Drum Heaters

What are drum heaters?

Drum heaters are heating devices and systems designed to directly heat the contents of drums and containers — in order to reduce viscosity, maintain process temperature, or provide frost protection. Typical designs include band heaters, jackets/blankets, base heaters, and induction or immersion systems.

Main types of drum heaters

Band heaters

Flexible band heaters often made of silicone reinforced with fiberglass — easy to put on the drum, quickly deliver heat to the barrel wall. They are a good choice for simple applications requiring quick heating of small volumes.

Heater jackets / blankets

Jackets offer full, insulated coverage of the drum, which increases energy efficiency and ensures more uniform heating. Thanks to the insulation, heat losses are lower, and energy consumption is lower than with simple band heaters.

Base drum heaters

Base heaters are mounted under the drum and are useful for intensive heating of high-viscosity materials or where uniform heating from the bottom is required. Alper and other manufacturers offer versions dedicated to steel and plastic drums.

Induction and immersion systems

In industrial applications, induction heating of the barrel walls is also used (fast and efficient for metal drums) and immersion heaters (direct heating of the medium), but the selection depends on chemical compatibility and safety.

Applications of drum heaters

The most common applications are: maintaining the viscosity of lubricants and resins, heating chemicals to process temperature, preventing substances from freezing in warehouses, preparing raw materials for pumping and dosing, and maintaining the temperature of food and cosmetic products during production. These products work well in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food, automotive, and processing industries.

How to choose the right drum heater?

•        
• Drum type and material — steel requires different solutions (e.g., bands or induction) than plastic (gentler, low-temperature silicone bands).        
• Power and power density — match the power (W) to the volume and desired heating speed.        
• Temperature range and regulation — do you need simple on/off, or a precise thermostat/temperature controller.        
• Insulation — jackets with insulation reduce losses and lower operating costs.        
• Safety — overheating protection, certifications, resistance to chemicals and working conditions.        
• Possibility of ordering samples and accessories — e.g., DACPOL offers specific models and logistical support, and Alper has the HSSD / HTSD product lines and HIJD type jackets that should be compared with the application requirements.      

Advantages of investing in professional heaters

•        
• Easier pumping and dosing due to reduced viscosity.        
• Lower product losses and reduced risk of production downtime.        
• Energy savings when using insulated jackets.        
• Improved safety and process control (temperature regulation, alarms).      

Example products and manufacturers

In the DACPOL offer, you will find ready-made solutions such as insulation jackets (e.g., HIJD) as well as bands and mounting accessories matched to standard 200 l drums. Alper produces series of heaters such as HSSD and HTSD and base heaters (HBD) for various types of drums. Check product data sheets and technical documentation before purchasing.

FAQ — frequently asked questions

Can I use one type of heater for every material?

No — the selection depends on the drum type, medium (chemical reactivity, melting temperature), and process requirements. Plastic drums require gentler heating than steel ones.

How to safely control the temperature?

Use controllers/thermostats matched to the heater power, apply overheating protection, and use insulated jackets to avoid surface overheating and energy losses.

How to care for the heater to ensure a long service life?

Regularly check cables and connections, avoid mechanical damage to the insulation, store the devices in a dry place, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance.

Summary

Drum heaters are an indispensable tool in many industrial and warehousing processes — choosing the right type (band, jacket, base heater, or induction system) will allow you to optimize energy consumption, increase process efficiency, and improve safety. Check the offer of proven suppliers such as DACPOL and Alper and contact us to select a solution.