Process Heating

Industrial process heating refers to the controlled transfer of thermal energy to fluid streams—such as crude oil, natural gas, or water—during extraction and processing. In oil and gas production, process heating is critical to prevent hydrate formation, maintain fluid viscosity for transport, separate emulsions, and protect downstream equipment from freezing under high-pressure drops.

Direct-fired heaters pass the process fluid directly through tubes exposed to a burner flame inside the combustion chamber. In contrast, indirect-fired heaters (such as water bath line heaters) heat an intermediate medium—like water, glycol, or heat transfer oil—which then transfers heat to the process fluid coil. Indirect-fired systems provide safer, more uniform heat transfer for volatile or sensitive hydrocarbons.

When natural gas experiences a sharp pressure drop (the Joule-Thomson effect), the temperature plunges rapidly. If water vapor is present, it can freeze into solid ice-like structures called hydrates, plugging flowlines and valves. Process heaters warm the gas stream prior to pressure reduction, keeping fluid temperatures well above the hydrate formation threshold.

Yes. We design and build skid-mounted, custom process heating systems tailored to your specific flow rates, pressure ratings, fuel availability, and environmental conditions. Our engineering team ensures full compliance with industry safety standards (such as ASME and API requirements) for both onshore and offshore installations.