Application Book: Heating Solutions for All Industries | Page 17
VISCOSITY CONTROL
PETROCHEMICAL VISCOSITY CONTROL
A cost-effective and simple way to reduce viscosity and improve production efficiency
Application
Petrochemicals are chemical products derived from petroleum sources. Some of these
chemicals are obtained from resources such as coal, natural gas, corn or even sugar cane.
The two most common petrochemical classes are olefins and aromatics and they are the
building-blocks used to manufacture a wide range of everyday materials such as solvents,
detergents, adhesives, plastics, resins, fibers, elastomers, lubricants, and gels.
Throughout petrochemical processing plants, there are many chemicals and gasses
passing through pipelines and stored in tanks. Petroleum-based chemicals often thicken
and do not flow well at lower temperatures. If the petrochemicals are not maintained at
the desired temperature, viscosity issues cause the liquids to inefficiently flow and could
starve or clog production lines. To complicate matters, these petrochemicals often require
hazardous-area-rated heating products.
Solution
Install BriskHeat constant-wattage heating cable along piping to maintain the elevated
temperatures necessary for petrochemical production. Constant-wattage heating cable is
a flexible heating cable that is installed along the outside of the pipes and valves (Heat-
Tracing) and is capable of maintaining temperatures up to 500°F (260°C). Often referred
to as heat tape, constant-wattage heating cable is used for heating long runs of piping
systems of up to several hundred feet. BriskHeat’s constant-wattage heating cables are
suitable for outdoor use and are FM-Approved for hazardous locations.
Bus Wires
Heating
Element
Module Point
Heat Fused
Polyimide Film
Metallic
Overbraid
Continuous Marker Tape
PFA Extruded Outer
Jacket
Insulation is always recommended to maximize heat and energy efficiency. A temperature
controller is required to control constant-wattage heating cable and BriskHeat offers several
temperature controller options depending on the specific needs of the application.
Self-Regulating heating cable is another option for maintaining systems at lower
temperatures. This type of heating cable automatically adjusts its heat output based upon
ambient conditions and never exceeds a specific rated temperature, most commonly
149°F (65°C). Higher temperature self-regulating heating cable can reach 248°F (120°C).
Typical uses for self-regulating heating cable are low temperature maintenance and freeze
protection applications.
PFA Extruded
Inner Jacket
Bus Wires
Heating
Element
Inner Jacket
Metallic
Overbraid
Additional Uses
Constant-wattage heating cable can be used on nearly all pipe heating applications. These
include applications for freeze protection, reducing viscosity, preventing condensation, and more.
Industries
Outer Jacket
Types of Users
Biodiesel
Petrochemical/Chemical
General Manufacturing
Oil & Gas
Maintenance
Production Managers
Plant Managers
Process Engineers
Design Engineers
Contractors
Toll Free: 800-848-7673 | Phone: 614-294-3376 | BriskHeat.com | Email: [email protected] | Fax: 614-294-3807
© BriskHeat Corporation. All Rights Reserved. 20-01
13