How does TraceFREE® Impedance Pipe Heating work?
Low Voltage
A Banner-Day Pipe Heating TraceFREE® Electric impedance system utilizes a low AC voltage source to cause electric current flow through the wall of piping to be heated. The secondary side of a dual winding isolation impedance system transformer is connected to a piping system, installed to be isolated from earth ground, using cable conductors connected to high strength cable lugs attached to the two extents of the impedance heated pipe.
Description
As depicted low voltage AC current flows from the transformer secondary connection through a flange point to a flange located at the tank through the pipe to the cable lug located at the use point. The current bypasses the inline pump, isolated from impedance system current by two dielectric Insulated Pipe Joints (IPJ’s) and a bypass jumper cable. From the cable lug at the Use Point, the impedance system current flows back through the return cable conductor to the TraceFREE® impedance system transformer. This transformer is grounded at the return cable conductor connection to provide a zero-voltage reference for the system.
Control
The system is controlled from the TraceFREE® control panel that manages the input power to the impedance transformer by sensing the pipe and or product temperature with an RTD temperature sensor. The RTD is installed in a well that is typically welded to the outer surface of the heated pipe allowing the pipeline and product temperature to be maintained at the desired set point temperature.
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Pipe Material Applications
TraceFREE® pipe heating systems and storage tank heating systems can accommodate a wide variety of applications including industrial, chemical, petro-chemical, food, fuel oils, and many additional applications.
Acceptable
Stainless Steel
Carbon Steel
Exotic Metals, Piping & Tubing
Not Acceptable
Non-Metallic
Copper/Brass
Aluminum}Low Resistance/
High Conductivity
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TraceFREE® Comparison
Typical Pipe Heating Applications:
| Heating Applications |  |
Heat Trace | Steam Trace |
| Temperature Sensitive Products | Yes | No | No |
| High Temperature Applications (> 400°F/ 204°C) |
Yes | Limited | No |
| Raise Temperature of Flowing Product | Yes | No | Limited |
| Quick Heat Up | Yes | No | No |
| Long Pipe Runs | Yes | Limited | Limited |
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TraceFREE® Systems
Center Tap
The TraceFREE® center feed system is used for longer systems typically without branch lines, and is best for mid-range and high temperature applications. It does not require insulated pipe joints or flange gaskets.
- Typically Used For Point to Point Applications
- Best For Mid-range And Higher Temperatures (≥ 400°F/ 204°C)
- Does Not Require Use of Insulated Pipe Joints Or Dielectric Flange Gaskets
- Grounded At Each End
End Feed
The TraceFREE® end feed system is the most common and is used with piping systems that have several branches. Excellent for both low- and mid-range temperatures, an end feed system is easier to install than a center feed system.
- Most Common Used
- Excellent for Lower and Mid-Range Temperatures (< 400°F/204°C)
- Can be Used on Multiple Branch Applications Systems
- Simpler Installation
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