Freeze Protection for Storage Tanks: The Ultimate Guide for Heat Blankets

Cold weather can have a significant impact on above-ground storage tanks. As temperatures drop in winter, tank materials and components contract and harden, potentially causing damage if proper precautions are not taken. Furthermore, ultra-cold weather can compromise the integrity of stored fluids, which would otherwise degrade or become unstable at certain temperatures. Inadequate heating can cause liquids to gel or solidify, endangering pumps and pipes.

Tank Depot offers innovative solutions to help mitigate this challenge, among them de-icing solutions, external tank insulation, and heating blankets.

What are Heat Blankets?

Heat blankets, also known as tank heater blankets, tank heater wraps, or heating jackets for tanks, are an innovative tank heating solution for extreme winter temperatures. They provide consistent heat distribution and freeze protection for fluid storage or in industrial processes. Heating blankets promise dependable temperature control for a wide range of applications, including freeze protection, curing, thawing, and maintaining ideal temperatures in tanks, pipes, and other equipment.

Heating jackets wrap around or lay on a wide range of equipment and products to provide radiant heat. Heat blankets, when properly installed, apply heat directly to the medium, preventing heat loss from exposed surfaces. They are simple to install and remove for equipment that requires service. They provide integral temperature control and can heat larger areas with a lower temperature gradient.

Types of Heat Blankets

Heat blankets are primarily categorized by size and functionality. While they are known to fit tanks of various sizes and shapes, the main types of heated tank wraps include:

Tank Blanket Heaters

Tank blanket heaters are for general purpose but distinguished by application. Water trailer heating blankets protect your water tanks from freezing. They are dependable and simple to use, keeping your water at a consistent temperature so you don't have to worry about it freezing, even in the harshest conditions.

Tank Depot’s insulated tank blankets are suitable not only for water tanks, but also for other storage tanks, such as those for chemicals, fuel, and any liquids that require temperature control. They are simple to install and use, providing dependable protection in even the harshest weather, and are constructed with long-lasting materials to help extend the life of your storage tanks.

DEF Tank Blanket Heaters

DEF fluid tank blanket heaters are an effective way to keep diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) from freezing in your tanks. DEF tank heaters are designed to accommodate both small and large DEF tanks, as well as diesel emission fuel trailers. Because cold temperatures affect the viscosity of DEF and other fluids, freezing can cause production delays that cost you both time and money. The thermal tank blanket distributes heat evenly and ensures maximum contact, preventing freezing, while the insulated top and flap provide easy access to your tank for fluid maintenance.

Custom-Designed Blankets

Custom-designed holding tank heater blankets provide reliable freeze protection for tanks of any size or shape. Engineered for a precise fit, these blankets maintain consistent fluid temperatures even in extreme cold. Widely used across industries, they help prevent freezing-related delays, ensuring uninterrupted access to water, chemicals, DEF, gas, and other essential fluids. By reducing downtime, they improve operational efficiency during harsh winter conditions.

Propane Tank Heating Blankets

Propane tank heaters are the ideal solution for preventing pressure loss in your propane and gas tanks. They are designed to distribute heat evenly throughout the tank, preventing hot and cold spots. Gas cannot vaporize in colder weather due to lower pressure, rendering your tank inoperable. The full-wrap blanket designs ensure even heating throughout the tank, resulting in constant pressure. The thermal blanket has an insulated layer that keeps the outside from getting hot. These heat blankets improve efficiency and performance of propane tanks.

IBC Tote Heater Blankets

IBC tote heaters are effective at warming temperature-sensitive materials such as equipment, chemicals, resins, roofing materials, paints, and more. Tote heater blankets are an effective way to heat large totes. Chemicals and other industrial supplies stored in IBC totes can be difficult to heat due to strict storage and temperature requirements, and cold weather complicates the process even more. The wrap-around tote heater saves energy and reduces hot and cold spots by maximizing surface area contact. An adjustable thermostat controller and internal thermostats ensure that your IBC tote stays at a consistent temperature.

Concrete Heat Blankets

Concrete heat blankets are critical for protecting your concrete during the curing process, particularly in harsh weather conditions. Whether it's freezing cold in the winter or scorching hot in the summer, these heater blankets keep the moisture in during the curing process. Its unique design eliminates temperature fluctuations, resulting in consistent coverage across the entire surface area. They use advanced heating technology to provide consistent and even heat during concrete curing, protecting all areas of your project, including corners and edges.

Drum Heating Blankets

Drum heating blankets are tough and durable, delivering even, consistent heat throughout your barrel. These heated barrel blankets come in a variety of sizes and fully enclose your drum or barrel, ensuring complete temperature control. Each drum heater blanket usually includes an adjustable or fixed thermostat to prevent overheating and ensure consistent performance.

Applications of Heat Blankets

Heat blankets are used across various industries and for different applications. This is often influenced by the type of heat jacket and its specifications. Some of the most popular applications include:

• Freeze protection: Even in the harshest climates, you can save money on labor, reduce downtime, and avoid replacing frozen equipment.
• Process temperature control: Heat blankets ensure you maintain the ideal temperatures for your processes to achieve advanced temperature control.
• Flow/Viscosity: They control the viscosity and increase flow without scorching or damaging critical materials.
• Composite & epoxy curing: Heat curing technology is used in industries like aerospace, marine, and renewable energy.
• Construction: Powerblanket is beneficial for concrete, roofing, spray foam, painting, and other applications in cold weather.
• Chemical storage: Keeps equipment and chemicals safe, ensuring that heat is applied evenly.
• Oil & gas storage: Protect your assets from failure, downtime, and hazardous conditions.
• Railroad: Designed to help railroad companies protect resources and maintain operational continuity.
• Semiconductors: Specialty gas cylinder heat blankets maintain optimal pressure in specialty gas delivery systems.
• Industrial cooling: Effectively regulates temperature-sensitive materials in both normal and hot conditions.

Benefits of Using Heat Blankets

While tank heating pads offer general advantages, the specific benefits of each type make them essential for various applications.

• Tank heater blankets prevent operational delays by eliminating downtime caused by frozen fluids. They are versatile across multiple industries, including agriculture and landscaping, making them a reliable solution for RV waste and water tanks, sprayers, and large storage tanks.
• DEF tank blanket heaters & custom-designed heat blankets ensure uninterrupted operations by keeping fluids at optimal temperatures. They are water-resistant for safe outdoor use, adaptable to both large and small tanks, and widely used across industries to enhance efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Propane tank heating blankets improve efficiency by maintaining consistent heat levels, extend the lifespan of propane tanks, and provide a safe, water-resistant solution that is easy to install and suitable for outdoor environments.
• IBC tote heater blankets are designed for large totes (275 and 330 gallons), maintaining precise temperature control to meet rigorous industrial requirements. Their weather-resistant construction allows for reliable indoor and outdoor use, while their design enables convenient access to contents during heating. They are ideal for chemicals and industrial supplies.
• Concrete heat blankets protect surfaces from frost, snow, and ice buildup, ensuring uninterrupted construction schedules and reducing costly delays. Their water-resistant and outdoor-safe design makes them a practical solution for winter conditions.
• Drum heating blankets offer a safe and efficient heating solution for both steel and polyethylene drums. They are easy to install and operate, making them ideal for maintaining consistent temperatures in outdoor environments.
• Hot box heater blankets provide a cost-effective, energy-efficient heating solution that prevents scorching or material damage. Their easy assembly and disassembly make them highly convenient, while custom sizing options allow for tailored heating solutions for specific needs.

Choosing the Right Heat Blanket for Your Tank

Choosing the right heated tank blanket is critical for maintaining accurate temperature control, protecting your stored materials, and maximizing your investment. Some important factors to consider include:

• Tank Size and Shape: Provide Tank Depot with accurate tank dimensions and shape to ensure proper blanket sizing.
• Stored Material: Determine the temperature requirements for the material you are storing.
• Desired Temperature: Clearly define the temperature you want to maintain. Consider the ambient temperature, wind, and weather conditions to ensure proper insulation and heating power.
• Insulation Requirements: Determine the appropriate insulation level based on temperature differentials and energy efficiency goals.
• Power Supply: Make sure the heated blanket works with the power source you have available.
• Hazardous Area Classification: If your tank is in a hazardous environment, use a certified heated blanket.
• Control System: Determine the level of temperature control and monitoring you need.
• Installation and Maintenance: Inquire about installation ease and maintenance requirements.

Care and Maintenance Tips for Heat Blankets

Proper maintenance and care for your tank warming blanket are critical to ensuring its longevity and performance. The top maintenance routines include:

Cleaning

Clean the heater blanket gently with a soft cloth or soft sponge and mild soap. Avoid using harsh cleaners or scrubbing hard, since this might affect the integrity of the material. Allow it to dry thoroughly before reattaching it to your tank. Never dry the blanket with any heat source, since this will also damage the internal elements.

Regular Inspections

Inspect your heater blanket once a month if it has extensive service. Surface and edge signs of wear and tear, cuts, and fraying can lead to possible wires exposed and elements damaged.

Storage

When not in use, carefully remove the heater blanket from the storage tank and clean it. Allow to air dry. Store the blanket in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Lightly roll or fold the blanket to avoid creases and damage.

Temperature Settings

Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the optimal temperature setting for your heat blanket. Avoid using the highest setting unnecessarily, as excessive heat can strain the heating elements and reduce the blanket’s lifespan. Regularly monitor the temperature inside the tank to ensure efficient performance and prevent overheating.

Electrical Connections

Regularly inspect the power cord and the connections for wear and damage. Ensure that the plug and outlet are of excellent quality, clean, and free of any debris. Always unplug the heater blanket when not in use or before doing any maintenance to it. Also, never use extension cords or adapters that do not match the heat blanket's power rating.

Tank Depot's Heated Tank Blankets

Tank Depot is a renowned brand that provides storage solutions to a wide range of clientele. We deliver quality products to our customers, courtesy of our esteemed partners. Among them is Powerblanket, a company that manufactures heat insulation blankets for various tank shapes and sizes to guarantee users a dependable heating solution in winter. We stock industrial tank heaters of different dimensions to fit the vast needs of our clients. Our products protect materials and equipment, optimize processes, ensure a perfect fit, deliver engineering expertise, and are safety certified.

Contact Tank Depot to book a free consultation for this innovative heating solution and order yours today.

FAQs