Flameless Bruest Catalytic Heaters Keep Gas Systems Flowing
As temperatures drop, the natural gas industry turns to Bruest for cost-efficient heating systems to prevent freeze-ups in critical metering and regulating equipment. Engineered for efficiency and safety, catalytic technology delivers consistent heat with minimal maintenance.
When temperatures drop, the natural gas industry turns to Bruest for cost-efficient heating systems to prevent freeze-ups in critical metering and regulating equipment. Engineered for efficiency and safety, catalytic technology delivers consistent heat with minimal maintenance.
Built in Independence, Kansas, Bruest engineers and manufactures reliable, efficient, flameless heat across the entire natural gas network in metering and regulating stations, analyzer shelters, compressor buildings, and pipeline manifolds.
The KERR team has decades of knowledge and hands-on expertise with catalytic heater operations, troubleshooting and start ups. Whether commissioning new units or maintaining systems that have been in service for decades, our Application Specialists work with customers to ensure every heater operates safely and performs at optimal levels.
Thomas Kerr starting a catalytic heater at a Compressor Building in Eastern PA. The flameless heat maintains temperatures above 50 degrees.
Freeze-FITER applied in front of an instrument preheats the gas
Thomas Kerr starting a Dual Coil Freez-FITER at a Compressor station
Bruest Catalytic Heaters are used wherever temperature control is critical, provide steady, flameless infrared heat to maintain proper operating temperatures in critical equipment.
Meter and regulator stations
Compressor buildings
Pipeline manifolds
Wellhead skids
Analyzer shelters and equipment enclosures
Catalytic Heater Fundamentals
Unlike conventional burners, catalytic heaters don’t rely on combustion. Instead, they use a catalytic reaction to release energy from natural gas or LPG at a much lower temperature—typically around 900°F (480°C) compared to the 1,200–1,400°F required for ignition. The result is safe, flameless infrared radiant heat—an exothermic chemical process that delivers steady warmth without sparks or smoke.
It’s not magic.. it’s an Exothermic chemical reaction.
DESIGNED FOR hazardous OR ENCLOSED ENVIRONMENTS
FREEZ-FITER with a Regulator
CSA Class I Div 1 or FM Class I Div 2
CSA and FM approvals for Class I, Division 1 and 2 locations
ATEX certification for European installations
Operates on natural gas or LPG
Catalytic Pads require little to no maintenance
No moving parts and minimal maintenance
Long service life with consistent, reliable output
HOTCAT LINE HEATERS
In HOTCAT natural gas line heaters, Bruest catalytic heater panels are the heat source. The catalytic heater panels convert the fuel gas to CO2, water vapor, and infrared heat with virtually no NOx. The process begins by preheating of the catalyst with electric power. Once the catalyst is preheated, fuel gas can be introduced to complete the startup. Manual or automated control systems are available for different application requirements.
David Kerr fine tuning a HOTCAT that heats fuel gas to power large, reciprocating compressors.
Cody Smith troubleshooting a HOTCAT at a regulator station in Virginia.
Daryl Smith diagnosed that the 11 yr old HOTCAT needed new heater pads.
resources
Bruest Operations Guide
Bruest LDC Brochure
David Kerr teaching Bruest Heater Start Up and Operations
For Bruest Catalytic Heater support, training, maintenance or troubleshooting, connect with our Application Specialists.
MORE Applications for Catalytic Heaters
![FREEZ-FITER [S1800/4000]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/574a1b41c6fc0859c442cae9/1706560928142-N3IOT1HPAMSSJIMCI3Y5/Freez-FITER_BRUEST.png)
Since 1952, Kerr Engineered Sales Company has represented leading pipeline and performance equipment manufacturers across the Eastern U.S. Now in its fourth generation of family leadership, Kerr continues to serve the industry with the same commitment to quality, reliability, and personal service that has defined our company for more than 73 years.
Bruest Catalytic Heaters In Action
Bruest’s Catalytic Heaters are flameless, free of emissions, low maintenance and safe for hazardous locations. They offer multiple catalytic heating solutions for the natural gas industry. See the KERR team in action and get an overview of Bruest Catalytic Heater applications.
For 61 years, Kerr Engineered Sales has represented Bruest Catalytic Heaters, providing flameless, infrared catalytic heating solutions for the natural gas industry.
This article has a general overview of catalytic heater operations and applications.
The safest, most efficient alternative wherever flameless heat is required, Bruest Catalytic Heaters are found in heating applications along the gas network starting from the well head to the end user. Bruest leads the industry in engineering and manufacturing reliable, cost-efficient, green systems to prevent freeze-ups in critical metering and regulating equipment. Manufactured in Independence, Kansas, the catalytic heaters are used to heat meter buildings, platforms and pipelines.
David Kerr fine tuning a new HOTCAT that heats fuel gas to power large, reciprocating compressors.
KERR customers who have Bruest Catalytic Heaters count on our practical experience of how to start and operate the heaters. For fine tuning new heaters, or troubleshooting heaters that are decades old, our Application Specialists are on the ground to answer questions and provide support to ensure that the heaters are safe and working optimally.
BEnefits of bruest catalytic heaters
Thomas Kerr helping install and start up a series of Bruest flameless heaters at a Compressor Building. They replaced a boiler.
Catalytic Heater Fundamentals
Catalytic heaters produce flameless, infrared radiant heat. Bruest heaters cause natural gas to release its energy at a much lower temperature with a catalyst. The natural gas auto- ignition temperature is between 1200 - 1400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bruest heaters operate at temperatures of around 900F-900F (426C to 483C.)
It’s not magic.. it’s an Exothermic chemical reaction.
bruest heaters are rated for hazardous locations
FREEZ-FITER with a Regulator
Bruest Catalytic Heaters are rated for operation by FM and CSA for operation in Class 1 Division 1 and 2 operation as well as ATEX for European applications. The catalytic heaters can be fueled with either Natural Gas or LPG.
CSA Class I Div 1 or FM Class I Div 2
Catalytic Pads require little to no maintenance
No moving parts
Catalytic heater at a Compressor Building in Eastern PA provides flameless heat to maintain temperatures above 50 degrees.
Thomas Kerr starting a Dual Coil Freez-FITER at a Compressor station
Freeze-FITER applied in front of an instrument preheats the gas
Cody Smith troubleshooting a HOTCAT at a regulator station in Virginia.
Daryl Smith diagnosed that the 11 yr old HOTCAT needed new heater pads.
MORE Applications for Catalytic Heaters
resources
Bruest Operations Guide
Bruest LDC Brochure
For additional Bruest Catalytic Heater support, training, maintenance or troubleshooting, contact us to speak with KERR’s Application Specialists.
Kerr Engineered Sales Company has been representing leading pipeline repair and performance companies in Eastern US since the company was founded in 1952. Seventy two years later, the company is a third generation family run business serving customers with the highest quality service and support.
Operating Bruest Catalytic Heater
For 61 years, Kerr Engineered Sales has represented Bruest Catalytic Heaters, providing flameless, infrared catalytic heating solutions for the natural gas industry.Get an overview of catalytic heater operations, maintenance and troubleshooting tips.
For 61 years, Kerr Engineered Sales has represented Bruest Catalytic Heaters, providing flameless, infrared catalytic heating solutions for the natural gas industry.
This article has a general overview of catalytic heater operations, applications and troubleshooting tips.
The safest, most efficient alternative wherever flameless heat is required, Bruest Catalytic Heaters are found in heating applications along the gas network starting from the well head to the end user. Bruest leads the industry in engineering and manufacturing reliable, cost-efficient, green systems to prevent freeze-ups in critical metering and regulating equipment. Manufactured in Independence, Kansas, the catalytic heaters are used to heat meter buildings, platforms and pipelines.
KERR customers who have Bruest Catalytic Heaters count on our practical experience of how to start and operate the heaters. For operating new heaters, or ones that are decades old, our Application Specialists are on the ground to answer questions and provide support to ensure that the heaters are safe and working optimally.
Catalytic Heater Fundamentals
Bruest HOT CAT at a Town Border Station
Catalytic heaters produce flameless, infrared radiant heat. Bruest heaters cause natural gas to release its energy at a much lower temperature with a catalyst. The natural gas auto- ignition temperature is between 1200 - 1400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bruest heaters operate at temperatures of around 900F-900F (426C to 483C.)
It’s not magic.. it’s an Exothermic chemical reaction.
bruest heaters are rated for hazardous locations
FREEZ-FITER with a Regulator
Bruest Catalytic Heaters are rated for operation by FM and CSA for operation in Class 1 Division 1 and 2 operation as well as ATEX for European applications. The catalytic heaters can be fueled with either Natural Gas or LPG.
CSA Class I Div 1 or FM Class I Div 2
Catalytic Pads require little to no maintenance
No moving parts
Thomas Kerr starting a Dual Coil Freez-FITER at a Compressor station
Freeze-FITER applied in front of an instrument preheats the gas
Cody Smith troubleshooting a HOTCAT at a regulator station in Virginia.
Daryl Smith diagnosed that the 11 yr old HOTCAT needed new heater pads.
BASIC BRUEST HEATER OPERATION START UP STEPS
Apply electric power – do not remove until the final step
Wait 15 minutes
(a) Thermocouple senses the catalytic temperature.
(b) Activate the safety valve to introduce fuel gasWait an additional 15 minutes
Remove the electric power
Maintenance and Trouble Shooting
There are no moving parts in a Bruest catalytic heater. Maintenance is minimal. The face of the heater (the catalyst) should be protected when cleaning in the area, as high pressure air or water can damage or destroy the catalyst.
When the heater is not in use, it should be stored where dirt and other materials will not collect on the catalyst surface. To prevent contamination or the possibility of insect or rodent damage to the catalyst during the summer or any long period out of service, heaters should be wrapped in plastic film or similar material.
Trouble Shooting CHECKS
HEATER POSITION - Check the gas supply. Is the pressure too high, or too low?
ELECTRIC START UP - Do you have the correct voltage? Are the cables too long? Are any of the cables cut?
PREHEATING - Did you preheat for 15-20 minutes as recommended? If it is the first time of the year running the heater, preheat a bit longer. An insufficiently preheated heater can shut off unexpectedly
THERMOCOUPLE CHECK - 10-15 mv. Do you have the correct Thermocouple?
VALVES - Check the Baso valve and check the Thermostatic Gas valve.
START UP COIL - Did you check the resistance on the start up coil?
FUEL GAS PRESSURE - Check that the Fuel gas pressure is sufficient. The heaters require 3.5” WC / 8.7mBar. A variance of +/- 0.5” wc / 1.2mBar are okay
TEMPERATURE CONTROLLERS - When using temperature controllers, make sure that the low fire bypass has sufficient fuel gas pressure. A Minimum of 1.5” WC / 4.4 mBar IS required.
SULFER CAUTION - If there is sulfur in the fuel gas, it can cause the heater to fail prematurely. The length of service will depend on the concentration and duration of operation. Bruest offers sulfur filters.
COMMON ISSUES & SOLUTIONS
CLEANING & PROTECTION
Bruest Heaters should be adequately protected from the weather and elements. Excessive moisture or wind can cause the heater to cease functioning. Check to see if the Pad is dirty.
Heaters should be cleaned only with soft, feather like devices to gently brush off any debris on the heater face.
Never use compressed air to clean the heaters.
Get Bruest Brochure
For additional Bruest Catalytic Heater support, training, maintenance or troubleshooting, contact us to speak with KERR’s Application Specialists.
Bruest Catalytic Heater Installation & Operation Guide
Kerr Engineered Sales Company has been representing leading pipeline repair and performance companies in Eastern US since the company was founded in 1952. Seventy two years later, the company is a third generation family run business serving customers with the highest quality service and support.
Preventing Regulators from Freezing
A compressor station in Eastern PA installed a Bruest Freez-Fiter S20000 to prevent the regulators from freezing prior to cutting the pressure from 1083 psi to 200 psi. If the regulators freeze, they will not work as designed to cut down the pressure.
A compressor station in Eastern PA installed a Bruest Freez-Fiter S20000 to prevent the regulators from freezing prior to cutting the pressure from 1083 psi to 200 psi. If the regulators freeze, they will not work as designed to cut down the pressure. Bruest Freez-Fiters were designed to heat low to medium volume of gas with one or more catalytic heater panels to heat a serpentine process gas coil.
For 60 years, Bruest Catalytic Heater has provided flameless, infrared catalytic heating solutions for the natural gas industry.
The green valve connects to the Freez-Fiter control panel that starts and monitors the heater.
The gray enclosure on the right contains the Freez-Fiter control panel that starts and monitors the Freez-Fiter. The green valve was opened so that the natural gas could flow through the Freez-Fiter and the regulators.
HOW BRUEST HEATERS WORK
Freez-Fiter pilot gas heaters safely and effectively heat low volumes of gas used by pilot regulators and instruments. An electric source is required to warm up the catalytic pad. Once the pads are warmed up, which should take between 15 to 20 minutes, the electric supply can be removed and the gas supply takes over. After the gas is introduced, the catalytic reaction will supply the necessary heat to continue the process. The gas travels through the heat exchange coil to be heated by the infrared heat.
Bruest’s Catalytic Heaters are flameless, free of emissions, low maintenance and safe for hazardous locations. Made in Independence, Kansas, Bruest Catalytic Heaters are the safest, most efficient alternative wherever flameless heat is required.
Download Bruest LDC Brochure
For additional Bruest Catalytic Heater support, training, maintenance or troubleshooting, contact us to speak with KERR’s Application Specialists.
Kerr Engineered Sales Company has been representing leading pipeline repair and performance companies in Eastern US since the company was founded in 1952. Seventy two years later, the company is a third generation family run business serving customers with the highest quality service and support.