Heat Trace

[Josh2008]

I'm running some heat loss calculations for the selection of a heat tracing solution for water supply pipes.

What is a safe minimum design temperature to maintain the water at?

Last time I spoke with a manufacturer we discussed 3 deg C. Any comments? Obviously it has to be above 0C, otherwise the water will freeze, and the heat tracing becomes useless.

J

 

[DRWeig]

Hi Josh,

Counting the inaccuracies of temperature sensors, controllers, uncertainty in heat transfer coefficients for your calculations, and variability in contact for your heat trace cable or pipe, 3°C is fairly safe.

Long ago, I used to design for 4° to 5°C to choose heat trace capacity and insulation thickness -- it was our company standard. Left plenty of room for error, and we could always turn the control point down later to conserve energy...

Let's see what the others have to say!

Good on ya,

Goober Dave

 

[ione]

Temperature between 38 °F and 40 °F (3.3-4.4 °C) is a usual set point range. Please consider that flowing water is harder to freeze. You could fit a flow transmitter in your pipeline and adjust your temperature set point according to the flow.