Explosion-Proof Flanged Immersion Heaters
Explosion-Proof Flanged Immersion Heaters Overview
ZIRCO is proud to distribute INDEECO explosion-proof flanged immersion heaters as the official representative for Western Canada. These robust heaters are among the most widely used solutions for heating fluids and gases in hazardous locations throughout the oil and gas, chemical processing, and industrial sectors.
CSA-approved for Class I, Division 1, Group B, C, and D locations and/or approved for ATEX, UKCA, and IECEx Zone 1 and/or Zone 21 locations, these explosion-proof flanged heaters are designed for use in tanks, vessels, and in-line heating applications where safety and reliability are paramount.
Built by INDEECO with over 90 years of American manufacturing experience, these heaters deliver exceptional performance with wattages up to 8.5 megawatts, watt densities up to 200 w/in², and element sheath temperatures up to 1,500°F. ZIRCO provides expert application support for Western Canada industries, helping you select the right configuration for your hazardous location heating requirements.
Why Choose INDEECO Explosion-Proof Flanged Immersion Heaters?
Hazardous Location Certification
CSA approved for Class I, Division 1, Groups B, C, and D locations. ATEX, UKCA, and IECEx certifications for Zone 1 and Zone 21 hazardous locations ensure compliance across North America and international markets.
High Wattage Capacity
Capable of handling wattages up to 8.5 megawatts with watt densities up to 200 w/in², providing powerful heating performance for large-scale industrial applications requiring substantial thermal output.
Robust Construction
Multiple flange and element materials available with flange sizes up to 30" and class 2500 ASME B16.5 ratings. Element sheath temperatures can reach up to 1,500°F for extreme applications.
Moisture Protection
Epoxy or RTV sealed heating elements prevent moisture absorption. Stainless steel welded bussing eliminates loose connections and ensures reliable electrical performance in harsh environments.
Flexible Design Options
Voltages up to 600V with multiple sheath materials including steel, 304 SST, 316 SST, 321 SST, Incoloy 800, Incoloy 840, and copper. ANSI B16.5 class 150 or 300 flanges from 3" to 30".
Heavy-Duty Support
304 SST element support spacers provided on 24" centers with additional spacer support rods for immersed lengths greater than 30". Lifting lugs standard on heaters 4" and larger for safe installation.
Technical Specifications
Standard Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Wattage Capacity | Up to 8.5 megawatts |
| Watt Density | Up to 200 w/in² |
| Voltage Range | Up to 600V |
| Element Sheath Temperature | Up to 1,500°F |
| Flange Size Range | Up to 30" (max 24" for Division 1 applications) |
| Flange Rating | ANSI B16.5 class 150 or class 300 (up to class 2500 ASME B16.5 available) |
| Flange Materials | A105 carbon steel, A182 304/304L or 316/316L stainless steel |
| Element Sheath Materials | Steel, 304 SST, 316 SST, 321 SST, Incoloy 800, Incoloy 840, copper |
| Moisture Protection | Epoxy or RTV sealed heating elements to prevent moisture absorption |
| Electrical Connections | Stainless steel welded bussing to eliminate loose connections |
| Circuit Division | Heater circuits divided into 48A max as default |
| Element Support | Heavy duty, low pressure drop design with 304 SST element support spacers on 24" centers |
| Additional Support | Spacer support rods provided for immersed length greater than 30" |
| Lifting Features | Lifting lugs for heaters 4" and larger |
| Gasket Material | Nitrile bonded fiber or SST/graphite spiral flange gasket provided as standard |
| Pipe Compatibility | Designed to fit into schedule 40 or schedule STD pipe for the given flange size |
Optional Features & Accessories
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Extended Terminal Box | Provided when necessary to allow for cooler operation of the terminal box. This allows the heating elements to be sealed with epoxy or RTV and for the customer to provide incoming wire with a much lower insulation temperature rating |
| ASME Certification | The heater can be supplied in accordance with ASME section VIII Div. 1 U-Part stamped and certified |
| PED Compliance | The heater can be supplied with materials and welding procedures in compliance with the European Pressure Equipment Directive (2014/68/EU) |
| NACE Compliance | The heater can be supplied with materials, welds and their heat affected zones with hardness testing values in compliance with ANSI/NACE MR0175/ISO15156 |
| Thermostats | Bulb and capillary pilot duty or load carrying thermostats can be provided to control the heater. The thermostat bulb can be installed in a thermowell to sense process or element sheath temperature |
| Thermocouples | Type J or K thermocouples can be provided to monitor the process or element sheath temperatures. Thermocouples provided with a ceramic wafer head and screw terminals for ease of wiring. Alternate type E or T available |
| Hermetically Sealed Element Terminations | A ceramic to metal soldered seal can be provided to eliminate the possibility of moisture from entering the heating element |
| Removable Bussing | Allows troubleshooting and isolation of a failed heating element |
| Cross-Baffle | Construction utilizes alternating half baffles spaced closely to cause increased flow velocity across the heating elements to allow better heat transfer from the elements to the fluid |
| Add Support Rods | Support rods can be added to shorter heaters with high flow to keep the element support spacers in place (for flanges with length less than 30") |
| Larger Heater Circuits | Heater circuits for greater than 48A per circuit available |
| Heavy Wall Pipe Design | Element bundles with smaller outside diameter can be provided for any flange size requested |
| Pickle and Passivate | A chemical treatment in nitric acid can be performed to remove free iron from the outer surface of stainless steel for applications sensitive to contaminants |
| Electro-Polish | Is a process similar to plating using cathode and anode reactions but material is removed rather than added to the heater surfaces in order to provide a clean and bright finish |
| Weatherproof/Corrosion Resistant Enclosures | Ring and cover enclosures with heavy duty pipe and plate construction |
| Alternative Materials | Other element sheath and flange materials available upon request |
| Higher Flange Ratings | Flange ratings greater than class 300 are available up to class 2500 |
Certifications & Classifications
| Classification | Description |
|---|---|
| Class I, Division 2 | Groups A, B, C and D |
| Class I, Division 1 | Groups B, C and D |
| Class II, Division 1 | Groups E, F and G |
| UL Standard | UL STD 50, Type 4 or 4X |
| European Classification | II 2 G D |
| Explosion Protection | Ex db IIB+H2 Tx or Txxx°C Gb |
| Dust Ignition Proof | Ex tb IIIC Txxx°C TL xxx°C Db IP66 |
Typical Applications
- Oil and gas processing equipment heating
- Chemical storage and process vessels
- Hazardous location tank heating systems
- Industrial process heating in explosive atmospheres
- Refinery process vessels and equipment
- Petrochemical industry heating applications
- Paint and coating facility heating
- Grain processing and storage (Class II environments)
- Pharmaceutical process heating in hazardous areas
- In-line heating for flammable fluids and gases
Design & Installation Considerations
Explosion-proof flanged immersion heaters are specifically engineered for use in hazardous locations where flammable gases, vapors, liquids, or combustible dusts may be present. The explosion-proof enclosure design ensures that any ignition within the heater is contained and prevented from igniting the surrounding atmosphere. Proper selection of certification (Class/Division or Zone) is critical based on the specific hazardous area classification of your facility.
Material selection is crucial for corrosion resistance and compatibility with the heated medium. Consider the chemical properties, operating temperature, and potential for corrosion when selecting element sheath and flange materials. The standard A105 carbon steel flange is suitable for many applications, but stainless steel options (304/316) provide superior corrosion resistance for aggressive environments.
Proper mounting and support are essential for long-term reliability, especially for heaters with long immersed lengths. The heavy-duty design with 304 SST element support spacers on 24" centers prevents element sagging and ensures consistent fluid flow around the heating elements. ZIRCO provides expert application support for Western Canada industries, helping you select the right wattage, watt density, material combination, and optional features for your specific hazardous location heating requirements.
What Is an Explosion-Proof Flanged Immersion Heater?
An explosion-proof flanged immersion heater is an electric heating device designed specifically for use in hazardous locations where explosive atmospheres may be present. Unlike standard immersion heaters, explosion-proof units feature robust enclosures that can withstand internal explosions without igniting the surrounding hazardous atmosphere. These heaters are certified by regulatory bodies (CSA, UL, ATEX, IECEx, UKCA) to ensure they meet stringent safety requirements for specific hazardous area classifications.
The "explosion-proof" designation refers to the heater's ability to contain any explosion or fire that occurs within the enclosure and prevent it from spreading to the external environment. The heavy-duty flanged mounting design provides a secure connection to tanks, vessels, or piping systems, while multiple heating elements deliver substantial thermal input for large-volume heating applications. These heaters are essential in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, refineries, and grain handling where flammable materials are present.
INDEECO explosion-proof flanged immersion heaters leverage over 90 years of American manufacturing experience to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient heating solutions for the most challenging hazardous location applications. With wattages up to 8.5 megawatts, extreme temperature capabilities, and comprehensive certification coverage, these heaters provide the performance and safety assurance required by Western Canada's industrial sectors operating in hazardous environments.
Product Literature & Resources
Technical Documents
General Specifications Sheet
Complete product specifications and technical parameters
Dimensional Drawings
Detailed dimensions and technical drawings
Installation Instructions
Step-by-step installation and mounting guidelines
Complete Technical Manual
Comprehensive technical documentation (1.5MB)
Product Catalog
Full product catalog with selection guide
Request for Quote
Request for Quote (RFQ) Form
Download and complete this form to submit your immersion heater requirements for quotation
Contact for More Information
ZIRCO is the authorized Western Canada representative for INDEECO explosion-proof flanged immersion heaters. Contact our team for:
- Hazardous location heater selection and certification guidance
- Technical specifications and sizing assistance
- Application engineering support
- Material compatibility recommendations
- Quotations and delivery information
- After-sales service and support
- Custom configuration options
- Wattage and voltage recommendations
Ready to Secure Your Hazardous Location Heating Solution?
Contact our team today to discuss how INDEECO explosion-proof flanged immersion heaters can provide safe, reliable, and efficient heating for your hazardous location applications. ZIRCO provides expert support for Western Canada's oil and gas, chemical processing, and industrial sectors, ensuring compliance with all safety certifications and regulations.