The role of electric heat tracing in ships

　　Ships sailing in the vast ocean are like moving industrial castles, and its complex pipeline system maintains the normal operation of the whole ship. When a ship sails into a cold sea area or encounters bad weather, the electric tracing belt becomes an invisible guardian to ensure the safe operation of these pipeline systems. From fuel pipeline to fire fighting system, from ballast tank to domestic water pipeline, electric heat tracing technology plays an irreplaceable role in temperature protection in various key parts of the ship.

　　The winter operation of marine fuel system relies heavily on electric heat tracing technology. The viscosity of heavy oil increases sharply at low temperature, which directly affects the fuel injection and combustion efficiency of the engine. The electric tracing belt is accurately laid along the fuel pipeline to maintain the oil temperature in the best flowing state. This temperature control is far more accurate and reliable than the traditional steam heating. The actual operation data of a polar scientific research ship shows that the energy consumption of fuel preheating is reduced by 40% and the cold start time of engine is shortened by 60% after the intelligent electric heating system is adopted. For ocean-going freighters crossing different climatic zones, the electric heat tracing system can automatically adapt to the change of ambient temperature and ensure the fuel fluidity from tropical to polar routes. This adaptive ability is very important for the global navigation of ships.

　　The anti-freezing guarantee of ship fire protection system is another key application of electric heat tracing technology. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandates that the fire-fighting system of ships must be put into use immediately under various climatic conditions, and the fire-fighting pipelines exposed on the deck are easily frozen at low temperature. The electric tracing belt cooperates with the special anti-freezing insulation layer to provide all-weather protection for the fire fighting system. This reliability not only meets the requirements of laws and regulations, but also increases the important guarantee for ship safety.

　　The electric heat tracing solution of ballast water system shows how technological innovation can meet the special challenges of marine environment. The freezing of the inner wall of ballast water tank will affect the stability of the ship, and the traditional heating method may accelerate the corrosion of steel plate. The newly developed marine electric heat tracing belt adopts salt spray corrosion resistant materials, which can prevent icing and overheating through accurate temperature control. The intelligent electric heat tracing system adopted by an icebreaker can be independently adjusted according to the actual temperature of each ballast tank, saving energy by 35% compared with the traditional integral heating method. This refined temperature management enables the ship to maintain the best navigation performance in extreme weather.

　　The application of electric heat tracing in marine domestic water system is directly related to the quality of life of crew members. In the cold sea area, the freezing of fresh water pipeline will lead to the water cut-off of the whole ship, and the electric heat tracing system can reliably prevent this from happening. Modern ships integrate electric heat tracing control with water monitoring system to realize on-demand heating and avoid energy waste. The operation records of a supply ship in an Antarctic scientific research station show that the fresh water system protected by electric heat tracing has not experienced any freezing failure during the polar operation for three months in a row, which has guaranteed the basic living needs of the scientific research team members. This stability is particularly important for long-term voyage ships.

　　On special ships such as liquefied gas carriers, electric heat tracing technology plays a more prominent role. LNG transportation needs to maintain an ultra-low temperature environment of -162℃, while related instruments and valves need to be kept in normal temperature. The electric heat tracing system realizes the special demand of "ice and fire" through accurate zoning control. The reliable performance in this extreme environment highlights the engineering limit of electric heat tracing technology.

　　The safety design of ship electric heating system is unique in the industry. Marine products must pass strict vibration, salt spray and explosion-proof tests, and be certified by various classification societies. System design needs to consider the particularity of ship power grid, such as voltage fluctuation, harmonic interference and other factors. This targeted safety design ensures the long-term reliability of the electric heat tracing system in the harsh marine environment.

　　With the popularization of the concept of green ship, the energy-saving characteristics of electric heat tracing technology have been paid more and more attention. The new solar-electric hybrid heat tracing system provides a more environmentally friendly solution for ocean-going ships; The combination of waste heat recovery technology and electric heat tracing has created an innovative energy utilization model. This contribution to environmental protection makes electric heat tracing technology occupy an increasingly important position in modern ship design.

　　From the Arctic icebreaker to the equatorial tanker, from offshore fishing boats to ocean-going ships, electric heat tracing technology guards the temperature balance of ship pipeline system with its reliable performance. It is not only a tool to cope with the severe cold, but also an important guarantee for the safe, efficient and environmentally friendly operation of modern ships. With the technological progress of shipbuilding industry, the application of electric heat tracing will continue to innovate and expand, providing solid temperature support for the journey of human conquest of the ocean.