A trace heating cable, also called a heat trace cable, is an electrical cable designed to provide controlled and consistent heat to pipes, tanks, roofs, and other surfaces in various industrial, commercial, and residential applications. The fundamental purpose of a trace heating cable is to prevent liquid freezing or to maintain a specific temperature in a given area. Trace heating cables are made of a thermoplastic, resistive copper, or self-regulating polymer heating element encased in an insulating material with an outer protective jacket for durability. These specialised cables ensure optimised temperatures for outdoor taps, pipes, and gutters, protecting them from freezing.
Why Buy Heat Tracing Cables?
Heat tracing cables benefit enterprises and individuals, making them worth investments. Some of the potential benefits include:
- Freeze Protection
- Temperature Maintenance
- Safety
- Process Control
- Energy Efficiency
- Longevity
- Easy Installation
- Remote Monitoring & Control
- Reduced Costs & Versatility.
Popular Types of Trace Heating Cables
Trace heating elements come in various types based on their operational mechanisms, materials, and environments, such as:
- Constant Wattage Heat Trace Cables – These cables provide consistent heat per unit length, regardless of temperature changes along the cable's length. They are suitable for maintaining a constant temperature in long runs or on pipes with varying insulation.
- Self-Regulating Heat Trace Cables – Self-regulating cables automatically adjust their heat output and produce the heat required based on the surrounding temperature. As the temperature drops, the cable produces more heat, and the heat output decreases as it rises. This feature makes them energy-efficient cost-effective, and prevents overheating compared to constant wattage cables.
- Mineral-Insulated Tracing Heat Cables – These cables have a metal sheath and are highly durable, making them suitable for harsh environments and high-temperature applications.
- Industrial Heat Trace Cables – Industrial heat trace cables are specialised electrical heating systems commonly employed in industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, food and beverages, etc. These cables effectively maintain the proper temperature maintenance, freeze protection, and heating of various systems and materials.
Installing Trace Heating Cables
Installation of trace heating cables typically involves wrapping or attaching them to the surface requiring heat, such as tanks, vessels, or pipes. These cables can be installed using cable ties, tapes, or adhesives. Proper insulation and control systems are often required for efficient and safe operation.
Typical Applications of Trace Heating Cable
Heat trace cables are widely used in industrial facilities and systems to perform various applications, including:
- Frost protection for outdoor pipes and valves.
- Maintaining fluid viscosity in pipelines.
- Preventing wax or paraffin buildup in oil and gas pipelines.
- Heating tanks and vessels to maintain product quality.
- Temperature control in food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
