Application of electric heating cable in petrochemical storage and transportation plant

In the daily operation of petrochemical storage and transportation plants, it is crucial to ensure the safe storage and transportation of various oil products and chemical raw materials. Since the physical and chemical properties of these substances have strict temperature requirements, electric heating cables have been widely used in the field of petrochemical storage and transportation as an efficient and reliable temperature control method.

Temperature Challenges in Petrochemical Storage and Transportation Plants

Petrochemical products often face the challenge of temperature fluctuations during storage and transportation. Low temperatures may cause some products to solidify and block pipelines, while high temperatures may cause volatile substances to evaporate and even pose safety hazards. Therefore, maintaining a suitable temperature range is crucial for the quality stability and transportation safety of petrochemical products.

Working Principle of Electric Heating Cables

Electric heating cables are devices that use electrical energy to generate heat energy. They generate heat through internal resistance wires or conductive polymers when powered on. This heat is transferred to the surface of the pipeline or tank in contact with it through heat conduction, thereby achieving insulation or heating of petrochemical products.

Application of electric heating cables in petrochemical storage and transportation plants

1. Pipeline insulation: In cold areas or in winter, the pipelines of petrochemical storage and transportation plants are prone to increase fluid viscosity due to low temperature, affecting fluidity. Electric heating cables are widely used on the outside of pipelines to ensure the fluidity of the medium in the pipeline through continuous heating to prevent solidification and blockage.

2. Tank heating: Large storage tanks in petrochemical storage and transportation plants, especially when storing products with high viscosity or high freezing points, require electric heating cables to heat the bottom or side walls to prevent product solidification and ensure smooth material collection and transportation.

3. Heating of valves and instruments: Valves, instruments and other components in petrochemical storage and transportation plants are prone to failure in low temperature environments. The application of electric heating cables can provide them with a stable temperature environment to ensure the normal operation of equipment.

Application cases in petrochemical storage and transportation plants

During a winter production at a petrochemical storage and transportation plant, a pipeline for transporting heavy oil solidified and blocked due to the failure to activate the electric heating cables in time, which had a serious impact on production. After this lesson, the plant strengthened the management and maintenance of the electric heating cable system to ensure that the electric heating cables were activated in time in low temperature weather, effectively avoiding the recurrence of similar problems.

For example, another petrochemical storage and transportation plant has improved heating efficiency and reduced energy consumption by optimizing and upgrading the electric heating cable system for storage tanks. It has also enhanced the temperature stability of materials in the storage tanks, improved product quality and the economic benefits of the enterprise.

Design and installation of electric heating cables

When applying electric heating cables in petrochemical storage and transportation plants, professional design is required based on specific process requirements and environmental conditions. During installation, good contact between the electric heating cables and pipelines or storage tanks and reasonable layout should be ensured to achieve the best heating effect. At the same time, safety measures should not be ignored, including explosion-proof, waterproof, and anti-corrosion.

Conclusion

In short, the application of electric heating cables in petrochemical storage and transportation plants is of great significance. In the future, with the continuous development of technology, electric heating cables will be more intelligent, efficient and safe, providing better temperature control solutions for the petrochemical storage and transportation industry, helping the industry to develop steadily and ensuring the safety and stability of energy supply.