Suction Bells

The Model SB Suction Bells are used in preheated heavy oil underground tank applications to provide a pool of warm oil without wasteful heating of the entire tank.  Hot oil from the return line is confined within the suction bell where it blends with oil from storage to maintain a pumpable temperature at the bottom of the suction stub. 

The Suction Bell also allows a loop system to be brought up to temperature with a small electric heater at the pump and heating set.  By returning the warmed oil to the confines of the bell, it may be returned to the pump and recirculated through the start-up heater.  The oil temperature in the loop will eventually rise to a point that allows the plant to be started, even though the capacity of the heater may not be sufficient to heat the entire flow of oil in one pass through the loop. 

When the volume of oil returned from the electric heater does not provide sufficient heat, models with internal coils should be used.  All models are fabricated of ⅛" steel plate and are 15 ⅜" diameter to permit passage through a standard tank manhole. Coils are fabricated of ¾" diameter seamless steel tube and are suitable for use with steam, hot water, or glycol.  The Preferred Suction Bell should not be used as  the sole source of heat in an above-ground tank installation as it might not provide sufficient heat to keep the entire tank above the pour point of the fuel.