Software for Heat Tracing Cable Systems

ChromaTrace 2.0 is new software for designing electrical heat trace systems. Available as a free download from the company's web site or on CD-ROM for PCs, the software allows users to design and specify heat trace cable for applications such as freeze protection and process temperature maintenance. The software automatically generates a complete bill of materials with exact quantities and part numbers of the equipment needed, as well as on-screen product data sheets and manufacturer's cross-reference guidelines for easy reference.

The types of products covered by the software include self-regulating cable, mineral insulated cable, constant wattage cable, roof and gutter de-icing cable, single point on/off controls, multi-loop PID controllers and connection accessories. In addition, using the software's "What-If" analysis, users have the ability to find the most cost-effective solution.

Software features include IEEE-compliant heat trace calculations for pipes and tanks, a cable and accessory selection guide, as well as control design procedures. Control can be either local or remote, with the option of specifying temperature and power control panels for centralized installations. Project management features of the software can help users control hundreds of drawings for several projects, whether they are entire stadiums, plants or commercial buildings—users can also tie pipe and tank data to specific drawings. The software also tracks which pipes are freeze-protected in specified areas of a building and the electrical loads they carry. The user can instantly view on-screen information about each kind of pipe and tank using heat trace, and create detailed reports.

Chromalox Precision Heat and Control, 701 Alpha Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. Tel: 412-967-3803. Fax: 800-443-2640.