Frequently Asked Questions
2. How does Heat Tracing work? Electric Trace/Surface Heating replaces the losses of heat from a surface, to allow temperature maintenance of the product, which Thermal Insulation alone can not maintain. 3. What is Constant Wattage cable? Constant wattage heaters exist in various forms, of which the more recent zonal parallel circuit devices are the most convenient, since these may be ‘cut to length’, within practical limits, on site. The output of constant wattage tape is virtually constant along the tape length, due to the consistent nature of the wire element. 4. What is Self Limiting/Regulating cable? Self Regulating heating tape adjusts heat output to equal the heat loss from the pipe work. As pipe temperature falls under no-flow conditions or due to the decreases in external or internal temperature the electrical conductivity of the semi-conductive polymer core increases causing the tape to increase output. As the pipe temperature increases under flow conditions or as a result of increasing external or internal temperature the conductivity reduces and output decreases. 5. Constant Wattage or Self Limiting, which choice to make? F1078 CONSTANT WATTAGE OR SELF LIMITING Thermostat control is recommended for use with all trace heating systems. Temperature control can reduce system operating costs by as much as 90%
The application of the heating tape depends on the required wattage. As ESH Trace Heating manufacture an extensive range of heating tapes most applications can simply be straight traced, reducing costs of materials and installation time without compromising on operational requirements.
If the surface area of the pump is substantially greater than that of the adjoining pipework then extra heating cable may need to be considered (depending on wattage of cable installed). Pumps and Valves may be traced with extra heating tape to allow removal of the Valve or Pump. 15. Do you carry out installation work? ESH Trace Heating Ltd offer a full Installation and Commissioning service carried out by experienced Trace Heating Engineers. Utilising our in-house design facilities ESH Trace Heating Ltd can design your complete trace heating requirement. ESH Trace Heating Ltd's full design capabilities can be utilised to manufacture from simple sketches, supplied technical drawings through to comprehensive site survey and complete prototype mold construction. ESH Trace Heating Ltd hold approvals for manufacture of trace heating products for use within hazardous areas. 19. Does my trace heating system require maintenance? Generally, no maintenance of our trace heating systems is required but it is recommended that the system is checked for operational and electrical integrity periodically or prior to the winter or production run, depending on application. 20. How do I test my trace heating is working properly?
