Developing a Standard for Electrical Trace Heating

Abstract

Electric trace heating is a system that uses electrical heating devices to maintain a desired temperature in pipes and vessels. It is used throughout process industry, but also has applications in other industries. Trace heating consists of an electrical heating element that is run along the length of a pipe. Trace heating materials and systems are used to protect pipes from freezing and also to maintain a desired temperature in pipes that transport materials. Electric trace heating began as a commercial application in the 1930s, with mostly make-shift equipment being used to heat pipes and vessels. In most process industries today, from petroleum and chemical to food processing, and pharmaceuticals and power generation, electrical trace heating technologies help solve the problem of keeping materials flowing at an optimal viscosity regardless of ambient temperatures. The process of developing one worldwide standard for industrial trace heating has taken more than 30 years.