January 29, 2019
Self-regulating heating cable prevents solidification of corrosive solution in plastic tanks
The Challenge
On tanks intended for outdoor installations, the original equipment manufacturer is often requested to install heating equipment. End user customers require heated fiberglass storage tanks to prevent solidification of stored chemicals due to freezing end/or to limit temperature related viscosity to facilitate pumping. They need an inexpensive I sine means of evenly heating a tank to 60° F, for example, on a continuous basis.
The problem lies in the fact that at temperatures above 190° F, the fiberglass tank experiences damage. This is most likely to occur at the point of contact where the heater is mounted to tank wall.