Utility Systems
Electric Heat Trace Systems
EPIC provides complete electric heat trace systems. For every heat trace system we provide, EPIC;
- Designs
- Assembles
- Insulates
- Installs
- Fully tests the system
On many pipe racks, pipe bridges and modular process systems, our heat trace systems can be fully installed prior to shipment. This saves you time and money in the field and shortens the project timeline.
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WHY EPIC's Electrical Heat Trace Systems
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Types of Electric Heat Trace Systems
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Common Applications for Heat Tracing
Why EPIC?
EPIC assures project success and provides a distinct advantage over other heat trace system providers through:
- Robust efficiency review from experienced engineers before system design
- Complete system design and installation, prior to shipment on modular systems
- Saved time, money and construction hours in the field
- A higher quality system through assembly and installation in our state-of-the-art shop
- A proprietary Front End Engineering (FEE) system to establish a thorough quote addressing process, electrical, insulation and equipment needs
- Complete project responsibility from concept development through installation and commissioning
Heat Trace Systems
Heat trace systems compensate for lost heat from process system equipment or the environment. EPIC will calculate heat loss from the process to design and apply the correct heat tracing, optimal thermal insulation and temperature control for your project.
We begin with a robust efficiency review from an experienced process engineer. Specifications for your maintenance, ambient, start-up and maximum exposure temperatures are ascertained. Then we utilize our Front-End Engineering(FEE) process to select the correct heat trace solution, establish a thorough quotation, and determine process, electrical, insulation, and equipment needs.
Heat Trace Systems we provide, include:
- Self-Regulating - most commonly used for freeze protection. Usually consist of two parallel bus wires, which carry electricity but do not create heat. They are separated and encased in a semi-conductive polymer, loaded with resistance materials. Voltage, usually 120 volts or 277 volts, is applied to the heat tracing. As the voltage is applied, the resistant material heats up, which causes its own resistance to rise. The higher resistance limits the current that can pass through the material and causes the heat level to decrease.
- Power-Limiting - works similarly to self-regulating but can be used for applications requiring high power output or exceed the temperature ranges of self-regulating cables. The most common application is for maintaining heat in processes or temperature maintenance in process systems.
- Parallel Constant Watt - Normally used for maintaining process temperatures. Are comprised of a series of heating circuits which produce a constant heat output through resistance.
- Mineral Insulated (MI) Cable - is used for higher temperature applications such as condensate piping and steam applications. Typically used for systems over 500 degrees fahrenheit. These cables must be designed and ordered in a specific length because they cannot be cut or altered.
- Heating Panels - are a heating blanket, spreading heat evenly over their entire surface. These are most commonly used in process applications. Used for larger pieces of equipment, such as storage tanks, filter housings, etc.. They come in various sizes and can be used in various combinations to heat large areas.
Applications
Applications that may require heat tracing include:
- Pipe freeze protection
- Process heating maintenance
- Temperature regulation
- Long-line heating
- Tank heating
- Temperature control and monitoring
- Hot water temperature maintenance
- Safety shower freeze protection
