Types of Heat Tracing

Heat tracing is used to maintain or increase the temperature of process piping, vessels, and equipment to prevent freezing, control viscosity, or maintain process conditions. Multiple heat tracing methods are available, each with advantages depending on temperature requirements, utilities, safety, and operating costs.

This page compares the most common types of heat tracing systems used in industrial applications.

Steam Tracing

Steam tracing uses steam filled tubing or jackets to transfer heat from condensing steam to the process line.

Key characteristics:

High heat output
Simple technology
Uses existing steam utilities

Common applications:

High-temperature processes
Facilities with available steam
Rugged industrial environments

Considerations:

Limited temperature control
Risk of overheating
Requires condensate management

Electric Tracing

Electric heat tracing uses electrically powered heating cables attached to piping or equipment to provide controlled heat input.

Key characteristics:

Precise temperature control
Simple installation
No fluid utilities required
Suitable for long pipe runs

Common applications:

Freeze protection
Temperature maintenance
Remote or utility-limited sites

Considerations:

Requires electrical classification review
Ongoing electrical power consumption

Glycol Tracing

Glycol heat tracing systems circulate heated glycol-water mixtures to provide controlled freeze protection and moderate temperature maintenance.

Key characteristics:

Uniform temperature control
Lower operating temperatures
Centralized heating system

Common applications:

Freeze protection
Large piping networks
Facilities prioritizing safety and control

Considerations:

Limited maximum temperature
Requires circulation pumps and controls

Hot Oil Tracing

Hot oil tracing circulates heated thermal oil through tubing or jackets to maintain elevated process temperatures.

Key characteristics:

High temperature capability
Stable heat transfer
Centralized heat source

Common applications:

High-viscosity fluids
Processes requiring consistent elevated temperatures
Plants without steam

Considerations:

Higher system complexity
Pumping and expansion systems required

Heat Tracing Type	Typical Temperature Range	Control Precision	Utility Requirements	Best For
Steam	Medium - High	Low	Steam & Condensate	High heat duty, existing steam
Electric	Low - Medium	High	Electrical Power	Freeze protection, long runs
Glycol	Low - Medium	Medium	Heated glycol loop	Large systems, freeze protection
Hot Oil	High	Medium - High	Thermal oil system	High viscosity, high temp service

How to Choose the Right Heat Tracing Method

Selecting the appropriate heat tracing system depends on:

Required maintenance temperature
Length and complexity of piping
Available utilities (electric, steam, thermal oil)
Control and safety requirements
Installation and operating costs

In many facilities, multiple heat tracing methods are used depending on the application.

Heat Tracing Solutions from Precise Thermal

Precise Thermal supplies and supports electric heat tracing, steam tracing, hot oil tracing, and glycol heat tracing systems, including custom jackets, controls, and installation support.

Heat Tracing Systems