaters, insulated heating blankets, immersion heaters, and thermostats are all available from BriskHeat. BriskHeat industrial heating products are long-lasting, reliable, and effective.
With unpredictable weather conditions ahead, you must protect your piping, tanks, and valves. BriskHeat has a solution for every situation. To learn more, contact Alliance Technical Sales at 630-321-9646 or visit the Alliance website at https://alliancets.com.
Freeze Protection Season is Around the Corner. Get Ready Now.
Winter is quickly approaching. It's time to assess your plant's heat tracing system and ensure it's working correctly. Alliance Technical Sales can assist you with heat tracing, control, and monitoring equipment. Along with industrial pipe heat tracing, Alliance can help you with commercial pipe tracing and surface snow melting.
Anticipating freezing temperatures and protecting buildings, equipment, and grounds from freeze damage are critical components of a Facility Maintenance Program. Pipe tracing, drum heating, roof and gutter de-icing, IBC heating, valve de-icing, vessel heating, and enclosure heating are just a few of the freeze protection applications to consider.
Most common objects to consider for seasonal freeze protection:
- Pipe heat tracing
- Drum heaters
- Tote heaters
- Gas cylinder heaters
- External tank heaters
- Roof & gutter de-icing
- Snow melting mats
Plant operators and maintenance personnel must be vigilant to keep their equipment from freezing. Cold temperatures frequently cause objects and their contents to be damaged or destroyed. Pipes, valves, tanks, vessels, conveyors, and housings are just a few examples of everyday things that can be damaged by cold temperatures, resulting in disastrous consequences, costly downtime, and unplanned outages.
BriskHeat provides an excellent Freeze Protection Planning Guide and Checklist. Download it here.
Make sure that any freeze protection requirements you have are ready. Failure to ensure adequate protection in these systems against freezing can have disastrous consequences. Act now to stay ahead of your freeze protection requirements before it's too late.
Alliance Technical Sales
https://alliancets.com
630-321-9646
Prevent Cold Weather from Affecting Your Outdoor Process Instrumentation
Ambient temperature will affect the measurement accuracy of process instruments. Additionally, when ambient temperatures are too low, fluids in the lines can freeze or thicken – resulting in physical damage. Instrumentation, manifold valves, actuators, and positioners exposed to adverse conditions need protection to avoid weather-related damage such as freezing.
WinterShield™ Freeze Protection Heated Pockets (WSP Series) provide a "pocket" where the ambient air temperature within is maintained via a pre-set thermostat, thereby keeping your instrumentation well within typical operating specifications.
The WinterShield™ system provides a convenient, portable way to warm process equipment and keep it within proper operating temperatures. The design is indeed "plug and play" as they are entirely self-contained, include a power cord, thermostat, lacing, and insulation.
For more information, contact Alliance Technical Sales.
Alliance Technical Sales
630-321-9646
https://alliancets.com
Wintershield™ Freeze Protection Heated Pockets by BriskHeat
WinterShield™ Freeze Protection Heated Pockets (WSP Series) creates a pocket of warmth to protect pressure transmitters, pumps, gauges, and manifolds against extreme cold.
The WinterShield™ is designed for plug and play and use in all weather. Perfect for sub-freezing environments, the lightweight portable and reusable one-piece rugged design comes in universal sizes for a wide range of objects, plus an extra-long 16 ft (5 m) power cord Lace-up openings on two-sides for easier installations.
For more information about the Wintershield™ contact Alliance Technical Sales. Call them at 630-321-9646 or visit this web page for more information.
Freeze Protect Your Pipelines, Valves, Vessels and Pumps Now!
It's that time of year again. Winter weather is coming. The need to protect vital factory equipment. A frozen pipe, valve, or vessel caused by lower temperatures and brutal winds will cause expensive, unplanned outages. Your exterior equipment is in danger of freezing and shutting down production. Right now is the time to fully assess your heat trace and freeze protection requirements.
BriskHeat industrial heating products incorporate traditional heat tracing design schemes with innovative products, installation, control, and monitoring technologies. BriskHeat industrial heating products are perfect for keeping valves, pumps, joints, crosses, elbows, flanges, pipes and tees working at the right temperature. BriskHeat products include heat tracing cable (constant wattage and self-regulating), tote heaters, insulated heating blankets, immersion heaters, and thermostats. All are designed for long life and are proven reliable and effective.
With unpredictable weather conditions ahead, you need to have your piping, tanks, and valves protected. BriskHeat has a solution for any application. To learn more, contact Alliance Technical Sales at 630-321-9646 or visit the Alliance website at https://alliancets.com.
Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) Heaters
Intermediate bulk containers (also known as IBC tote, IBC tank, IBC, or pallet tank) are stackable, reusable, flexible containers with an integrated pallet base. These multi-use industrial-grade containers are designed to handle, transport, and store liquids, semi-solids, pastes, or solids. They are normally available in 250, 275, 330, 350, 450 and 550 gallon sizes. IBC totes are commonly used in food and beverage production, labs, cosmetics manufacturing, petrochemical/chemical production, oil & gas production, and in many areas of general manufacturing.
Often, the contents of IBC totes need to be heated to prevent freezing or optimize viscosity for pumping or pouring. IBC tote heaters (or just tote heaters) refer to a certain style of flexible and immersion heaters used to heat the contents of intermediate bulk containers. Most applications fall in to these areas: viscosity control, freeze protection, thermal mixing, temperature maintenance, and biofuel / biodiesel heating. Failure in keeping the products inside the IBC could result in the contents being ruined, production delays, or inability to dispense at all, which in turn increases production costs or causes damage. Damaged equipment, replacing ruined materials, or waiting for usable product are expensive prices to pay for improper heating.
Flexible IBC Tote Heaters
This category refers to flexible rubber blanket heaters that sit under, or is fitted around, the IBC tote. These heaters are designed with power densities (watt densities) that will not harm the tote itself, or the material it contains. Flexible tote heaters usually include backside insulation for better thermal and energy efficiency. Other design criteria include thermostats, water resistance for indoor/outdoor use or wash-down environments; 360° grounded heating element for safety; UL certification; 120 or 240 volt plug set.
Immersion IBC Tote Heaters
Immersion heaters are submersible heaters that use direct heat transfer to allow liquid mediums to quickly reach desired temperatures. They are commonly used with all types of tanks and processing equipment and are a cost effective, rapid heating method in almost any industrial or manufacturing environment. Immersion tote heaters design criteria include 120 or 240 VAC operation; a wide variety of flange/screw connection sizes; temperature indicators/displays; temperature controllers/thermostats; hi/low alarms; and power cords /connections types.
For more information about about IBC tote heaters, contact Alliance Technical Sales. Call them at 630-321-9646 or visit their website at https://alliancets.com.
Heat Tracing Cable for Maintaining Critical Petrochemical Viscosity
Emergency De-Icing and Thawing for Industrial Pipes, Valves and Tanks
Download the PDF version of this application note here.
The cold weather can wreak havoc on exposed valves, pumps, pipes, bearings, filter housing, and other industrial objects. When these parts freeze, they typically become unusable, and in extreme conditions damaged. The freezing and damage causes extended and unwanted downtown and in some cases, costly repairs. Production teams cannot afford to allow the weather to restrict their productivity, and need a solution to remedy these problems quickly and safely.
De-Icing and Thawing Solution
BriskHeat’s HSTAT silicone rubber heating tape is the perfect tool for providing temporary heat to quickly get frozen systems back up and running and reduce downtime. When confronted with a stuck or frozen system, wrap the HSTAT heating tape around the frozen part, set the temperature, and allow the heat to quickly thaw/unfreeze the part. The easy-to-use portable heat tape provides instant localized heat to quickly de-ice parts efficiently and safely. When finished, the HSTAT heating tape is easily rolled up and kept in a toolbox or cabinet, ready for use again when needed.

HSTAT heating tapes are available in a variety of lengths and have a thin design for maximum
versatility, and extreme flexibility. They can be fit around nearly any shape or size component. A built-in adjustable controller regulates the temperature which can provide intense heat of up to 450°F (232°C). HSTAT heating tapes offer true performance and reliability in even the coldest conditions down to -60°F (-51°C). The easy to use plug-and-play design requires no need for special wiring. They feature BriskHeat’s patented, multi-stranded heating element for ultimate flexibility and reliability.
Additional Uses
HSTAT heating tapes have many additional uses. These include process control needs where a unique process requires heat, or for viscosity related needs where heat is used to reduce viscosity and increase flow, and more. They are used as a temporary heat source when needed or as a permanent installation. HSTAT heating tapes are used to heat all types of objects that require elevated temperatures.
For more information, contact Alliance Technical Sales. Call them at 630-321-9646 or visit their web site at https://alliancets.com.
Proper Installation of BriskHeat XtremeFLEX Heating Tape
- Make sure you have these tools prior to installing the heating tape - Gloves, Heating Tape, Heat Conductive Putty, Scissors, Fiberglass Tape.
- Be sure that the surface that you're applying the heat tape to is clean, dry, and free of burrs, oils, debris or sharp edges.
- Ensure that you don't overlap the heating tape onto itself leave at least an eighth of inch gap between each wrap.
Heating Tapes: Application and Installation Tips
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High temperature tape (left) and moisture & chemical resistant tape (right). |
- Flexibility: Easily installs directly to a wide variety of surfaces and geometries (i.e. 1/4” diameter or larger piping, glassware, valves, reactors, chambers, etc.)
- Rapid and uniform heat-up due to high watt densities and user-configurable installations
- High temperature ranges
- Easily controlled with standard temperature controlling devices
- Variety of sizes, wattages, temperature ranges, and styles available to meet your exact heating requirements
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Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions while installing or removing heating tape. |
Step 1: Preparation
Make a visual inspection of heating tape: We recommend that you replace the heating tape if it becomes torn or damaged. Damaged heating tape is a safety hazard and will not operate correctly.
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Figure B |
- Length, diameter, and configuration of the surface to be heated
- Required temperature
- Required wattage
- Environmental conditions (i.e. likelihood heating tape will come into contact with moisture or chemicals)
Step 2: Installing your Heating Tape
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Figure C |
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Figure D |
- Make sure you have selected the correct heating tape for your application. BriskHeat offers a wide range of sizes, voltages, and temperature ranges.
- Visually check your heating tape prior to use.
- Make sure that the heating tape makes full contact with the surface to be heated.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions while installing or removing heating tape.
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Don't kink or overlap, apply without control, apply over insulation, never use near flammable materials, do not submerge, and do not use if tape is cut or damaged. |
- Do not overlap the heating tape over itself
- Do not use heating tape without a controlling device
- Do not install heating tape on top of insulation near flammable materials, submerged in liquids, or if cut in any way.
Alliance Technical Sales Products
By combining world-class products, application expertise, and unsurpassed customer service, Alliance Technical Sales enables its clients to increase manufacturing efficiency, reduce production costs, and improve product quality and value. Each of the manufacturers we represent has extensive experience solving critical service applications with the products they manufacture.
Alliance Technical Sales, Inc.
https://alliancets.com
630-321-9646
Hazardous-area Approved Silicone Rubber Heating Blankets For Electrical Surface Heating in Hazardous Locations
Silicone rubber heaters provide exceptional durability and longevity, plus moisture, chemical and radiation resistant. They are composed of heavy duty, extra thick silicone rubber which provides exceptional durability and longevity. Available with industrial strength pressure sensitive adhesive backing for easy installation and a patented grounded heating element for your safety meets NEC 427.23.
The resistance heating element is laminated between 4 layers of heavy duty fiberglass reinforced silicone rubber; two layers of 23mil and two layers of 25mil fiberglass reinforced silicone rubber. Optional built-in high-limit thermostats designed to keep blanket below NEC article 500 T-Rating are available.
It's Really Cold! Are Your Pipes, Tanks, Totes, and Valves Freeze Protected?
Anticipating freezing conditions and protecting buildings, equipment, and grounds against freeze damage is a vital part of a Facility Maintenance Program. There's a wide range of freeze protection applications you need to consider, including pipe tracing, drum heating, roof and gutter de-icing, IBC heating, valve de-icing, vessel heating, and enclosure heating.
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Freeze Protection Products (BriskHeat) |
Download a freeze protection checklist and freeze protection product catalog here.
Keep Your Process Piping, Valves, and Instruments Insulated with the BriskHeat Silver-Series Insulators
The BriskHeat Silver-Series insulators are a configurable insulation system made of durable, high-temperature cloth that allows for very easy installation and removal. The Silver-Series provides 1” thick, needle-punched fiberglass insulation with hook & loop closures. The innovative design applies very efficient thermal insulation for hot or cold pipes, valves, instrumentation, tanks and vessels in industrial and commercial environments. Custom designs can be manufactured for unique requirements.
Alliance Technical Sales
https://alliancets.com
630-321-9646