Unitemp Blog

Can a pipe or vessel be heated up in a short period of time?

19.03.2015

Typically not. Heat tracing is primarily used for temperature maintenance. Heat-ups in short periods of time (minutes to a few hours) will most likely require more heat than that needed to maintain the temperature at the desired temperature above ambient.

Add your Comment

What does thermal equilibrium mean?

19.03.2015

This is a common term as it relates to thermodynamics and heat transfer calculations.
It is a state of thermal dynamics where the stabilized temperature is a result of the heat input equal to the heat loss.

Add your Comment

Accurate SO2 measurement

28.05.2013

For accurate SO2 measurement a testo fluegas analyser must always be equipped with a SO2 and NO2 cell. NO2 has a negative impact on the SO2 reading by 110%. If the analyser measures NO2, it will automatically compensate for this. If not, then the SO2 reading might be far out depending on NO2 in the flue gas.

Add your Comment

How do I choose the right cable for my heat tracing application?

15.05.2013

We offer a wide range of heat tracing cables & offer design services for completed solutions.

Find more info. Contact our consulting engineers

...

Add your Comment

Can you install the cable on top of a pipe?

06.05.2013

Installing the cable on top or directly at the bottom of a pipe is not recommended as it could result in mechanical damage to the cable.

On top of the pipe the cable is susceptible to personnel walking on cable.

When installed on the bottom of the pipe, damage may be caused by placing the pipe with the cable in a pipe rack. The ideal location is at 5 or 7 o’clock. Locating the cable at 2 or 10 o’clock is acceptable. Installation ease should dictate the selection of these...

Add your Comment

Can a cable be installed on a pipe that runs through or to/from a heated building to outside?

06.05.2013

Yes. However, the method of temperature control must address the fact that the heat loss will be different for the two ambient conditions.

For line-sensing control the sensor should be located on the outside portion of the pipe.

With ambient sensing the sensor will be outside as well. In both cases, temperatures of the inside/indoors pipe section should be determined to make sure that product, pipe, or cable maximum temperature ratings are not exceeded.

Add your Comment

What is the function of thermal insulation for heat traced pipes?

06.05.2013

Provides protection of personnel against hot surfaces
Minimizes heat loss and allows the pipe temperature to increase above ambient temperature based on the amount of heat added by the heat tracer
Conserves Energy

Add your Comment

Is thermal insulation really necessary for heat tracing systems?

06.05.2013

Yes. The heat losses without thermal insulation are excessive and not practical to compensate for with heat tracing.

Add your Comment

testo thermal imager: What is the most important aspect of capturing a good thermal image?

06.06.2011

Focus is the most critical element in recording a thermal image. Focus and the perspective of the target area are the image characteristics that cannot be changed.

Add your Comment

testo thermal imager: Does a thermal imager work in complete darkness?

06.06.2011

Yes. Thermal imagers operate in a range of the spectrum outside the visible light wavelengths and is unaffected by light (except as it is a source of heat).

Add your Comment