Economic comparison of steam and electrical heat tracing systems for use in pulp and paper mills

A framework for a quantitative decision process for the choosing of the optimal type of heat tracing system is given. The three necessary factors for maximizing the reliability of the heat tracing, reliable component parts, correct design, and proper installation and commissioning, are discussed. Personal computers give the engineer a powerful tool to help analyze a potential heat tracing system. A computer program, ASAP, is described which will help a design engineer study the total installed cost (TIC) and the total operating cost (TOC). TIC is made up of two components, material cost and labor cost to install the heat tracing system. TOC is also made up of two components, energy cost and maintenance cost. Each component is described with emphasis on the differences between steam and electrical tracing. With this computer tool, an engineer can spend a few hours on developing a number of scenarios which should point to the optimum type of heat tracing.<>