EBU – The Next Evolution in Indirect Heating
What is EBU?
The Electric Boiler Unit (EBU) is an indirect heating system designed to provide efficient and environmentally friendly heating solutions for crude oil processing. Unlike traditional firetube or gas-powered heating systems, EBU operates using electricity, eliminating emissions and significantly reducing operational risks and maintenance.
By utilizing electrically produced steam, the EBU delivers consistent, precise and highly efficient heat without combustion losses associated with gas fired systems. This makes an ideal alternative for operators looking to reduce produced emissions while improving safety, efficiency, and reliability.
How the EBU works.
Electrically heating crude oil is not new. However, simply replacing a firetube with an electric element has shown to suffer similar failures. The fouling that tends to cause firetube overheating also overheats the electric elements ultimately resulting in their premature failure.
The Elite EBU system addresses these issues. By heating a water/glycol solution in an external boiler, the issue of element fouling is eliminated. Being a closed loop system that repeatedly vaporizes and condenses the same clean water, the typical issues associated with makeup water are even avoided. The produced steam travels to a vessel mounted exchanger, or alternatively to a remote exchanger, to heat the process fluids. This controlled low temperature steam provides uniform, consistent heat without the possibility of damaging coatings or gaskets and allows for the exchanger to safely be in direct contact with the crude oil, increasing heating efficiency.
Key Features of EBU’s Heating Process:
Electric Resistance Heating: Directly converts electricity into heat, eliminating combustion losses.
Closed-Loop System: Maintains a vacuum-sealed operation for maximum efficiency.
Precise Temperature Control: Self-adjusting up to 210°F for optimal oil processing.
Rapid Response Time: System vacuum produces steam almost instantly upon heating.
No Emissions, No Combustion: A fully environmentally friendly solution with lower carbon footprint.
The Process System
Utilizes modulating electric elements for highest efficiency.
ASME Sec IV boiler design for industrial safety compliance.
Closed-loop vacuum system requiring no makeup water for steam generation.
Temperature self-regulation up to 210°F, ensuring optimized heating efficiency.
System HMI for ease of operation.
Modbus TCP for full system access and compatibility.
Remote monitoring and control features.
Low maintenance- no fuel related issues.
The Benefits of EBU Over Traditional Heating Systems
Features
EBU
Firetube
Energy Efficiency & Precision Heating
Converts electrical energy directly into heat…
Relies on combustion-based heating, leading t…
Safety & Reliability
No open flames, gas lines, or combustion, whi…
Requires gas combustion inside or near the pr…
Environmental Impact
Produces zero emissions and no harmful byprod…
Burns fossil fuels, resulting in greenhouse g…
• Maintenance & Operational Costs
- • No scaling or corrosion = fewer repairs and longer life.
…
- • Subject to scaling, corrosion, gasket failure.
…
• Application Flexibility
- • In-vessel and remote exchangers.
…
- • Requires separate units for each application.
…
