Raychem Elexant 3500i Thermostat Revolutionizes Heat-Tracing Control with Smarter, Faster, and Connected Solutions
Chemelex, a global pioneer in heat-tracing technologies, has officially launched the Raychem Elexant 3500i, a next-generation family of electronic thermostats engineered for industrial environments. Designed for performance, simplicity, and connectivity, this new product line reflects Chemelex’s commitment to innovation and its drive to provide smarter solutions that meet the evolving demands of industrial customers.
Raychem This launch is a significant step forward for Chemelex as it strengthens its portfolio of intelligent monitoring and control systems tailored for the rigorous conditions found in sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, water treatment, power generation, and more.
A Smarter Approach to Heat-Tracing Control
Raychem The Elexant 3500i family represents a new era in heat-tracing control systems, delivering not only precision and reliability, but also modularity and ease of use. At the heart of this product is a highly configurable hardware platform designed to adapt to different industrial heat-tracing applications without the need for costly customizations or multiple standalone devices.
“Raychem We are thrilled to introduce the Raychem Elexant 3500i,” said Amy Escobio, Vice President of Product at Chemelex. “With unmatched versatility, efficiency, and connectivity, the Elexant 3500i redefines heat-tracing control, delivering cost savings while helping prevent downtime—a critical goal in industrial operations.”
This new thermostat solution supports heat-tracing systems by ensuring pipes, vessels, and equipment maintain their required temperatures regardless of ambient conditions. In sectors where temperature control is mission-critical, reliable thermostatic management can make the difference between smooth operations and catastrophic failures.
Key Features That Set the Elexant 3500i Apart
Raychem The Elexant 3500i boasts an impressive array of integrated features, all aimed at streamlining operations, reducing installation time, and improving long-term reliability. These include:
1. Advanced Monitoring and Safety
- Alarming functionality that provides instant alerts for temperature deviations or system faults.
- Ground fault detection that enhances safety by identifying potential hazards early.
- Automated 24-hour system health checks, reducing the need for manual inspections and ensuring consistent performance.
2. Smart Connectivity
- RS-485 Modbus RTU communication protocol support, which enables seamless integration with distributed control systems (DCS).
- Bluetooth connectivity, allowing secure wireless configuration via the Elexant Connect App on smartphones or tablets. This eliminates the need to physically open the device, reducing exposure risks in hazardous environments and saving time.
3. Current Sensing and Energy Monitoring
Raychem Integrated current sensing capabilities enable real-time monitoring of heating circuit performance, offering insights into energy consumption, load imbalances, and system inefficiencies—data that can drive informed maintenance and optimization decisions.
4. Modular Design and Quick Upgrades
Interchangeable electronic modules simplify future upgrades or replacements, helping facility managers avoid system-wide disruptions. This modularity also reduces equipment redundancy and improves lifecycle cost efficiency.
Built for Rapid Deployment and Harsh Environments
Raychem In industrial facilities, installation time and complexity can directly impact project costs and timelines. The Elexant 3500i is designed with this in mind, significantly reducing the time and effort required for installation and commissioning.
Dual Enclosure Options:
- Wall-mounted enclosure for panel-based applications
- Pipe-mounted enclosure that doubles as both a thermostat and power connection kit
Raychem This dual-functionality not only streamlines system architecture but also cuts down on the number of components needed in the field.
Simplified Wiring:
- Quick-connect terminals minimize wiring errors and reduce installation time.
- An internal hub grounding plate further reduces the need for additional grounding equipment, simplifying compliance with electrical safety codes.
Certified for Hazardous Areas:
The Elexant 3500i has received industry approvals for use in hazardous locations, making it an ideal choice for explosive or flammable environments found in oil refineries, offshore platforms, and chemical processing facilities. This assures end users that their heat-tracing systems are being managed by a product built for their unique and extreme conditions.
Enhanced User Experience Through Full Connectivity
In the era of digital transformation, control systems are evolving beyond static hardware into interactive, connected platforms. Chemelex has embraced this shift with the Elexant 3500i, giving users unprecedented control and access to data.
Elexant Connect Mobile App:
Operators and technicians can now configure and manage their thermostat systems via a secure Bluetooth connection using the Elexant Connect app. This mobile interface provides an intuitive user experience, allowing settings to be adjusted, diagnostics performed, and firmware updated—all from a safe distance and without interrupting operations.
Integration with DCS Systems:
Using Modbus RTU communication, the Elexant 3500i can be fully integrated with distributed control systems. This means data from the thermostat can be logged, visualized, and analyzed alongside other plant operations, giving facility managers a complete view of system health and performance in real time.
Use Cases Across Industries
The versatility of the Elexant 3500i makes it suitable for a wide range of applications:
1. Oil and Gas
From maintaining flow assurance in pipelines to preventing condensation in tanks, heat tracing is essential. The Elexant 3500i supports safety and compliance with explosion-proof approvals and fault detection.
2. Chemical Processing
Temperature-sensitive reactions and fluid transport depend on precise thermal control. The system’s alarming and integration capabilities ensure that deviations are detected and addressed instantly.
3. Food and Beverage
In environments where sanitation and precise thermal management are key, the Elexant 3500i’s streamlined enclosure options and wireless configuration minimize equipment downtime.
4. Pharmaceuticals
Maintaining consistent temperatures for active ingredients and production processes is critical in pharma. The thermostat’s 24-hour system checks help ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
5. Utilities and Water Treatment
Pipelines and equipment exposed to outdoor conditions require reliable freeze protection. The Elexant 3500i helps maintain system availability regardless of weather conditions.
Future-Proofing Industrial Heat Tracing
Chemelex’s launch of the Raychem Elexant 3500i is not just a product introduction—it is a reflection of broader industry trends toward digitization, modularity, and resilience. As industrial facilities modernize, they require components that support flexibility, offer diagnostic insights, and integrate with broader digital systems.
The Elexant 3500i answers these needs with:
- Scalability for small and large facilities
- Future-ready architecture that supports upgrades and remote operation
- Efficient installation and maintenance that saves cost and time
- Resilience in hazardous and high-demand conditions
