heat tape on rubber diesel fuel line

[stephen.jenkins]

I'm looking for some guidance on the codes regarding the use of heat tape on a rubber diesel fuel line. A contractor had installed 40 Watt heat tape, with no thermostat, around a fuel line intended for use as a LP Gas. They then wrapped it in an insulating blanket. I've been in the Electrical Power Production field for over 18 years and never seen anything like this. Please respond to my e-mail; stephen.jenkins@maab.aorcentaf.af.mil

Thanks

 

[bennie]

Re: heat tape on rubber diesel fuel line

Check the temperature limits for the line. Chances are the line is subjected to more heat when used as a diesel fuel line. 40 watts spread out over 4 feet is only 10 watts concentrated on each foot. (I am assuming 4 foot length, as an example).

 

[pwhite]

Re: heat tape on rubber diesel fuel line

is the heating tape listed / approved for use with diesel fuel? what effects will the diesel have on the heating strip if there is a leak?

 

[brian john]

Re: heat tape on rubber diesel fuel line

You state this is a diesel line utilized for natural gas. Is the line approved for the installation without the heat tape?

 

[stephen.jenkins]

Re: heat tape on rubber diesel fuel line

The fuel line is not designed for diesel fuel. It is not PVC, it is rubber. The heat tape has no listing. This heat tape comes in large spools. There is probably 200' of it wrapped around 100' of fuel line. Isn't there supposed to be a themostat on heat tapes to begin with?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: heat tape on rubber diesel fuel line

stephen,
A lot of the heat trace cables that are available are "self-limiting", that is they never exceed a the design temperature of the heat trace no matter how it is installed or how long it is left energized. A thermostat would be used if you wanted to save energy or maintain a temperature lower than the design rating of the trace.
Don

 

[brian john]

Re: heat tape on rubber diesel fuel line

Having been involved in the repair and clean up of diesel fuel after someone utilized the wrong type fuel line in the past CHANGE THE HOSE. Then check the codes on heat tape and fuel lines. The manufacture can give great insight to questions like this.

What state are you in? Climate question you know

 

[pierre]

Re: heat tape on rubber diesel fuel line

By following the insight given here, especially Brian John's, you will have you specific answer sooner than you think. If you were to email the manufacturer, their response time is usually very quick.

Pierre

 

[stephen.jenkins]

Re: heat tape on rubber diesel fuel line

Thanks for the responses. I had already contacted all the manufacturers; the heat tape manufacturer has not responded.

 

[tony_psuee]

Re: heat tape on rubber diesel fuel line

Stephen,

Check out article 427, section 427.22 spells out the need for ground fault protection. I have used heat tape without a thermostat. It should have a rated watts/foot output. That may prove critical in determining how much to put on the line.

Tony