Wattco supplies heaters for Keystone XL

Wattco, a leader in industry and commercial grade electric heaters, is assisting large petrochemical companies by supplying heaters for the Keystone XL pipeline. The pipeline transports oil from Canada and the northern States to refineries in the Gulf Coast.

The Keystone pipeline costs over US$ 5 billion to construct and begins in Alberta. Phase 4, which has yet to begin, will see the pipeline finishing in Houston, Texas. In total, there will be over 2000 miles of pipes and approximately 700 000 bpd of oil to heat.

In its natural state oil maintains a higher viscosity and its thick consistency results in slow movement through pipelines. Therefore, the oil is heated to speed up the flow. This lowers the viscosity and allows it to move closer to the speed of water.

Wattco’s petrochemical heaters must maintain hydraulic and thermal constraints while keeping the oil temperature stable. The electric heaters are ideal due to their temperature accuracy, production of less in-plant emissions and the ability to withstand high heat. Three types of heaters are suitable to handle petrochemical industry needs, including:

• Immersion heaters: the heater is put into the oil to warm it directly, though build-up can make it ineffective for large projects.
• Flange heaters: these offer optimal heating and utilise flanges with immersion coil heaters.
• Circulation heaters: extremely efficient for oil, these are closed systems in which heat is applied from outside and materials exit at a controlled temperature.

Though Phase 4 has yet to gain the necessary permits, Wattco is proud to offer petrochemical heaters that meet and exceed the project expectations. The company noted that, "The transportation of oil is a dangerous endeavor. We are proud that our craftsmanship and products are trusted to help make this a safer and easier project."

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/27022014/wattco_supplies_heaters_for_keystone_xl_114/