A multitude of South African industries including food and beverage, petrochemical and automotive will in the winter months again be faced with the drawbacks of colder ambient temperatures on their manufacturing processes and operational efficiencies. Electrical heat tracing (EHT) can overcome these challenges through control and monitoring technology that ensures constant process temperatures in the production processes.
Giles Maynard, general manager of eltherm South Africa, explains: “EHT can assist plant and process managers alleviate stubborn viscosity sensitive products and processes. This has the benefit of ensuring that pumps do not malfunction due to cavitation and pipes don’t get blocked, mitigating costly repairs and maintenance.”
The term viscosity refers to the time it takes for an amount of product to run through a pipe. For example, water has a low viscosity as it flows more freely than honey. Liquids like honey and oil have a higher viscosity because they contain more complex molecular structures.
Temperature can manipulate the viscosity of liquid. When the temperature drops, liquids like syrup develop a higher viscosity and become more difficult to pour. However, when heated, the molecules begin to move more freely, which lead to lower viscosity.
EHT reduces heat losses
EHT lowers the viscosity of many processes as it acts as a compensating heat source to maintain or raise the heat in pipes, tanks, surfaces and other vessels. It effectively replaces the heat loss in the process and can therefore be used to prevent pipes from gelling or freezing, whilst maintaining the low viscosity of the process on plant equipment.
Colder days and the resultant higher viscosity can also impact domestic water supply as well as the reliable drainage of rain and waste water leading to freeze damage and ultimately frozen and burst pipes.
“To prevent freeze damage, EHT can be installed on these pipes to prevent freezing without any additional insulation,” says Maynard. “A customised, self-regulating heat tracing solution is developed, installed and monitored to ensure pipes are warm enough throughout the winter months.”
EHT can maintain and lower the viscosity of liquids in many industries and applications such as:
• Resins, epoxies and adhesives.
• Petrochemical industry.
• Bitumen.
• Food and beverage such as glucose, chocolates, fats, vegetable and palm oils and other syrups.
• Automotive manufacturing processes such as glues and oils.
The critical role of temperature measurement in flame hardening Instrotech
Temperature Measurement
Flame hardening is a heat treatment process widely used on parts made from mild steels, alloy steels, medium carbon steels and cast iron. Accurate temperature measurement is not just important, but critical for the success of flame hardening.
Read more...Noncontact infrared temperature control in aluminium rolling process Instrotech
Temperature Measurement
The aluminium rolling process is critical to the aluminium manufacturing industry, where precise temperature measurement is essential for ensuring high-quality product output and protecting equipment. The Optris long-wavelength camera can accurately measure strip temperatures in cold rolling and coiling applications.
Read more...Where simplicity meets reliability Endress+Hauser South Africa
Temperature Measurement
The new iTEMP TMT31 temperature transmitter from Endress+Hauser combines simplified selection, ordering, installation and operation with the highest reliability and long-term stability in one product.
Read more...Automating car window defrosters
Temperature Measurement
Window defrosters are vital features in vehicles, particularly in colder climates. The automotive manufacturer seeks an efficient solution to quickly and precisely measure the temperature of the windows, ensuring that the connections, installed cables and wires work correctly and have no defects before the vehicle’s final release.
Read more...The impact of thermal imaging in steam methane reformers
Temperature Measurement
As global demand for hydrogen, ammonia and fertilisers increases, LAND is empowering steam methane reformer operators to unlock efficiency gains at existing plants to meet ambitious production targets while also safely decarbonising.
Read more...Proven indicators monitored in three dimensions ifm - South Africa
Temperature Measurement
The VVB30x continuously detects vibrations in three measurement axes and uses them to calculate proven indicators for evaluating machine condition.
Read more...Digital display electronic sensors Transducer Technology
Temperature Measurement
The Trantech TTED series is a versatile range of digital display sensors designed for high-accuracy measurement of pressure, flow and temperature.
Read more...Quality process control instrumentation Instrotech
Temperature Measurement
Instrotech is a leading provider of high-quality process control instrumentation and industrial automation solutions that are designed to optimise efficiency, reliability and safety across industries.
Read more...Three ways to conduct thermal inspections Comtest
Temperature Measurement
There’s no universal solution for all infrared inspections with a Fluke thermal camera, also known as a thermal imager. You need to match your method to the type of equipment you’re inspecting and the level of detail you require.
Read more...Modern N1020 temperature controller
Temperature Measurement
Temperature control is a fundamental aspect of maintaining the integrity and quality of products in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals and healthcare. The N1020 temperature controller, designed for precision and reliability, addresses the stringent requirements of these sectors by offering advanced features and robust functionality.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.