Prevent Oil Freezing: The Importance of Oil Tank Heaters in Cold Climates

All oil products, whether edible or petroleum, increase viscosity as the surrounding temperatures drop. Trying to pump thickened or solidified oil presents serious handling and safety issues. Fortunately, products such as oil tank heaters and heater blankets offer practical solutions for maintaining optimal oil temperatures. From 5-gallon pails and IBC totes to cargo ships and storage tanks, it’s critical to keep oil from freezing. 

Why Oil Freezes in Cold Climates

The reason petroleum-based oils can freeze is the paraffin wax that is naturally present in oil begins to crystallize. The wax crystallization increases the oil’s viscosity and reduces flow.

At extremely low temperatures, oil can solidify, leading to blocked pipes, damaged equipment, and production halts. The freezing point varies depending on the oil type, but most oils become problematic at temperatures below 20°F (-6°C).

The Role of Oil Tank Heaters in Preventing Freezing

To maintain oil at optimal handling temperatures and prevent freezing, operators can employ various oil tank heaters. These devices work by applying controlled heat to the oil, keeping it above its pour point. The pour point is the temperature at which oil stops flowing.

Depending on the oil and size of the tank, there are different heating methods.

Types of Oil Tank Heaters – Which One is Right for Your Facility?

There are several heating options for heating and fuel oils storage tanks:

1. Immersion Tank Heaters: The heating elements submerge into the tank, directly heating the oil.
2. External Heaters: Mounted on the outside of the tank, these are less efficient but easier to maintain.
3. Oil Tank Heater Blankets: These include tote heating blankets that wrap around barrels, IBC totes and tanks.
4. Custom Tank Heaters: Tailored solutions for unique tank shapes or specific heating requirements, such as railroad tank cars.

 

Here’s a comparative table to highlight the differences:

Heater Type	Efficiency	Installation	Maintenance	Best For
Immersion	High	Complex	Moderate	Large tanks
External	Moderate	Easy	Easy	Small to medium tanks
Blankets	High	Very Easy	Easy	Various tank sizes
Custom	High	Varies	Varies	Unique requirements

 

If you’re looking for a heating solution for tanks up to railroad car size, consider a heating blanket. 

Benefits of Using Oil Tank Heater Blankets

Facility managers will choose an oil tank heater blanket for several reasons:

1. Uniform Heat Distribution: Blankets wrap around the entire tank, ensuring even heating and preventing cold spots.
2. Easy Installation: They are quick to install without modifying the tank structure.
3. Energy Efficiency: Blankets provide insulation and uniform heat efficiently.
4. Versatility: Suitable for various tank sizes and shapes, including drums and totes.
5. Improved Handling: Maintaining consistent temperatures facilitates complete tank loading and unloading.

Now that we’ve explored the benefits of indoor and outdoor oil tank heater blankets let’s address some general questions about oil tank heaters.

Common Questions About Oil Tank Heaters

Do oil heaters use much electricity? 

Modern oil heaters are designed for energy efficiency, consuming less electricity than many alternative heating methods. 

What is the disadvantage of oil heaters? 

The main disadvantage is the initial cost, but long-term energy savings and operational benefits often offset this. 

Are oil-filled heaters worth it? 

Yes, especially in cold climates. They provide consistent heat and can significantly reduce operational issues and costs. 

What is the life expectancy of a home heating oil tank? 

With proper maintenance, a home heating oil tank can last 15-20 years. 

How to prevent heating oil from freezing?

Heating solutions for oil and gas include heating blankets for the tank and insulation of the supply pipeline if exposed to freezing temperatures.

For industrial-sized tanks and processes, circulation heaters for oil and gas operations are the perfect solution.

How do you prevent oil pipelines from freezing?

Whether you are performing oil field maintenance in cold weather or have exposed pipes at a processing facility, the best methods to prevent pipelines from freezing include heat tracing systems, heated blankets, and immersion heaters for large vessels.

How can you maintain oil temperatures in the field or bulk containers?

The two most likely approaches will be to heat the oil inside the container with an immersion heater or along a pipeline with trace heating. Download the Cenovus oil operations case study to see a real-world example.

Next, let’s look into the selection process for the ideal oil tank heater.

Choosing the Perfect Solution for Your Facility

Selecting the right oil tank heater depends on several factors:

1. Tank Size: Larger tanks may require more powerful heaters or multiple units.
2. Climate: Frigid environments necessitate more robust heating solutions.
3. Oil Type: Different oils have varying viscosities and freezing points, affecting heater choice.
4. Operational Requirements: Consider factors like temperature precision and heating speed.

For most industrial oil heating applications, custom immersion heaters or oil tank heater blankets are your best bets. Custom tank heaters adapt to your specific tank and piping configuration to provide optimal oil temperature.

Safeguarding Your Oil Operations

Maintaining oil temperatures prevents freezing and ensures efficient loading and offloading. The right oil tank heating solution will significantly reduce operational issues, cut costs, and improve overall efficiency.

Powerblanket makes top-of-the-line industrial process heaters that are high in quality, efficiency, and safety. Explore electric process heaters.