The transformer is the heart of an impedance pipe heating system. In this article we will review the options, features, and benefits of Banner-Day Pipe Heating’s custom designed solution for this critical component.
Banner-Day Pipe Heating transformers are engineered for each impedance pipe heating system’s conditions of service. Isolation transformers have primary and secondary windings that are physically separated from each other. The voltage is changed by inductance through the magnetized core of the transformer. This isolation then prevents whatever is occurring on the primary from being passed along to the secondary, so a short or other failure on the primary does not pass through to the secondary. The main purpose for isolation is the safety of personnel working around an energized pipe. Banner-Day Pipe Heating designs to a maximum secondary voltage of 50 VAC with typical operating voltage of less than 30 VAC.
Multiple Tap Design Provides Flexibility:
Banner-Day Pipe Heating utilizes a six tap design that is used to increase or decrease the voltage output above or below the initial design target on the secondary side to adjust the amount of current to the piping. Percentage of increase / decrease is determined in the design prior to manufacture. Taps are mechanical and are physically connected via a jumper cable. They are field adjusted upon commissioning of the system to accommodate for variations in “real world” conditions. Having multiple taps also allows for future minor system additions without having to change the transformer. BannerDay transformers are over-sized so that the design output current can be delivered at any of the available secondary voltages selectable via the taps.
Current Transformers:
Banner-Day Pipe Heating installs a current transformer for feedback from the secondary X-1 connection to an ammeter in the main control panel which allows for monitoring of system amperage. Additionally, a ground fault sensor is installed that interrupts the circuit in the event of accidental grounding.
Enclosure Options:
We offer NEMA 1, 3R, 4, 4X, and 12 rated transformer enclosures. Typical enclosures are NEMA 3R which are ventilated and painted mild steel. While grey is the standard color, transformer enclosures can be custom painted in any available color. We also offer both 304 and 316 stainless steel.
Encapsulation (Potting)
An encapsulated transformer has the core and coil surrounded by an epoxy resin and sand encapsulation material, which is baked and effectively seals out moisture and contaminants, and also acts as a heat sink. Encapsulated transformers are usually mounted in stainless steel NEMA 4 or 4X enclosures and are typically used in washdown areas. They are rated to exclude 65 GPM of water from a one inch nozzle delivered from a distance of not less than 10 feet for five minutes.
Banner-Day Pipe Heating has a long history of designing and implementing impedance pipe heating systems. Safety and quality are of paramount importance to us: all of our control panels are UL/ULC Listed, and all of our systems meet appropriate codes, such as NEC Chapter 427, NFPA 70E, and IEEE 844. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to consider implementing an impedance pipe heating system in your facility.
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