Heat trace is an electrical system used to maintain or raise the temperature of pipes and vessels. The electric heating is achieved by utilizing a resistant element that is run alongside the piping or vessel. Current heat trace technology utilizes a self-regulating polymer that controls the wattage of the element.
What are the types of heat tracing?
There are two general categories of Electrical Heat Trace Cable: Constant Wattage and Self-Limiting/Self-Regulating cable. Each style of heat trace cable serves different applications.
Why is heat tracing needed?
Heat trace system is necessary for cold conditions where the liquid flowing within pipes are prone to freezing. By using a Chromalox’s heat trace system, we can keep the pipes warm even when the surrounding temperatures plummet. Modern-day heat traces are made from polymers that are self-regulating.
What is a heat trace panel?
Heat Trace Control Panels LED lights provide indication of power to the unit, heater power on and alarm status. The alarm consists of a dry contact that closes in the event of an alarm, and are wired to a terminal strip for local or remote use.
Can heat trace be installed in conduit?
To compensate for heat losses and to maintain a minimum temperature (i.e. to prevent freezing), an electric heat tracing system can be used. In most cases, a THERMOCABLE® heat tracing cable is pulled into trace conduits in long circuit lengths, after the pipes have been field assembled.
Does heat trace require GFCI protection?
Electric heat tracing (heat tape) requires ground-fault protection of equipment (GFPE). It also states that they have not been investigated for providing electric shock protection for personnel or are suitable for use where GFCI protection is required.
How many watts is heat trace?
Suitable for use on plastic or metal pipes in ordinary locations. The Easy Heat SR Trace cable is available with power densities of 3, 5 and 8 watts per foot (30.48cm). This wattage is specified at a surrounding temperature of 50oF (10oC).
Does heat trace need to be insulated?
If you can see the pipe at any point it MUST be insulated. Wind-chill and extreme cold ambient temperatures are the main factors that lead to heat loss, causing your pipe to freeze even when protected by heat trace. Being in a boxed enclosure or big-o drain pipe is not enough protection, it must be insulated.
What is maximum exposure temperature heat tracing?
High Temperature Heat Tracing Mineral-insulated (MI) technology is well suited for such applications because the cable can withstand maintain temperatures up to 1022°F (550°C) and exposure temperatures up to 1200°F (650°C).
Can you heat trace PVC pipe?
PVC & PEX Pipe – Heat Trace Cable Since the thermal resistance of plastic is significant (125 times that of steel), the heat tracing density for plastic pipes must be considered carefully. PVC pipe is usually rated as being able to withstand temperatures between 140 to 160°F.
What is an electric heat trace?
Electric heat tracing, heat tape or surface heating, is a system used to maintain or raise the temperature of pipes and vessels. Trace heating takes the form of an electrical heating element run in physical contact along the length of a pipe.
What is trace heating?
Trace heating is a term usually used for keeping pipelines and attached devices unfrozen. The important function of trace heating is maintaining stable temperature and flow rate of the materials flowing through the pipeline. The most common implementation of trace heating is electrical, which offers good adjustability.
Can You Heat Trace PVC pipe?
PVC pipe is usually rated as being able to withstand temperatures between 140 to 160°F. The trick is to insure the heat trace cable will maintain the contents within the PVC pipe at a desired temperature, but never to approach the pipe rating temperature.
What is a heat trace system?
Heat trace is an electrical system used to maintain or raise the temperature of pipes and vessels. The electric heating is achieved by utilizing a resistant element that is run alongside the piping or vessel. Current heat trace technology utilizes a self-regulating polymer that controls the wattage of the element.
