(Coming Soon)
1/19/2018
Happy New Year! We've had a mild winter for StockTankHeater but all is going well. On the nights we do have freezing temperaturs the StockTankHeater has been keeping the water liquid. We did change to a 100 gallon tank and it is holding up real well. Looking into getting our manufacturing ready in Klamath Falls OR to be ready to sell winter of 2018.
12/27/2017
Our patent-pending hydronic heating system prototype has been in the outdoors testing. So far from 12/7/2017 to 12/27/2017 everyday has had nights below freezing and some days never getting above freezing. The Stock Tank Heater system has performed perfectly maintaining liquid water at an average water temperature of 43°F. The Stock Tank Heater has used about 1/2 of the 5 gallon propane tank attached in the 19 days of testing. That is an average of 1 gallon of propane per week. Average outdoor temperature has been 28°F with the lows reaching 18°F.
FAQ
How do you keep the water from freezing?
This is a secret. Just kidding. We are using a patented technology that has been proven in many industries. Using a computerized system to maintain efficiency with a hydronic heating system, pumping a food grade fluid through a serpentine type heat exchanger. We heat the fluid with a very efficient propane heater. Our test shows propane usage at or below 8 gallons per month.
What do you mean by “hydronic heating system”?
According to WikiPedia, Hydronics is the use of a liquid heat-transfer medium in heating and cooling systems. The working fluid is typically water, glycol, or mineral oil.
Is the fluid you use in the hydronic heating system safe for my live stock?
We use a food grade liquid in our system. Should the system leak there is no harm to livestock.
How much propane does the Stock Tank Heater system use?
So far our lab conditions are estimating between 4 and 8 gallons per month. Final results will depend on weather conditions in your area and size of livestock water tank. Our lab freezers are maintaining an average 15°F 24/7 with a 30 gallon stock tank. But we are using a computerized accurate thermostat system to gain the most efficient system to use the least amount of propane needed to keep your stock tank from freezing.
Computerized system sounds like electricity is it necessary?
We power the thermostatic time controlled computer system with a 12 volt rechargeable battery and solar charging system. Even without any sunshine, total darkness, the system should operate for weeks. Once the sun shines (even through the clouds the battery will still charge) it will charge the battery needed to keep the computerized thermostat system functioning. A larger battery can be applied for longer duration.
I had a system like this and the pilot light kept blowing out.
Our system is different. We use a spark ignition system, so there is no pilot light to blow out. Plus a pilot light continues to burn propane which is a waste. When the computerized thermostat system needs to warm the water to prevent freezing, the system will ignite the heater and monitor the water temperature.
How much will this sophisticated system cost?
How much do you have? Just kidding again. We do not have a retail price established yet but we can assure you it will be very reasonable. Ranchers we spoke to have said they are willing to invest in a system to have the assurance that their livestock will always have fresh liquid water to drink during hard freeze days.
What temperature are you keeping the water?
Our system will maintain 40° to 45°F.
When will your system be available?
We have hopes of releasing our first model during the winter of 2017/2018. We are working as hard as we can to get all our ducks in a row.
Will the system be built in the U.S.A.?
Yes! Beyond our control some components purchased from US companies may have been built overseas but the complete system will be assembled and produced here in the USA.
Your system sounds intriguing, can I invest in your company?
Send an email to our research and development team at radteam@stocktankheater.com and someone will contact you about investment opportunities.