ELECTRICAL TRACING VS. STEAM TRACING: WHICH IS BETTER FOR YOUR PLANT?

Electrical heat tracing is an advanced and versatile solution for maintaining the temperature of industrial piping, but choosing between this and steam tracing requires careful evaluation of your plant’s specific needs.

Both technologies are essential to ensure optimal industrial process performance, but they differ significantly in terms of performance, cost, and applicability.

Features of Electrical Heat Tracing

Electrical tracing systems use heating cables applied along the piping to maintain a constant fluid temperature, preventing freezing and ensuring proper flow. This solution is particularly valued for:

• Thermal precision: electrical tracing allows accurate temperature monitoring and control, ideal for sensitive processes.

• Easy installation: cables can be easily adapted to pipes of any shape and size.

• Low maintenance: as a static system with few mechanical components, it requires limited maintenance.

Features of Steam Tracing

Steam tracing uses high-temperature steam lines that run parallel to the pipes needing heating. This method is traditionally used in plants with steam availability, such as petrochemical and chemical facilities, and ensures:

• Thermal effectiveness: delivers high and stable temperatures, ideal for heavy-duty industrial environments and high thermal capacity processes.

• Reliability: as a well-established mechanical solution, it offers proven reliability under extreme operating conditions.

• Energy efficiency: when a steam source is already available, this solution can be energy-efficient.

When to Choose Electrical Heat Tracing

Electrical heat tracing is particularly suitable when precise and stable temperature control is needed. It is the optimal solution for applications requiring:

• Specific temperature adjustments

• Environments without an existing steam distribution network

• Quick and flexible installation

• Lower maintenance and operating costs

When to Prefer Steam Tracing

Steam tracing is the preferred choice when:

• A steam distribution network is already in place

• Applications require consistently high temperatures

• Plants operate under extreme conditions, such as in the petrochemical sector

Produce International: Your Ideal Partner

Thanks to its collaboration with CSI Controls Southeast Inc., Produce International offers complete solutions for thermal and industrial tracing, helping you choose between electrical and steam tracing based on your plant’s specific needs.

We provide specialized technical support to identify and implement the most effective solution for optimizing your production processes.

Contact us today for a personalized consultation and choose the best heat tracing solution for your industrial plant.