19.04 Does aboveground piping need to be heat traced?

In cold weather climates there is a concern for maintaining the functionality of critical fuel systems in freezng weather. In general a winter blend of #1 and #2 diesel fuel will lower the cloud point to about -23 degrees C and the pour point to minus 34 C. However this may be borderline for many users, and for that reason exterior piping is often heat traced and insulated.

The problem with cold weather performance is often not the fuel itself, but any water that may be present in trace amounts in the fuel. This water can accumulate within the cavities of valves and other equipment, so it is important that these devices also be heat traced and insulated, or located within heated enclosures.