Electric Heating Plant

Electric Heating Plant

Electric heating plants play a crucial role in modern industrial energy supply, providing stable, controllable, and efficient thermal energy to a wide range of production processes. Unlike traditional steam boilers relying on fossil fuels, electric heating systems deliver clean heat with precise temperature control and flexible deployment, making them essential for chemical production, materials processing, food sterilization, textile heating, and many other high-demand sectors.

However, the operational environment inside electric heating plants is far from benign. High-temperature media such as thermal oil, superheated water, and saturated steam often exceed 250°C, and in many cases, the medium can reach 300°C–350°C or more. Additionally, many processes involve flammable vapors or combustible gases, creating areas that require certified explosion-proof instrumentation. Maintaining stable pressure within these systems is fundamental not only to efficiency but also to operational safety.

In scenarios where temperature, pressure, and explosion risk converge, conventional pressure transmitters simply cannot survive. This is where explosion-proof high-temperature pressure transmitters become indispensable. With advanced thermal isolation structures, durable materials, and certified flameproof protection, they ensure accurate and continuous pressure monitoring in the harshest environments.

ZINACA Instruments provides a purpose-built explosion-proof high-temperature pressure transmitter engineered for these exact challenges. Featuring a 350°C temperature capability achieved through a high-temperature heat-sink design combined with a stainless-steel capillary tube, and certified to Ex d ⅡC T6 Gb, it offers reliable pressure feedback for electric heating plants operating under extreme thermal and explosive conditions.

What Is an Electric Heating Plant?

Electric heating plants are facilities that generate heat using electrical energy and deliver it to production processes through controlled thermal systems such as thermal oil heaters, electric steam generators, high-temperature circulation loops, or direct-resistance heating equipment. Their primary function is to supply stable and predictable heat for industrial applications where temperature uniformity and system safety are critical.

1.1 Key Characteristics of Electric Heating Plants

(1) High-Temperature Operating Conditions

Thermal oil circuits often operate at 250–350°C, while certain specialized equipment can exceed these temperatures. At such conditions, ordinary pressure transmitters quickly experience thermal drift, degradation of sealing components, and eventual failure. Only purpose-built high-temperature transmitters with proper isolation structures can survive long-term exposure.

(2) Presence of Flammable Media

Many industrial thermal systems use heat transfer fluids that are flammable at elevated temperatures. During heating, vapors and gases can accumulate in confined spaces, requiring instrumentation certified for explosive atmospheres.

(3) Continuous Operation Requirements

Electric heating plants frequently run for extended periods, sometimes 24/7, depending on production needs. Any interruption may cause product defects, safety incidents, or significant economic losses. To ensure uninterrupted performance, pressure monitoring devices must deliver long-term accuracy and stability under harsh conditions.

(4) Broad Application Across Industries

Electric heating technology is used in a variety of industrial scenarios, including:

•  Chemical reaction heating

•  Oil and gas pipeline tracing and insulation

•  Sterilization and pasteurization in food factories

•  Pharmaceutical reactors and drying systems

•  Textile and coating heat treatment

•  Precision machinery thermal management

Across these applications, high temperature, flammable risks, and pressure fluctuations make high-quality pressure measurement indispensable.

How ZINACA’s Explosion-Proof High-Temperature Pressure Transmitter Applies in Electric Heating Plants

ZINACA Instruments offers a specialized explosion-proof high-temperature pressure transmitter designed to operate reliably under extreme thermal and hazardous conditions. Its ability to withstand continuous exposure to temperatures up to 350°C is made possible through a robust heat-sink structure combined with a high-temperature capillary tube. This design isolates the sensitive measuring components from the high-temperature medium, significantly reducing thermal stress and preventing measurement drift. The high-temperature capillary tube transmits pressure safely while keeping the sensing chamber at a stable and protected temperature.

The transmitter’s flameproof certification, Ex d ⅡC T6 Gb, guarantees safe operation in explosive atmospheres commonly found around thermal oil heaters, electric steam generators, and enclosed high-temperature systems. The flameproof enclosure prevents internal ignition sources from igniting external flammable vapors, ensuring safety even under unexpected conditions. The T6 temperature class ensures that the surface temperature remains below 85°C, further minimizing ignition risk.

In electric heating plants, the transmitter plays an essential role in monitoring circulation pump pressure, maintaining thermal oil loop stability, supervising pressure in electric steam generators, and providing safety interlock protection. Pressure sensors integrated into high-temperature systems must respond quickly and accurately to sudden pressure changes, particularly in systems that experience rapid heating cycles. ZINACA’s transmitter delivers stable performance despite sharp temperature variations, vibrations from pumps, and prolonged high-temperature exposure.

Additionally, the device integrates seamlessly with industrial control systems. Its 4–20 mA, HART, or RS485 Modbus output options allow connection to PLCs, DCS, and plant-wide monitoring networks. The transmitter’s industrial-grade materials—such as 316L stainless steel—provide resistance to corrosive fluids and harsh environmental conditions frequently encountered in electric heating facilities.

By ensuring real-time and dependable pressure monitoring, ZINACA’s high-temperature explosion-proof transmitter helps operators maintain efficient heating process control, prevent overpressure incidents, and extend the life of thermal equipment. Its high accuracy supports better energy management and reduces the operational risks associated with thermal oil degradation and equipment overload.

How to Choose a Reliable Explosion-Proof High-Temperature Pressure Transmitter

When selecting a pressure transmitter for an electric heating plant, it is essential to verify the device’s ability to withstand continuous exposure to extreme temperatures. A true high-temperature design must include a physical heat-sink structure and a capillary tube with thermal isolation fluid. Without these elements, the device will quickly experience damage or accuracy loss. Users should always confirm whether the transmitter has undergone high-temperature aging tests and thermal compensation calibration.

Explosion-proof certification is another critical consideration. Only transmitters with Ex d ⅡC T6 Gb certification can be safely used in hazardous areas where thermal oil vapors or chemical gases may accumulate. This certification ensures the transmitter can contain an internal explosion and prevent flames from escaping into the surrounding environment.

Long-term stability is a decisive factor. Electric heating systems often run continuously, and pressure sensors must maintain consistent accuracy over months or years of operation. A suitable transmitter should demonstrate minimal drift, strong temperature compensation capabilities, and stable long-term performance data. Mechanical robustness also matters. Instruments must withstand vibrations, thermal cycling, electromagnetic interference, and corrosive media.

Support from the manufacturer should not be overlooked. Industrial plants depend on rapid technical assistance, documentation, replacement parts, and customization options. A reliable supplier must be able to provide tailored solutions, such as specialized capillary lengths, mounting structures, diaphragm materials, or communication protocols, depending on the application requirements of the heating plant.

About ZINACA Instruments

ZINACA Instruments is a professional manufacturer specializing in pressure, temperature, flow, and level measurement equipment for industrial applications. Our products are widely used in electric heating plants, chemical processing, oil and gas systems, food production, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, and environmental industries. With ISO, CNAS, IAF, SIL, and ACM certifications, our instrumentation meets global reliability and safety standards.

Our explosion-proof high-temperature pressure transmitter is one of our key products, designed specifically for extreme industrial environments where both high temperature and explosion protection are required. With a temperature capability of up to 350°C, a high-temperature heat-sink structure, a stainless-steel capillary tube, and Ex d ⅡC T6 Gb certification, it delivers long-term, stable, and safe performance in demanding electric heating applications.

ZINACA Instruments continues to support customers worldwide with OEM manufacturing, engineering customization, and reliable after-sales service. Our mission is to provide precise, durable, and intelligent measurement solutions that enhance operational safety and industrial efficiency.