Self Regulating Heat Trace Guide

Self-regulating cable

Self-regulating heat tracing systems are the preferred choice for most complex pipe-tracing applications. This is due to their parallel construction, which allows them to be cut to length and spliced in the field, and their self-regulating output, which provides more heat where it is needed.

Self-regulating cable uses conductive-polymer technology in both monolithic (solid core) and fiber (polymeric fiber wrap) heating cables. The heating element is made of polymers mixed with conductive carbon black. This special blend of materials creates electrical paths for conducting current between the parallel bus wires along the entire cable length.

In each heating cable the number of electrical paths between the bus wires changes in response to temperature fluctuations. As the ambient temperature surrounding the heating cable decreases, the conductive core or fiber contracts microscopically. This contraction decreases electrical resistance and creates numerous electrical paths between the bus wires. Current flows across these paths to warm the core or fiber.

The document below provides an excellent detailed description of self-regulating cable, its application and selection.

Self Regulating Heat Trace Guide from Instrument Specialties, Inc.

For more information, contact:

Instrument Specialties Inc.
3885 St. Johns Parkway
Sanford, FL 32771
phone 407.324.7800
fax 407.324.1104
e-mail: offices@isisales.com

www.isisales.com

How Self Regulating Heating Cable Works

Self regulating heat trace cable.

Self regulation heating cable in used in many industrial and commercial applications to maintain temperatures in pipes. vessels, and tanks. Whereas constant wattage cables produces the same power output irrespective of process temperature, self regulating cable automatically adjusts the power output depending on process temperature.

For example, during a startup or when ambient conditions are cold, the fluid in the pipe may require more heating power to maintain the desired process temperature. In this situation, the self regulating cable will produce a higher wattage per foot to heat the pipe. As the process media temperature increases, then need for that amount of input power decreases, and the self regulating cable automatically cuts the power output accordingly.

This video, courtesy of Raychem, provides a short but informative understanding of how self regulating heat tracing cable (sometimes referred to as "heat tape") works.

For more information, contact:

Instrument Specialties Inc.

3885 St. Johns Parkway

Sanford, FL 32771

phone 407.324.7800

fax 407.324.1104

www.isisales.com

e-mail: offices@isisales.com