There are several other examples of improper installation of heat trace beyond inadequate pipe and device coverage. Addressing these unique situations provides an opportunity for developing standards for the current installation that can become a part of an organizational standard, useful for future expansions. This exercise may even require thermal calculations based on desired maintain temperature, insulation characteristics, and the device shape and total mass. If a unique shape or piece of equipment is identified that is not covered by manufacturer guidelines, it should be discussed with an expert to determine the best approach for applying heat trace. This echoes back to the need for training, discussion and a comprehensive field walk and planning session on the front end. There are certainly a multitude of non-standard devices and shapes that can be encountered during a heat-trace system installation. Poor contact creates the potential for damage when the insulation is applied. Proper installation techniques help ensure the heat trace is appropriately attached to the pipe. What is the best approach for addressing these types of challenges? They often have small-diameter fluid paths that are more prone to freezing than the main pipe. Each of these requires special attention and care when installing heat trace. There are many other unique devices such as filter vessels, air vents, pump heads and pressure transmitters. Utilizing these tables is a best practice for ensuring proper installation and a reliable system.Įlbows, pressure gauges and valves are just a few examples of the types of equipment that may be encountered during installation. For example, one manufacturer’s table recommends installing 4’ of heat trace on an 8” globe valve. When heat tracing valves, most manufacturers have developed a table that recommends specific heat-trace footage based on the valve type and pipe diameter. In addition, some valve types have cavities where material collects outside of the process flow, and the expansion caused by freezing can lead to fluid leaks. If the material inside a valve body freezes, operation and process control can be affected negatively. In cases where there is an isolation diaphragm below the gauge, the fluid stops at the sensor, so heat trace should be placed to adequately protect the diaphragm.įurthermore, valves typically have significantly more thermal mass than the adjoining pipe, and they deserve special attention during installation. For a wetted gauge where the fluid sensor is inside the gauge behind the display, the heat trace should route around the entire outer circumference of the gauge head. For example, when a pressure gauge is installed in the line, heat trace should be applied in a very specific way. This 4 PDH online course is applicable to process, mechanical and electrical engineers, operations & maintenance personnel, as well as consultants and contractors who construct, build and manage facilities involving heat tracing systems.It often is helpful to view the system in terms of where there is standing fluid. The decision between electric and steam heat tracing depends on various factors and this course outlines the pros and cons of both the methods. The heat tracing is generally accomplished by employing electric or steam tracing and insulating both the process fluid pipe and the tracer together, using appropriate insulation materials and metal lagging. Some applications for heat tracing include preventing fluid from freezing, maintaining process fluids at pumpable viscosities, preventing formation of hydrates and waxes in hydrocarbon liquids (oil, etc), and also sometimes to preheat part of a fluid system prior to initial startup or after a primary heating system shutdown. The purpose of heat tracing is to compensate or make up for the heat loss to the surrounding atmosphere in low ambient temperature climates. The term heat-tracing refers to the continuous or intermittent application of heating pipelines, tanks, vessels or other equipment used for storage or transportation of a product (liquid, powder or gas). This online engineering PDH course provides guidance on heat tracing, its different types (electric, steam, hot water), and its advantages and limitations.
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