At NISTM 2026, Chromalox presented its electric heating solutions for industrial tanks, focusing on operational continuity, freeze protection, and maintenance efficiency. The Pittsburgh-based company, with over a century of experience in the industry, highlighted the role of immersion heaters in industrial applications where thermal control is critical to preventing process failures.
Richard Tommarello, Product Manager at Chromalox, explained during the interview that the company works on solutions designed to maintain industrial fluids within specific temperature ranges. Among the most relevant applications are freeze protection systems for fire protection tanks and the heating of lubricating oils used in industrial facilities.
Likewise, the executive highlighted that many industries continue to face operational problems related to low temperatures, fluid viscosity, and prolonged maintenance times, especially in operations linked to the storage and transport of industrial liquids.
Temperature control has become a priority for industrial operators seeking to maintain process stability and reduce operational risks. In sectors where the storage of water, lubricants, or industrial fluids is essential, low temperatures can significantly impact facility performance.
One of the most critical scenarios arises in fire protection systems. As Tommarello explained, the tanks used for these types of applications must be kept above freezing to ensure their functionality in emergency situations.
If the water freezes and a fire occurs, the system will not be able to supply the necessary flow.
Commented Tommarello.
In parallel, operations involving industrial lubricants also depend on precise temperature control. When certain oils drop below specific temperatures, their viscosity increases until they acquire a gelatinous consistency, making them difficult to pump through pipes and process systems.
This situation can lead to:
For this reason, more and more companies are incorporating industrial heating solutions capable of maintaining the thermal stability of fluids throughout the operation.
One of the main focuses of Chromalox's participation at NISTM 2026 was its line of immersion heaters for tank heating applications.
The company explained that these systems maintain the correct temperature in industrial tanks using electric heating elements installed directly inside the vessels. However, Chromalox's differentiating factor lies in the patented design of removable elements developed by the company.
As Tommarello explained, this technology allows the heating elements to be removed without disassembling the flange or draining the entire tank. In industrial operations where stopping equipment can result in significant losses of time and productivity, this feature translates into a significant operational advantage.
Traditionally, many maintenance processes in heating systems involve:
With Chromalox's removable design, maintenance tasks can be performed more quickly and with less impact on daily operations.
Likewise, this solution helps reduce costs associated with corrective maintenance and minimizes downtime in facilities where operational continuity is critical.
Freeze protection solutions continue to gain relevance in industries linked to liquid storage, tank terminals, and industrial safety systems.
During the interview, Chromalox emphasized that many companies still underestimate the impact that low temperatures can have on their operations. Freezing fluids not only affects flow within pipelines but can also cause structural damage to equipment and storage systems.
In regions where temperatures drop considerably during certain seasons of the year, keeping the heat inside the tanks becomes an operational necessity rather than an optional upgrade.
Immersion heaters allow you to maintain a stable temperature continuously and help to:
Furthermore, the company highlighted that this type of solution can be adapted to multiple industrial applications depending on the process conditions and the type of fluid used.
Another of the most relevant points mentioned by Tommarello was the need to complement industrial heaters with temperature monitoring and control systems.
As he explained, some operators focus their decisions solely on the heater and neglect the process control system. However, thermal monitoring is crucial to prevent overheating and maintain stable operating conditions.
To address this need, Chromalox markets power control assemblies designed for process temperature monitoring and overtemperature protection.
These solutions allow:
The combination of immersion heaters and thermal control systems has become an increasingly common practice in industrial operations seeking to improve reliability and operational stability.
Likewise, proper monitoring helps to extend the useful life of equipment and reduce incidents related to uncontrolled thermal variations.
In addition to the technology presented at NISTM 2026, Chromalox highlighted the company's accumulated experience in the industrial heating sector.
The company noted that some of its equipment continues to operate in the field after ten, fifteen, and even twenty years of service. This durability is one of the most valued factors for industrial customers who prioritize operational reliability and reduced frequency of replacements.
Tommarello also emphasized the importance of specialized technical support. He explained that the company has engineers available to assist operators and customers with issues related to thermal processes or specific applications.
“With over a hundred years of experience, we have seen virtually every type of application,” the executive commented.
This technical support has become a relevant aspect for industries that require specialized support during the selection, installation and operation of electric heating systems.
With its participation in NISTM 2026, Chromalox reinforced its position within the market for tank heating solutions and industrial thermal control.
The company used the event to showcase technologies focused on:
In a context where industries seek to maximize operational availability and minimize disruptions, immersion heaters continue to consolidate themselves as a key tool for industrial fluid storage and handling applications.
Chromalox solutions can visit the company's website, where they can also locate sales representatives and obtain technical information on industrial heating applications.
For more content about NISTM 2026, visit our LinkedIn profile.
Source: Inspenet.
