Home > Products > THERMCAT™ Explosion Proof Catalytic Heaters
THERMCAT™ Infrared Technology
THERMCAT™ gas-fired catalytic infrared is a safe, flameless heating technology that produces a uniform low intensity, non-glowing heat. A wide range of products and materials such as equipment and floor surfaces readily and evenly absorb this long wavelength energy. This means that the energy is not wasted on the surrounding air, but is focused on providing heat where it is needed.
In the operation of a THERMCAT™ heater, fuel enters a sealed housing and is evenly dispersed by means of an internal gas distribution system. The fuel then passes through an insulation pad that restricts the heat from being transferred through the back of the unit. When the fuel enters the catalyst pad, it reacts with oxygen from the atmosphere and oxidation occurs, resulting in the release of long wave infrared radiant energy.
The very nature of the catalytic reaction makes the heater explosion proof. Any explosive mixture, present in the atmosphere, which comes in contact with the face of the heater is not ignited, but is consumed by the catalytic pad as fuel to produce infrared energy.
THERMCAT™ Applications
Approved by CSA/CGA and AGA for use in hazardous areas rated Class 1, Divisions 1 and 2, Group D, where there is significant explosion risk, the THERMCAT™ provides a safe and cost effective solution. For operation, the THERMCAT™ requires only a fuel source such as natural gas or propane. Electrical power is only required for 10 minutes to start the heater. After the catalytic reaction has been established, the power supply can be disconnected. In remote locations, a 12 volt truck or car battery can provide the power source.
Oil and Gas
Common oil and gas industry conditions, make the THERMCAT™ a natural choice for explosion proof heating. These conditions include hazardous air mixtures, remote locations with no continuing electrical supply, extremely cold temperatures, and at many locations, a ready supply of natural gas.
The THERMCAT™ is routinely used to heat many oil and gas facilities and stations which house equipment such as:
- Pipeline meters
- Wellheads
- Pipe Headers
- Compressors
- Pressure reduction equipment
- Separators
- General Instrumentation
- Storage Tanks
- General process equipment
- Dehydrators
These are only some of the more popular applications. There are many others, too numerous to list here. In addition, Scott Can can manufacture catalytic heating equipment, designed and fabricated to our customers specifications.
Other Applications
In addition to oil and gas, there are many other space and spot heating applications for the THERMCAT™. These include:
- Transit garages
- Petroleum and CNG/LPG refuelling facilities
- Sewage plants
- Aircraft hangers
THERMCAT™ Hot Points
The THERMCAT™ has been designed and manufactured with operator safety, accessibility, easy installation, minimal maintenance and economical operation in mind. These considerations are obvious when comparing the THERMCAT™ to similar products. Some of these advantages include:
- Up to 25% less fuel consumption due to its high performance catalyst.
- Tamper-proof safety shutoff valve cannot be tied down.
- Combination shutoff valve and temperature controller.
- Easy access gas inlet and element junction box.
- Positive gas flow indicator.
- Fast start up.
- Internal protective screen.
All THERMCAT™ models are available for use with natural gas, propane and can be supplied with 12, 120, 240, 480 or 600 volt start up elements. 18 different models ranging from 1500 BTU/Hr up to 72,000 BTU/Hr are available. For information on different sizes, refer to the chart below.
THERMCAT™ Side Mount Models
In addition to its standard line of THERMCAT™ heaters, Scott Can offers as an option a range of "Side Mount" (SM) models.
The THERMCAT™ SM has been designed to further ease of installation, ease of utilities connection and ease of field replacement of heater components. The explosion proof junction box, safety shut off valve and thermocouple are all located on the side of the heater at easily accessible locations. The junction box offers two accessible conduit connection points; one to the front and one to the bottom. The heater can be mounted directly to the wall without the use of wall brackets and because of the side location of the components, the overall distance from the wall face to the back of the heater is a mere 2″. The heater still retains its high quality stainless steel construction and is available with either Scott Can's revolutionary combined safety shut off and temperature controller, the Combi-Safe, or a standard push button valve. All the same accessories as used by the standard model are available for use by the SM range of heaters.
The THERMCAT™ SM comes complete with all appropriate hazardous area approvals, Scott Can's standard warranty and is suitable for many applications in the oil and gas industry.
THERMCAT™ Accessories
Scott Can offers a full line of high quality accessories to complement the THERMCAT™. These include:
- THERMO-FAN for air recirculation in facilities
- Combi-Safe combined shutoff valve and temperature controller.
- Protection grills to prevent contact with the heater face.
- Vent hoods to exhaust moisture from facilities.
- 12 volt battery leads in various lengths for heater start up.
- Wall and floor heater mounting supports.
- Propane gas hoses in various lengths.
- Mechanical temperature controllers.
- Gas pressure regulators for a range of inlet and outlet pressures.
- Pressure gauges.
- Manual shutoff ball valves.
If customers require any accessories not listed here, our customer service representatives will be pleased to locate these for you.