Steam tracing keeps fluids flowing

Journal Article · Sat Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Chemical Engineering

OSTI ID:445640

Radle, J ^[1]

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1. Spirax Sarco, Inc., Allentown, PA (United States)

Heat tracing is often required to keep fluids flowing in pipelines. Even in a moderate climate, pipe insulation can be insufficient to maintain a fluid`s temperature. For some fluids, this results in high viscosities that can reduce or prevent flow. Other potential hazards are precipitation of dissolved solids and freezing in the pipelines. In these cases, additional heat must be provided. A thin heating strip attached to the bottom of the pipe is a common way to provide the necessary heat. This heating strip, or tracing, can be tubing filled with a hot or condensing fluid or an electrical resistance heating tape. In cases where no heat loss or thermal gradients can be tolerated, the pipe can be completely jacketed with hot or condensing fluid. This article focuses on the technology of steam tracing systems for pipelines. It outlines design factors, safety and reliability characteristics, and discusses installation, maintenance and operating costs.

• OSTI ID: 445640
• Journal Information: Chemical Engineering, Journal Name: Chemical Engineering Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 104; ISSN CHEEA3; ISSN 0009-2460
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
COST
DESIGN
FLUID FLOW
HEATING
HEATING SYSTEMS
PIPELINES
SAFETY ENGINEERING
STEAM LINES
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
THERMAL INSULATION