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For gas well heads and pipelines, a large reduction in pressure will cause a significant drop in temperature of the gas. This is known as the Joule-Thompson effect, with a loss of temperature of approximately °C for each kPa reduction in pressure. Subzero temperatures will often occur if preheating is not applied. Full zero temperatures can result in embrittlement of piping and fittings, formation of ice and hydrates within the pipe with a potential for blockage of filters and regulator/valve seats. For this reason, heating with a Water Bath Heater is commonly applied before pressure reduction of natural gas. Heating of gas before gas engines in turbines is another application to avoid liquids and aerosols being injected into engines and turbines.

Water Bath Heaters are Indirect Fired Type Heaters usually designed to API K. This device are typically used to heat natural gas and oil. The main application of indirect fired water bath heaters is to heat high pressure gas prior to pressure reduction. A water bath heater works by submersing a process coil into a heated bath solution, which then indirectly heats the process liquid and gas to create energy.