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HEATING SOLUTIONS FOR VISCOSITY CONTROL
Viscosity control and maintenance is one of the more common areas we’re asked to solve with our surface heating products...
We’re talking enquiries like “how do I keep oil from thickening in tanks”, and “how can I prevent adhesive solidification in pipes”, all falling in our wheelhouse of viscosity control heating solutions perfectly. Let’s set the scene a little more… You’re working with chemicals in food processing or laboratory settings, have you ever struggled with oils, adhesives, or chemicals that are too thick to pump or process? When fluids cool below their optimal temperature, they become viscous, thick, and can have a sticky consistency between solid and liquid, and on some occasions even solidify. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it can clog pipes, damage pumps, and bring entire production lines to a standstill. The result? Costly downtime, wasted materials, and products that don’t meet your high standards.
Industries
- Industrial & Manufacturing
- Chemical & Laboratory
- Food & Beverage
- Construction & Coating
- Packaging & Logistics
Industrial & Manufacturing Viscosity Control Heating Solutions
Reliable process flow depends on precise control of fluid properties, yet many industrial and manufacturing operations face costly downtime when oils, greases, adhesives, or waxes thicken or solidify at lower temperatures. Heaters for viscosity control provide an efficient, targeted solution, ensuring that critical materials remain at optimal viscosity. From heavy lubricants powering automotive machinery to adhesives in electronics manufacturing, our heating solutions keep production lines moving and enable consistent product quality, whatever the ambient conditions.
|
Fluid or Material |
Industry | Challenge | Heating Solution |
| Heavy Lubricating Oils |
Automotive Petrochemical |
Thicken in cold environments, causing pump strain and start up delays. | Surface heater mats on oil reservoirs and pumps. |
| Hydraulic Fluid |
Construction Industrial Machinery |
Becomes sluggish or immobile, affecting machinery responsiveness. | Tank and line heating to maintain fluidity. |
| Grease & Waxes |
Manufacturing Packaging |
Solidify, clogging dispnesers and causing equipment jams. | Inline heating around dispensers or containers. |
|
Butimen Asphalt |
Road Construction Roofing |
Solidifies at ambient temperature. | Heated storage tanks with surface heating mats. |
| Industrial Adhesives |
Electronics Packaging |
Set or thicken in hoses or nozzles, causing line unevenness and waste. | Heater mats on adhesive tanks and lines. |
Chemical & Laboratory Viscosity Control Heating Solutions
In chemical production and laboratory environments, fluid stability is essential for safety, accuracy, and process consistency. Many resins, solvents, and pharmaceutical ingredients become difficult or impossible to handle as their viscosity rises in cooler temperatures. Surface heater mats and heater jackets offer an effective, uniform heat source that maintains chemicals and solutions at the precise temperature needed for smooth transfer, reliable mixing, and accurate dosing, supporting the uncompromising standards of research and chemical processing.
|
Fluid or Material |
Industry | Challenge | Heating Solution |
| Resins & Epoxies |
Laboratory Manufacturing Composites |
Thicken or gel when stored in cool environments. | Drum heater blankets or mat style heater jackets. |
| Solvents with High Freezing Points |
Chemical Production |
Fail to evaporate or flow at lower temperatures, disrupting formulation processes. | Pipe and tank warmers. |
| Glycerin |
Cosmetics Pharmaceuticals |
High viscosity at room temperature, difficult to pump accurately. | Tank heating with precise thermal control. |
Food & Beverage Viscosity Control Heating Solutions
Viscosity plays a pivotal role in food and beverage processing, affecting everything from texture to shelf life. Ingredients like honey, oils, and chocolate are prone to thickening or hardening, disrupting bottling, mixing, and pouring. Surface heater mats are the industry’s trusted solution, ensuring flowable, fresh ingredients at every stage of production. By maintaining stable temperatures, our heaters help food manufacturers minimise waste, maximize consistency, and deliver quality products efficiently.
|
Fluid or Material |
Industry | Challenge | Heating Solution |
| Honey |
Food Processing |
Crystallises in cool environments, difficult to pour and bottle. | Surface heaters, under tanks, around transfer lines. |
| Chocolate & Syrups |
Confectionary Baking |
Thicken or solidiy in cool ambient conditions. | Heated trays, hoses and mixing tanks. |
| Fats & Oils |
Food Catering |
Solidify at room temperature, leading to clogging and poor portion control. | Flexible heaters on storage tanks and pipework. |
| Molasses |
Breweries Food Manufacturing |
Viscous at low temp, hard to pump or mix. | Heating pads around barrels and pipes. |
| Dairy Based Products |
Food |
Can curdle or become too thick to pump. | Indirect heating to stabilise viscosity. |
Construction & Coating Viscosity Control Heating Solutions
From sealants to coatings, the construction industry faces unique challenges when cold weather or unheated environments cause essential materials to become too viscous or solidify. Surface heater mats deliver the uniform, dependable heat needed to keep paints, adhesives, and coatings at application-ready consistency. Our viscosity control heating solutions enable smooth, uninterrupted workflows on site and in manufacturing, reducing delays, improving finish quality, and supporting productivity year-round.
|
Fluid or Material |
Industry | Challenge | Heating Solution |
| Sealants & Caulks |
Construction Civil |
Thicken in cold weather, clogging applicatio tools. | Heater mats on bulk containers and applicator hoses. |
| Paints & Coatings |
Industrial Cooling Marine |
Viscosity increases at low temperatures, difficult application and poor finish. | Drum heaters and cabinet warmers. |
| Polyurethane Foam Components |
Insulation Construction |
Must be mixed and sprayed at consistent temperature to ensure uniform curing. | Heating before mixing and during spray process. |
Packaging & Logistics Viscosity Control Heating Solutions
Efficient packaging and logistics rely on precise material control, even a slight increase in viscosity can slow down lines or jam automated systems. Hot melt glues, wax coatings, and lubricants used in packaging need consistent temperatures to prevent clogs, poor adhesion, or mechanical failures. Surface heater mats offer versatile, energy-efficient solutions for maintaining optimal flow and function across conveyor systems, dispensers, and storage, keeping logistics and packaging operations seamless and reliable.
|
Fluid or Material |
Industry | Challenge | Heating Solution |
| Hot Melt Glues |
Packaging Labelling |
Set too quickly if cooled, leading to poor bonds or production halts. | Heater mats on bulk containers and applicator hoses. |
| Lubricants or Greases for Conveyors |
Manufacturing Packaging |
Solidify causing extra wear or stalling. | Tray or pump housing heater mats. |
| Wax Coatings |
Food Packaging Paperboard |
Solidify, leading to uneven coverage and clogging. | Heated roller and flow systems. |
Consequences of Temperature & Viscosity Control Fails
The consequences of temperature and viscosity control fails are more than just an inconvenience. When temperature control fails, the impact ripples through your entire operation:
- Production stopages & repairs
- Wasted raw materials & finished goods
- Reduces equipment lifespan
- Safety hazards for employees
- Missed delivery deadlines & unsatisfied customers.=
Heaters for Viscosity Control
At Axair Refrigeration, we don’t just sell heaters and heating mats, we understand, address and solve heating and cooling challenges. We started our business removing heat, because that’s what Refrigeration is all about, and when you’re an expert in removing heat, by default you’re an expert in applying heat too. But our team is different than most suppliers, we go beyond product and work with you to understand your process, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend the ideal heating solution. Whether you need off-the-shelf products or custom-engineered mats, our solutions are trusted by industry leaders who can’t afford to compromise on quality, reliability, or efficiency. So if you’re searching for answers to any of the problems we’ve briefly discussed, or anything similar, then you’re in the right place. We have the expertise, products, and commitment to help you solve these challenges for good
Perfect for wrapping around tanks, pipes, and vessels, these mats provide even, controllable heat. They maintain fluid viscosity, prevent blockages, and keep your process running smoothly, no matter the ambient temperature.
Kapton Heaters
When you need ultra-thin, precise heating for delicate or confined spaces, Kapton heater mats deliver. They’re ideal for applications where accuracy and space-saving design are paramount.
Ceramic Heater Mats
Ceramic heater mats excel in demanding, high-temperature environments where robust heating and durability are critical, involving persistent or very thick fluids. They provide reliable, even heat distribution, supporting continuous flow and preventing blockages.
Preformed Heaters
Ddesigned to fit precisely around pipes, drums, and other curved equipment where standard flat heater mats can't achieve optimal contact. By closely conforming to the surface, they provide consistent, even heating, essential for maintaining the right viscosity.