The HT9 Glass Fibre Heating Tapes (GFHTs) from Electrothermal are designed to heat a variety of pipes and columns to temperatures up to 450°C.
GFHTs are used as a versatile method of heating a wide range of pipes, columns, transfer lines and valves that can be applied to both glassware and metal pipes.
The HT9 GFHTs from Electrothermal, a Bibby Scientific company, are particularly well suited for the task, especially where space is tight or when equipment can’t otherwise be placed in an oven.
The HT9 tapes have an element wound on a glass fibre core, which is then covered in a braided glass fibre outer sheath. In addition there is a braided earth (ground) wire beneath the outer glass fibre sheath. These glass fibre heating tapes are available in a large number of different lengths (from 2ft to 32ft) with an approximate width of 1 inch (25mm).
There is also an insulated unheated 9cm flexible portion of lead at each end of the heated tape.
The HT9 can produce a wide range of operational temperatures, up to 450°C, but should only be used in dry conditions. Other options exist for wet conditions.
When the tape is spiralled around the tube to be heated a surface loading power concentration up to 0.62W/cm² is produced. The linear loading is 164W/m (50W/ft). Most models have a voltage choice of 230V or 115V (except for some longer lengths which are only available as 230V – see website for details).
The incorporation of a controller is recommended for these heating tapes. A digital controller is available (MC810B Digital Heating Controller), which provides a very convenient means to control the temperature providing ease of operation and great accuracy.
