Brand: Raychem

Manufacturer: Chemelex

Product Series: BTV

Product Type: Self-Regulating Electric Heat Tracing Cable

1. Product Overview

The Raychem BTV Self-Regulating Heating Cable is designed to provide freeze protection and process temperature maintenance for pipes and vessels in industrial applications. It is suitable for systems requiring low-to-medium temperature maintenance where steam cleaning is not required.

Raychem BTV self-regulating heat tracing cables maintain process temperatures up to 150°F (65°C) under specified continuous operating conditions and can withstand intermittent exposure temperatures up to 185°F (85°C), in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

The BTV series is designed for use in both non-hazardous and approved hazardous areas. Its self-regulating technology adjusts heat output in response to changes in cable temperature, helping provide efficient and reliable heating performance.

The product is available with different outer jacket materials to accommodate varying chemical exposure conditions. The polyolefin outer jacket (-CR) is suitable for mild inorganic solutions, while the fluoropolymer outer jacket (-CT) provides enhanced chemical resistance against aggressive organic substances and corrosive environments.

2. Key Features and Benefits

3. Technical Specifications

4. Outer Jacket Options

5. Applications

The Raychem BTV Self-Regulating Heating Cable is designed for a range of industrial heat tracing applications, including:

• Freeze protection for industrial pipes and vessels.
• Process temperature maintenance in fluid transfer lines.
• Temperature maintenance for industrial process equipment.
• Heat tracing systems in oil and gas facilities.
• Petrochemical and chemical processing installations.
• Industrial piping systems operating within the BTV temperature limits.
• Approved hazardous-area installations requiring freeze protection or process temperature maintenance.
• Applications involving mild inorganic solutions when using the compatible -CR jacket.
• Applications requiring enhanced chemical resistance when using the compatible -CT jacket.

The appropriate cable model should be selected according to the required maintenance temperature, minimum ambient temperature, pipe dimensions, insulation thickness, heat loss, supply voltage, circuit length, and chemical exposure conditions.

6. How Self-Regulating Heating Technology Works

Raychem self-regulating heating cables use a conductive polymer heating core positioned between two parallel electrical conductors.

As the cable temperature decreases, the heating core's electrical characteristics change to allow increased heat generation. As the temperature rises, heat output decreases. This behavior enables the cable to respond to local temperature variations along the heated surface.

Self-regulating technology helps improve temperature distribution and energy efficiency while reducing the risk of overheating under specified operating conditions.

However, self-regulating operation does not eliminate the need for appropriate electrical protection, grounding, circuit design, and compatible connection accessories. System design and installation must comply with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable electrical regulations.

7. Installation and Selection Considerations

For safe and reliable operation, the following factors should be evaluated during system design and installation:

• Required process temperature and allowable temperature limits.
• Minimum and maximum ambient temperatures.
• Pipe diameter, material, and total heated length.
• Insulation type and thickness.
• Calculated heat loss and required heating output.
• Supply voltage and electrical protection requirements.
• Maximum permissible circuit length for the selected model.
• Compatibility of the outer jacket with the surrounding chemicals.
• Approved connection, splice, and end-seal kits.
• Grounding and residual-current protection requirements.
• Hazardous-area approvals and applicable temperature classification.
• Manufacturer-specified installation conditions and cable overlap requirements.

The cable must be installed and operated within the limits specified for the selected model. Hazardous-area compliance depends on the complete heating system, including compatible accessories, electrical protection, design, and installation.

8. Product Reliability and Warranty

Raychem BTV self-regulating heating cables are designed for dependable operation in industrial freeze protection and process temperature maintenance applications.

The manufacturer states that a 10-year product warranty is available, subject to applicable terms and conditions. Warranty eligibility, coverage, and duration should be confirmed for the specific product, region, and purchase arrangement.