Maintaining temperature throughout the process is an essential need for process fluids to prevent freezing. Heating fluids while they are being transported or stored in a container is one example. Each liquid has its own properties, which determine the viscosity and temperature required for various industrial applications. Because of this, manufacturers have come up with different heat-tracing cable technologies that are appropriate for particular applications. They are designed to provide an effective yet affordable method of preventing freezing. They are crucial in many commercial as well as industrial processes. In this blog, we will discuss the applications of heat trace cable as well as their benefits.

What is Heat Trace Cable?

Electrical heating cables known as “heat trace cables” are designed to generate heat when electric current flows through them. It is an engineered system created to maintain or safeguard process piping, apparatus, vessels, and instruments from freezing or overheating at specific temperatures. Typically, heat-tracing cables consist of an outer jacket, insulation, and a heating element. For a variety of applications, they come in different lengths, sizes, and types.

A number of factors, including the required temperature, the length of the cable, and the environment in which it will be used, will determine the best type of heat tracing cable for a given application. In order to ensure that materials are heated to the required temperature, heat tracing cables offer a precise as well as efficient process heating solution. They also prevent moisture absorption which in turn extends the life of heating element. There are different types of heat tracing cables available, including self-regulating heating cables, MI heating cables, parallel as well as series constant watt heating cables.

These cables are frequently used for applications such as roof and gutter de-icing, process temperature maintenance, as well as freeze protection. Most of the commercial electrical heat-tracing systems are heating cables that are placed on pipes. Additionally, many residential buildings use them for floor heating.

Marathon heater provides complete systems, including all necessary control and monitoring capabilities along with heat trace cables. We can also manufacture them as per customer’s requirement and specifications to suit different industrial applications.

Applications

A look at four different types of heat-tracing applications along with some of the most significant characteristics and specifications. These are usually seen in the industrial sector and have particular requirements.

Commercial & Residential

The following applications for commercial heat tracing can be found in residential as well as institutional buildings:

Underfloor heating and maintaining the temperature of hot water distribution pipes.

• Snow/ice prevention with roof and gutter heating.
• The prevention of snow and ice on roads, ramps, walkways, steps, and access areas, etc.
• heating of household storage tanks for fuel oil.
• Under floor heating for offices and military camps.

Transportation

Many industries involve transfer of highly viscous fluids from one facility to other. This can also be achieved together with freeze protection systems for various applications. Oil and gas industries also rely upon heat trace cables for transport of oil and gases.

Freeze protection by heat trace cable

Maintaining the temperature of fluids in pipes and vessels is the most crucial application of heat trace cable. A freeze-protection system’s main objective is to keep liquids like fire water lines, process water, and oils from freezing in pipes. The smooth operation is ensured by the use of heat trace cables, which stop pipes and vessels from freezing in cold climates. They are required to heat long pipelines in order to prevent freezing or to maintain a certain fluid’s viscosity and temperature.

The use of heat tracing to prevent frost ensures that the minimum temperature is never exceeded at any given time. If the pipelines freeze, the entire pipeline system would suffer significant damage in addition to the whole process being interrupted.

Other industries

In addition to the previously mentioned uses, heat trace cables have industrial uses in petrochemical factories, refineries, pharmaceutical, power generation, water and waste treatment facilities, food processing, the chocolate industry, and many more

Benefits of heat trace cable

Electrical heat trace cable, as its name implies, is the most effective heating method because it allows heat to be delivered to any location with minimal energy loss. If service is required, the area can be easily accessed and maintained with little effort after the heating system has been turned off. Our engineering team makes durable, user-friendly heating cables. Many advantages are provided by heat trace cables, such as:

• Energy efficiency as well as reliability: Self-regulating heat tracing cables have a high energy efficiency. Depending on the temperature outside, they automatically change the amount of heat they generate.
• Cost-Effective: They require little maintenance and are simple to install, which lowers overall costs.
• Versatility: Heat tracing cables come in a range of types and sizes to accommodate a range of applications. They can be customized to suit particular needs and used in a variety of industries.
• Free of ageing: High-grade insulation surrounds the heating element to prevent thermal ageing.
• Dependable and consistent performance, ensuring that equipment runs smoothly and effectively

Summary

With this information, we hope you can better understand the different applications for electrical heat tracing. Marathon Heater offers self-regulating trace heating systems as well as constant wattage systems. All things considered, heat trace cables are an efficient way for maintaining the temperature of pipes or other vessels in a variety of applications. Contact our electrical heat trace cable professionals at mktgphs@marathonheat.com or give us a call at 91-9116647930 for more information about how we can help you with your heat tracing requirements.