In industrial manufacturing and processes, there are many situations where accurate and reliable temperature control is of the utmost importance. From preventing food stuffs from congealing during the manufacturing process to keeping hazardous fluids within their optimum operating temperatures, trace heating is a versatile solution for industrial temperature control and maintenance.
Trace heating works by installing a flexible cable containing a heating element, directly alongside the pipe that will transport or store the fluids which need to be maintained within certain temperature ranges. A thermostat inside the cable monitors the temperature of the pipe, activating the heating element when necessary to ensure that the desired temperature is maintained.
Because of its cost-effectiveness, reliability and ease of use, trace heating is used by many factories, processing plants, power facilities and other industrial sites around the world, as well as by some commercial businesses and in domestic building developments. It has obvious benefits over other industrial heating systems that rely on steam to maintain operating temperatures, not least the significantly reduced energy inputs required and the fact that a trace heating cable can be installed virtually anywhere.
How to install trace heating
Trace heating is also relatively easy and inexpensive to install. The flexible trace heating cable is run parallel to or wrapped around the pipe that needs to be heated. In order to ensure proper heating and temperature control, the cable needs to remain in contact with the pipe along its full length.
Once the trace heating cable, or cables, are installed, they must be insulated from the outside to minimise heat loss and thus maximise energy efficiency.
Because the cable can be easily cut to size and is highly flexible, it is suitable for use even in the trickiest of places.
Other uses for trace heating
In addition to temperature control for fluids, trace heating has a variety of other uses within an industrial setting. These can range from providing cost-effective electric underfloor heating for workers, to preventing utility pipes from freezing during winter, and keeping roofs and gutters clear of snow and ice. It can also be used to efficiently regulate the hot water supply of a building.
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