A heater for fluid flow components. The heater has heat transfer surfaces
that engage the component. The transfer surfaces are mounted on jaws that
are movable to engage the component. The jaws have massive portions that
act as heat reservoirs to maintain a constant temperature in spite of
rapid cooling when gas is allowed to expand freely from the component.
The jaws are heated by electrical resistive heating elements that are
sealingly mounted within the massive portions. The sealing engagement
allows the heater to be used in hazardous environments.