Long Pipeline Heating Solutions
nVent RAYCHEM skin-effect heating systems (STS) are designed for flow assurance in temperature critical pipelines, up to hundreds of kilometers / miles long, with only a few power supply points.
The Foundations of a Smart Pipeline
When energizing an STS system, heat is generated on the inner surface of a ferromagnetic heat tube that is thermally coupled to the heat traced carrier pipe. An electrically insulated, temperature-resistant conductor is installed inside the ferromagnetic heat tube and connected to an AC voltage source in a series connection.
To provide a smart pipeline, we combine our STS pipeline technology with
- 3D finite element analysis / CFD modeling
- Pre-insulated/pre-fabricated piping, anchors and pipe supports
- Fiber optic distributed temperature sensing
This results in:
- Minimized operating costs through efficient thermal design
- Maximized flow assurance by supplying management tools for pipeline operators
- Ability to monitor and safely re-melt products in the event of a freeze or solidification
