Skin-effect Tracing System

(STS)
Engineered Solutions
nVent offers innovative integrated technologies
under our market leading brand, nVent RAYCHEM, to
offer unique customized solutions for longline heat
management systems and other specialized heating
requirements. Our proven proprietary engineering design
program offers optimized designs and engineered
solutions for a variety of applications. Our global
engineering network and regional knowledge centers
combined with office presence in over 48 countries
position us to handle heat management systems for
many types of applications throughout the world.

The Heart of the Solution

As the inventor of self-regulating heat tracing and other
heat management system solutions, our nVent RAYCHEM
brand is recognized for technology leadership in the
industries we serve. The nVent RAYCHEM Skin-effect
Tracing System (STS) is a versatile Heat Management
System (HMS) designed to deliver heat for pipelines
that can be hundreds of kilometers long. Applications
include: material transfer lines, snow and ice melting,
tank foundation heating, structural heating, buried and
submerged transfer lines and prefabricated, pre-insulated
lines spanning rugged environments and the harshest
climates across environmentally sensitive corridors,
wetlands and densely populated regions. As the industry
leader in offering single source responsibility for heat
management, nVent is uniquely qualified to offer Skin-
effect Tracing Systems that combine system engineering
expertise with proven procurement, construction, and
quality assurance capabilities.

Global Leadership
nVent RAYCHEM STS occupies a unique position as one
of the industries most preferred solutions for temperature-
critical applications. With over 600 installations spread
over several continents and geographical regions we
provide safe and reliable solutions for the most demanding
applications. We have successfully managed applications
ranging from long sulphur pipelines spread over hundreds
Table of Contents
of kilometers in the hot deserts of the Middle East to Engineered Solutions For Optimum System Performance......3
maintaining the flow of products through the pipelines in
the coldest parts of Canada. We’ve designed long crude oil Each STS System is custom engineered to meet
pipelines in Russia including one pipeline over 160 km long the most challenging applications.................................................... 3
and the world’s longest 700 km underground heated and STS Benefits.......................................................................................... 3
insulated pipeline in India. We’ve also successfully delivered
heat for a large LNG concrete structure located in the STS Technology.................................................................................... 3
Adriatic Sea and for an airport people mover in China that STS System........................................................................................... 4
transports ~100 million passengers per year. These are
just a few testimonials highlighting our ability to meet our STS Cable Design Parameters........................................................... 5
customer’s critical expectations throughout the world. STS with Bundled Technologies........................................................ 6
Pole to pole, a unique engineered system solution partner Why nVent RAYCHEM STS?............................................................... 6
in Heat Management Systems.
Applications..........................................................................7
Engineered Solutions for
Optimum System Performance
STS BENEFITS
EACH STS SYSTEM IS CUSTOM
ENGINEERED TO MEET
Increase Reduce THE MOST CHALLENGING
APPLICATIONS

nVent RAYCHEM STS Systems

are well suited for the following
application parameters:
• Circuit lengths up to 31 miles
(50 kilometers)
• Power outputs up to 45.7 W/ft
Circuit Lengths Reduced
Total Cost
Installed Costs (149 W/m)
• Maximum operating
temperatures up to 482°F
(250°C)

Maximize Enhance • Remote regions where power

substation availability is limited
• Temperature-critical lines where
precise fluid control is required
• Desolate regions where EHT
system durability and reliability
are essential
• Buried or submerged
applications in environmentally
System sensitive regions
System Durability
Durability Operational Efficiency

STS TECHNOLOGY

AC VOLTS AC VOLTS
(Outside surface to earth) (Inside surface to conductor)

HEAT TUBE
(with insulated wire inside)
CARRIER PIPE
FLUID
THERMAL INSULATION

nVent.com/RAYCHEM | 3
Engineered Solutions for
Optimum System Performance
STS SYSTEM

The nVent RAYCHEM Skin-effect Tracing System (STS) is a versatile engineered heat management system configured to deliver heat
for long transfer pipeline applications. The system can generate significantly higher wattages compared to standard heat-tracing
technologies.

Rack Mount Equipment with

STS Control & Carrier Pipe nVent RAYCHEM Pipeline Supervisor
DTS Sensing Switchgear Panel DTS Sensing
Tube / Channel STS
STS Transformer Transition Cable Transit Box
with Sensing Cable
Boxes

STS
Heat Tube

STS Power
DTS Sensing Connection Box
Cable Pull Box
RTD
DTS Sensing
STS Wire
Cable Splice
STS Box
Coupling

STS Pull &

Splice Box
DTS Sensing Insulation and
Cable End Box Jacketing
STS End
Termination Box

nVent RAYCHEM STS consists of a thermally rated, electrically insulated wire installed inside a ferromagnetic heat tube. The insulated
wire is connected to the heat tube at the end termination, and an AC voltage source is connected between the heat tube and insulated
wire at the power connection. AC current flows down the wire, returning on the inside surface (or skin) of the tube. The STS System is
electrically safe and produces heat in the ferromagnetic tube through the effects of two well- known electrical phenomena: Skin Effect
and Proximity Effect. These phenomena cause the current flowing in the heat tube to be concentrated on the inner surface; the current
concentration is so complete there is virtually no measurable voltage on the outer wall of the heat tube. Heat is also generated due to
the resistance of the heat tube and STS wire, and through eddy currents and hysteresis in the heat tube. Since the heat tube is attached
to the process pipe and completely within the thermal insulation system, heat is efficiently transferred into the process pipe.
The latest offering to nVent RAYCHEM STS includes the STS-HV cable, which delivers power for circuits up to 31 miles in length with a
10 kV rated cable design. This offering includes newly designed IP rated water-tight splice, power, end-termination and jumper enclosures
and a robust cable design that supports pull lengths of up to 1640 feet to minimize splice connections and reduce installation time.
STS-HV was developed to deliver one of the most durable and efficient industry solutions for years of uninterrupted service, for any
temperature-critical pipeline installation.

4 | nVent.com/RAYCHEM
Engineered Solutions for
Optimum System Performance

STS CABLE DESIGN PARAMETERS

STS-HV STS-MT STS-HT

Maximum Voltage Rating Maximum Voltage Rating Maximum Voltage Rating

10000 VAC 5000 VAC 2500 VAC
Maximum Circuit Length Maximum Circuit Length Maximum Circuit Length
31.0 mile (50 km) 15.5 mile (25 km) 7.8 mile (12.5 km)
Power Output Rating Power Output Rating (application Power Output Rating
(application dependent) dependent) (application dependent)
21.3 W/ft (70 W/m) 45.7 W/ft (150 W/m) 45.7 W/ft (150 W/m)
Maximum Operating Temperature Maximum Operating Temperature Maximum Operating Temperature
302°F (150°C) 302°F (150°C) 482°F (250°C)
Cable Construction Cable Construction Cable Construction
Tin plated copper wire with Silicone Tin plated copper wire with Polyolefin Nickel plated copper wire with
insulation insulation Fluoropolymer insulation

PTB 21 ATEX 1005 X PTB 21 ATEX 1005 X FM STS-0D5A3-AX

II 2 G eb IIB T6 ... T3 Gb II 2 G eb IIC T6 ... T3 Gb CL I, Div 2, Grps. B, C, D
CL I, ZN 2, Grp. IIB+H2
IECEx PTB 21.0011X IECEx PTB 21.0011X BAS98ATEX2383X-STS
Ex eb sb IIB T6 ... T3 Gb Ex eb sb IIC T6 ... T3 Gb Ex II 2 G, Ex e II T

nVent.com/RAYCHEM | 5
Engineered Solutions for
Optimum System Performance
STS WITH BUNDLED TECHNOLOGIES
WHY NVENT RAYCHEM STS?
nVent RAYCHEM STS combined with state of the art complementary technologies has
revolutionized Heat Management System (HMS) performance
Safe:
• FEA / CFD modeling has become a critical tool in designing optimized systems Fully grounded system with
and predictable system performance zero electrical potential on pipe
• nVent RAYCHEM Skin-effect Tracing System (STS) wire and components are surfaces
designed to withstand harsh climates and sensitive environments for years of Accurate Control:
safe and secure usage A closed loop control system
• Pre-insulated/pre-fabricated piping systems have proven to be a major factor in includes redundant pipeline
the thermal performance of the pipelines by providing a homogenous temperature temperature sensing
profile for the entire length of the pipeline asset Engineered:
• Thermally isolated pipe anchors and supports are engineered to minimize the impact Systems are custom engineered
of these traditional heat-sink zones in accordance with IEEE and plant
standards
• Fibre optic based distributed temperature sensing systems (DTS) have significantly
enhanced the safety and reliability of temperature-critical pipeline assets Maintainable:
Pull/splice boxes simplify access
• nVent RAYCHEM Pipeline Supervisor (RPS) predictive analytics software is essential to to the system without disturbing
safely manage temperature-critical pipelines, especially for phase change management insulation
Rugged & Reliable:
Entire circuit is encapsulated
within rugged heat tubes and
STS steel boxes
nVent RAYCHEM Longline Capability:
Skin-effect Tracing
Circuit lengths up to 31 miles
System
(50 kilometers) from a single
power source

RPS PIP
Thermal Simulation Studies:
Temperature profile modeling and
nVent RAYCHEM plotting capability
Pre-Insulated Pipe
Pipeline Supervisor
nVent RAYCHEM Computerized Design:
Pipeline Bundled Runaway temperature and static
and dynamic heat-up/cool-down
Technologies calculations available
Flexibility:
Ideal for either factory fabricated,

FO-DTS Thermally pre-insulated or field installed

systems
Fibre Optic Isolated
Distributed Anchors &
Temperature
Sensing Supports

6 | nVent.com/RAYCHEM
Applications

VISCOUS PRODUCT TRANSFER LINES

Whether from dock to tank farm or direct to a process unit, the long circuit capabilities of
nVent RAYCHEM STS provides one of the safest and most cost-effective heat management
systems available.

SNOW & ICE PREVENTION

Sidewalks, people-moving platforms and airport ramps are examples of large critical
areas demanding snow and ice prevention. By minimizing the number of circuits,
nVent RAYCHEM STS provides a cost-effective solution to common snow and
ice problems.

TANK FOUNDATION HEATING

nVent RAYCHEM STS can be used in Class 1 Division 2 and Zone 2 hazardous areas
creating a technically superior, commercially-attractive solution to prevent frost heave of
the subsoil beneath LNG Gravity Based Structures (GBS), LPG, ethylene, propylene and
ammonia tank foundations. Thereby, protecting the foundations and the tanks themselves.

BURIED/SUBMERGED LINES & HDDs

The ever-increasing need to protect and maintain safe and reliable pipeline assets, demand
a precise solution to heating underwater and buried transfer lines, spanning harsh and
environmentally sensitive regions. With nVent RAYCHEM STS, long lengths of wires are pulled
in the heat tubes without having to use conventional pull/splice boxes or field splices. This
method can be an ideal application for longer horizontal directional drill (HDD) sections.
The STS pull-boxes are designed to be hermetically sealed for submerged applications,
while the optional redundant STS wire provides an added level of back-up to minimize
operational and environmental disruptions.

PREFABRICATED PRE-INSULATED LINES

nVent RAYCHEM STS is ideally suited for use with prefabricated, pre-insulated piping
installations. These factory-fabricated systems offer energy efficiency improvements to
the thermal envelope and facilitate field erection to significantly reduce total installed cost,
improve system performance and compress critical project schedules.

nVent.com/RAYCHEM | 7
North America
Tel +1.800.545.6258
Fax +1.800.527.5703
thermal.info@nVent.com

Latin America
Tel +1.713.868.4800
Fax +1.713.868.2333
thermal.info@nVent.com

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nVent reserves the right to change specifications without notice.
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