What model should I choose for pipeline heat tracing?

The selection of pipeline heat tracing systems must align with core requirements such as operating temperature, heat tracing distance, and medium characteristics. Different models of electric heat tracing belts exhibit significant differences in power, temperature resistance, and applicable scenarios. Accurate recommendations of suitable models can prevent heat tracing failures or resource wastes caused by incorrect selection, ensuring stable pipeline operation in winter.

For freeze protection of civilian pipelines, the self-regulating electric heat tracing conventional model is highly recommended. The optional model is a 15-25W/m standard self-regulating heat tracing belt, with a temperature range of -40℃ to 65℃. The outer layer is a polyethylene (PE) sheath, with a protection level of IP65, suitable for residential building water pipelines, solar water heating pipes, and other scenarios. Its automatic temperature control feature eliminates the need for additional temperature controllers, offering flexible installation. It can be directly fitted to the pipeline for laying, with a single length of ≤100 meters, making it suitable for multi-branch, short-distance heat tracing, and offering outstanding cost-effectiveness.

For insulation of small and medium-sized industrial pipelines, we recommend the self-regulating high-temperature type. For medium-temperature pipelines carrying lubricants, sauces, and other media, we suggest the high-temperature self-regulating heating cable with a power of 30-40W/m. It can withstand temperatures up to 105℃ and features a cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) sheath for oil and corrosion resistance. This model heats evenly and precisely maintains the medium temperature above the freezing point. It is suitable for branch pipelines in food processing and small chemical workshops, supports parallel installation of multiple circuits, and is easy to maintain.

For long-distance industrial pipeline tracing, the constant power series models are recommended. For long-distance straight-run pipelines (over 100 meters in length) such as crude oil and diesel pipelines, the series-connected constant power electric tracing band is preferred. The model can be selected from 50-100W/m, with a temperature resistance of ≤105℃, and a single length of up to hundreds of meters, providing stable heat output. When used with a high-precision temperature controller, it can ensure uniform long-distance tracing; for multi-branch industrial pipelines, the parallel-connected constant power electric tracing band can be selected, offering higher installation flexibility, but requiring standardized joint handling.

For pipelines in extreme environments, special models are recommended. For pipelines in severe cold regions (-40°C or below), low-temperature enhanced self-regulating heat tracing belts with a power of 35-45W/m are recommended, which exhibit excellent low-temperature start-up performance. For pipelines with high-temperature media (such as asphalt and steam pipelines), MI mineral insulated electric heat tracing belts are recommended, with a maximum temperature resistance of 600°C. The metal sheath material is resistant to high temperatures and impact. For explosion-proof scenarios (oil depots, chemical workshops), explosion-proof self-regulating or constant power electric heat tracing belts are recommended, which have passed explosion-proof certification and are equipped with dedicated explosion-proof accessories.

The core of pipeline heat tracing selection lies in "matching the operating conditions". For civilian use, conventional self-regulating heat tracing is recommended. For small and medium-sized industrial applications, high-temperature self-regulating heat tracing is preferred. For long-distance applications, constant power heat tracing is the choice. In extreme environments, special models are required. Precise selection based on temperature, distance, and environmental characteristics is essential to fully leverage the heat tracing efficiency.