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.
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...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.
Read more...Safer, simpler temperature measurement ABB South Africa
Temperature Measurement
ABB has launched an enhanced version of its NINVA TSP341-N non-invasive temperature sensor, delivering safer and simpler temperature measurements for applications in the chemical, oil and gas industries.
Read more...Smart high-precision pyrometers
Temperature Measurement
LAND, a business of AMETEK, has expanded its range of SPOT+ smart high-precision pyrometers with the launch of the M390, M3-5 and TMT for wider temperature measurement capabilities.
Read more...Detecting lubrication issues in gearbox testing by IR monitoring
Temperature Measurement
Lubrication is crucial for every transmission gearbox. Thermal imaging cameras such as Instrotech’s PI 640i can quickly and accurately detect temperature variations to ensure that gearboxes are appropriately lubricated.
Read more...Is the HVAC market in SA missing the big picture? Iritron
Temperature Measurement
The South African HVAC market is currently grappling with a pervasive mindset that prioritises lowest cost over value for money and technical excellence. However, this approach overlooks the significant benefits that come with investing in high-quality HVAC solutions.
Read more...Temperature monitoring in dairies ifm - South Africa
Temperature Measurement
Milk is a natural product whose processing requires precise temperature settings. The Berchtesgadener Land dairy uses innovative temperature sensors from ifm in key process areas.
printer friendly version