Spiral Wrap Heaters
Flexible industrial heating for pipes, tubes and irregular surfaces
Soloheat spiral wrap heaters provide a flexible and versatile method of applying heat to cylindrical, curved and irregularly shaped surfaces where conventional rigid heating elements may not be suitable.
Their spiral construction allows the heater to wrap around the component being heated, providing distributed surface heating while accommodating a range of diameters and shapes.
Available in a range of standard lengths and power ratings, spiral wrap heaters are suitable for industrial applications including pipework, tubes, valves, vessels and process equipment.
Need help selecting a spiral wrap heater? Contact Soloheat with your application dimensions, operating temperature and required voltage and our team can help determine a suitable heating solution.
What is a Spiral Wrap Heater?
A spiral wrap heater is a flexible electrical heating element designed to be wound around the outside of a component requiring heat.
Unlike a conventional rigid heater, the spiral construction enables the heating element to follow straight or curved small-diameter pipework and other cylindrical surfaces, making it particularly useful where conventional rigid heaters may not be suitable.
The amount of surface coverage can be adjusted by altering the spacing between the turns of the heater. The Soloheat standard range provides approximately 80% surface coverage at nominal length or 60% surface coverage when extended.
Construction & Materials
Spiral wrap heaters are constructed using a spiral resistance-wire heating element supported on fibreglass cord and encased within silicone rubber and glass-fibre layers. This produces a thin, flexible and robust heater that can wrap closely around pipework for effective surface heating.
The standard construction is approximately 2.2mm thick. Manufacturer technical data specifies a temperature range of -60°C to +200°C, power densities of approximately 0.26–0.30 W/cm² and thermal conductivity of 0.22 W/m/K.
Suitable for Straight & Curved Pipework
The flexible spiral construction makes these heaters particularly suitable for small-diameter straight or curved pipes. They can be supplied as individual stand-alone heaters or with parallel connection options.
Benefits of Spiral Wrap Heaters
Flexible installation – The spiral construction allows the heater to conform to cylindrical, curved and irregular surfaces.
Distributed surface heating – Heat can be applied over a relatively large area rather than being concentrated at a single point.
Adjustable coverage – Install at nominal length for approximately 80% surface coverage or extend for approximately 60% coverage.
Compact construction – Suitable where there may be insufficient space for conventional band, cast or rigid heating elements.
Additional options – Parallel connecting leads and integrated temperature sensors can be supplied. Sensor options can include Type J, Type K or Type T thermocouples, PT100 sensors and thermistors, depending on the application and control requirements.
Standard 1/4″ / 6.35mm Diameter Spiral Wrap Heater Range
| Nominal Length | Extended Length | Voltage | Power | Power Density |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 205 mm | 250 mm | 120 V | 11 W | 0.26 W/cm² |
| 375 mm | 440 mm | 240 V | 19.5 W | 0.27 W/cm² |
| 475 mm | 550 mm | 240 V | 25 W | 0.27 W/cm² |
| 612.5 mm | 720 mm | 240 V | 33 W | 0.28 W/cm² |
| 780 mm | 900 mm | 240 V | 45 W | 0.30 W/cm² |
| 1020 mm | 1150 mm | 240 V | 52 W | 0.27 W/cm² |
Manufacturing parameters: Spiral wrap heaters can currently be manufactured to suit tube diameters from a minimum of 6mm to a maximum of 18mm. All heaters available from stock are designed to fit 1/4″ / 6.35mm outside diameter tube.
Nominal length gives approximately 80% surface coverage; extended length approximately 60%. Standard spiral wrap heaters are supplied with 0.5 metre sleeved leads. Parallel connecting leads and temperature sensor options are also available.
Typical Spiral Wrap Heater Applications
Typical applications include fluid and gas delivery lines, semiconductor processing equipment, frost protection, anti-condensation heating, pipe temperature maintenance, heat-loss compensation and general industrial small-bore pipe heating.
The flexible construction makes spiral wrap heaters particularly useful where heat needs to follow straight or curved pipework and where conventional rigid heating elements may not be suitable.
Environmental Resistance
Spiral wrap heaters have good resistance to weathering and ageing, fungus and bacteria, together with resistance to a range of substances including acetone, alcohol, formic acid, acetic acid, greases, dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute sulphuric acid, waxes and plasticisers.
The heater construction also provides good steam resistance, with manufacturer data specifying resistance up to 130°C at 2.5 bar.
Flexible Heating for Pipes and Tubes
A spiral wrap heater can be wound around the outside diameter of a pipe or tube, allowing the heating element to follow its cylindrical profile. The pitch of the spiral can be adjusted during installation, allowing the heater to cover a shorter area at closer spacing or extend over a greater length.
Temperature Control and Integrated Sensor Options
Spiral wrap heaters can be manufactured with an integrated temperature sensor, providing temperature feedback directly from the heated application when connected to a suitable external temperature controller. Available sensor options can include Type J, Type K or Type T thermocouples, PT100 sensors and thermistors. Soloheat can also supply associated thermocouples, plugs and cables, temperature-control equipment and connecting lead arrangements.
Choosing the Correct Spiral Wrap Heater
When enquiring, provide component dimensions, required operating temperature, supply voltage, heated length, environmental conditions and whether temperature sensing or control is required. Soloheat can then discuss the most appropriate heating arrangement.
Why Choose Soloheat?
Soloheat has been supplying industrial electric heating solutions since 1980. Our range includes cartridge heaters, cast aluminium heaters, ceramic heaters, mica heaters, tubular heating elements, nozzle heaters, immersion heaters, thermocouples, insulation jackets and associated temperature-control equipment.
Soloheat Ltd – UK Manufacturer of Custom Industrial Heating Elements
Spiral Wrap Heater FAQs
What is a spiral wrap heater?
A flexible electrical heating element designed to wrap around pipes, tubes and other cylindrical or irregular surfaces.
Can spiral wrap heaters be stretched?
The standard range has nominal and extended lengths. Nominal length corresponds to approximately 80% surface coverage and the specified extended length to approximately 60% coverage.
What voltages and wattages are available?
The current standard range includes 120 V and 240 V heaters from 11 W to 52 W, depending on heater size.
Can a thermocouple be incorporated into the spiral wrap heater?
Yes. Spiral wrap heaters can be manufactured with an integrated temperature sensor. Options can include Type J, Type K or Type T thermocouples, PT100 sensors and thermistors, allowing the heater to provide temperature feedback to a suitable external temperature controller.
What leads are supplied?
Standard spiral wrap heaters are specified with 0.5 metre sleeved leads. Parallel connecting leads are available as an option.
Enquire About Spiral Wrap Heaters
Looking for a flexible heater for a pipe, tube or difficult-to-heat component? Send Soloheat your component dimensions, required temperature, voltage, heated length and quantity. Our team can then discuss the most suitable heater and temperature-control arrangement for your application.
Contact Soloheat for technical advice and a quotation.