Electric heating cable system is selected for thermal insulation of benzene storage tanks

Benzene crystallizes at 5°C and vaporizes above 80°C. Traditional steam tracing is not recommended for benzene pipelines, primarily because it's difficult to control the pipeline temperature. Electric tracing is the most effective, and currently has promising prospects in China. Benzene tanks can be heated with steam or hot water. If hot water is available in the tank farm, hot water can be used, but it's crucial to ensure the tank heater is leak-proof. Leaks can be difficult to detect and have a significant impact. Steam heating allows for on-site condensate removal and heater condition monitoring.

Pipelines can be heated and insulated with electric or hot water tracing, while storage tanks can be heated and insulated with steam coils outside the tank. (Because benzene is toxic, leaks in the tank heater coils are difficult to detect and can easily lead to benzene leaks.) Electric and hot water tracing should only be used in winter, with electric tracing being the most effective and allowing for constant control. There are many types of benzene: pure benzene crystallizes at 5°C, and xylene crystallizes at 13°C. The set temperature for electric tracing can be controlled between 20°C and 30°C, depending on the specific type of benzene, resulting in lower operating costs.

Electric heating of benzene storage tanks offers the following advantages over hot water or steam heating:
1. Flexible installation lengths allow for easy cutting;

2. Once installed, it is durable and requires no ongoing maintenance;
3. It is environmentally friendly, healthy, and energy-efficient;
4. The temperature can be accurately controlled using a thermostat.