An over-the-side immersion heater is a tubular electric heating element designed to be suspended into an open vessel from above the rim — without requiring any permanent modification to the tank or container.
The heater consists of a stainless steel tubular element (AISI 316L) bent into a U or L configuration, connected to a terminal box with an integrated thermostat. The element is lowered into the liquid and held in place by hooking over the tank wall, making it immediately deployable in any accessible open vessel.
Heat is transferred directly from the element surface to the surrounding liquid through convection. With a surface power density of approximately 2.5 W/cm², the heater raises liquid temperature efficiently — faster than low-density alternatives — while the thermostat maintains the target temperature within the set range.
The IP67-rated terminal box protects internal connections against moisture and splashing, making the unit suitable for wet industrial environments without additional enclosure.
Over-the-side immersion heaters are widely used in industry because they combine direct liquid heating with rapid, tool-free installation — a combination that fixed heating systems cannot offer.
The most important advantages include:
These properties make over-the-side immersion heaters a practical solution wherever temporary, flexible, or supplementary liquid heating is required.
Over-the-side immersion heaters are used wherever liquids in open vessels need to be heated, maintained at temperature, or protected from freezing — without permanent installation:
The over-the-side format is particularly well suited to operations where the same heater must serve multiple tanks, or where heating requirements change between production runs or seasons.
Because no welding, drilling, or tank modification is involved, over-the-side immersion heaters can be installed and removed by maintenance personnel without specialist tools or downtime.
An over-the-side immersion heater is a portable electric heating element designed to be suspended into an open tank or container from above the rim. It heats the liquid directly through immersion, requires no tank modification, and is typically fitted with an integrated thermostat for automatic temperature control.
Over-the-side immersion heaters in AISI 316L stainless steel are compatible with water, water-based solutions, and many industrial liquids. The material selection should always be matched to the specific liquid being heated — for aggressive chemicals or special fluids, element material and watt density must be specified accordingly.
The integrated thermostat is adjustable between 30°C and 90°C, covering the most common temperature requirements for industrial liquid heating, frost protection, and process preparation. The thermostat automatically cycles the heater on and off to maintain the set temperature.
Yes. The terminal box is rated IP67, meaning it is protected against dust ingress and temporary submersion. This makes the heater suitable for use in wet industrial environments, near splashing liquids, and in areas subject to wash-down procedures.
Yes. With the thermostat set to a low temperature, over-the-side immersion heaters are an effective and low-cost solution for preventing freezing in open tanks and containers exposed to cold conditions. The automatic thermostat ensures the heater only operates when required, keeping energy consumption low.
Kuhlmann Electro-Heat supplies over-the-side immersion heaters for industrial and commercial liquid heating applications. Our standard range is manufactured in acid-proof AISI 316L stainless steel with integrated thermostat control and IP67 terminal protection.
Whether you need a single unit for maintenance use or a quantity for production, our immersion heaters are stocked and available for immediate delivery.
Standard over-the-side immersion heaters cover most open-tank applications, but some processes require specific element lengths, higher power outputs, alternative materials, or custom thermostat ranges.
Our engineering team can specify and supply immersion heaters designed for your exact liquid, vessel geometry, and temperature requirements — from single units to volume orders.
Contact us to discuss your application and we will recommend the right solution.
A silicone heater is a flexible electric heating element used to provide uniform surface heating in industrial applications.
The silicone heater consists of a resistance wire or etched foil heating element embedded between layers of silicone rubber. This construction allows the heater to remain flexible while delivering consistent heat distribution across the entire surface.
Silicone rubber offers excellent thermal stability, electrical insulation, and resistance to moisture and chemicals. This makes silicone heaters suitable for both indoor and outdoor industrial environments.
The heating element converts electrical energy into heat, which is transferred directly to the surface it is attached to. Because the heater sits in direct contact with the object being heated, energy losses are minimized and heating efficiency is improved.
One of the main advantages of silicone heaters is their flexibility. They can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes and can easily be mounted on flat, curved, or irregular surfaces.
Other benefits include:
These features make silicone heaters particularly useful for applications where space is limited or precise heating is required.
Silicone heaters are widely used in many industrial processes, including:
Their versatility makes them suitable for both OEM equipment manufacturers and maintenance teams working in demanding environments.
Silicone heaters provide a reliable and efficient way to apply controlled heat directly to surfaces and equipment. Their flexibility and durability make them one of the most versatile heating technologies available for modern industry.
A silicone heater is a flexible electric heating element designed to provide uniform surface heating. It consists of resistance wire or etched foil embedded in silicone rubber, allowing it to conform to flat, curved, or irregular surfaces while delivering consistent and efficient heat.
Silicone heaters are used in a wide range of industrial applications, including battery heating, drying after water damage, heating of tanks and containers, process heating in machinery, and temperature control in laboratory or electronic equipment.
The maximum temperature of a silicone heater depends on its design, power density, and application. Typically, silicone heaters can operate up to around 200°C, but exact performance depends on environmental conditions and proper temperature control.
Yes, silicone heaters are often custom-designed to match specific requirements. This includes size, shape, power rating, voltage, sensors, and mounting options. Customisation allows seamless integration into equipment and ensures optimal performance for the intended application.
Silicone heaters are resistant to moisture, chemicals, and environmental exposure, making them suitable for many outdoor and industrial environments. However, the final suitability depends on the design, sealing, and installation, so application-specific evaluation is recommended.
Silicone heaters are one of the most versatile surface heating technologies used across modern industry. At Kuhlmann Electro-Heat, we design and manufacture reliable silicone heating elements for applications ranging from industrial equipment and battery systems to specialised OEM integrations.
Whether you require standard heaters or a fully customised solution, our products are engineered for durability, efficiency, and precise temperature control.
Many industrial applications require heating elements designed for specific shapes, voltages, or temperature profiles. Our engineering team specialises in developing custom silicone heaters tailored to your exact requirements.
From prototype development to full-scale production, we help companies integrate reliable heating solutions into their equipment and processes.
Most silicone heaters are custom-designed to match specific applications.
