Cataflow Heat Trace Systems

cataflow technologies heat trace unit HT-20

The CataFlow Technologies Heat Trace system uses a catalytic heater with electricity-generating methodology. The unit's electrical system powers a 12-volt DC electric pump, which moves warmed glycol through the infrared heat exchanger and heat tracing system.

As the unit's heater temperature rises, it generates power for the electric motor to start up. As the heat builds, the motor's rpm increases to its optimum operating speed. At this point, the unit will be pumping between 1.25 and 1.5 gallons of glycol mix per minute.

The generated heat is absorbed into the 50/50 glycol mix in an extremely efficient manner as it passes through the heat exchanger.

The result is a continuous stream of hot fluid that heats cold pipes, vessels and other objects and prevents any possibility of freezing, waxing or gelling, all while generating electricity.

CataFlow Technologies currently offers multiple heat trace units, with continuous ongoing research and development to expand our product line.

CataFlow Heat Trace UnitsCT-5CT-10CT-20
Max Gas Input 5,000btu/hour 12,000btu/hour 24,000btu/hour
Heater Face Temp 370c / 698f 370c /698f 370c / 698f
Gas Consumption - LPG 2.0cfh 4.0cfh 8.0cfh
Gas Consumption - Natural Gas 5.0cfh 10.0cfh 20.0cfh
Electrical Generation DC continuous DC continuous DC continuous
Max PSI 50psi 50psi 60psi
Max Operating Temps 100c / 212f 100c / 212f 100c / 212f
Voltage 12/24 12/24 12/24
Max Flow Rate 5 ltr / min
1.32 gal / min
5 ltr / min
1.32 gal / min
7ltr / min
1.85 gal / min
Max Heat Trace Length 91.4m / 300ft 243.8m / 800ft 305m / 1,200ft
Heat Trace Size 1.27cm / 1/2in ID 1.27cm / 1/2in ID 1.27cm / 1/2in ID
Dimensions 36" X 24" X 43" 48" X 24" X 43" 48" X 24" X 55"
Construction Material Aluminum / Stainless Aluminum / Stainless Aluminum / Stainless
Fluid Reservoir Aluminum,
3 gal / 11.4 ltr
Aluminum,
6 gal / 22.7 ltr
Aluminum,
6 gal / 22.7 ltr
Stand Painted Steel Painted Steel Painted Steel

CTNT-24K Heat Trace Unit

CTNT-24K Heat Trace Unit installed in the Field

The CTNT-24K heat trace unit is for use on locations with AC power or where Solar power is available. With AC power we convert 110V to 12V (voltage range from 0-44VDC). Optimal operating voltage for maximum heat to the trace line is between 11-14VDC.

The Unit Includes:

  • 2-12,000 BTU heaters that surround a 4x24 inch round reservoir where the Glycol is heated.
  • Mag Drive DC circulation Pump (voltage rating 0-44VDC) 
  • Gas Scrubber with filters Control Box with wiring blocks for connections and fuse block 
  • All components are mounted to a powder coated stand with expanded metal mounting platform.
  • The CTNT-24K is a self-contained unit that is complete and ready for connecting to a power source and adding glycol.
  • Capable of heat tracing up to 1700 ft.

CTNT-S-24K Heat Trace Unit

The CTNT-S-24K heat trace unit is a 12 Volt Solar powered Unit.      

The Unit Includes:

  • 1- 260 Watt Solar Panel
  • 2-12,000 BTU heaters that surround a 4x24 inch round reservoir where the Glycol is heated.
  • Mag Drive DC circulation Pump (voltage rating 0-44VDC)
  • Gas Scrubber with filters
  • Control Box with wiring blocks for connections and fuse block
  • All components are mounted to a powder coated stand with expanded metal mounting platform.
  • The CTNT-S-24K is a self-contained unit that is complete and ready for connecting to a trace line and adding glycol.
  • Capable of heat tracing up to 1500-1700 ft.

cataflow technologies heat trace unit HT-20 internal view

CataFlow Technologies Features and Benefits

Minimal Fuel Needs

CataFlow's hydronic heating unit operates with superior efficiency on propane or raw gas from a wellhead.

No external power source is required other than a simple 12-volt battery, which runs briefly to initiate the generation of infrared energy from a catalytic heater. You'll see a noticeable reduction in your fuel usage and costs compared to traditional heat trace systems.

The unit's electric pump runs on DC power, generated by the unit itself, rather than sellable gas.
Gas is used only to power the catalytic heater, unlike diaphragm pump driven systems which rely heavily on sellable gas to operate.

Our CT-20 model produces extra power to charge a battery

Carbon Credits

It's hard to ignore the mounting pressure on the oil and gas industry throughout the world to reduce environmental impact and find "greener" production strategies and technology. CataFlow's heat trace system is one way you can respond - and be rewarded. Each unit's ability to operate with significantly less gas and venting translates to ultra-low emissions and very little waste, allowing you to collect greenhouse gas credits and pay lower carbon tax – a potential savings of thousands of dollars for your company and a noticeable, ongoing return on your investment and productivity.

British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec currently have a carbon tax on each tonne of greenhouse gas emitted. Other provinces and U.S. states will be following this direction soon . Get ahead of your competitors, save dollars, reduce your environmental footprint and build your company's "green" profile: invest now in a clean- burning CataFlow heat trace system.

Environmental benefits from using a CataFlow Heat Trace Unit include:

  • Ultra-low emissions venting from the pump because it is driven by heat-generated electricity. Because of the barely detectable emissions, the units are also safe for non-vented indoor installations.
  • Elimination of chemicals dripping from the pump because it is magnetically coupled to the motor shaft without any seals that could leak.
  • Minimal amounts of vented gas from the heater. The infrared heater burns with extreme efficiency and eliminates most of the emissions.
  • Drastic reduction in methanol usage.

Heating Efficiency

Every CataFlow unit features a highly efficient heat exchanger system that provides 24/7 reliability and delivers more usable heat than any other heat trace system on the market.

Here's how:

As the unit's heater temperature rises, it generates power for the electric motor to start up.
As the heat builds, the motor's rpm increases to its optimum operating speed. At this point, the unit will be pumping between 1.25 and 1.5 gallons of glycol mix per minute, using an electric pump that is secured in a sealed box.
The generated heat is absorbed into the glycol mix in an extremely efficient manner as it passes through the heat exchangers.
A flexible, steel braided hose, lined with Teflon to reduce friction, carries the warmed fluid through the heat trace line.
The result is a continuous stream of heated fluid that heats cold pipes, vessels and other objects and prevents any possibility of freezing, waxing or gelling.

Generates Electricity

Unlike traditional diaphragm pump driven systems, CataFlow's Heat Trace Units generate their own continuous electricity to pump the warmed glycol mix through the heat trace. This eliminates the need for any external power or battery back-up, giving you a low-maintenance, self-powered unit with around-the-clock reliability in even the most remote locations and during the coldest months.

How does it work?

Cataflow Heat Trace Units generate their own electricity through a 24,000 BTU (CT-20), 12,000 BTU (CT-10) or 5,000 BTU (CT-5) explosion-proof, flameless infrared catalytic heater. The heater is powered by gas, direct from the wellhead, or liquid propane gas. The unit absorbs the energy from the heat produced by the catalytic heater, which casts shortwave infrared heat, like a small sun. The energy is then converted to dc power that directly drives a DC electric pump.

CataFlow Heat Trace Units are great for the following applications:

  • Flow Lines and Pipelines
  • Wellheads and BOPs
  • Separators
  • Production
  • Propane and POP tanks
  • Tank Farm Manifolds
  • Buildings, Battery Banks and Walkways

Questions about which unit is right for your operation and needs? Contact CataFlow Technologies for Information, Pricing and Demos.

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CONFORMS TO ANSI STD Z21.13
CERTIFIED TO CSA STD 4.9
Canadian Patent No. 2,646,820