What Is a Tape Heater?
Tape Heaters are strip-shaped heaters for heating and heat retention.
They are used by wrapping around piping or valves with complicated shapes. By applying voltage, heating can be easily performed.
When combined with a temperature controller, the object can be heated to reach a desired temperature. On the other hand, self-regulating heaters also exist, and in these cases, products are also available in which the heater itself adjusts itself so that the temperature is always constant in accordance with temperature changes.
Uses of Tape Heaters
Tape Heaters are widely used in industrial equipment and infrastructure.
The following are examples of applications for Tape Heaters:
- Overheating of pipes and pumps
- Heat insulation of batteries
- Preventing freezing and melting snow in water pipes and roads
- Heating liquids in beverage plants
- Heating of gas tanks and hydraulic units
In water pipes, running water is distributed through pipes, which are installed outdoors. Outdoor piping can freeze on days with low temperatures, causing the water inside to expand and cause the pipes to burst. To prevent such freezing accidents, Tape Heaters are used along the pipes.
LPG and LNG are sometimes used as fuels in factories, etc. These fuels are liquefied for storage, but must be gasified for use. When liquefied in gas piping, the piping is subjected to the same load as when frozen, so it is heated with Tape Heaters or similar devices before use.
To improve adhesion to the object to be heated, it is necessary to wrap insulation from the outside or fasten with tape made of heat-resistant material.
Principle of Tape Heaters
Tape Heaters are composed of a lead wire, heating element, and exterior.
1. Lead Wire
The lead wire connects the heater to the external power supply. Teflon wire or nickel-silica wire is used depending on the heater temperature. They are often sold with round terminals.
2. Heating Elements
Heating elements are components that generate heat when electricity is circulated. Nichrome wire, an alloy of nickel and chromium, or carbon wire is used, and its diameter is adjusted according to the temperature. The heating element, which is a component that conducts electricity, is generally covered with an insulating outer shell.
3. Exterior
The outer casing is a component that insulates the heating element and conducts heat. The heat resistance temperature varies depending on the material. In addition to insulating materials, metallic tape or reticulated metal may be used to improve durability.
Types of Tape Heaters
Tape Heaters have different heat-resistance temperatures depending on the outer material. Appropriate cloth material should be selected depending on the environment in which the heater is used and the heating temperature.
The following are examples of tape heater exterior types:
1. Silica Glass Cloth
This Tape Heater uses silica glass for the exterior. Silica glass is another name for quartz glass, a material with high electrical insulation and heat transfer properties. It is also characterized by its high heat resistance temperature, which can withstand temperatures up to 700°C.
It is also resistant to acids, so it is sometimes used in piping for transporting acidic liquids.
2. Glass Cloth
This heater has an exterior made of a woven fabric called glass cloth, which is made from glass fiber. It has a relatively high heat resistance and can withstand temperatures up to 400°C. It is more heat resistant than silica glass cloth.
While it has lower heat resistance than silica glass cloth, glass cloth is less expensive.
3. Fiber Cloth
This heater is coated with a woven fabric made of PTFE or similar material. Although its heat resistance is low at 260°C, it can be used in clean rooms because it is less prone to abrasion and scattering.
4. Silicon Rubber
This heater has a silicon rubber exterior. Also called silicone cord heaters. It has excellent insulation and moisture resistance and is used in many places. It can be bent freely and can be used in intricate places.
However, its drawback is that its heat resistance is 200°C or lower, which is lower than that of glass cloth or other exteriors.
Other Information on Tape Heaters
How to Use Tape Heaters
Tape Heaters can be set to any desired temperature using a temperature controller. However, if there is a gap between the object to be heated and the heater, heating efficiency will be reduced and the heater will overheat abnormally.
Therefore, it is necessary to cover the heater with heat insulating material to improve the adhesion between the heater and the object to be heated.