Electrical Rail Heat Tracing | Freeze Protection For Railways
Published 20 Jan 2021
Electrical Rail Heat Tracing
Heat Tracing Cables By Eltherm
Frost Protection For Industrial & Hazardous Areas Available From Stock At T&D
In the fifth of this blog series by Eltherm they will discuss the best electrical trace heating system that will ensure temperature maintenance and freeze prevention to ensure safe railway traffic. Freeze prevention for rails, power rails, & change points.
Freeze prevention is essential for smooth, safe railway traffic, wherever winters are cold. If switch points can be set and the tracks are kept free from ice and snow, trains remain on track and on time. A reliable, energy efficient electrical trace heating system with intelligent monitoring control achieves just that. Rather than wait in the cold, commuters reach their destination punctually. And the train service arrives as it should.
The requirements: optimised heat transfer from the heater to the rail or point, the best possible energy efficiency, simple and fast assembly and minimum maintenance, easy accessibility by assembly to the outside of the rail or change point. In addition, a thermally insulating cover minimises heat loss and offers protection from damage.
Railroad Switch Heaters
The EL-Track System for Power Rails
Power and control system, the complete electrical rail trace heating and easy-to-fit clamps constitute an integrated system for safe operation covering many miles of rail network: It was this Eltherm solution that convinced Washington‘s Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (WMATA). The task: freeze prevention on the power rails. This avoids interruptions in the power supply caused by ice and snow.
The project started with the Potomac Yard infill station in Alexandria on the Blue and Yellow Lines, followed by the Silver Line, a 23-mile (37 km) extension that links Washington Dulles International Airport to the network. An integrated solution with an extensive power and control monitoring system was developed with the renowned US specialist MC Dean. The compact, flexible constant wattage heater design adapts easily to any rail profile.
Fitted easily with assembly clips, the system minimizes gaps and provides maximum heat transfer to the rail. A specially developed, unique thermal insulating cover profile reduces heat loss and improves heat transfer directly to the top of the power rail.
An Eltherm Rail Heating System In Operation
Electrical Rail Trace Heating
Technical Benefits
- All-in-one power and control plus heating system
- Optimised heat transfer
- Fast and easy assembly
- Low maintenance requirements
- Project scope
- 370 km (230 mile) power rail heating
- 770 heating circuits
- 28 control stations
Schematic Diagram Of The El-Track System
Thorne & Derrick specialise in providing specialist heating for industrial and hazardous areas including Eltherm’s heat tracing cables and heated hoses.
ELTHERM INDUSTRIAL & HAZARDOUS AREA HEATING
Eltherm heating products provide freeze protection, temperature maintenance and temperature control ranges of up to 1000°C and are used in many industries and applications from oil and gas to utilities and power generation. Eltherm products are manufactured to the highest hazardous area specifications including ATEX and IECEx for heating pipes, hoses, drums, vessels and IBC’s.
Eltherm self regulating heat trace cable provides frost protection and maintains product viscosity in pipes, tanks, drums and vessels
Electrical Heating Specialists
Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, can specify and supply from stock an extensive range of Electrical Heating Equipment for industrial and process heating applications – this includes temperature maintenance and frost protection (Winterisation) products for pipework, valves, IBC’s, drums, hoses, tanks and vessels. We produce custom silicone heaters for rapid and high temperature heat-up of complex shapes and surfaces – from concept, design to the delivery of standard or bespoke heaters on the shortest lead times. From the largest UK heat tracing cable stocks we deliver Electric Trace Heating Systems for pipework frost protection, ramp heating, roof/gutter snow melting and de-icing – enquire about our in-house design service.
EXPERTS IN WINTERISATION SOLUTIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL & HAZARDOUS AREA ENVIRONMENTS
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
