Thermon Heat Trace Installation Prevents Winter Shutdowns
The facility faced recurring freeze risks in exposed and unprotected pipe runs during New York winters, threatening operational continuity and creating potential equipment damage. Lawrence Lowy Associates (LLA) was engaged to engineer a Thermon heat trace solution that would provide reliable freeze protection while meeting code requirements and minimizing long-term maintenance.
Project Overview: Existing System Constraints and Risks
The unprotected piping presented several critical vulnerabilities:
- Exposed pipe runs subject to sub-freezing temperatures during winter months
- Risk of system shutdown, burst pipes, and costly emergency repairs
- No active monitoring or control for temperature maintenance
- Potential safety and code compliance gaps in freeze protection strategy
These conditions created unacceptable risk to facility operations and required a comprehensive electric heat trace solution.
Solution: Selected Equipment and System Design Rationale
LLA specified a Thermon electric heat trace system engineered for the specific pipe lengths, heat loss profiles, and temperature maintenance requirements of the facility.
The design rationale focused on:
- Self-regulating heat trace cable for energy efficiency and safety
- Proper insulation coordination to minimize heat loss and operating cost
- Integrated temperature monitoring and alarm capability
- Code-compliant installation with appropriate circuit protection
This configuration delivers reliable freeze protection while supporting long-term operational efficiency.
Engineering Approach and Coordination
Lawrence Lowy Associates provided full engineering support throughout the project:
- Conducted heat loss calculations and cable sizing for each pipe section
- Coordinated with facility staff and contractors on installation sequencing
- Reviewed electrical requirements and circuit protection design
- Supported commissioning, system testing, and operator training
LLA’s approach ensured the heat trace system integrated properly with existing mechanical and electrical infrastructure.
Results & Operational Impact: Post-Installation Performance
The Thermon heat trace installation delivered measurable improvements:
- Eliminated freeze risk in previously vulnerable pipe sections
- Reduced facility staff time spent on manual monitoring and winterization
- Improved confidence in system reliability during cold weather events
- Simplified maintenance through self-regulating cable technology
Facility operations teams now have reliable, automated freeze protection with minimal intervention required.
Why This Matters for Similar Facilities and Applications
Many facilities across New York and New Jersey face similar freeze protection challenges in:
- Hospital and healthcare campuses with outdoor pipe runs
- Industrial plants with process piping in unheated areas
- High-rise buildings with exposed risers and roof-level equipment
Lawrence Lowy Associates specializes in engineered heat trace solutions using Thermon and other leading manufacturers, with deep expertise in steam systems, DHW, and process piping applications throughout the NJ/NY region.
Request a Free Specification Quote
If your facility in New Jersey or New York needs engineered freeze protection or heat trace system design, contact Lawrence Lowy Associates for a no-obligation technical consultation. Our team will review your pipe routing, heat loss conditions, control requirements, and available space to recommend the right solution for your application.
