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Since 1954, Chemax TRACIT™ heat transfer cement has been used in industrial heat tracing and temperature maintenance systems where efficient conductive heat transfer is critical. These heat transfer compounds are applied to externally heated process piping, valves, tanks, and vessels to improve thermal contact and enhance system performance. Typical project applications include steam, hot oil and electric heat tracing, plate-type heating coils, heat exchangers, and heating jackets.
By establishing a continuous conductive interface, heat spreads more uniformly through the pipe wall, increasing the effective heat transfer area and improving temperature stability. A tracer with Chemax heat transfer compound will do the job of 3-5 bare tracers. This reduces labor and energy costs, and overall system complexity.
HEAT TRACING
Industrial heat tracing systems are used to maintain process temperatures and prevent freezing during periods of low or no flow. Steam, electric, and fluid heat tracing systems are widely used across industrial facilities; however, system performance depends heavily on the quality of thermal contact between the tracer and the pipe.
In bare (convection) heat tracing installations, tracer contact with the pipe is intermittent. Much of the heat transfer path occurs through air within the insulation cavity. Because air is a poor conductor, this results in reduced heat transfer efficiency, temperature variability, and increased energy demand.
Common limitations of bare heat tracing include:
- Performance shifts due to thermal expansion
- Seasonal ambient temperature swings
- Difficulty maintaining elevated pipe temperatures
- Increased steam or power consumption
MAXIMIZING HEAT TRANSFER
TRACIT™ heat transfer cement creates a direct conductive path between the tracer and the pipe wall. By eliminating insulating air gaps, heat is transferred efficiently from the tracer to the pipe surface, enabling faster heat-up times and higher achievable pipe temperatures. A tracer installed with heat transfer cement can effectively heat through a broader circumferential section of pipe compared to bare tracing alone.
Typical overall heat transfer coefficients (“U” factors) for bare steam tracers range from 1–5 BTU/hr·sq ft·°F. When heat transfer cement is applied, values commonly increase into the 20–40 BTU/hr·sq ft·°F range.
Chemax TRACIT-300 hardening heat transfer cement is designed for use on steam, electric, and fluid heat tracing systems applied to process piping. The material cures to a durable, high-strength conductive bond within approximately 24 hours and has a maximum continuous service temperature of 750°F (400°C).
For higher-temperature applications, TRACIT-600A has a maximum service temperature of 1250°F (675°C). These compounds provide long-term thermal performance in demanding industrial environments.
CLAMP-ON COILS
Non-Hardening Heat Transfer Compounds
Chemax non-hardening heat transfer mastics are designed for use with externally mounted plate coils (clamp-on panels) installed on tanks and vessels.
By filling surface irregularities and eliminating air voids between the coil and tank wall, these mastics create a continuous conductive interface that significantly improves heat transfer efficiency for both heating and cooling applications.
Easy Installation & Removal
TRACIT-1100 remains soft and pliable for easy trowel application and removal. No premixing is required, and the material offers indefinite shelf life when stored in sealed containers under normal conditions. TRACIT-1000 is recommended for cooling applications.