Reasons for using electric heat tracing tape for flue gas desulfurization pipelines

In today's increasingly strict environmental requirements, flue gas desulfurization systems have become standard equipment for industrial facilities such as coal-fired power plants and steel plants. In these systems, pipelines transporting media such as limestone slurry and gypsum slurry face special insulation challenges, and the application of electric heat tracing is precisely to solve these technical problems under special working conditions.

The medium in flue gas desulfurization pipelines has the characteristics of easy precipitation and crystallization. The viscosity of limestone slurry increases sharply in low-temperature environments, and gypsum slurry is prone to crystallization when the temperature is below 10 ℃. These changes can lead to a decrease in the cross-sectional area of pipeline flow, or even complete blockage. The actual operating data of a power plant shows that the desulfurization slurry pipeline without heat tracing measures experiences an average of 2-3 blockage accidents per month in winter, requiring a shutdown of 4-6 hours for each treatment, resulting in huge economic losses. The introduction of electric heat tracing effectively maintains the temperature of the medium inside the pipeline, keeping it in the optimal flow range of 15-25 ℃, completely solving this problem.

Corrosion protection is another important reason for the application of electric heat tracing in desulfurization pipelines. The medium in the desulfurization system usually contains highly corrosive components such as chloride ions and sulfides, and the corrosion rate of ordinary carbon steel pipelines will significantly accelerate in low-temperature and humid environments. Electric heat tracing effectively prevents the formation of condensate by maintaining the pipeline wall temperature above the dew point temperature, thereby significantly reducing the risk of corrosion. The specially designed corrosion-resistant electric heat tracing belt adopts a polytetrafluoroethylene (FEP) outer sheath, which can resist chemical corrosion in the desulfurization medium and ensure long-term reliable operation of the system.

The consideration of energy conservation and environmental protection has also promoted the application of electric heat tracing in desulfurization systems. Traditional steam tracing requires extraction of steam from power plants, which not only affects power generation efficiency but also increases carbon emissions. The electric heat tracing system directly utilizes electrical energy, with an energy conversion efficiency of over 95%, and can achieve precise temperature control to avoid energy waste. Under the policy background of carbon peak and carbon neutrality, this clean heat tracing method is more in line with the requirements of green development.

The requirement for process stability is also a key factor in choosing electric heat tracing. The operational efficiency of the desulfurization system directly affects the final emission indicators, while fluctuations in pipeline temperature may cause changes in chemical reaction rates, affecting the desulfurization effect. The electric heat tracing system, combined with a PID temperature controller, can control the temperature fluctuation of the pipeline within a range of ± 1 ℃, providing a stable temperature environment for desulfurization chemical reactions. Monitoring data shows that the SO2 emission concentration fluctuation range of the desulfurization system using electric heat tracing insulation is reduced by 60% compared to the steam heat tracing system, and the emission indicators are more stable and reliable.

The convenience of installation and maintenance is also an important reason for choosing electric tracing for desulfurization pipelines. The layout of desulfurization systems is usually complex, with varied pipeline directions. Steam tracing requires the installation of complex steam pipelines and drainage systems, making construction difficult. Electric heat tracing belts have the characteristic of flexible installation and can easily adapt to various complex directions, making them particularly suitable for renovation projects. In terms of maintenance, the electric heat tracing system basically achieves maintenance free operation, while steam heat tracing requires regular maintenance of drain valves and handling of leaks.

The improvement of safety is also a key consideration when choosing electric heat tracing. The desulfurization area usually contains corrosive gases, which is a typical hazardous environment. The electric heating belt adopts a low surface temperature design, combined with explosion-proof junction boxes and grounding protection, fully complying with the electrical safety standards of hazardous areas. The steam tracing system poses a risk of high-temperature burns, and pipeline leaks may also cause secondary pollution.

The demand for intelligent control further consolidates the advantageous position of electric heat tracing. Modern desulfurization systems commonly use DCS centralized control, and electric heating systems can be seamlessly integrated into automation systems to achieve remote monitoring and intelligent regulation. By linking with desulfurization efficiency parameters, the electric heat tracing system can automatically optimize the operating temperature and minimize energy consumption while ensuring process requirements. The practice of a smart power plant project has shown that this intelligent heat tracing method reduces the overall energy consumption of the desulfurization system by 12%, while improving operational reliability.

The application of electric heat tracing in flue gas desulfurization pipelines is a perfect combination of technological development and engineering requirements. From solving medium characteristic problems to improving system energy efficiency, from ensuring safe operation to achieving intelligent control, electric heat tracing technology provides a comprehensive solution for desulfurization systems. With the continuous improvement of environmental standards and the deepening of digital transformation in the power industry, the application of electric heat tracing in the field of desulfurization will continue to expand, providing strong technical support for winning the battle to protect the blue sky.