What is heat trace?
Heat trace is a cable that raises the temperature of pipes, vessels, tanks, and other equipment to prevent freezing, maintain process temperatures, or control viscosity.
How does it work?
There are three different types of heat trace cable:
1. Self-Regulating – as electricity is supplied to the copper wires the electrons flow and collide into atoms and the friction creates heat. As the jacket and core expand the electrons have an easier path to flow. With less restriction to their flow there is less heat generated thus capping the amount of heat that the cable can generate.
2. Constant Wattage – generates a constant amount of heat per unit length. Meaning that the cable will generate the same amount of heat regardless of the surrounding temperature.
3. Mineral Insulated Cable – Uses a mineral-insulated copper sheath to generate heat. The sheath is filled with magnesium oxide insulation, which provides a high level of thermal conductivity.
What are the best applications?
Freeze Protection: Used for water/wastewater pipes and tanks, oil industrial pipes, and chemical processes.
Roof and gutter: Put on commercial buildings for downspouts, gutters, and eaves.
Concrete: Prevents ice buildup on slabs, steps, ramps, loading bays, and prevents frost heave in freezer floors.
Temperature Maintenance: Helps keep process fluids viscous and easy to pump to prevent solidification and flow issues.
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