Heat tracing systems are vital for maintaining process temperatures, preventing freeze protection issues, and ensuring product flow in industrial piping and equipment. Global Heritage Systems LTD, headquartered in Jubail, delivers comprehensive heat tracing installation and maintenance services for petrochemical plants, refineries, and industrial facilities across Saudi Arabia — with deep experience in both routine maintenance and new installations.
Types of Heat Tracing Systems
Heat tracing uses electric heating cables or steam lines attached to piping and equipment to maintain temperature. Modern petrochemical plants increasingly prefer electric heat tracing for its precision control, energy efficiency, and lower maintenance requirements compared to steam tracing.
| Heat Tracing Type | Temp. Range | Best Application | Control Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Regulating Cable | Up to 120°C | Freeze protection, light process | Self-adjusting output |
| Power-Limiting Cable | Up to 230°C | Process temperature maintenance | Thermostat / Controller |
| Mineral Insulated (MI) | Up to 600°C | High-temp process, critical lines | Digital controller |
| Skin-Effect Tracing | Up to 250°C | Long pipeline heating (km-scale) | Centralized controller |
| Impedance Heating | Up to 400°C | Heavy viscous product lines | Power regulation |
Heat Tracing Applications in Petrochemical Plants
* Demand distribution for heat tracing in KSA petrochemical sector
GHSL Heat Tracing Service Scope
New Installation
Complete design, material procurement, cable routing, installation, insulation, and commissioning for new heat tracing systems
Routine Maintenance
Scheduled inspection, insulation resistance testing, thermostat calibration, and cable continuity checks on existing systems
Fault Diagnosis & Repair
Advanced fault location using TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) and megger testing to pinpoint and repair cable faults
System Upgrades
Replacement of aging conventional systems with modern self-regulating cables and digital control panels
Winterization Programs
Pre-winter inspection and commissioning of all heat tracing circuits to ensure freeze protection readiness
Heat Tracing vs. Steam Tracing Comparison
⚡ Electric Heat Tracing
- Precise temperature control (±1°C)
- Lower installation cost per meter
- No condensate return system needed
- Easy monitoring and automation
- Lower long-term maintenance cost
💨 Steam Tracing
- Higher heat output available
- No explosion risk in hazardous areas
- No electrical classification needed
- Better for very high temperatures
- Proven in heavy process applications