Valin Corporation is a leading technical solutions provider for the technology, energy, life sciences, natural resources, and transportation industries. They came to Powerblanket with a process heating engineering dilemma, and our world-class engineers came up with a solution.
What was the heating dilemma?
Valin’s problem centered around their work within the oil and gas industry. Pumps were getting too cold and shutting down, slowing production and wasting time and money. They had tried to use electric heat tape to solve the problem. Unfortunately, electric heat tape products do not allow for temperature regulation. Consequentially, the tape got too hot and melted the rubber portion on the pump.
They were in great need of a heating solution that contained self-regulating thermostats, and that was certified to comply with C1D2 safety requirements. In addition, this process heating solution also needed to be tailor-made to cover the pumps’ varying shapes and sizes.
What is C1D2?
Class 1, Division 2 is an OSHA classification that includes locations where volatile flammable liquids, gases, or vapors are used but are typically confined in closed systems or containers. C1D2 locations are only considered hazardous if there was an accident or breakdown. Within all Class 1 locations there is a possibility that there are ignitable substances in the area’s air.
What Can Be Used In a C1D2 Location?
The National Electric Code sets forth strict requirements for any electrical equipment being used in a C1D2 area. In order for an electric device to achieve a C1D2 certification all components, circuitry, cables, and wires must be in non-incendive enclosures. This means that under normal conditions, the electrical components are encased so they are incapable of igniting a flammable gas/air mixture. This includes internal electrical components, wiring that is leaving or entering a piece of equipment, and the power supply.
Powerblanket Heating Solutions
So the Valin field site sales manager provided Powerblanket engineers with the necessary information and measurements. They then set to work to create a solution with a good fit for each pump. Next, Valin tested the initial heating blankets for form and fit and Powerblanket made minor modifications for the final order. We provided a pricing level that fit within Valin’s budget. As a result, each pump now has a custom made, C1D2 certified, heating blanket, with a self-regulating thermostat.
Time, Money, and Stress Averted
Valin found wintertime peace of mind with Powerblanket. They no longer have to worry about pumps and stators freezing and shutting down operations. The blankets heat evenly without getting too hot or damaging rubber rings on pumps. Because of this process heating engineering solution, Valin can install their blankets and rest easy about the efficiency and safety of their operations.
Powerblanket will keep you running all winter long and save you time, money, and hassle. We have the fastest lead times on the market for custom orders. We provide custom quotes with 1-3 days and ship custom orders within 1-3 weeks. Learn more about our custom pipe heater blankets that are tailor made to fit your equipment. Contact us at 855.977.9657 or [email protected]
Need Custom Heating for Your Equipment? Answer These Questions
Do you need custom heating for a specific and unique application? Although there are various standardized heating solutions available, to determine the right solution, either standard or custom, a few initial questions need to be understood. The first of the discovery questions is to identify the desired result of the application which is generally one or a combination of the following:
Freeze Protection: Generally to protect from the elements or cold climate
Temperature Maintenance: Maintain a specific, constant and optimal temperature
Added heat or Increase Temperature: Add heat and Increase temperature higher from starting point
For example, a pipe heating application may require higher energy/wattage to thaw a frozen pipe and then settle to a moderate power/wattage for continual freeze protection and flow control long term.
An epoxy/composite curing application may require pre-heating at higher temperatures prior to the epoxy being applied and then maintained at a higher temperature for optimal curing.
Begin with These Steps
Gather as much information as possible using the Custom Application Questionnaire. Be thorough.
The dimension needs to be as built, not a CAD drawing .ALL dimensions must be submitted to the custom team for quote.
Once quote is accepted and PO is sent, engineering will begin.
Custom products will normally be completed within two weeks.
Custom Application Questionnaire
Once we understand the problem, these types of questions reveal the best solution:
Which of these best describes the system requiring Cooling: drum/bucket, tote, tank, gas cylinder, pipe, flat surface (vertical or horizontal?), other?
Can you provide drawings and/or photos?
What are the critical dimensions of the system?
What material is the container or surface made of (i.e. tank wall, drum wall)? How thick?
What is the substance being Cooled (i.e. water, oil, pipe contents, concrete, frozen ground)?
Is this a flowing system? If so, what is the flow rate (include units, gpm, cfm, etc.)?
What is the expected ambient temperature (include units, °F, °C)?
What is the maximum expected wind velocity (include units, mpg, km/h, etc.)?
Are there other environmental conditions that may be relevant?
What is the beginning temperature of the substance or contents (include units, °F, °C)?
What is the desired final temperature of the substance or contents (include units, °F, °C)?
What temperature range is acceptable?
Are there upper or lower temperatures where the substance or contents will be damaged?
Is there a time frame requirement for the initial cool down?
What power source is preferred (120, 208, 240, DC)?
How far away is the power source (cord length)?
Do you require UL/CSA certified products?
Is your location considered hazardous (Class I Division 2)?
How many units do you need now and in the future?
What is the required delivery date?
Custom Heating Case Study
Powerblanket completed a project for a large chemical company to solve freeze protection problems. The company stores a chemical solution in large 4,000 to 8,000 gallon stainless steel tanks. Their customers live in various climates throughout North America. This solution is water based and freezes at roughly 32°F. This company needed freeze protection and to maintain regular temperatures between 40°F -70°F.
The question became, “How do we provide a ‘one size fit all’ customized solution for various climates?” Powerblanket created a modular custom design, adjustable by region and tank size, that came in two pieces.
Powerblanket engineers calculated the amount of heat and insulation required to combat freezing temperatures and wind chill to maintain optimal temperatures in these various climates. What appeared to be a complicated application turned into a simple and effective custom solution.
So many industries need heating solutions, and not just during the cold months either. Epoxy curing, chemical storage, viscosity maintenance, food preparations, concrete curing, and much more all benefit from innovative temperature regulation year round.
Custom Heating vs. Ready to Ship Products
Powerblanket manufactures an extensive line of ready-to-ship products designed and engineered for a myriad of purposes. For example, if you store temperature-sensitive materials in drums, barrels, or totes, then our ready-to-ship barrel and drum heaters or tote heaters will accommodate your heating needs perfectly. If you store DEF, then take a look at our DEF heaters. If you have palletized product you need to keep warm, check out our Hot Box.
Along with all these great product offerings, however, one of Powerblanket’s greatest contributions to the industries we serve is custom process heating solution for any project under the sun.
Often “custom” connotes extended lead times and a lot of money. With some manufacturers, that may be true, but Powerblanket’s customization process is fluid and effective. We turn around a custom product in a reasonable window. Expect to be wowed.
Whether you need a heating solution for a large or oddly shaped propane tank, truck-mounted water cylinders, valves, manifolds, instrumentation, large scale epoxy curing, or any other specific application, Powerblanket is ready to help.
Custom Heating Solutions from Powerblanket
A reasonable window for completion
The ability to answer varying levels of customization
Certification to universal safety standards
Easy installation and use
Powerblanket engineers solve every kind of temperature problem from simple to very complex. Our expertise guarantees satisfied customers in a very short turnaround time. Need custom heating for these vessels?
Drums / Barrels / Pails
Totes to include Diesel Exhaust Fluid Totes
Gas Cylinders to include Propane and Specialty Gases
Specialty Tanks to include Frac Tanks
Water Transfer Trucks
Water Storage Tanks
Hydraulic Fluid Tanks
Vac Trucks
Industries Powerblanket Serves
With Powerblanket, equipment lasts longer, projects stay on track, and fluids flow smoothly. Use Powerblanket technology year round to achieve total temperature control. Some of the various industries we serve include:
There she blows! Or maybe she doesn’t, if it’s too cold outside. There are many different heating methods that have entered the market throughout the years to heat wind turbine blades during the curing process. Some methods are more effective than others, and some are definitely more expensive. Let’s talk about some of the different methods for curing the epoxy on wind turbine wings.
Different Methods to Cure Wind Turbine Blades
Hot Air Blowers
Have you ever tried curing a wind turbine blade using hot air blowers? Blowers are expensive to buy and expend a lot of energy and electricity.
Kilns
What about kilns? Many of the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturers use kilns. Kilns require extensive maintenance and repair, are unsightly, require continuous fuel to heat and may emit environmentally hazardous toxins into the air. Talk about counterproductive to the environmentally-conscious wind power!
Heating Blankets
What about heating blankets? A heating blanket is a modern approach to curing wind turbine blades; an energy efficient solution, which has revolutionized effective heat spreading. This technology ensures the heat is effectively and evenly distributed, while continuously maintaining optimal temperatures. Heating blankets are portable for use in the plant or out in the field.
Customers have told us that Powerblanket® heating blankets have the best heat to low power requirement for curing wind blades.
Heating blankets are safe for the environment, provide an efficient and even heat source at optimal temperatures, and come in customizable sizes to meet industry needs. Additionally, heating blankets reduce the amount of time it takes to cure the epoxy for wind blade repair. This equates to increased profitability because more wind turbine blades can be repaired in a shorter amount of time.
So when considering the best solution for you to cure wind turbine blades, take a look at your business and determine which curing method provides the most benefit to you and your customers.
Welcome To Powerblanket The Powerblanket family began our journey back in 2005. Since then, our patented, American-made temperature control products...
