Outdoor instruments and analyzers are usually enclosed in insulated boxes to protect them from physical damage and inclement weather. Many of these sensitive equipment installations require that a certain temperature be maintained within the enclosure to prevent freezing, control viscosity, or maintain proper instrument calibration.
Two heating systems commonly used to protect against cold are the electric heater and steam heating. For effective heating, you can also buy a heater with instrument freeze protection via Bruest catalytic heaters in Kansas.
Electrical Heat Tracking: The use of electric heating wires usually provides excellent temperature control with built-in thermostatic control, but is often quite expensive to run.
In addition, electric heating systems are not suitable for use in applications where hazardous or flammable materials may be present and equipment being tracked may suffer freeze damage in the event of a power outage or if the conductors are worn or damaged endangering all lines from a break.
Monitoring of Hot Vapors or Liquids: Monitoring of hot steam or liquids is an ideal solution for applications where there is an existing supply of heating media or where potentially hazardous or flammable materials are available.
These tracking systems typically maintain the temperature of the case by wrapping copper or stainless steel tubing around the inside of the case, or by attaching a heating element with coils or finned tubes inside the case.
Steam, heat transfer fluids, hot oil, water, and even hot condensate from the steam lines circulate through the circuit or heater, providing a heat source to protect the appliance from inclement weather. This usually provides excellent freeze protection, but failure to do so may result in the appliance overheating.