In the winter period, the pipes’ operation is significantly complicated by the appearance of ice jams, the narrowing of the passage opening. Protecting lines from freezing by installing a heating cable will help avoid these unpleasant moments.
Characteristics of protective wire heating systems
Scope
The protection of the system against the Freezing of the pipes and the maintenance of the pipes’ required temperature can be done both inside and outside the pipeline.
Protection systems are used in areas such as:
- pipelines;
- industrial and domestic water lines;
- pipes inside buildings (in the basement);
- Pipes those are located in the street (above ground and underground).
What tasks will be solved by heating the installed cable
In order not to freeze the pipes, a frost protection pipe is installed that solves the following tasks:
- preserve the viscosity of the product in the pipeline;
- prevent the formation of ice plugs, damage to pipes by ice, and stop the operation of the entire pipeline;
- maintain a constant, constant flow of fluid in the pipes;
- increase the speed of transport of the product;
- avoid the release of solid fractions of the product, which is transported through the pipeline;
- Prevents condensate from forming on the surface of the pipe.
How to choose the correct elements of the pipe protection system
The pipeline protection system against Freezing consists of two main components:
- heating cable;
- Thermostat.
Tip: additional elements can be included in the protection system, for example, as a special seal for inserting the heating cable inside the pipe, auxiliary materials.
To freeze the pipes and the pipes’ freeze protection worked effectively enough, it is necessary to choose the required power of the heating cable.
Heating wire
To determine the specific power required of the cable in W / m for pipes, several factors must be considered:
- location of the pipeline;
- the type and diameter of the pipe;
- the length of the pipe on which the heating is installed;
- Quality of thermal insulation (if present).
Tip: the more significant the pipe (or thinner the insulation), the more W / m will be required.
The pipes do not freeze from the plastic. The installed power should not exceed 10 W / and, for metal pipes, the power can be higher.
Tip: Heating cables should not be used at temperatures above +40 C. Silicone cables can be used at high temperatures.
A heating cable does pipe heating and protection against Freezing of pipes passing over the earth’s surface.
Typical Users
- Facilities Maintenance Personnel
- Process Engineers
- Production Managers
Application
If the ambient conditions are low enough, the pipe contents will thicken and resist the flow (viscosity) or, worse. The pipe may freeze and expand, causing the line to explode. Damage, repair costs and downtime can be high.
Solution:
The cable is semi-flexible and can be wound straight or spirally around the pipe for long wires or long lengths in a single loop. Self-regulating cables are specially designed for anti-freezing because the temperature does not rise to levels that could damage the pipe or heating system.
It automatically adjusts the heat output based on environmental conditions and does not exceed a specific temperature rating, most commonly 150 ° F (65 ° C). The maximum temperature self-regulating heating element can reach 120 ° C (250 ° F). The self-adjusting wire is grounded for safe and worry-free operation. The protective outer cover is resistant to moisture and chemicals and can be used safely outdoors or in a washing environment.
Another solution is Brisk Heat’s RKP silicone tape with a built-in thermostat. They are highly flexible, plug and play, and suitable for outdoor use.
The cable is insulated with closed-cell foam flexible tubing insulation frost protection tubing to improve thermal efficiency. Insulation is available in various diameters to accommodate pipe and tube sizes up to 4 inches (100 mm). With an R-value of 3.0, Suitable for outdoor use retains the pipe’s heat even in extremely cold conditions. The anti-frost pipe is easy to install, and then the peel and stick flap keeps the insulation installed.
Please check our this website Radiant Heat Manifold