Can we treat nonmetallic (plastic) Pipe or vessel application the same as those for metallic Pipes and vessels?
No, you cannot consider heat tracing of nonmetallic Pipes and vessels same as that of metallic Pipes and vessels. The heat tracer or heating cable sheath temperature shall be below the maximum temperature rating of the Pipe or vessel material. Also heat from the tracer does not transfer easily into a non-metallic material. You have to use heat reflective foils or heat transfer aids to increase the heat transfer to non-metallic Pipes and vessels.
