Heating tape is the secret weapon to keep pipes warm

In modern industry and daily life, piping systems play a vital role. Whether transporting liquids or gases, ensuring that pipelines function properly in a variety of environmental conditions is key. The heating tape is the secret weapon to ensure the insulation of pipelines.

How heating tape works

Heating tape is an electric heating product used for pipes, equipment and containers. It converts electrical energy into heat energy to maintain the appropriate temperature range of heated objects and pipes. Here are two common types of heating tape and how they work:

1.Self-limiting temperature electric heating tape

After the self-limiting temperature electric heating tape is powered on, the current flows from one wire core through the conductive PTC material to the other wire core to form a loop. Electric energy heats up the conductive material, and its resistance increases immediately. When the temperature of the core belt rises to a certain value, the resistance is so large that it almost blocks the current, and its temperature no longer rises. At the same time, the electric belt moves toward the lower temperature to be heated. System heat transfer. The power of the heating belt is mainly controlled by the heat transfer process, and the output power is automatically adjusted according to the temperature of the heated system. However, traditional constant power heaters do not have this function.

2. Constant power electric heating tape

The power busbar of the parallel constant-power electric heating tape is two parallel insulated copper wires. The heating wire is wrapped around the inner insulation layer, and the heating wire is connected to the busbar at a certain distance (i.e., the "heating section length") to form a continuous parallel resistance. When the busbar is energized, each parallel resistor generates heat, thus forming a continuous heating cable.

The series constant power electric heating tape is an electric heating product with a core wire heating element, that is, when current passes through a core wire with a certain resistance, the core wire emits Joule heat due to the resistance per unit length of the core wire and the current passing through. It is equal along the entire length, and the amount of heat generated everywhere is also equal.

Installation and maintenance of heating tape

The installation of heating tape is a highly technical job that requires engineers to have professional skills and a deep understanding of the pipeline system. During the installation process, the laying density of the heating tape, the handling of the joints, and the thermal contact with the pipes need to be strictly controlled to ensure the best insulation effect. Regular maintenance and inspection are necessary measures to ensure the long-term stable operation of the heating tape.

The case of heating tape to insulate pipes

Pipes in a garbage dump in Beijing will freeze when the temperature is low in winter, so anti-freeze and thermal insulation measures need to be taken for the pipes. This pipeline insulation project chose to use an electric heating system for anti-freeze insulation. It dissipates heat through the electric heating tape and compensates for the heat loss of the pipeline to meet the anti-freeze and insulation requirements and ensure the normal use of the garbage dump pipelines in the cold winter.

Economic and environmental benefits of heating tape

The application of heating tape not only improves the continuity and reliability of industrial production, but also brings significant economic benefits. By reducing energy losses and extending pipe service life, heating tape saves businesses significant operating costs. In addition, the energy-saving characteristics of heating tapes are also in line with the current development trend of green and environmental protection, helping to promote sustainable development in the industrial field.

In short, heating tape, as a key element of pipeline insulation, shows unique advantages in terms of principle, installation and maintenance, and efficiency. While ensuring the stable operation of production and life, it also meets the needs of the development of the times. It will play an important role in more fields in the future and continue to contribute to social progress.