Overview
This success case highlights how a mid-sized chemical manufacturer replaced its unstable steam heating system with a 2.5-million kcal/h thermal oil heater, achieving higher stability, lower operating costs, and improved product quality. Thermal oil technology enabled the plant to maintain precise temperature control for continuous high-temperature processes.
Client Background
Company: BlueRiver Chemical Technology
Industry: Fine Chemical Production
Main Products: Resin, specialty coatings, plastic additives
Heating Requirements: Continuous heating between 180–280°C
The company’s previous system—a traditional steam boiler—struggled to provide constant high temperatures. Frequent pressure drops reduced batch quality and increased waste.
Challenges Before Upgrading
The client faced several serious operational issues:
- Inconsistent temperature control affecting chemical reaction stability
- High energy consumption due to steam losses and condensate recovery problems
- Safety concerns related to high-pressure steam operation
- Production downtime caused by pipe scaling and corrosion
- Difficulty reaching temperatures above 200°C with steam alone
To stay competitive, they needed a high-temperature, low-pressure heating solution with excellent reliability.
Solution: Installation of a 2.5-Million kcal/h Thermal Oil Heater
After conducting a full heating load analysis, the engineering team recommended a 2.5-million kcal/h horizontal thermal oil heater system, with key features including:
- High-efficiency coil design providing up to 92% thermal efficiency
- Low-pressure operation, greatly improving safety
- Precise temperature control (±1°C)
- Automatic control system with real-time monitoring
- Energy-saving economizer for heat recovery
- Dual fuel burner (natural gas / diesel) for flexibility
A new thermal oil circulation pump and expansion tank were integrated to create a stable, closed-loop system.
Implementation Process
- Heating demand assessment and sizing verification
- System design, including piping layout and insulation plan
- Installation of the heater, pumps, valves, and control cabinet
- Commissioning and performance testing
- Operator training for safe long-term operation
The entire installation took 18 days, allowing the plant to resume production quickly.
Results After Installation
✓ 37% Increase in Heating Efficiency
Thermal efficiency improved from 67% (steam system) to 92%, significantly reducing energy waste.
✓ Stable 180–280°C Temperature Control
The heater provided smooth, uninterrupted high-temperature heat, enhancing reaction stability.
✓ 28% Reduction in Energy Costs
Switching to a closed-loop thermal oil system eliminated steam losses, cutting annual energy expenses.
✓ Zero Pressure-Related Safety Incidents
Since thermal oil operates at atmospheric pressure, safety risks dramatically decreased.
✓ Higher Product Quality and Yield
Consistent heating improved reaction uniformity, increasing batch yield by 16%.
Environmental & Economic Impact
- Lower emissions due to clean combustion and reduced fuel usage
- Less water consumption (no feedwater or condensate treatment required)
- Return on investment (ROI) achieved in 14 months
- Reduced maintenance costs by eliminating water-related corrosion issues
Client Testimonial
“The thermal oil heater has been a game changer for our production line. We now achieve stable high-temperature heating with far lower energy consumption. Product quality has noticeably improved.”
— Production Director, BlueRiver Chemical Technology
Why Thermal Oil Heaters Are the Ideal High-Temperature Solution
- No pressure = safer operation
- Can reach 300°C+ without steam
- Highly energy-efficient
- Low maintenance and long service life
- Suitable for chemicals, textiles, food processing, plastics, wood, asphalt, and pharmaceuticals
Conclusion
The successful transformation at BlueRiver Chemical Technology proves that a thermal oil heater is one of the most efficient and reliable high-temperature heat sources for industrial production. Companies struggling with unstable steam systems or energy waste can greatly benefit from upgrading to a modern thermal oil boiler.