Is there a difference between a Trace Line Heater and a Cable Heater? It seems to me that a Trace Line Heater is just a fancy name for a cable heater. Or, is there some important functionality needed for Heat Tracing that I don't understand. Thanks!
If I have interpreted your question correctly, there are two types of heat trace medium.
Here are the differences;
1. Trace Line Heater - Heated Re-circulating Fluids (glycol, steam, hot oil) - Requires a separate heating source such as a boiler. Heating medium travels through secondary pipe circuits that run parallel and in contact with product pipe systems and installed to the interior/exterior of vessels preferably, with at least 2" of fiber insulation with aluminum, plastic, or similar sleeve, covering the trace/product pipe/vessel except if installed within a product vessel.
2. Cable Heater - Electric Heat Trace Cables (which includes heated mats) - The least expensive to install and maintain using trace tape, end seal kits, power connection kits, t-stat kits, temp control panel and of course, at least 2" of fiber insulation with aluminum, plastic, or similar sleeve, covering the cable along/around the product pipe system/vessel. Electric Heat Trace cables are for external installation/use only.
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Probably the same thing, along with other terms such as heat tape, heat tracing, etc. However, there is also steam tracing and refrigerant hot gas tracing, so it is best to be sure of the context.
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Trace Line Heaters Versus Cable Heaters
Re: Trace Line Heaters Versus Cable Heaters
