What is a Heat Trace System And How does it work?

Find out how a well-designed heat trace system not only protects pipes and vessels from expensive freeze-related damage, it can also ensure a constant temperature is maintained in industrial applications where even the slightest heat loss can cause viscosity and flow issues.

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Selecting the proper cable family according to the process conditions is necessary to get desired temperature controls within the pipes.

The modern heat traces use polymer-based cables. These cables can adjust the current flow according to the ambient temperatures. For example, if the ambient temperature is low, more current will pass through the cables, resulting in more heat.

Heat Trace cable can be lower in price if they are not properly certified for hazardous areas. Be mindful when selecting the right cable that your choice is based on its rating.

The following are factors that you need to consider when selecting the heat trace cable for your application.

Maximum maintenance temperature
Maintenance temperature
Maximum exposure temperature
Thermal output rating
You should also consider selecting the cable with a proper jacket material that will offer the desired level of protection against corrosion and mechanical wear and tear. Most heat trace cable manufacturers provide detailed literature with comparison tables so that you can match the cable with your system requirements.

Once you’ve identified the perfect cable for your heat trace system, you’ll also need to calculate the total cable length required. Make sure that you also consider the inline equipment such as valves, flanges, and pipe support when you measure the total pipe length as these will require additional heat tracing.

Finally, choose the right thermostat control device and other cable connection accessories according to your application. Contact your heat trace system manufacturer to get

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