Advanced heat trace systems rely upon a network of sensors such as RTD’s to provide vital information to the controller. Depending upon the complexity of the system, some wiring options are much more efficient with lower installed costs than others, and there are options for how sensors are wired to the controller. 

The nVent RAYCHEM remote monitoring modules (RMM3) provide efficient and accurate temperature monitoring capabilities for our NGC heat-tracing control and monitoring systems. 

Let’s learn more about how this system works.  

What is an RTD? 

nVent RAYCHEM RTD’s are a three-wire platinum resistance temperature detector (RTD) typically used with control and monitoring systems when accurate pipe or ambient temperature sensing is required. 

Optimizing Control and Monitoring with Remote Monitoring Modules

Similar to how central nervous systems operate, The RMM3 remote monitoring modules aggregate the input from up to 8 RTDs, which measure pipe, vessel, or ambient temperatures.  

The RMM3 modules then send the information back to the control system through a single twisted RS-485 cable. Multiple RMM3 units can communicate with a single nVent RAYCHEM heat tracing control panel. One single, twisted pair RS-485 cable can connect up to 247 RMM3 units.  

That’s up to 1,976 RTD’s communicating to the controller via one RS-485 cable!   

RMM3’s Can Save How Much Money? 

These efficiencies can significantly reduce installation material and labor costs since only one conduit run returns to the controller. Here’s one real life project example comparing the total installed costs of using RMM3’s versus having each individual RTD wired to the controller. 

Our engineers say the RMM3’s are green to help identify them in the field – but maybe it’s a nod to the cost savings they bring to projects.   

To learn more, please visit our RMM3 web page. To learn more about designing advanced heat trace systems, which include RMM3’s, please visit our Tracerlynx webpage.