Water Bath Heater
Water Bath Heater
SPEC’s Water Bath Heaters are trusted across the oil and gas industry for precise and safe process heating. These units are designed for applications that require controlled outlet temperatures, typically not exceeding 87°C, making them ideal for natural gas and crude oil heating.
Water bath heaters are commonly used for:
- Heating natural gas before pressure reduction manifolds to prevent freezing of expansion valves
- Hydrate prevention in gas pipelines
- Pre-heating process fluids upstream of separation systems to improve efficiency
- Maintaining crude oil temperature above the paraffin pour point
Each heater is composed of three key components — the shell, firetube, and process coil — all engineered for durability, efficiency, and compliance with international standards.
Heater Components
Heater Shell
Fabricated from carbon steel, the heater shell supports the firetube and process coil assembly. It holds the surrounding water bath, providing stable heat distribution and structural integrity for continuous operation.
Firetube
The U-shaped firetube, made from heavy-wall steel pipe, is positioned in the lower section of the heater shell. This configuration ensures optimal heat transfer from combustion gases to the water bath for consistent temperature control.
Process Coil
The process coil operates under pressure, carrying the process fluid through the water bath for heating. Constructed from ASME Section VIII-compliant seamless pipes, these coils are fully radiographed to guarantee safety and performance integrity.
Process Description
Fuel gas or oil is burned in the firebox, heating the water bath which in turn transfers heat to the process fluid flowing through the coil. The temperature controller maintains the bath at the required setpoint, ensuring hydrate protection and maximum liquid recovery.
Operating at optimal temperature not only ensures process stability but also reduces energy loss and enhances equipment lifespan.
Operating at optimal temperature not only ensures process stability but also reduces energy loss and enhances equipment lifespan.
Standard Components and Accessories
- U-bend type firebox with cover plate
- Flue gas stack with rain cap and bird screen
- Process flow coil with cover plate
- High-efficiency burner with BMS
- Fuel gas manifold and preheat coil
- Level and temperature gauges
- Top-mounted expansion vessel with thief hatch
- Low and high temperature switches on flue stack
- Temperature controllers (transmitter or pneumatic)
- Low-pressure switch for fuel gas
- Fill connection and two-coat paint system
Why Partner with SPEC Technology
SPEC delivers turnkey project solutions built on advanced oil and gas technology, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable heating systems for every process condition. Our water bath heaters are engineered to minimize downtime, reduce energy costs, and provide long-term operational reliability across upstream, midstream, and downstream applications.