Steam supply and trap manifolds are supposed to simplify steam system operation—centralizing connections, improving reliability, and reducing installation time. But when they’re designed poorly, they often do the opposite, creating ongoing maintenance problems, energy losses, and safety risks. At QMax Industries , we’ve seen firsthand how certain manifold design mistakes lead to frequent failures, difficult troubleshooting, and frustrated maintenance teams. In this article, w

Example of a tank contrasting both internal and external heating options. Industrial tanks are widely used to store and process fluids such as chemicals, food products, petroleum-based liquids, and water. In many applications, maintaining the correct fluid temperature is essential to prevent freezing, manage viscosity, ensure consistent flow, and protect product quality. Selecting the right tank heating system  is a critical part of that process. Two of the most common approa

Cold weather can expose weaknesses in even well-established steam tracing systems. Frozen pipes, damaged product, and unexpected downtime often occur not because heat tracing is absent—but because heat transfer is uncontrolled or inconsistent . Freeze protection heat tracing requires a balanced approach. Too little heat can allow freezing, while too much heat can overheat product, damage piping, or accelerate corrosion. This is where QMax FPX steam freeze protection systems

In many industrial applications, maintaining proper temperatures is critical to keeping systems operating safely and efficiently. When pipes, tanks, or process equipment lose heat, fluids can freeze, thicken, crystallize, or solidify—leading to reduced performance, equipment damage, and costly downtime. A heat tracing system  is designed to replace lost heat and maintain required temperatures. In this article, we’ll explain what a heat tracing system is, how it works, and whe

Maintaining proper process temperatures is critical in many industrial environments. Two of the most common solutions used to prevent freezing, control viscosity, and maintain flow are steam tracing and electric heat tracing. While both methods serve similar purposes, they operate very differently and are suited to different applications. This article compares steam and electric heat tracing to help determine which system is best.

Steam tracing—also called steam heat tracing —is a method used in industrial facilities to maintain or increase the temperature of process piping, valves, and equipment  by running a small steam line (the “tracer”) along the process pipe. The heat from the steam offsets heat loss to the environment and helps keep the product inside the pipe within its required temperature range. Steam tracing is widely used for: Freeze protection  (e.g., water lines, instrument lines, drains)

Don't wait for frozen lines.  CALL Qmax NOW. QMax expertly designs heat tracing systems for process piping and we can also heat your...

A Manifold Minimizes A Messy Spaghetti Junction Of Piping. Excessive and unnecessary piping leads to: Higher fabrication costs Higher...

HAVE YOU BEEN ASKED TO LOWER YOUR OPERATING COSTS? Every year that a Steam Leak goes unrepaired, it costs $6600 per leak!* Better steam...

Source: U.S. Department of Energy In steam systems that have not been maintained for 3 to 5 years, between 15% to 30% of the installed...

You know QMax Industries as the "Steam Tracing Authority", but do you know about our in-house fabrication capabilities?  And do you also...

QMax Industries Offers More Steam Tracing Options Than Anyone. QMax Industries, Inc. designs and manufactures process heating systems for...

QMax is pleased to announce our new line of Preinsulated Tubing. With QMax Industries’ new ViperLine™ Preinsulated Tubing, QMax has you...

If you need steam tracing in a hurry, QMax Industries can deliver.  Our entire line of Steam Tracing Products can be shipped to your...

The Benefits of Steam Tracing vs. Electric Tracing Written by Horst Thieme, PE, James R. Risko and the Fluid Controls Institute Steam...