Micro Line Heaters Application Solutions

The Challenge

A large Utility company responsible for delivering gas to rural areas of Alberta, Canada. The utility receives gas from transmission mainlines at pressures ranging up to 1200 psig and reduces the pressure down to 50 psig for final distribution to its customers. During pressure reduction, the Joule-Thomson Effect causes cooling of the gas flow. For every 100-psi pressure reduction, a resulting 7°F temperature drop is experienced. This total temperature drop can exceed -70°F, potentially causing freeze-offs in downstream valves, meters, and instrumentation.

Cata-Dyne™ Micro Line Heater (MLH) units are employed to compensate for the temperature loss by heating the gas to offset the Joule-Thomson effect prior to pressure reduction. Typically, this heat has been supplied by fired glycol water bath line heaters, which can be problematic from both an environmental and an operational standpoint. The Cata-Dyne™ MLH provides a superior and cost-effective solution for line heating at smaller tap locations.

The unique compact design of the Cata-Dyne MLH allows for simple installation onto existing piping already found within pipeline facilities, and its Class I Div 1 Group D rating allows operation within hazardous locations, reducing the overall capital cost of the installation.

The Engineered Solution

The Thermon Cata-Dyne heater is certified to ANSI Z83.20b-2011/CSA 2.34b-2011 Standard for Gas Fired Low Intensity Heaters while the Cata-Dyne™ MLH also conforms to CSA B149.1 & B149.3 requirements. Each MLH uses dual opposed heaters allowing for a thermostatically controlled input range from maximum input for both heaters at 100% to minimum input of one heater at 40% or 20% of the two-heater maximum*. The MLH turn-down capability allows for excellent adjustability between low and high flow conditions.

Thermon Expertise and Innovation

The Cata-Dyne Micro Line Heater is an efficient and cost effective solution for locations where freeze-offs can occur due to gas pressure reduction. The system demonstrates Thermon’s commitment to be a customer driven solutions orientated company.