Petrochemicals are petroleum-derived chemical materials. Many of these chemicals come from resources like coal , natural gas, corn or even sugar cane. The two most popular petrochemical groups are olefins and aromatics, the building blocks used to generate a wide variety of daily materials such as solvents, detergents, adhesives, plastics, resins, fibers, elastomers, lubricants and gels. Most chemicals and gasses move through pipelines and are stored in tanks in petrochemical plants. Petroleum-based chemicals often thicken and flow poorly at lower temperatures. If petrochemicals are not maintained at the correct temperature, viscosity problems cause the liquids to flow inefficiently and can starve or clog production lines.
To maintain the high temperatures needed for petrochemical output, install constant-wattage heating cable along piping. Constant wattage heating cable is a versatile heating cable mounted on the outside of pipes and valves (heat tracing) and capable of sustaining temperatures up to 260 ° C (500 ° F). Constant wattage heating cable is also used to heat long runs of piping systems up to several hundred feet. Heating cables are ideal for outdoor use and are FM-approved for hazardous locations. Insulation is advised to improve heat and energy efficiency and a temperature controller is needed to monitor constant wattage heating cable. On almost all pipe heating applications, constant-wattage heating cable may be used. Common uses include freeze protection, viscosity reduction, condensation prevention, and more.
Self-regulating heating cable is another way to maintain lower temperature systems. This form of heating cable automatically changes its heat output depending on ambient conditions and never exceeds a fixed temperature, normally 149 ° F (65 ° C). Low temperature heating cable will reach 248 ° F (120 ° C). Typical uses for self-regulating heating cable are low-temperature repair and freezing applications.
For more information on any process heating requirement, contact Alliance Technical Sales. Call them at 630-321-9646 or visit their website at https://alliancets.com.
