What is electric tracing?

　　Electric heat tracing is a heating technology that transfers heat energy to equipment, pipeline or surface through electric energy. Its working principle is based on the resistance heating effect. By passing current through specially designed electric tracing wires or heating belts, the generated resistance converts electric energy into heat energy. Electric heat tracing wires are usually made of metal or alloy and have high resistivity.

　　This paper will deeply discuss the definition, working principle, application fields, advantages and future development of electric heat tracing.

　　First, the definition of electric tracing

　　Electric heat tracing is a kind of product used for pipeline anti-freezing and heat preservation. According to the different production technology and structure, electric heat tracing can be divided into self-limiting temperature electric heat tracing and constant power electric heat tracing. Its main function is to convert electric energy into heat energy and provide heat for pipelines and equipment, so as to maintain the temperature of its internal medium and prevent equipment from being damaged or working efficiency from being reduced due to too low temperature.

　　Second, the working principle of electric heat tracing

　　1. Self-temperature-limiting electric tracing belt

　　The working principle of self-limited temperature electric tracing tape is based on the resistance-temperature characteristics of conductive polymer (PTC). When the temperature around the electric tracing belt becomes cold, the carbon particles in the conductive polymer are connected to form circuits, and the current passes through these circuits to heat the electric tracing belt. When the temperature rises, the carbon particles in the conductive polymer gradually separate, the resistance increases, and the heating power of the electric tracing belt automatically decreases. This self-controlled temperature characteristic enables the self-limited temperature electric tracing belt to automatically adjust the heating power according to the change of environmental temperature, so as to ensure the temperature stability of the medium inside the equipment.

　　2. Constant power electric tracing belt

　　The working principle of constant power electric tracing belt is to connect the heating wire with the power bus in parallel or series to form a continuous heating cable. After the bus is electrified, each parallel or series resistor generates heat, thus forming a continuous heating cable. This design enables the constant power electric tracing belt to provide uniform heat output over the whole length, which is suitable for industrial occasions where high temperature needs to be maintained.

　　Third, the application field of electric heat tracing

　　1. Industrial pipelines

　　In industrial pipelines, electric heat tracing is mainly used to prevent the medium in the pipeline from freezing or solidification due to too low temperature. For example, in petroleum, chemical industry and other industries, many pipelines need to operate under specific temperature conditions to ensure the fluidity of the medium. Electric heat tracing can ensure that the medium in the pipeline is always in the best working state through accurate temperature control.

　　2. Building heating

　　In the field of building heating, electric tracing can be used for anti-freezing and heating of roofs, drains, stair handrails and other parts. For example, in cold winter, roofs and drains are prone to snow and ice, resulting in poor drainage. Electric heat tracing can ensure the smooth drainage system by providing appropriate heat to melt snow and ice.

　　3. Environmental protection equipment

　　In environmental protection equipment, electric heat tracing can be used for heat preservation and anti-freezing of sample gas sampling and analysis, waste gas treatment and other links. For example, in the desulfurization and denitrification pipeline of power plant, electric heat tracing can ensure the temperature stability of sample gas during sampling and analysis, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of test results.

　　Fourth, the advantages of electric heat tracing

　　1. High efficiency and energy saving

　　Electric heat tracing converts electric energy into heat energy, which can provide heat for equipment efficiently. Compared with traditional thermal insulation methods, such as thermal insulation cotton and steam hot water thermal insulation system, electric heat tracing has higher energy utilization rate, which can significantly reduce energy consumption and save operating costs.

　　2. Safe and reliable

　　Safety devices such as explosion-proof power junction box and explosion-proof intermediate junction box are used in electric heat tracing, which can effectively prevent current leakage and fire accidents. In addition, the material selection and structural design of electric heat tracing meet the relevant safety standards, which can ensure the safety and reliability of equipment in long-term operation.

　　3. Convenient installation

　　The installation process of electric heat tracing is relatively simple. Usually, it is only necessary to wind the electric heat tracing tape on the outer wall of the pipeline or equipment, and then connect the power supply through the junction box. Compared with the traditional heat preservation method, the installation of electric heat tracing is more convenient, which can significantly shorten the installation time and reduce the installation cost.

　　4. Convenient maintenance

　　The maintenance requirements of electric tracing are relatively few, and it is usually only necessary to check the running state of electric tracing belt and the connection of junction box regularly. Compared with the traditional heat preservation method, the maintenance of electric heat tracing is more convenient and can significantly reduce the maintenance cost.

　　As an advanced thermal insulation and anti-freezing technology, electric heat tracing has been widely used all over the world. Its characteristics of high efficiency, energy saving, safety and reliability, convenient installation and maintenance make it play an important role in the fields of industrial pipelines, building heating and environmental protection equipment. With the progress of science and technology and the development of society, electric heat tracing will have a broader application prospect in the future, providing more efficient, safe and convenient insulation and antifreeze solutions for all walks of life. ​