The general practice of heating piping as materials flow through it to keep the materials at a constant temperature and compensate for heat loss is known as heat tracing.
Heat loss in process fluids being transported can occur in process fluid pipes, where there is risk of damage to piping, or interference with operation such as fouling or blockage, caused by the congealing, increase in viscosity or separation of components, in the fluid below certain temperatures, or when there is risk of formation of corrosive substances or water due to condensation in corrosive services.
Prevention of heat loss is accomplished by employing steam tracing. A small diameter tubing is run alongside the large pipe used for moving materials. A conductive compound is smeared between the two pipes so heat will transfer easily from the steam pipe to the main pipe. Steam tracing can be used to maintain a desired viscosity, prevent freezing of transported materials or control temperatures to keep pressure within safe ranges.
These systems can be found in a variety of industrial environments, along with boilers and support equipment needed to keep the heat tracing system running. When a steam tracing system is designed, an engineer must consider the materials being transported in the pipe, the width of the main pipe and the rate of anticipated heat loss once insulation is taken into account.
Using steam tracing allows manufacturers to control temperatures in their pipes, keeping their processes safe as well as efficient.
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