This can include installing the wrong model or an excessive amount of heat trace, which in some cases can melt plastic pipe. There are several other examples of improper installation of heat trace beyond inadequate pipe and device coverage. Addressing these unique situations provides an opportunity for developing standards for the current installation that can become a part of an organizational standard, useful for future expansions. This exercise may even require thermal calculations based on desired maintain temperature, insulation characteristics, and the device shape and total mass. If a unique shape or piece of equipment is identified that is not covered by manufacturer guidelines, it should be discussed with an expert to determine the best approach for applying heat trace. This echoes back to the need for training, discussion and a comprehensive field walk and planning session on the front end. There are certainly a multitude of non-standard devices and shapes that can be encountered during a heat-trace system installation. Poor contact creates the potential for damage when the insulation is applied. ![]() Proper installation techniques help ensure the heat trace is appropriately attached to the pipe. What is the best approach for addressing these types of challenges? They often have small-diameter fluid paths that are more prone to freezing than the main pipe. Each of these requires special attention and care when installing heat trace. There are many other unique devices such as filter vessels, air vents, pump heads and pressure transmitters. Utilizing these tables is a best practice for ensuring proper installation and a reliable system.Įlbows, pressure gauges and valves are just a few examples of the types of equipment that may be encountered during installation. For example, one manufacturer’s table recommends installing 4’ of heat trace on an 8” globe valve. When heat tracing valves, most manufacturers have developed a table that recommends specific heat-trace footage based on the valve type and pipe diameter. In addition, some valve types have cavities where material collects outside of the process flow, and the expansion caused by freezing can lead to fluid leaks. If the material inside a valve body freezes, operation and process control can be affected negatively. ![]() In cases where there is an isolation diaphragm below the gauge, the fluid stops at the sensor, so heat trace should be placed to adequately protect the diaphragm.įurthermore, valves typically have significantly more thermal mass than the adjoining pipe, and they deserve special attention during installation. For a wetted gauge where the fluid sensor is inside the gauge behind the display, the heat trace should route around the entire outer circumference of the gauge head. For example, when a pressure gauge is installed in the line, heat trace should be applied in a very specific way. All trace heating applications should be temperature controlled using a suitable thermostat.It often is helpful to view the system in terms of where there is standing fluid. ![]() The cable can be cut to any length allowing them to be manipulated to suit any application. Trace heating is easy to install on pipework, tanks or vessels using cable ties, aluminium or glass fibre tape or a suitable adhesive prior to covering with insulation. When power is connected to these bus wires the matrix receives either voltage, causing it to heat up. Trace heating cables are created by placing a semi conductive self-regulating heating matrix around two bus wires, one live and one neutral. Trace heating cables are constructed from thermoplastic layers containing a self-regulating heating element and two adjacent bus wires. Trace heating cables are electric heating elements designed to provide focused and controllable heat used to prevent pipes, outdoor taps and gutters from freezing, or to maintain a desired temperature on pipes to keep liquids moving. These cables are constructed with a conductive heating element, insulation layers, and protective outer jackets to ensure safe and efficient heat transfer. Trace heating cables, also known as heat trace cables or heating tapes, are specialised electric cables designed to provide heat for temperature maintenance.
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