Pipe heat tracing from eltherm
Frost protection and temperature control
Pipe trace heating is one of the most common applications for electric trace heating, both in potentially explosive atmospheres and in non-potentially explosive atmospheres. It is used where industrial pipe insulation alone cannot prevent heat loss or liquids in the pipes from freezing. It serves to protect against frost and maintain temperature, and is essential in many sectors for keeping fluids flowing and production processes running. Pipe trace heating is also used to heat certain fluids, for example in applications involving molten salt in solar power stations. This helps to prevent long downtimes, costly damage and hazardous situations for people and the environment. A lack of, or poorly planned, pipe trace heating can lead to blocked pipes and, consequently, costly maintenance work.
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A wide range of solutions to meet every need
Pipe trace heating consists of an electric heating tape that is attached to pipes and, by converting electricity into heat, maintains the temperature of pipes or protects liquids from freezing. Depending on the requirements, different solutions are used:
- Self-regulating solution: Self-regulating heating cables automatically adjust their output depending on the ambient temperature. As resistance increases, the output decreases, and vice versa. This process prevents the trace heating from overheating, meaning that, in this case, no additional control is required. Depending on the design, self-regulating heating cables can cover a temperature range of up to 250°C.
- Solutions with temperature limiters: Non-self-regulating heating cables, such as parallel or series resistance heating cables, must be controlled using specific measurement and control technology (controllers and thermostats designed for the respective heating tapes). These systems switch the heating cable on and off based on the ambient temperature. Ideal for applications requiring a high degree of flexibility and performance.
- Mineral-insulated solutions: These are particularly suitable for applications requiring extremely high temperatures or exceptional resistance to chemicals. Unlike plastic resistance heating cables or self-regulating heating cables, mineral-insulated heating cables are designed for temperatures up to 1000°C.
Applications of pipe heat tracing
The use of pipe trace heating can prevent pipes, pumps and valves from freezing or even bursting at very low temperatures. eltherm’s pipe trace heating systems are mainly used in industrial facilities:
- Water and sanitary pipework
- Chemical and petrochemical industries
- Oil and gas industry
- Food industry
Installation of a pipe heat tracing system
In general, the installation of pipe trace heating depends on its design. In most cases, it is coiled around the outside of the pipe or, alternatively, laid lengthways along the pipe. It is important that the pipe trace heating is only installed once all other work has been completed. Only trained personnel can guarantee professional installation and thus ensure that the heat is distributed optimally along the pipe.
FAQ
Trace heating is used wherever heat loss needs to be prevented or snow and ice need to be avoided.
As a general rule, a pipe or tank heated by an electric trace heating system should be insulated for economic reasons. All standard insulation materials are suitable for this purpose. The most common types are mineral wool and polyurethane (PU) foam – the choice of insulation depends on the temperature and operating conditions.
It is not permitted to install a heating cable without insulation on the pipe.
In principle, heating plastic pipes is not a problem. To improve heat conduction, it is also advisable to use special aluminium strips.