Question 1

What are electric trace heating systems?

Accepted Answer

Electric trace heating systems are installed on pipelines, containers, tanks, or other industrial equipment to maintain or raise their temperature. They prevent media in pipelines from cooling down, freezing, or losing their desired viscosity.Special heating cables or tapes are installed along the components to be heated. These emit heat evenly and compensate for heat losses that can occur due to low ambient temperatures. This ensures that the desired process or minimum temperature is reliably maintained.Electric trace heating systems are used in many sectors, such as industry, the energy and chemical industries, food production, and building technology. Typical applications include frost protection for pipelines, keeping media warm and heating them up, and ensuring stable process conditions.They are used whenever thermal insulation alone is insufficient to maintain the required temperature continuously.

Question 2

For which applications are electric trace heating systems suitable?

Accepted Answer

They are used in industrial plants, power plants, chemical and food processing plants, as well as in plant engineering – e.g. for pipelines, tanks, dust discharges, loading arms and hoses.

Question 3

What holding temperatures can be achieved with our electric trace heating systems?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the heating system, applications ranging from simple frost protection to maintaining temperatures above 400°C are possible.

Question 4

Are electric trace heating systems suitable for hazardous areas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Electric trace heating systems can also be used in potentially explosive atmospheres, provided they are designed and installed in accordance with applicable standards and guidelines. This requires specially approved components such as explosion-proof heating cables, junction boxes, temperature controllers, and monitoring systems.We supply and install compliant trace heating systems for potentially explosive atmospheres, taking into account all relevant requirements from the applicable ATEX directives and corresponding standards.In addition, we hold our own system certificate for ATEX Zone 1/21 for trace heating systems with polymer-insulated and mineral-insulated heating cables. This enables us to plan, supply, and professionally install complete, tested system solutions for safe use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Question 5

Do electric trace heating systems require a control system?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the type of heating cable used. Self-regulating heating tapes generally regulate their heat output automatically by adjusting their power according to the ambient temperature. This prevents overheating and achieves a degree of self-regulation.Resistance heating cables or heating rods, on the other hand, require external control, such as thermostats or electronic control systems, to reliably maintain the desired temperature and prevent overheating.Even with self-regulating heating tapes, we recommend using additional control in many applications. This further reduces energy consumption while ensuring a precise holding temperature. Modern control and monitoring systems also allow for better monitoring of the entire trace heating system and can contribute to increased operational reliability.

Question 6

Does Pro Therm also handle the installation of the trace heating system?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our services typically include the installation of the heating cables and the junction box directly on or in the immediate vicinity of the building to be heated. Wiring to the control box and the initial commissioning of the heating systems are not included in the standard package, but can be added as optional extras.

Question 7

How does a project with us proceed?

Accepted Answer

We provide expert advice right from the quotation stage. We coordinate any change requests or technical adjustments with your personal contact person to ensure the offer perfectly matches your project.After you place your order, you will receive a written order confirmation. We then begin detailed technical planning and prepare preliminary documentation for review and approval.Once you have given your technical approval, manufacturing and, if applicable, assembly planning commence – the agreed delivery period begins at this point.Depending on the scope of the order, the materials will then be delivered or professionally installed by our qualified specialists.Upon project completion, you will receive the invoice, measurement and acceptance reports, and the complete as-built documentation.

Question 8

What preparations or considerations must be made on-site before the installation of the trace heating system?

Accepted Answer

For quick and smooth installation, unobstructed access to all areas to be heated, including suitable scaffolding (if required), must be provided on-site prior to installation. Safety training for our employees must also be conducted if necessary.The standard offer does not include insulation work, scaffolding, power and control cabling, fire barriers, switchgear, dismantling of existing systems, or the warm commissioning of the trace heating system. We can offer switchgear, cabling, and insulation work separately upon request.Changes to the trace heating system design after technical approval has been granted, or delays in the process, for example, due to installation using lifting equipment, may result in additional costs.

Question 9

Does Pro Therm offer maintenance and repair services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we handle inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs of existing trace heating systems to ensure long-term operational reliability.

Question 10

What types of heating cables are available for implementing electric trace heating?

Accepted Answer

Pro Therm offers self-limiting heating tapes, polymer and mineral insulated solid resistance heating cables and heating rods – each suitable for different temperatures, power requirements and operating conditions.

Question 11

Does Pro Therm offer spare parts for existing electric trace heating systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We stock a wide range of spare parts for existing electric trace heating systems, such as heating cables, connection and termination kits, splice boxes, junction boxes, temperature controllers, and sensors, and can deliver them quickly.We also support our customers in selecting the right spare parts for existing systems – even if the system has been in operation for many years. We check which components are installed and which compatible solutions can be used.If required, we not only supply the appropriate spare parts but also handle the professional installation, repair, or expansion of your trace heating system. This ensures that your processes continue to operate reliably and safely.

Our proficiencies

Electric trace heating

Electrical underfreeze protection

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