Clayborn Lab Precision Heat Tape: efficient thermal solution for sample lines and process equipment
Clayborn Lab Precision Heat Tape delivers reliable thermal energy directly to the surface to be heated through a combination of conductive and radiant heat transfer. The reflective outer layer of the tape reflects radiant energy back onto the heated object, so every watt of electrical energy is used optimally. The thermally conductive adhesive layer surrounds the resistance wire and transfers heat via the dielectric to the surface, resulting in exceptionally efficient and uniform heat transfer.
The tape consists of five layers: a reflective outer layer, two thin flexible dielectric layers on either side of the resistance heating element, and an adhesive layer. The enamelled resistance wire has built-in room for expansion and contraction, which extends its life under thermal cycling.
Applications
Clayborn Heat Tape is used for heating sample lines in analytical instruments and CEMS systems, as heat tracing on pipes and tubes in the process industry, in aerospace and satellite applications with strict outgassing requirements, in the production of composites, adhesives and epoxy resin, for freeze protection in transport systems and for thermal testing in laboratories and medical equipment. In gas analysis, the tape prevents condensation in sample lines and analysis components as a direct tape solution for shorter runs or flat surfaces.
Versions and adhesive
The tape is available in two adhesive series, each suitable for a different field of application.
The -16 series with silicone adhesive is the standard industrial version for commercial and industrial applications. Operating temperature from -100 to +250 °C, excellent adhesion to aluminium at low temperatures (450 oz/in at -100 °C) and available directly from stock.
The -28 series with acrylic adhesive is developed for aerospace and vacuum applications with strict outgassing requirements. Operating temperature from -100 to +180 °C, extremely low outgassing (TML 0,264% / VCM 0,000%), suitable for space applications and high-tech laboratory equipment.
Width and conductors
De tape is leverbaar in drie breedtes. The 1/6"-uitvoering has one conductor and is suitable for narrow or cylindrical surfaces. The 1/4"-uitvoering has two conductors and offers more power at the same width. The 1/2"-uitvoering has four conductors and delivers the highest power per metre, up to 70 W/ft in parallel connection.
How do I read the item number?
The Clayborn Heat Tape item number consists of three parts and directly shows all relevant product information.
The letter indicates the resistance code and determines the ohm/foot and the maximum power per foot. Choose the code based on your operating voltage, required power and tape length. See the resistance matrix below for the full selection.
-16 or -28 indicates the adhesive. The -16 series has silicone adhesive and is the standard choice for industrial and commercial applications. The -28 series has acrylic adhesive with very low outgassing and is intended for vacuum chambers and aerospace applications.
-1, -2 or -4 indicates the number of conductors and also determines the width of the tape:
- -1: one conductor, width 0,165" (approx. 4,2 mm)
- -2: two conductors, width 0,250" (approx. 6,4 mm)
- -4: four conductors, width 0,500" (approx. 12,7 mm)
A complete item number looks like E-16-2, for example: resistance code E, silicone adhesive, two conductors.
How do I select the right tape?
Selection takes four steps. First, the total required power (Tp) is calculated based on the desired surface temperature and heat losses. For a flat surface, Tp = P × A × ΔT; for a pipe, Tp = P × L_pipe × ΔT, where P is the required power per unit area or per running metre, A the surface to be heated and ΔT the temperature rise above ambient.
Next, the required tape length is determined: for 100% coverage with 1/4"-tape, divide the surface by 3 in²/ft. Then the required resistance per foot is calculated via Tape = E² / (Tp × L), where E is the operating voltage. Finally, the code is chosen from the resistance matrix with a maximum power per foot equal to or higher than the calculated power. Never exceed the maximum wattage per foot. When using a temperature controller, it is recommended to double the required power (Tp) for faster start-up and recovery from cold conditions.
Contact Inacom for help with the selection calculation.
Resistance matrix
Par. = parallel geschakeld / S-P = serie-parallel / Ser. = in serie geschakeld
Properties
- Thickness: less than 1/64" (0,4 mm)
- Width: 1/6" (0,165"), 1/4" (0,250") or 1/2" (0,500")
- Max. temperature: up to 200 °C (400 °F)
- Power supply: AC and DC, 1 to 277 volts
- Max. continuous length: up to 450 feet (approx. 137 metres)
- Substrate: aluminium or glass-fibre fabric
- Adhesive: silicone (-16 series) or acrylic (-28 series)
- Dielectric strength: 600 Vdc
- Conductors: 1 (1/6"), 2 (1/4") or 4 (1/2")
- Available as a bulk roll (50 or 100 feet) or custom made to the required length and wattage
- Custom versions fully assembled, electrically terminated and tested, lead time 3 working days
Technical specifications
| Feature | Silicone (-16) | Acrylic (-28) |
|---|
| Operating temperature | -100 to +250 °C | -100 to +180 °C |
| Outgassing TML/VCM | 1,047% / 0,322% | 0,264% / 0,000% |
| Adhesion Al +125 °C | 28 oz/in | 29 oz/in |
| Adhesion Al -100 °C | 450 oz/in | 50 oz/in |
| Total thickness | 0,025" | 0,028" |
| Dielectric strength | 600 Vdc | 600 Vdc |
Watch the explanation video on installing the heat tape
