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86 Spring 2019 outdoors, this is both a financial and environmental issue. The oils generally cannot be recovered for industrial use, and the environmental impact of a spill can be severe. Operation in the immediate area may also need to be stopped until the spill is cleaned. When a pipeline bursts, the halt in production can be worse as all movement through the pipeline needs to stop until the section is repaired or replaced. Exposure to ice storms and inclement weather is another source of damage especially for vulnerable equipment such as heater trace cables. Reduced efficiency In colder climates, heaters need to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Sudden drops in temperature can be devastating without a method of rapidly reacting and achieving temperature. Resultant changing viscosities can slow down or halt processes, and may result in equipment overheating. Preparing electric heaters for use in cold weather Electric heaters are a popular choice for industrial heating solutions in cold climates. They offer precise temperature control and monitoring to keep mediums at the desired temperature without sacrifi cing effi ciency. They are also capable of achieving temperatures quickly, which is ideal when there is potential for sudden and severe temperature drops. Even with these advantages, it is important to prepare electric heating solutions specifi cally to handle cold weather. Insulation is essential In any tank, there will be some degree of heat loss and cold climates exacerbate this issue. Any heating performed needs to account for this heat loss. Without proper insulation, heaters need to work harder to make up for this lost heat, which creates a higher operational cost and reduces the heater's lifespan. The oil and gas industry is the most susceptible to this issue. Wattco has advised companies in cold climates such as Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on insulation use: Edmonton can reach temperatures below -46˚C (-50˚F), making it among the coldest places on Earth during the winter months. Even in these extreme temperatures, insulation is highly effective. A well-insulated tank only experiences about 5% of heat loss in temperatures below 32˚F. Adjusting heating for a 5% threshold compensates for the heat loss of an insulated tank. A properly insulated container keeps the operational costs of heaters low and reduces waste. Selecting the right insulation materials and thicknesses for the climate helps maximise the effi ciency of a heating solution. Placement of thermocouples For an accurate reading and to maintain the desired temperature, the correct placement of thermocouples matters. Placing the thermocouple too close to the heater or the surface may skew the temperature reading. These areas may show a higher temperature than other areas of the tank. As a result, the thermocouple can read that the temperature is above freezing, while product deeper in the tank begins to crystallise. This is especially likely in colder climates because there is a higher chance of discrepancy between temperature near the heater and deeper in the tank. When installing thermocouples, their placement should refl ect the average temperature of the entire vessel. Take advantage of automation With digital controllers, thermocouples, and sensors, modern electric heaters are fully capable of automation, meaning they are more convenient and safer than manual controls. Automatic shutoff switches prevent potentially fl ammable or explosive mediums from reaching dangerous temperatures. Furthermore, automatic heater controls engage the heater if temperatures dip too low. This is especially useful in climates where it is likely for the temperature to suddenly drop. An automated system can respond immediately, avoiding potential issues. Power considerations In any heating application, power is an important consideration. Cold climates push the consideration further as there is a greater potential for shifts in temperature and power requirements. For example, in cold weather heating projects, Wattco bases its power on Delta temperature calculations. The fi rst power consideration the company accounts for is power vs volume (gallons in the tank). Once this is established, the change in temperature over time can be measured. This change gives the Delta temperature by subtracting the initial temperature from the fi nal temperature. Also factored into this equation is the specifi c environmental considerations. Using the Delta temperature for calculating power in cold climate heating provides a more accurate estimate of requirements. It allows for the fl uctuation of temperature that can be expected in such an environment. Use resilient equipment In harsh climates, equipment is more susceptible to damage, especially if they are kept or operated outdoors. It is important to use equipment that can withstand the conditions. A good example of this is heater trace cables, which offer heating at a low cost for tanks or pipelines. In a protected environment they can be an ideal solution, but they are easily damaged. In extreme cold, or even turbulent weather, trace cables are likely to be damaged, which can mean constant repair or replacement. In these environments, an electric pipe heater may be a better solution. Pipe heaters are more sturdy and can use protective sheathing so they can withstand extreme temperature. They offer greater effi ciency than heater

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