Heat Tracing

Freeze protection

The main job of heat trace on a plastic tank is freeze protection. Water-based chemicals, fertilizers and process fluids can freeze at or near 32°F (0°C), which can damage the tank, crack fittings or block outlets. Heat trace keeps the contents above the freezing point.

Viscosity control

Some liquids, such as adhesives, surfactants and certain agricultural chemicals, thicken or solidify in cold weather and become hard to pump. Heat trace holds them at a temperature where they pump and meter consistently.

Insulation is required

Heat trace is always installed with spray foam insulation. The pads are attached to the tank, then the foam is sprayed over them and sealed with a white mastic coating. See tank insulation.

Pads and controller

• Ultra-low watt density, flexible, waterproof heating pads with adhesive backing, made for heat-sensitive plastic tanks
• Two pad sizes and power outputs, sized to the tank, its location, the chemical and the temperature you need to hold
• Microprocessor controller with process temperature control and high-limit protection, for up to 6 heaters
• High-temperature, low-temperature and low-current alarms, with an alarm contact for your control system
• NEMA 4X, IP66 enclosure; 100–277 VAC power