Ambient-proportional sensing control reduces heat tracing costs

The majority of heat tracing applications deal with winterization for water and water-based processes. Whether for piping, tanks or instruments, control of freeze protection systems are often simple, but not energy efficient. The authors present an approach to this basic application which has yielded direct benefits to users through an alternative control method that typically uses a single-pole thermostat to switch a multipole contactor installed between the main circuit breaker and a distribution panel board that energizes multiple heating circuits. This provides control with minimal cost in design and installation.