Structure and functions of parallel self-limiting heating tapes

                                                  
Quintex provides the entire range of parallel self-limiting heating cables. .
The structure of this type of heating cable is illustrated in the figure to the right .
Power (230V, 110V, etc.) is supplied via two parallel conductors. The conductors are enclosed by a heating matrix of polymer and conducting soot. Via this matrix, the required heat output is generated. As the resistance of polymer increases with temperature, output decreases with increasing temperature – up to a point at which output is negligibly small. Thus – to a certain extent – the heating cable adjusts to the temperature of the equipment to be heated. This is just one of the effects strengthening demand for electric trace heating systems in potentially explosive atmospheres Via this type of heating cable, system overheating is prevented – before temperatures leading to explosions are reached, the heating cable is destructed. The heating matrix is enclosed by an insulating layer of temperature-resistant synthetics. On top of this layer, a metal braid is applied protecting the lower layers. A sheath of different material is extruded over the braid to protect it from corrosion. OFor this type of heating cable to be used in various applications, different output and temperature resistance levels are supported. These levels ensure the efficiency of this type of heating cable in different applications. In addition, via these levels, cables can be certified for specific temperature classes in potentially explosive atmospheres. However, these levels are also used as marketing tool by manufacturers.

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Structure and functions of constant wattage zone heaters

FFor electric trace heating systems, parallel constant wattage heating cables still play an important role. In commercial and industrial applications, however,
this type of heating cable has increasingly been replaced with self-regulating heating cables. One reason for this development is that, in potentially explosive
atmospheres, a regulating device (today ‘stabilized design’ is usually certified) has been required.
In addition, prices for the two types of heating cable are almost identical. Despite this development, for applications requiring high output and temperatures, parallel constant wattage heating cables are the ideal choice.
DWith this type of heating cable, high output at high temperatures is possible due to constant output at all temperature levels. The structure of the heating cable is adjusted to its applications. The two conductors are enclosed by an insulating sheath. Via a second insulating layer, the parallel design is further strengthened. On top of this layer, a nickelchrome resistance heating wire is applied in a spiral. Varying with the spiral technique, different output is achieved. Via current techniques, the heating wire is connected to conductors at predefined intervals of 1 meter. In between these intervals, heating zones develop – this is why this type of heating cable is also referred to as zone heater. On top of the heating spiral, a flexible protective sheath is applied absorbing wire movement. This is just one of the quality features of this heating cable. The top layers of parallel constant wattage heating cables correspond to those of parallel self-regulating heating cables.

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Structure and functions of series ptfe/pfa-insulated heating cables

Do you need very long heating cables? Or voltage of 230 Volt and higher is required? In this case, series heating cables is the best choice. ?
With series synthetic-insulated heating cables, the resistance of the heating wire is used to generate heat. Output of the heating cable directly depends on three factors: voltage, resistance and length of the cable. Thus, when adjusting the system, i. e. shortening or extending heating cables, parameters need to be recalculated or power regulating devices need to be used. With high temperatures, changes in resistance due to intrinsic heat need to be considered. The special structure of this type of heating cable provides for flexibility and resistance against chemical and mechanical impact at the same time. The structure largely corresponds to that of the heating cables described above. The wire represents the heating element enclosed by a temperature-resistant insulating sheath. Varying with the application and temperature, the insulating sheath is made up of special insulating material – usually PTFE or PFA, sometimes silicone or FEP. Just like with parallel heating cables, on top of the sheath, a metal braid is applied to protect operators. An outer sheath protects the braid from corrosion. Just like the insulating sheath, this sheath is of temperature-resistant synthetics.
Numerous design options are supported varying with the number of cables, changes in voltage, parallel heating circuits to provide for redundancy, resistance of the cable etc. All these factors need to be considered when designing such a system. State-of-the-art, software-based design tools are prerequisites for this purpose.

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Structure and functions of series mineral-insulated heating cables

WIf the temperature resistance or mechanical stability of the heating cables described above are not sufficient, series mineral-insulated heating cables are the best choice. With this type of heating cable, the first electric trace heating systems in the history of this sector have been designed.
Series mineral-insulated heating cables are also based on the heating cables above. However, this type of heating cable is adjusted to the requirements of high-temperature and high-mechanical resistance applications. These features are also required in many electric trace heating systems. The structure and functions of this heating cable have been proven for decades. In the figure to the right, the heating conductor is enclosed by an insulating layer of magnesium oxide. From the material of the insulating layer, the name of the heating cable derived: Magnesium oxide is a mineral. The insulating layer is enclosed by a metal of different material adjusted to applications. Usually metal sheaths of copper, copper nickel and stainless steel are used. With this type of heating cable, the same design criteria apply as with synthetic-insulated heating cables: The same parameters provide for various design solutions. In this case, however, knowledge of connection systems is essential. With the insulating sheath being very hygroscopic, connection systems need to be selected carefully. Profound knowledge and experience are required to design a system ideally meeting your requirements. Once such a system is installed stability and reliability is guaranteed. With this type of heating cable, Quintex experts support you in implementing a system matching your application requirements. Our team has also gathered numerous experiences with this product type to provide you with the complete range of electric trace heating systems..

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