How to choose a tank heater or heating blanket
- Match the heater to the container. Standard IBC totes take 275 or 330 gallon tote heaters, while steel totes have their own heaters in 250, 350, 450 and 550 gallon sizes. Drum heaters come in 15, 30 and 55 gallon sizes, and the 55 gallon Lite heater comes in band-style or full coverage versions.
- Pick a set point or a range. Fixed-temperature models hold one setting that suits their job: 90°F or 100°F for propane tanks, 100°F for concrete curing and honey, 110°F for the Lite pail heater, 145°F for Lite drum and bucket heaters, 150°F for ground thawing and 185°F for wax melting. Tote heaters listed with a max temperature, such as the steel IBC models, run up to 145°F, and the PRO bulk material warmer up to 120°F.
- Plan the controls and wiring. Powerblanket also sells a digital thermostat controller and a replacement temperature probe; see heater accessories. ReadyTrace self-regulating heat trace cable runs on 120V and pairs with a GFCI outlet adapter and installation accessories.
- Close off the ends. Top and bottom insulation covers for drums and buckets, and a top for IBC tote heaters, insulate the parts of the container a side wrap leaves open.
Tank heater and heating blanket questions
What does a tank heater blanket do? It is an insulated electric heater that wraps a container and spreads heat evenly, for freeze protection, thawing, curing resins or concrete, and keeping liquids warm enough to flow. Pallet warmers do the same for paints, chemicals and adhesives that must not freeze.
What is the difference between a heating blanket and an immersion heater? A blanket heats from outside the container, while an immersion heater sits in the liquid. Screw plug heaters thread through the tank wall for small tanks, flanged immersion heaters bolt to a mating flange on large tanks, over-the-side heaters mount through the top, and circulation heaters warm liquid as it flows inline.
How do I keep a propane tank warm in cold weather? Propane can struggle to vaporize in the cold, and a propane tank heater helps prevent that. Powerblanket and Warm Guard each make a propane tank heater that holds a fixed 90°F, and the Powerblanket Lite heater for 1000-gallon tanks holds 100°F. See gas cylinder and propane tank heaters.
Can I keep diesel exhaust fluid from freezing? Yes. Powerblanket makes an insulated 330-gallon tote heater for diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), sold to warm it safely. WST's industrial heating blanket guide adds that protecting DEF from freezing keeps it effective.
Do I need a hazardous area heater? If your site is classified as a hazardous location, look at the hazardous area models: Class I Division 2 heaters for 275 and 330 gallon IBC totes and 55 gallon drums, each at a fixed 80°F, plus a quick fit box heater. Your safety officer, insurer or local code decides which rating your site needs. See hazardous area heaters.
