Heat Trace Calculator

Tank & Liquid

Liquid Volume

gallons

Liquid Type

Specific Heat (Cp)

BTU/lb·°F

Specific Gravity

@ 60°F

Initial Temperature

°F

Target Temperature

°F

Tank Construction

Tank Material

Tank Weight (empty)

lbs

Weight of empty tank/vessel

Tank Surface Area

ft²

Total exposed surface (walls + bottom)

Insulation

Ambient Temperature

°F

Operating Conditions

Start-up Time

hours

Desired time to reach target temp

Makeup Liquid Rate (optional)

gal/hr

Cold makeup entering during operation

Makeup Temperature

°F

Work Product Load (optional)

lbs/hr

Cold parts immersed (plating, cleaning)

Work Product Temperature

°F

Safety Factor

multiplier

Typical: 1.1 to 1.25

Liquid Properties Reference

Liquid	Cp (BTU/lb·°F)	SG @ 60°F
Water	1.00	1.00
Light Oil (SAE 10)	0.50	0.85
Heavy Oil (SAE 50)	0.45	0.92
50% Ethylene Glycol	0.85	1.07
Caustic (50% NaOH)	0.80	1.53

Learn the Theory

Understand tank heating methodology, surface losses, and heater sizing

Read Engineering Guide

Results

Recommended Heater

Start-Up Requirements

Liquid Heating -

Tank Heating -

Surface Losses -

Start-Up kW -

Operating Requirements

Makeup Heating -

Work Product -

Surface Losses -

Operating kW -

Heat Balance

Total Heat Input -

Governing Case -

Design Guidelines

Start-Up vs Operating: Size heater for the larger of start-up or operating loads. Start-up typically governs for batch processes.

Safety Factor: Apply 10-25% to account for voltage variations, aging, and fouling. Use 1.2 minimum.

Surface Losses: Insulation dramatically reduces operating costs. 2" insulation typically reduces losses by 80%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the heat trace calculator determine?

It calculates kilowatt heater requirements for heating liquids in tanks, including start-up and steady-state operating heating calculations (including makeup flow).

What methods does this calculator use?

It uses industry-standard methods for tank heating kW calculations.

What heating scenarios does it cover?

It covers start-up heating and steady-state operating heat loss (including makeup-flow load).