Vol. 337 No. 4 (2026)
DOI https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/4/5514
Integrated performance characteristics of resistive, induction, and skin-effect electric pipeline heating
The paper presents the results of experimental studies on the integral characteristics of pipeline electric heating using resistive (Joule heating), induction (eddy-current heating), and surface (skin-effect heating) methods. The study was carried out under laboratory conditions on a steel pipe with fixed geometry under comparable power supply regimes, which ensures a consistent comparison of different electric heating methods in terms of their thermal impact and operational limitations. The dependences of the specific linear electric heating power on the initial mains supply voltage were determined, along with the temperature regimes of the heating elements and the pipe wall. It is shown that, for resistive heating, the specific linear power exhibits a power-law dependence on the supply voltage, which is associated with the localization of heat generation in the current-carrying conductor core. For surface heating, a dependence of similar shape is revealed; however, it differs in its dynamics due to the redistribution of electrical losses between the conductor and the near-surface layer of the pipe. It is established that, under induction heating, the temperature of the heating cable core is minimal compared to resistive and surface methods at a comparable system linear power level. This effect is attributed to a more spatially distributed heat generation pattern in the pipe wall and a reduction in local overheating. The obtained results can be used in the design and operation of electric heating systems for oil and gas pipelines to select the heating method, permissible specific linear power, and parameters of the heating elements. The practical relevance of the study is particularly high for long-distance pipelines operated under conditions of increased heat losses, where ensuring the reliability and energy efficiency of electric heating systems is critical.
For citation: Lavrinovich M.V., Antonov D.V., Strizhak P.A. Integrated performance characteristics of resistive, induction, and skin-effect electric pipeline heating. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Assets Engineering, 2026, vol. 337, no. 4, pp. 181-191.
Keywords:
electric heating, resistive heating, induction heating, skin-effect heating, skin effect, heating cable, pipeline
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