Introduction to heat tracing cables and heat tracing belts

Self controlled temperature (self limiting) heating cable, abbreviated asHeat tracing cableOr subtropical, there are several classifications according to different methods:
1. Temperature classification
According to the different compositions of polymer PTC materials,Self controlled heating cableIt is divided into two categories: low-temperature and high-temperature. Common heating cables in the market include 65 ℃ temperature grade heating cables based on polyolefins and 110 ℃ and 150 ℃ heating cables based on fluorine-containing materials. The temperature level here is defined as the maximum ambient temperature that the heating cable can effectively apply. It can also be understood as the highest ambient temperature at which the cable can be stably used for a long time and generate effective heating power output. If the temperature exceeds the specified level, on the one hand, due to the increase in resistance, the output power of the heating cable itself is very small, and the actual heating efficiency is very low. On the other hand, long-term over temperature use can degrade or attenuate cable performance such as PTC characteristics and heating power, which can reduce the service life and operational reliability of the cable. But it is also possible to be exposed to temperatures exceeding the temperature limit for a short period of time. Therefore, in addition to the above temperature levels, there is another temperature level for self controlled heating wires. For cables with a temperature rating of 65 ℃, the temperature rating is 85 ℃, for cables with a temperature rating of 110 ℃, it is 130 ℃, and for cables with a temperature rating of 150 ℃, it is 230 ℃. However, at this point, the effective output power of the cable is close to zero.
Due to a lack of relevant literature, many people have a wrong understanding of the temperature rating of self controlled heating cables, believing that it refers to the highest surface temperature of the heating cable. Therefore, the term "65, 85, and 105 ℃ temperature rating polyolefin heating" has emerged. In fact, the output power of the cable is related to the ambient temperature, and the surface temperature of the cable is closely related to the ambient temperature and insulation state during testing. Therefore, using surface temperature to define the temperature level of self controlled heating cables is unscientific and inaccurate. We need to remember that for heating cables based on polyolefin, their maximum continuous use temperature should not exceed 65 ℃.
2. Classified by heating output power
The output power of a self controlled heating cable refers to the output power per unit length of cable at an ambient temperature of 10 degrees Celsius. Classified by heating power output, there are three types of self controlled temperature heating cables: high, medium, and low. Generally speaking, low-power heating cables have a heating power of less than 35 watts per meter; Heating cables with a power greater than 35 watts per meter but less than 70 watts per meter are considered medium rate heating cables; High power heating cables are those that heat up to 65 watts per meter.
3. Classified by application location
Universal heating cable: refers to a heating cable composed of copper wire, polymer PTC material, and a single-layer flame-retardant sheath. Mainly used for heating or tracing in general pipeline networks. Explosion proof enhanced heating cable: It is a composite layer of metal mesh on the outer layer of a universal cable, which can effectively eliminate static electricity and resist external mechanical impact. Mainly used in places with explosion-proof requirements.
Anti corrosion and explosion-proof enhanced type: This type of cable structure is composed of a layer of fluorine-containing material on the outer layer of the metal mesh of the explosion-proof enhanced heating cable. Heating cables with this structure can effectively prevent and resist static electricity, mechanical collisions, and various corrosive media. Mainly used in places with harsh environments or flammable and explosive materials.
4. Classified by cable usage
Ordinary heating cable: This is a two core structure heating cable. Composed of two parallel metal wires coated with polymer PTC material and flame-retardant sheath material or metal mesh and fluorine material sheath. Due to the influence of conductor diameter and voltage drop along the length, the connection length of this cable generally does not exceed 200 meters.
Ultra long heating cable is a special structure of five or six core heating cable. In addition to the two parallel wires wrapped in polymer PTC material, 3-4 metal wires with insulating sheaths and metal armor are also laid in the same direction. Used for transmitting electrical energy. This special structure allows the maximum continuous length of the cable to exceed 1000 meters, making it suitable for heat tracing in oil and gas pipelines and underground oil fields.
Safe heating cable is a type of three core heating cable. In the cable, lay another monitoring wire along the length direction inside the flame-retardant sheath. Monitoring wires can promptly transmit information such as abnormal changes in output power, overcurrent conditions, and local damage along the line to the control room, facilitating timely understanding of the heating situation along the line and ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the cable.
5. Classified by applied voltage
Low voltage type: refers to heating cables with a suitable voltage range between 12-36V. These types of cables generally have lower heating power and can be used continuously for a length of no more than 10 meters. Strictly follow the voltage requirements when using, otherwise it may cause accidents such as cable fire. The application scope mainly includes civilian health products and heated seats for vehicles and ships.
Medium voltage type: refers to heating cables suitable for voltages between 100-650V. The self controlled heating cables we generally refer to are of this type. In practical applications, 120 and 240V cables are interchangeable, but the maximum continuous use length of 120V heating cables is usually half of 240V. The continuous application length of such cables usually does not exceed 200 meters. High voltage cable: refers to a heating cable suitable for voltages between 380-650V. They are mainly 5-6 core heating cables mentioned earlier. The continuous application length is usually greater than 500 meters.
4、 Application Fields of Tiankang Company's Self controlled Temperature Heating Cable
Winter anti freezing cracking of industrial and civil water pipes
Insulation and heat tracing of liquid transportation pipelines in industrial and mining enterprises
Insulation and heat tracing of enterprise steam transmission pipelines
Insulation of compressed air, gas and natural gas transmission pipelines in industrial and mining enterprises
Winter antifreeze of urban fire protection system
Insulation and Heating of Gas Liquid Storage Tanks in Industrial and Mining Enterprises
Winter antifreeze of industrial and civil pipeline valves
Winter insulation for special instruments and meters
Winter de icing and snow removal of important roads and places
Winter heating for industrial and civil buildings

5、 The advantages of Anhui Tiankang self-control heating cable
Safety - We provide you with the greatest safety guarantee. PTC characteristics and * structure ensure that the output power of the cable responds quickly to changes in ambient temperature, eliminating the risk of local overheating and fire.
Convenient - Cut into any length as needed using a continuous parallel conductor structure and uniform heating medium distribution. The unit length of electric tracing has a constant power output, so it can be cut on-site according to the required length.
Energy saving - Automatic temperature control is easy to install with automatic temperature control features, allowing the output power to automatically adjust with changes in ambient temperature without the need for additional temperature control systems.
Easy to install without maintenance. The highly flexible structure allows you to use it in any pipeline and connection area. The flame-retardant, moisture-proof, and insulated structure design makes it almost maintenance free once installed.

Anhui Tiankang Group Co., Ltd. produces heat tracing cables, control cables, computer cables, shielded cables, and high-temperature resistant cables