Thorne & Derrick | Hall 5, Stand L10 | 21st & 22nd May, 2025 | NEC, Birmingham, UK
The UK’s largest expo supporting the chemicals, process engineering, and formulated product industries makes its annual return to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on Wednesday 21st May & Thursday 22nd May, with Thorne & Derrick making a return as exhibitors at CHEMUK 2025, featuring an improved stand, showcasing an extensive range of market-leading products, as well as specialist solutions at your disposal.
From explosion-proof heaters and control panels to trace heating systems and temperature sensors, our extensive product range is engineered to deliver reliability in harsh and hazardous environments – whether it’s Zone 1 or Zone 2 classified areas. Offering 40+ years of industry experience, our experts will be on hand to discuss how we help industrial operators across oil & gas, chemical processing, and pharmaceuticals maintain safe and efficient operations.
Visitors to our stand can explore some of the latest innovations from global manufacturers, backed by our technical support and industry expertise. Whether you’re involved in specifying equipment for new installations or maintaining existing plant infrastructure, Thorne & Derrick offers the technical insight and product range to support your project from design to delivery.
After making our CHEMUK debut back in 2022, as well as exhibiting last year, Thorne & Derrick will be returning to the floor in 2025. We will be located in Hall 5, Stand L10. So, pop along and say hi to Terry McDonald, Laura McCabe, Dylan White & Natalie Ramsey. The expo will present 550+ specialist exhibitors and 100+ expert speakers split between five focused show zones:
Thorne & Derrick will be featuring a range of products and solutions including innovations in Power, Heat, Ventilation, Lighting & Security for use in harsh industrial and hazardous area environments – helping to improve our clients’ operational efficiency and safety.
Knowing how to install trace heating correctly is crucial for ensuring system performance, safety, and compliance—especially in industrial environments where downtime and failures can be costly. Whether you’re working in oil and gas, chemical processing, food production, or utilities, this guide will walk you through the key steps and considerations when installing trace heating systems.
We’ll also answer related questions such as:
How does trace heating cable work?
What does a trace heating system look like?
What are the different types of heating cable installations?
If you’re looking for information on how to install trace heating, or even asking how to install heat tracing, you’re in the right place—these are simply interchangeable terms referring to the same process: applying electrical heating cables to pipes, tanks, or equipment to prevent freezing or maintain process temperatures.
Need to know more about How To Install Heat Trace from the experts and determine whether it’s essential for your business?
Before diving into installation, it helps to understand what is trace heating? how do trace heating cables work?
Trace Heating cables—also known as heating cables or heating tapes—generate heat through electrical resistance. They’re installed along the length of a pipe, tank, or valve and are typically controlled via a thermostat or controller that regulates temperature to prevent overheating or inefficiency.
There are several types of Tracing cables:
Self-Regulating Trace Heating Cables: Adjust their heat output depending on surface temperature.
Constant Wattage Trace Heating Cables: Deliver a fixed amount of heat across their length.
Mineral insulated Trace Heating Cables: Durable, high-temperature cables used in demanding industrial environments.
When installed properly, trace heating systems offer years of safe, efficient performance.
A fully installed industrial trace heating system includes:
Heating Cable: Installed directly on the pipe or equipment.
Power Connection Kits: Connect the cable to a power supply.
End Seals: Protect the cable end from moisture and damage.
Temperature Controller/Thermostat: Monitors and controls heat output.
Thermal Insulation: Minimises heat loss and protects the cable.
Warning Labels: Indicate the presence of a trace heating system for safety and compliance.
In some cases, you’ll also find junction boxes, circuit breakers, and monitoring systems—especially in larger or hazardous area installations.
The following installation process is designed for industrial trace heating applications and assumes the use of self-regulating or constant wattage cables.
1. Plan the System Layout
Survey the site to determine pipe lengths, valve positions, and fittings.
Identify power source locations and determine circuit lengths.
Perform heat loss calculations to determine cable type, wattage, and number of circuits.
Tip: Consult with one of our trace heating specialists or use manufacturer-specific layout design software.
2. Prepare the Pipe Surface
Clean the surface of the pipe or equipment to remove oil, dust, or rust.
Ensure that all sharp edges or burrs are removed to avoid damaging the cable.
Dry the surface completely before applying heating cable.
3. Install the Heating Cable
Lay the trace heating cable along the bottom 4 or 5 o’clock position of the pipe for efficient heat transfer.
For larger pipes or higher wattage needs, spiral or multiple parallel runs may be required.
Do not overlap the heating cable unless the cable is rated for overlap (only certain self-regulating cables are).
Use approved fixing tape or cable ties at regular intervals—do not use metal straps or wire that could damage the cable.
4. Install Power and End Terminations
Use manufacturer-supplied power connection kits to safely terminate cables.
End seals are critical for preventing moisture ingress and ensuring system integrity.
Follow manufacturer instructions exactly—especially for hazardous area (ATEX/IECEx) installations.
5. Install Temperature Control
Mount the thermostat or controller near the heat-traced line or on a representative pipe section.
Insert the temperature sensor under insulation and as close as possible to the pipe surface.
Ensure sensors are properly secured and protected.
6. Apply Thermal Insulation
Wrap the traced pipe or equipment with approved insulation—usually mineral wool, foam glass, or closed-cell foam depending on the environment.
Add a vapor barrier or jacket if exposed to moisture or outdoor conditions.
Secure insulation tightly and ensure no air gaps between the heating cable and the pipe surface.
7. Label and Document
Apply trace heating warning labels at regular intervals on the insulation (every 3–5 metres).
Update your facility’s documentation with:
Cable routing diagrams
Circuit IDs and locations
Power consumption data
Inspection records
8. Test the System
Perform continuity and insulation resistance tests before energising.
Use a megohmmeter to verify insulation resistance exceeds manufacturer minimums.
Once tested, energise the system and monitor for proper heating and control.
Bonus: Key Installation Tips
Avoid bending heating cables beyond the minimum bend radius.
Never install a damaged or cut cable—replace immediately.
Protect exposed ends and terminations from water ingress at all times.
Always follow local electrical codes and consult qualified electricians for high-voltage or hazardous-area work.
In residential or commercial applications, it may be possible. However, for industrial systems, a qualified technician or electrician is recommended—especially for high-voltage systems, hazardous areas, or critical process lines.
A typical industrial installation can range from a few hours for a small skid-mounted system to several days or weeks for a large facility, depending on pipe lengths, complexity, and environmental factors.
Yes—when installed correctly, trace heating cable is extremely safe and reliable. Self-regulating cables prevent overheating, and industrial systems include safeguards such as circuit protection, thermal controllers, and insulation.
With more than four decades of industry expertise, Thorne & Derrick are recognised leaders in delivering specialist trace heating solutions for a wide range of industrial applications. From hazardous zones and extreme climates to critical process control systems, we design bespoke solutions tailored to the specific needs of your operation and can provide crucial knowledge on how to install trace heating systems.
Our services include comprehensive in-house heat loss analysis, system design, and technical specification, backed by a commitment to engineering excellence. Using only premium, market-leading trace heating cables and components, we provide cost-effective systems that enhance operational efficiency, minimise downtime, and support long-term project reliability—from initial concept through to full commissioning.
Thorne & Derrick are the UK’s largest stockist and supplier of Trace Heating products, including ATEX Heat Tracing Cables, Heated Hoses, Heating Mats & Jackets, Drum Heaters, IBC Heaters & more.
Tank Heating Jackets
Trace Heating| International Delivery | Safe & Hazardous Areas | Contact Us Today
Winter is fast approaching and temperatures could plummet.
Frost protection trace heating systems can be used to compensate for increased heat loss and stop your tanks freezing.
Heat tracing systems can also be used to maintain higher temperatures and reduce the viscosity of the media.
The cost of installing a tank frost protection system can be insignificant when compared to costs of damage caused to tanks as a result of freezing or worse still, process down time.
It is important when designing a tank frost protection heat tracing system, that all factors are considered including, tank size & orientation, tank material, tank contents, minimum ambient temperatures and thermal insulation.
T&D have over 35 years heat tracing experience and use the latest computer software to design a heat tracing system that offers adequate frost protection but is also energy efficient and provides the client with the control options necessary.
Depending on the size of a tank or vessel, it may be possible to install a heating jacket which is manufactured to fit. These offer the user a more flexible approach as the jackets can be removed as and when necessary.
It can also reduce costs associated with thermal insulation and mechanical protection. T&D offer a standard range of heating jackets but can also offer tailor made solutions for any given application. This includes frost protection and heat up of tanks and vessels in hazardous areas.
By installing heat tracing cable you can frost protect your tanks and vessels ensuring that freezing temperatures don’t affect production or processes and result in costly delays.
T&D provide a free design service for frost protection for tanks & vessels send us the following information about your tank and we can design a system for you. This specification includes:
Once we have the above information we can design your tank/vessel frost protection system for you to install. Installation is very straight-forward. Fix the trace heating cable to the outside of the tank, at the spacing we recommend, using the foil tape supplied.
Connect the frost protection trace heating cable into the surface temperature sensing thermostat, connect to a power supply and your tank/vessel is frost protected . The digital display on the thermostat allows you to quickly and easily see the temperature of the tank/vessel.
The thermostat also has volt free contacts allowing you to connect your frost protection trace heating system to the BMS.
T&D are proud to be supporting British tank manufacturers by offering heat tracing solutions for rainwater harvesting tanks.
The manufacturer approached T&D for a heat tracing solution that would provide frost protection and temperature maintenance for the rainwater harvesting tanks.
Installing heat tracing cable frost protects your tank and stops freezing temperatures from effecting processes or production which ultimately could avoid costly delays.
Thorne & Derrick hold the largest UK stocks of frost protection & winterisation equipment to help keep your plant and personnel operational during the winter months.
Thorne & Derrick understand that prolonged periods of low ambient temperatures can bring operations to a standstill costing thousands of pounds in lost downtime.
Experts in heating solutions for use in industrial & explosive atmospheres, Thorne & Derrick have the knowledge & expertise to help clients prevent unnecessary down time this winter.
We can provide overnight delivery of Trace Heating Cables at the most competitive prices to guarantee frost protection of your pipelines and mechanical services.| Ask About Our Heat Trace Design Service.
💡 Contact us today and our skilled and friendly team can provide technical support as well as reliable, fit for purpose and compliant solutions to suit your exact requirements.
Trace Heating | Process Heating | Heating Jackets | Drum & IBC Heaters | Heated Hoses |Silicone Heating Mats
➡See our Winterisation blog TOP PICKS, including our most read articles about Trace Heating and the requirement for electrical heating products and systems to combat and mitigate Winter weather effects.
Competitive Prices | Extensive Stocks | Technical Support | Express Delivery
T&D : Largest UK Stockist of Heat Trace Tapes & Cables
Heat tape, is the term traditionally used to describe a common heat tracing cable or heating cable. The limited flexibility of “traditional” heat tape can make applying to small diameters of pipework or complex shapes difficult.
The good news is there is a more flexible solution available. Introducing, BriskHeat’s XtremeFLEX® Heating Tapes. These trace heating cables are truly flexible and can be easily wrap around objects as small as a pencil!
Unlike “traditional” heat trace tape, XtremeFLEX® heating tapes can be easily removed and re-installed in a variety of applications. These re-usable heating tapes are the perfect tool for unexpected maintenance, where quick heat is needed. Below are 5 benefits of truly flexible XtremeFLEX® heating tapes.
These heating tapes can be used as an efficient solution for your freeze protection, viscosity control or process maintenance problems.
XtremeFlex Flexible Heating Tapes
Benefit 1: Easily Wraps Around More Objects
Whether your application is a small diameter pipe, laboratory glassware, a valve, or a complicated piece of machinery, XtremeFLEX® heat trace tapes are easy to install and even easier to operate.
Flexible Heat Tape Easily Wraps Around More Objects
The patented heating element and structural design gives the tapes the ability to accommodate a variety of applications with less installation hassle than other heat trace solutions.
The durability and flexibility of XtremeFLEX® heating tapes allows them to twist, turn, bend and wrap around many objects. XtremeFLEX® heating tapes is easy to install, quick fix for unexpected maintenance control problems.
Benefit 2: Provides More Intimate Contact with the Application
With XtremeFLEX® heating tapes, achieving intimate contact with a variety of objects is not a problem. Having a tape that provides intimate contact with the application allows more heat to be transferred to the object and less heat lost to the air.
XtremeFLEX® heating tapes have the ability to contour to the surface and shape you are heating with more intimate contact and surface coverage than traditional surface heating products. Providing intimate contact ultimately reduces both the objects heat-up time and your production down-time.
Heating Tape Provides More Intimate Contact With The Application
Benefit 3: Faster Heat-Up
XtremeFLEX® heating tapes provide results quickly unlike other heat trace solutions. BriskHeat’s heating tapes are manufactured to have a more rapid heat-up time. XtremeFLEX® heating tapes have a high watt density, which allows them to heat-up quicker and heat up to higher temperatures. The rapid heat-up time makes for a more efficient and less time consuming solution for your application.
Benefit 4: Heating Cables Reach Higher Temperatures
XtremeFLEX® heat tracing cables have the ability to reach temperatures up to 760°C (1400°F). These flexible heating tapes are the ideal solution for any application that requires high temperatures quickly. The faster heat-up times and higher temperatures make XtremeFLEX® heating tapes suitable for a wide variety of applications.
Benefit 5: Durable & Long Lasting Heat Trace Cable Solution
XtremeFLEX® heating tapes are designed to be durable and long lasting. These XtremeFLEX® heating tapes are manufactured with a multi-strand resistance wire technology. This core technology provides durability for a long service life.
The multi-strand resistance wire provides flexibility for the heating tapes to be twisted, turned, bent and wrapped around objects without losing or shape. You can be confident that these truly flexible tapes have the durability and high performance standards for industrial use.
Flexible Heat Tape Provides A Durable Long Lasting Solution
BriskHeat’s XtremeFLEX® heating tapes can be used on a wide range of applications. BriskHeat offers three types of flexible heating tapes that are sure to fit your heating needs. The three types of XtremeFLEX® Flexible Heating Tapes available are: moisture and chemical resistant mid-temperature silicone rubber heating tape, high-temperature cloth heating tape and small diameter high-temperature heating cord.
Silicone Rubber, Cloth Tape And Heating Cord Heat Trace Cable
Don’t be traditional when you could use the benefits of BriskHeat’s XtremeFLEX® heating tapes to your advantage. Heat your applications quickly and efficiently with XtremeFLEX® heating tapes!
XtremeFLEX® heating tapes wrap around objects with diameters as small as ½ inch (12mm). They truly are flexible tapes that are easy-to-use and even easier to install.
They are the perfect tool for unexpected maintenance, where quick heat is needed. Easily remove and re-install the flexible heating tapes when an unexpected maintenance application occurs.
XtremeFLEX® heating tapes are the ideal solution for any application that requires high temperatures fast.
Built for long-lasting use in any environment, no matter the application, there is a heating tape for you.
➡ Contact Thorne and Derrick About Your XtremeFLEX® Heating Tape And Trace Heating Applications
Thorne & Derrick hold the largest UK stocks of frost protection & winterisation equipment to help keep your plant and personnel operational during the winter months.
Thorne & Derrick understand that prolonged periods of low ambient temperatures can bring operations to a standstill costing thousands of pounds in lost downtime.
Experts in heating solutions for use in industrial & explosive atmospheres, Thorne & Derrick have the knowledge & expertise to help clients prevent unnecessary down time this winter.
We can provide overnight delivery of Trace Heating Cables at the most competitive prices to guarantee frost protection of your pipelines and mechanical services.| Ask About Our Heat Trace Design Service.
💡 Contact us today and our skilled and friendly team can provide technical support as well as reliable, fit for purpose and compliant solutions to suit your exact requirements.
Trace Heating | Process Heating | Heating Jackets | Drum & IBC Heaters | Heated Hoses |Silicone Heating Mats
➡See our Winterisation blog TOP PICKS, including our most read articles about Trace Heating and the requirement for electrical heating products and systems to combat and mitigate Winter weather effects.
Competitive Prices | Extensive Stocks | Technical Support | Express Delivery
IBC Heater Jackets In The Food And Beverage Industry
T&D are major distributors of IBC Container & Process Heating Products to the food and beverage industry supplying major customers with bespoke solutions to overcome heating challenges faced with consistent and reliable production – our range of IBC heaters provide reliable surface heating to bulk containers ensuring optimum contents viscosity, frost protection and temperature maintenance.
The range of Electrical Process & Drum Heating products that T&D supply can be used to ensure consistency, hygiene and guaranteed plant performance which is absolutely vital in the food processing industry.
IBC heating jackets and systems provide effective electric surface heating for food industry containers and drums:
Common heating applications include IBC’s, containers or drums storing honey, corn sugar, palm oil and molasses.
Powders including flour and sugar are routinely stored on site at bakeries – when mixed with air, they can form a potentially explosive mixture and are classified as Zones 20 / 21 under ATEX guidelines.
T&D distribute ATEX IBC heaters for safe use in both hazardous area gas (Zone 1 & Zone 2) and dust (Zones 20, 21 & 22) atmospheres – typical food industry applications include wheat starch, gluten, wheat gluten production, grain processing and sugar production.
Other combustible dusts include:
Thorne & Derrick are distributors and stockists of low voltage IBC heating jackets which provide a consistent heating solution at safe low voltages of either 24V or 48V.
Low voltage IBC heating jackets have been used in the past in a case study for Fox’s Biscuits. Fox’s Biscuits manufacture a wide range of premium quality biscuits within the UK and are part of the Northern Foods PLC.
The client required a heating method to maintain an IBC containing glucose at 35ºC to ensure consistent flow during production and had previously used trace heating to achieve this but found that heat tracing cables did not provide an even temperature across the large surface area of the IBC.
To provide a more suitable solution a low voltage IBC heater jacket was provided which wrapped around the IBC covering the entire surface area, along with an insulated PVC lid. Additionally, custom sized low voltage heater jackets were supplied to fit around 40 metres of associated process pipework.
Using IBC heater jackets, the client was able to achieve a constant heat, ensuring the glucose could be fed through the pump and at the optimum temperature production.
Sugar Glucose – sugars provide sweetening, texture, bulk, colour and act as preservative agents in the food and beverage industry.
T&D also provide heat tracing cables for the temperature maintenance of food industry process pipework.
IBC Heaters – HIBC/A
T&D have supplied Nestle Bulgaria with an IBC heater to heat up liquid caramel. Our client required a process heating method to maintain the temperature of the caramel between 40 and 50ºC to reduce the viscosity of the caramel and approached T&D to supply IBC heating jackets.
The client held the caramel within ‘bag-in-a-box’ style IBC containers to which HIBC/A IBC heating mats are ideal for providing surface heating.
HIBC/A silicone IBC heater mats are placed underneath the container before filling and provide heat through the container. Insulated IBC jackets and insulated lids help to reduce heat loss from the container.
HIBC/A heating mats have a PTC temperature sensor which can be connected to a digital temperature controller to allow for accurate monitoring and control of the temperature.
Bag In A Box – IBC Heaters
Bag in box IBC systems offer safety and hygiene with replaceable liner bags – the reusable bulk container protects the liquid contents providing ideal transportation conditions. T&D provide IBC heating jackets to suit all type of plastic or steel containers.
IBC Heaters – Container Heating For #FoodIndustry Processes & Production https://t.co/GLeHGjpt4e Image : Matcon pic.twitter.com/qA3JfYIo3a
— Thorne & Derrick (@ThorneanDerrick) October 12, 2016
Thorne & Derrick hold the largest UK stocks of frost protection & winterisation equipment to help keep your plant and personnel operational during the winter months.
Thorne & Derrick understand that prolonged periods of low ambient temperatures can bring operations to a standstill costing thousands of pounds in lost downtime.
Experts in heating solutions for use in industrial & explosive atmospheres, Thorne & Derrick have the knowledge & expertise to help clients prevent unnecessary down time this winter.
We can provide overnight delivery of Trace Heating Cables at the most competitive prices to guarantee frost protection of your pipelines and mechanical services.| Ask About Our Heat Trace Design Service.
💡 Contact us today and our skilled and friendly team can provide technical support as well as reliable, fit for purpose and compliant solutions to suit your exact requirements.
Trace Heating | Process Heating | Heating Jackets | Drum & IBC Heaters | Heated Hoses |Silicone Heating Mats
➡See our Winterisation blog TOP PICKS, including our most read articles about Trace Heating and the requirement for electrical heating products and systems to combat and mitigate Winter weather effects.
Competitive Prices | Extensive Stocks | Technical Support | Express Delivery
Published 13 Mar 2020
Press Release Date: 02.04.2020 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) World’s First Fully Certified ATEX Doors Thorne & Derrick International, the Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres, today announce the signing of a Commercial Distribution Agreement...
Published 04 Jul 2019
Press Release Date: 04.07.2019 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) Category: Stockist Distributor Agreement Announcement Thorne & Derrick International announce that they have signed a Preferred Distributor Agreement with Raytec, the world leading manufacturer of LED...
