What can be added to steam tracing lines to maximize heat transfer?

To maximize heat transfer in steam tracing lines, heat transfer paste is used because it enhances thermal conductivity between the steam tracing surface and the pipe or equipment being heated. This paste fills in air gaps and imperfections on surfaces, allowing for more efficient heat transfer by minimizing thermal resistance. The efficiency of steam tracing relies on effective heat delivery, and by applying heat transfer paste, it ensures that the heat from the steam is transmitted effectively to the surface needing heat.

On the other hand, thermal insulation is typically used to reduce heat loss rather than enhance heat transfer; cooling agents would counteract the purpose of steam tracing by lowering temperatures instead of increasing them; and reflective coatings would also be inappropriate as they are designed to reflect heat rather than facilitate the transfer of heat. Therefore, the use of heat transfer paste directly addresses the need to improve the efficiency of the steam tracing system.