Excellent portable heater for emergencies and demanding environments

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Heating in the most extreme and demanding conditions requires sturdy equipment, not just any portable heater will do.
For field hospitals, disaster relief camps, military operations, large construction sites, or industrial hangars, high-capacity, rugged, and reliable mobile heating equipment is needed. In these environments, adequate and reliable heating is crucial for operational efficiency, and equipment readiness.
Choosing the right heater: setting the bar high
There are many types of portable heaters available, including electric heaters and oil-fired heaters, each with different capacities and features, suitable for different applications.
So, the key question to ask is: For which purpose do you need a heater?
Are you heating a small workshop or a refugee camp in the desert? A garden party event tent or a construction site in the depths of winter? The answer determines the level of reliability, durability, and efficiency required.
For the most demanding and strenuous conditions, the equipment standard must be set high. If you need a heater that must withstand extreme weather, heavy transport, and constant use, you probably want to choose a military-grade heater, such as:
The Dantherm FH 20-40 series: The ultimate rugged mobile heater
Among the top contenders, the Dantherm FH 20-40 series stands out as one of the most resilient and reliable portable oil-fired heaters available. Designed with a rugged and robust construction, this mobile heater meets NATO standards, proving their ability to perform in the harshest environments. The robust design ensures durability, making it ideal for organisations that rely on dependable heating solutions.
The FH 20-40 series are two different sizes with different capacities up to 49kW. They are both available in a European and a US version; and there are three different variants of each:
- Bronze = Unit with built-in wheels
- Silver = Bronze variant + lifting pockets
- Gold = Silver variant + stackable frame

Ideal for demanding applications:
Humanitarian organisations and emergency services who build temporary field camps in disaster-stricken areas need equipment that can be deployed with short notice in remote parts of the world. It must be easy to transport, as well as operate.
Holding events and festivals during the winter requires reliable heating. Using robust equipment reduces the risk of breakdown and increases the chances of a successful event.
Rental companies make a better business case when they have durable, low-maintenance equipment in their fleet.
Construction site managers that need to keep up the work in cold periods and still secure a safe and comfortable working environment, will appreciate heating equipment that operates reliably even at temperatures as low as -40 °C.
In hangars and storage facilities, a high-quality heater can ensure that equipment and vehicles, such as helicopters, are kept warm and operational, reducing wear and tear while ensuring quick response times.
The fuel-saving technology behind the FH 20-40 series
What sets the FH 20-40 series apart is its fuel-saving technology powered by a two-stage control burner. Unlike traditional start-stop heating systems, which only function at full power or remain off, this intelligent heater adjusts its power dynamically:
- When the room temperature exceeds the set point by 1 °C, the heater capacity is automatically reduced by about 1/3, preventing overheating.
- When the temperature drops 1 °C below the set point, the heater increases to full capacity, ensuring consistent warmth and reducing wear and tear.
This ensures a stable and comfortable temperature while optimising fuel consumption, making it one of the most cost-effective and reliable heating solutions available.
Key capabilities of the FH 20-40 series
Beyond its advanced burner technology, the FH 20-40 comes with a suite of features designed for maximum efficiency and ease of use:
- Standard duct connection for supply and return air
- Recycling air in a closed loop to save energy
- Adjustable fresh air intake for optimal ventilation
- Insulated duct options for heat retention
- Air distribution plenums for even heating
- Ideal for open-air operation with ducted supply and return air
- Compatible with a digital thermostat for precise temperature control
- CO sensor connectivity for human safety
- Large built-in fuel tank: Available in 65L or 105L options
- Can operate on Biofuel HVO 100, a sustainable fuel alternative
- IP44-rated, ensuring protection from harsh conditions
- Reliable operation in temperatures as low as -40°C
- Virtually maintenance-free, reducing downtime
- Quick and tool-free setup, operable by a single person
- Forklift transportable, allowing for easy mobility
- Developed in close collaboration with NATO forces, ensuring compliance with the most rigorous military standards
- CE-marked, meeting all required safety and efficiency standards
The trusted choice for humanitarian and defence operations
For organisations that operate in the world's most challenging environments, choosing the right heating equipment is essential. The Dantherm FH 20-40 series is not just a heater – it’s a mission-critical asset that ensures people stay healthy, equipment stays operational, and operations run smoothly, no matter the conditions.
Dantherm is a recognised name in military applications and we have supplied units for deployment across the globe for decades. For more information, contact our team of experts via the form below.
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