Industrial pipe and vessel exterior
External Surface Thermal

Clamp-On Heat Exchangers

Non-invasive thermal systems mechanically clamped onto the exterior of existing vessels, pipes, and process equipment. Delivers effective heat transfer without cutting, welding, or interrupting the process.

Non-Invasive Retrofit No Process Interruption SS 304 / 316L Custom Profiles
Technical Overview

Clamp-on heat exchangers are prefabricated thermal panels or half-pipe sections designed to wrap tightly around the exterior of an existing vessel, pipe, or process vessel — held in position by mechanical clamping bands, without welding to the vessel wall.

Heat transfer occurs by conduction through the vessel or pipe wall. While not as thermally efficient as direct immersion, clamp-on systems provide a practical, code-compliant solution for adding or upgrading thermal capacity on existing equipment where internal access is restricted or vessel integrity cannot be compromised.

Calvion designs clamp-on systems with precision-formed inner surfaces to maximise wall contact, minimising the thermal contact resistance that typically limits non-welded external systems. Thermal paste or conductive compound is specified to user where ever required.

Design TypesHalf section, pillow panel, channel section
MaterialsSS 304, SS 316L, other alloys
AttachmentMechanical banding, no vessel welding required
MediaGlycol, chilled water, steam, hot water
Working PressureAs specified
Clamp-on thermal panel on industrial vessel
Engineering Advantages

Why Clamp-On Systems

01

Zero Process Downtime

Installation requires no vessel penetration, no hot work permit, and no process shutdown. Clamp-on systems are fitted and commissioned while the process continues operating.

02

Retrofit Without Compromise

Adds thermal capacity to existing equipment without voiding pressure vessel certification or modifying the vessel's structural integrity — a critical requirement in regulated industries.

03

Removable & Relocatable

Unlike welded jackets, clamp-on systems can be uninstalled, repositioned, or transferred to different equipment as production requirements change — a significant operational flexibility advantage.

04

Maximised Wall Contact

Precision-formed inner profiles are manufactured to match the exact curvature of the target vessel, minimising air gaps and maximising the thermal contact area critical to conductance efficiency.

05

Multi-Zone Configuration

Multiple independent clamp-on panels can be installed on a single vessel in different thermal zones — enabling staged heating or cooling profiles along the vessel length.

Industry Applications

Sectors Served

01Pipeline Temperature Maintenance
02Chemical Storage Vessels
03Oil & Gas Processing
04Marine & Offshore
05Pharmaceutical Vessels
06Food Processing Retrofit
07Water Treatment
08Industrial Upgrade Projects

Retrofit Thermal Capacity to Existing Equipment

Provide your vessel diameter, material, and thermal requirements. We will design the appropriate clamp-on configuration for your specific installation.