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This page is for gas fired infrared heater
| gas fired infrared heater |
This page is for gas fired infrared heater |
Tel: 01536 525136Fax: 01536 481569infraredheater@rackett.freeserve.co.ukthe homepage is a resource for people looking around for the most efficient gas fired infrared heater . the homepage 's survey of the main gas fired infrared heater sites in the UK shows where you can get the most efficient price and gives you most of the sites you might want to visit for the most easiest to use gas infrared heater . |
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Heat transfer Heat transfer is the process of heat energy flowing from a source at a high temperature to a load at a lower temperature. The three forms of heat transfer are conduction, convection, and radiation (infrared.) Conduction occurs when there is a transfer of heat energy due to a temperature difference within an object or between objects in direct physical contact. Convection is the result of a transfer of heat energy from one object to another via a moving fluid or gas. Radiation heat transfer can occur by infrared, ultraviolet, microwave and radiowaves. Infrared (electromagnetic radiant infrared energy) is the transfer of heat energy via invisible electromagnetic energy waves that can be felt as the warmth from the sun or a downwind fire or other hot object. Electromagnetic Energy Infrared rays are part of the electromagnetic spectrum: Infrared energy travels at the speed of light without heating the air it passes through, (the amount of infrared radiation absorbed by carbon dioxide, water vapor and other particles in the air typically is negligible) and gets absorbed or reflected by objects it strikes. Any object with a surface temperature above absolute zero, - 460 ° F ( -273 °C) will emit infrared radiation. The temperature of the object as well as its physical properties will dictate the radiant efficiency and wavelengths emitted. Infrared radiation can be compared to radio waves, visible light, ultraviolet, microwaves, and x-rays. They are all electromagnetic waves that travel through space at the speed of light. The difference between them is the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. Infrared radiation is measured in microns (mm) and starts at .70 mm and extends to 1000 mm. Although the useful range of wavelengths for infrared heating applications occurs between .70 mm to 10 mm. What Exactly is Infrared Heat? Infrared heating is the transfer of thermal energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. True infrared heat should have one common characteristic: that the transfer of heat is emitted or radiated from the heated object or substance. The source emits radiation at a peak wavelength towards an object. The object can absorb the radiation at some wavelength, reflect radiation at other wavelengths, and re-radiate wavelengths. It is the absorbed radiation that creates the heat within the object. Infrared heating varies by efficiency, wavelength and reflectivity. It is these characteristics that set them apart and make some more effective for certain applications than others. Varying levels of efficiency are possible within IR heating and often depend on the material of the heat source. The basic measure of efficiency lays in the ratio between the energy emitted and the energy absorbed, but other considerations may affect this measurement. One is the emissivity value of the heat source as based on the perfect 'black body" emissivity level of 1.0. Ceramic heaters are capable of 90% or better emissions as opposed to the lower values of other heater substances. The useful range of wavelengths for infrared heating applications fall within the range of 0.7 to 10 microns (mm) on the electromagnetic spectrum and are termed short-wave, medium-wave or long-wave. The medium to long range wavelengths are most advantageous to industrial applications since almost all materials to be heated or dried provide maximum absorption in the 3 to 10 mm region. Energy from an infrared heat source that also emits light (short-wave) will typically emit 80% of its energy around the 1mm wavelength, where as the ceramic infrared heater emits 80% of its energy around the 3 mm wavelength. The emission efficiency of the infrared heating element itself is not enough since they are used within a fixture. The reflectivity of the fixture greatly contributes to the overall efficiency of the heater. Salamander elements are housed within the effective combination of an stainless steel reflector.
Types of Electric Infrared Heaters Some of the types of industrial electric infrared heaters are ceramic elements, quartz tubes and lamps, quartz emitters, flat faced quartz, glass and metal panel heaters. Comparing Infrared HeatersRadiant Efficiency of Various Heating Elements In Search of the "Best" Heater The day has still not arrived when we can manufacture a heater that can do all things. That’s why a knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of all types of heaters is the only way to successfully make choices for specific applications. The four major heat types to be considered are: metal sheath, quartz tube, quartz lamp, and ceramic. Similarities in the above types of heaters are less important than the differences. They are all good heaters, depending on what application they are being used in. It is also important to realize that some applications may benefit most from using a combination of heat types. By having a good knowledge of the differences of the various heat types, and using a simple process of elimination, it can be easy to match the best heater for an application. Using a combination of heaters can be a little more difficult and in considering it, each phase of the process should be evaluated by the same criteria. The following are simple explanations of the most appropriate usage for the four heater types: Metal-sheath elements- are best used for convection heating needs, such as ovens. They are rugged, cost effective for the application, and efficient. For example, metal-sheath elements can be found in every electric household oven. Quartz tubes- are best used for radiant applications that need instant on, instant off, such as heat sensitive materials that may have to linger in a heat source. Quartz lamps- are also instant on and off but made in extremely high watt density. These are effective for high speed production processes. Ceramic elements- are best used for processes requiring an even, gentle heat and where there is a need for zone control. Wavelength and emissivity value of the material being heated are also essential for heater selection. Though emissivity charts should be used with specific formulas to calculate the wavelength requirements, a simple generality is "the hotter the heating element, the shorter the wavelength." The absorption rate of the material would then need to be considered as to which wavelength would be appropriate. Another generality is "the higher the absorption, the longer the wavelength requirement." A more detailed explanation of wavelength and emissivity will be covered in a future newsletter. Properties of Infrared Radiation There are several physical laws that explain the properties of infrared radiation. The first and probably most important of these laws states that there is a positive relationship between radiant efficiency and the temperature of an infrared source. (Radiant efficiency is the percentage of radiant output from a heat source). The proportion of energy transmitted from a heat source by each of the three heat source methods is dependent on the physical and ambient characteristics surrounding the heat source, and in particular the source's temperature. The Stefan-Boltzman Law of Radiation states that as the temperature of a heat source is increased, the radiant output increases to the fourth power of its temperature. The conduction and convection components increase only in direct proportion with the temperature changes. In other words, as the temperature of a heat source is increased, a much greater percentage of the total energy output is converted into radiant energy. The wavelength of infrared radiation is dependent upon the temperature of the heat source. A source temperature of 3600 °F will produce a short-wave of approximately 1mm, while a source temperature of 1000 °F will produce a long-wave of approximately 3.6 mm. The wave-length dramatically impacts the intensity of radiation at the subject. A critical function of the wavelength of infrared radiation is its ability to penetrate an object. The penetration of infrared energy is a function of its wavelength. The higher the temperature the shorter the wavelength. The shorter the wavelength, the greater its penetrating power. For example, a tungsten filament quartz lamp operating at 4000 °F., has a greater ability to penetrate into a product than a nickel chrome filament quartz tube operating at 1800 °F. There are certain advantages gained in industrial processing by using the penetrating capabilities of short-wave infrared. For example, short-wave radiation can be effectively used for faster baking of certain paints since the infrared radiation penetrates into the paint surface and flows out solvents from within. Conventional drying methods can form a paint skin and trap solvents. Some other applications of short-wave infrared include heat shrinking, water dry-off, and preheating of objects prior to further processes. Color sensitivity is another characteristic of infrared radiation that is related to source temperature and wavelength. The general rule is the higher the temperature of the source, the higher the rate of heat absorption of darker colors. For example, water and glass (which are colorless) are virtually transparent to short-wave radiation, but are very strong absorbers of long wave radiation above 2. Another characteristic of infrared that is not dependent upon temperature or wavelength is response time. Sources with heavier mass take longer to heat to the desired temperature. For example, a tungsten filament has a very low mass, and achieves 80% radiant efficiency within microseconds. A coiled nickel chrome filament in a quartz tube acquires 80% of its radiant efficiency in approximately 75 seconds and metal sheathed rods require approximately 3 minutes. The rate of response becomes an important consideration especially when applying infrared to delicate and flammable materials. Infrared radiation is electromagnetic radiation which is generated in a hot source (quartz lamp, quartz tube, or metal rod) by vibration and rotation of molecules. The resulting energy is controlled and directed specifically to and on people or objects. This energy is not absorbed by air, and does not create heat until it is absorbed by an opaque object. The sun is the basic energy source. Energy is projected 93,000,000 miles through space to heat the earth by the infrared process. This infrared energy travels at the speed of light, and converts to heat upon contact with a person, a building, the floor, the ground or any other opaque object. There is, however, no ultraviolet component (suntanning rays) in Electric infrared. Electric infrared energy travels in straight lines from the heat source. This energy is directed into specific patterns by optically designed reflectors, Infrared, like light, travels outward from the heat source, and diffuses as a function of the square of the distance. Intensity, therefore, would decrease in a proportional manner. So, at 20’ from the heat source, intensity of the energy concentration is ¼ the intensity developed at 10’ distance. For comfort heating, there must be reasonably even accumulated values of heat throughout the comfort zone. Proper mounting heights of the individual heaters, fixture spacing, reflector beam patterns, and heat source wattage must be specified to generate the proper heating levels at the task area. The amount of heat delivered is also adjusted by input controllers or by thermostats which respond to surrounding temperature levels and provide ON-OFF or PROPORTIONAL inputs. 1 ) HEATS PEOPLE WITHOUT HEATING AIR Infrared travels through space and is absorbed by people and objects in its path. Infrared is not absorbed by the air. With convection heating the air itself is warmed and circulated ... however, warm air always rises to the highest point of a building. With Infrared heating, the warmth is directed and concentrated at the floor and people level where it is really needed. 2) ZONE CONTROL FLEXIBILITY Infrared heating is not dependent upon air movement like convection heat. Infrared energy is absorbed solely at the area it is directed. Therefore it is possible to divide any area into separate smaller zones and maintain a different comfort level in each zone. For example, Zone A, with a high concentration of people, could be maintained at a 70 degree comfort level while at the same time Zone B. a storage area, could be kept at 55 degrees or even turned off completely. 3) STAGING Another unique control feature of electric infrared that increases comfort conditions and saves energy consumption is staging. Where most systems are either "fully ON" or "fully OFF" the staging feature also allows only a portion of the equipment's total capacity to be used. For example, a two- stage control would work as follows: During the first stage, one heat source in every fixture would be energized. During the second stage, two heat sources in every fixture would be energized. For further control sophistication, a large area can be both zoned and staged. These systems, then, allow a more consistent and uniform means of maintaining a specific comfort level and avoid the "peak & valley" syndrome. 4) REDUCED OPERATING COSTS The previous statements are advantages in themselves; but combined they account for an energy/fuel savings of up to 50 percent. Actual savings will vary from building to building depending on factors such as insulation, ceiling height and type of construction. 5) INSTANT HEAT Electric infrared produces virtually instant heat. There is no need to wait for heat buildup. Turn the heaters on just prior to heating requirements. 6) NEGLIGIBLE MAINTENANCE Electric infrared is strictly a resistance type heat. There are no moving parts or motors to wear out; no air filters or lubrication required. Periodic cleaning of the reflectors and heat source replacement is all that will be required. 7) CLEAN Electric infrared, like other forms of electric heating, is the cleanest method of heating. There are no by-products of combustion as with fossil fuel burning units. Electric infrared adds nothing to the air nor takes anything from it. 8) SAFE UL listed
In electric Infrared heating for ‘Total Area’ heat design, the actual fixture layout parallels closely the approach used in a general lighting system, but without as much permissible latitude. The allowable range of air temperature people accept as "comfortable" is very limited. Deviations of a few degrees from the preferred comfort temperature greatly affect a feeling of being too warm or too cold. For this reason, assumptions or rough approximations of critical factors in an indoor total heating system design must be minimized. In electric infrared heating systems, it is important to know that air temperatures can be lower than temperatures with conventional heating systems, while giving the same degree of comfort to the occupants. The reason is that much of the heating affect on the occupants comes directly from the radiant energy produced by the heating elements. The infrared system also makes the temperature of the floor and surfaces higher than the surrounding air temperature.
The method of transferring and directing the infrared energy to the work level is an important factor in the heating design and will greatly affect the efficiency of the heating system. Reflectors are used to direct the radiant energy from the source to the work area. The higher the efficiency of the reflector, the more radiant energy will be transferred to the work level. The reflector efficiency is influenced by the reflector material, its shape and contour. One method of measuring the efficiency of the material is by the emissivity factor. Emissivity is defined as the ratio of the amount of energy given off by radiation from a perfect black body; and is equal to the rate that material will absorb energy. The lower the emissivity number the less the material will absorb; hence the better the reflectivity of the material. Few materials can be considered for use as reflectors in comfort heating equipment. They must have high reflectivity of infrared energy; resist corrosion, heat, moisture; and be easily cleaned. Aluminum is a common reflector material and must be anodized to provide suitable reflectivity and withstand the heat levels present in an infrared heater. Gold anodized aluminum is best suited as a reflector material when the combined factors of cost, workability and weight are considered. Dirt will accumulate ON the surface and not IN the chemical composition with the gold. Within the infrared energy portion of the spectrum, clear anodized aluminum reflectors achieve approximately 92 percent reflectivity. The most highly efficient reflector readily available is a specular gold plate material, which is rarely used due to the prohibitive cost of gold. Fostoria uses gold anodized aluminum for reflectors and end caps in their electric infrared heating equipment to provide the highest economical reflectivity and durability. The beam pattern created by the reflector must be emphasized in the heating design. First the reflector must create a straight vertical line from the heat source to the work area. This is the pattern centerline. Secondly, the reflector will converge or concentrate the energy into a choice of wide, medium or narrow patterns. In the electric infrared comfort heat industry, reflectors are also designed for asymmetric, symmetric and offset patterns as show below. the homepage 's survey of the main gas fired infrared heater sites in the UK shows where you can get the most efficient price and gives you most of the sites you might want to visit for the most easiest to use gas infrared heater . |
the homepage is a website to help you find a gas fired infrared heater . |
Heat transfer Heat transfer is the process of heat energy flowing from a source at a high temperature to a load at a lower temperature. The three forms of heat transfer are conduction, convection, and radiation (infrared.) Conduction occurs when there is a transfer of heat energy due to a temperature difference within an object or between objects in direct physical contact. Convection is the result of a transfer of heat energy from one object to another via a moving fluid or gas. Radiation heat transfer can occur by infrared, ultraviolet, microwave and radiowaves. Infrared (electromagnetic radiant infrared energy) is the transfer of heat energy via invisible electromagnetic energy waves that can be felt as the warmth from the sun or a downwind fire or other hot object. Electromagnetic Energy Infrared rays are part of the electromagnetic spectrum:
Infrared energy travels at the speed of light without heating the air it passes through, (the amount of infrared radiation absorbed by carbon dioxide, water vapor and other particles in the air typically is negligible) and gets absorbed or reflected by objects it strikes. Any object with a surface temperature above absolute zero, - 460 ° F ( -273 °C) will emit infrared radiation. The temperature of the object as well as its physical properties will dictate the radiant efficiency and wavelengths emitted. Infrared radiation can be compared to radio waves, visible light, ultraviolet, microwaves, and x-rays. They are all electromagnetic waves that travel through space at the speed of light. The difference between them is the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. Infrared radiation is measured in microns (mm) and starts at .70 mm and extends to 1000 mm. Although the useful range of wavelengths for infrared heating applications occurs between .70 mm to 10 mm.
What Exactly is Infrared Heat? Infrared heating is the transfer of thermal energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. True infrared heat should have one common characteristic: that the transfer of heat is emitted or radiated from the heated object or substance. The source emits radiation at a peak wavelength towards an object. The object can absorb the radiation at some wavelength, reflect radiation at other wavelengths, and re-radiate wavelengths. It is the absorbed radiation that creates the heat within the object.
Infrared heating varies by efficiency, wavelength and reflectivity. It is these characteristics that set them apart and make some more effective for certain applications than others. Varying levels of efficiency are possible within IR heating and often depend on the material of the heat source. The basic measure of efficiency lays in the ratio between the energy emitted and the energy absorbed, but other considerations may affect this measurement. One is the emissivity value of the heat source as based on the perfect 'black body" emissivity level of 1.0. Ceramic heaters are capable of 90% or better emissions as opposed to the lower values of other heater substances.
The useful range of wavelengths for infrared heating applications fall within the range of 0.7 to 10 microns (mm) on the electromagnetic spectrum and are termed short-wave, medium-wave or long-wave. The medium to long range wavelengths are most advantageous to industrial applications since almost all materials to be heated or dried provide maximum absorption in the 3 to 10 mm region. Energy from an infrared heat source that also emits light (short-wave) will typically emit 80% of its energy around the 1mm wavelength, where as the ceramic infrared heater emits 80% of its energy around the 3 mm wavelength.
The emission efficiency of the infrared heating element itself is not enough since they are used within a fixture. The reflectivity of the fixture greatly contributes to the overall efficiency of the heater. Salamander elements are housed within the effective combination of an stainless steel reflector.
Types of Electric Infrared Heaters Some of the types of industrial electric infrared heaters are ceramic elements, quartz tubes and lamps, quartz emitters, flat faced quartz, glass and metal panel heaters.
Comparing Infrared HeatersRadiant Efficiency of Various Heating Elements
Ceramic Heaters are the highest at 96% efficient in converting electricity into
infrared heat. When comparing all the different types of heaters on efficiency,
life expectancy, zoning ability and other factors, ceramic elements and quartz
tubes are the preferred heaters, especially for complex sheet-fed thermoforming
applications. Metal sheathed tubulars have a low initial cost but rate low in
all areas except durability.
In Search of the "Best" Heater The day has still not arrived when we can manufacture a heater that can do all things. That’s why a knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of all types of heaters is the only way to successfully make choices for specific applications. The four major heat types to be considered are: metal sheath, quartz tube, quartz lamp, and ceramic.
Similarities in the above types of heaters are less important than the differences. They are all good heaters, depending on what application they are being used in. It is also important to realize that some applications may benefit most from using a combination of heat types. By having a good knowledge of the differences of the various heat types, and using a simple process of elimination, it can be easy to match the best heater for an application. Using a combination of heaters can be a little more difficult and in considering it, each phase of the process should be evaluated by the same criteria.
The following are simple explanations of the most appropriate usage for the four heater types: Metal-sheath elements- are best used for convection heating needs, such as ovens. They are rugged, cost effective for the application, and efficient. For example, metal-sheath elements can be found in every electric household oven.
Quartz tubes- are best used for radiant applications that need instant on, instant off, such as heat sensitive materials that may have to linger in a heat source.
Quartz lamps- are also instant on and off but made in extremely high watt density. These are effective for high speed production processes.
Ceramic elements- are best used for processes requiring an even, gentle heat and where there is a need for zone control.
Wavelength and emissivity value of the material being heated are also essential for heater selection. Though emissivity charts should be used with specific formulas to calculate the wavelength requirements, a simple generality is "the hotter the heating element, the shorter the wavelength." The absorption rate of the material would then need to be considered as to which wavelength would be appropriate. Another generality is "the higher the absorption, the longer the wavelength requirement." A more detailed explanation of wavelength and emissivity will be covered in a future newsletter.
Properties of Infrared Radiation
There are several physical laws that explain the properties of infrared radiation. The first and probably most important of these laws states that there is a positive relationship between radiant efficiency and the temperature of an infrared source. (Radiant efficiency is the percentage of radiant output from a heat source).
The proportion of energy transmitted from a heat source by each of the three heat source methods is dependent on the physical and ambient characteristics surrounding the heat source, and in particular the source's temperature.
The Stefan-Boltzman Law of Radiation states that as the temperature of a heat source is increased, the radiant output increases to the fourth power of its temperature. The conduction and convection components increase only in direct proportion with the temperature changes. In other words, as the temperature of a heat source is increased, a much greater percentage of the total energy output is converted into radiant energy.
The wavelength of infrared radiation is dependent upon the temperature of the heat source. A source temperature of 3600 °F will produce a short-wave of approximately 1mm, while a source temperature of 1000 °F will produce a long-wave of approximately 3.6 mm. The wave-length dramatically impacts the intensity of radiation at the subject.
A critical function of the wavelength of infrared radiation is its ability to penetrate an object.
The penetration of infrared energy is a function of its wavelength. The higher the temperature the shorter the wavelength. The shorter the wavelength, the greater its penetrating power. For example, a tungsten filament quartz lamp operating at 4000 °F., has a greater ability to penetrate into a product than a nickel chrome filament quartz tube operating at 1800 °F.
There are certain advantages gained in industrial processing by using the penetrating capabilities of short-wave infrared. For example, short-wave radiation can be effectively used for faster baking of certain paints since the infrared radiation penetrates into the paint surface and flows out solvents from within. Conventional drying methods can form a paint skin and trap solvents. Some other applications of short-wave infrared include heat shrinking, water dry-off, and preheating of objects prior to further processes.
Color sensitivity is another characteristic of infrared radiation that is related to source temperature and wavelength.
The general rule is the higher the temperature of the source, the higher the rate of heat absorption of darker colors. For example, water and glass (which are colorless) are virtually transparent to short-wave radiation, but are very strong absorbers of long wave radiation above 2.
Another characteristic of infrared that is not dependent upon temperature or wavelength is response time. Sources with heavier mass take longer to heat to the desired temperature. For example, a tungsten filament has a very low mass, and achieves 80% radiant efficiency within microseconds. A coiled nickel chrome filament in a quartz tube acquires 80% of its radiant efficiency in approximately 75 seconds and metal sheathed rods require approximately 3 minutes.
The rate of response becomes an important consideration especially when applying infrared to delicate and flammable materials.
Infrared radiation is electromagnetic radiation which is generated in a hot source (quartz lamp, quartz tube, or metal rod) by vibration and rotation of molecules. The resulting energy is controlled and directed specifically to and on people or objects. This energy is not absorbed by air, and does not create heat until it is absorbed by an opaque object.
The sun is the basic energy source. Energy is projected 93,000,000 miles through space to heat the earth by the infrared process. This infrared energy travels at the speed of light, and converts to heat upon contact with a person, a building, the floor, the ground or any other opaque object. There is, however, no ultraviolet component (suntanning rays) in Electric infrared.
Electric infrared energy travels in straight lines from the heat source. This energy is directed into specific patterns by optically designed reflectors, Infrared, like light, travels outward from the heat source, and diffuses as a function of the square of the distance. Intensity, therefore, would decrease in a proportional manner. So, at 20’ from the heat source, intensity of the energy concentration is ¼ the intensity developed at 10’ distance.
For comfort heating, there must be reasonably even accumulated values of heat throughout the comfort zone. Proper mounting heights of the individual heaters, fixture spacing, reflector beam patterns, and heat source wattage must be specified to generate the proper heating levels at the task area. The amount of heat delivered is also adjusted by input controllers or by thermostats which respond to surrounding temperature levels and provide ON-OFF or PROPORTIONAL inputs.
1 ) HEATS PEOPLE WITHOUT HEATING AIR Infrared travels through space and is absorbed by people and objects in its path. Infrared is not absorbed by the air. With convection heating the air itself is warmed and circulated ... however, warm air always rises to the highest point of a building. With Infrared heating, the warmth is directed and concentrated at the floor and people level where it is really needed.
2) ZONE CONTROL FLEXIBILITY Infrared heating is not dependent upon air movement like convection heat. Infrared energy is absorbed solely at the area it is directed. Therefore it is possible to divide any area into separate smaller zones and maintain a different comfort level in each zone. For example, Zone A, with a high concentration of people, could be maintained at a 70 degree comfort level while at the same time Zone B. a storage area, could be kept at 55 degrees or even turned off completely.
3) STAGING Another unique control feature of electric infrared that increases comfort conditions and saves energy consumption is staging. Where most systems are either "fully ON" or "fully OFF" the staging feature also allows only a portion of the equipment's total capacity to be used. For example, a two- stage control would work as follows: During the first stage, one heat source in every fixture would be energized. During the second stage, two heat sources in every fixture would be energized. For further control sophistication, a large area can be both zoned and staged. These systems, then, allow a more consistent and uniform means of maintaining a specific comfort level and avoid the "peak & valley" syndrome.
4) REDUCED OPERATING COSTS The previous statements are advantages in themselves; but combined they account for an energy/fuel savings of up to 50 percent. Actual savings will vary from building to building depending on factors such as insulation, ceiling height and type of construction.
5) INSTANT HEAT Electric infrared produces virtually instant heat. There is no need to wait for heat buildup. Turn the heaters on just prior to heating requirements.
6) NEGLIGIBLE MAINTENANCE Electric infrared is strictly a resistance type heat. There are no moving parts or motors to wear out; no air filters or lubrication required. Periodic cleaning of the reflectors and heat source replacement is all that will be required.
7) CLEAN Electric infrared, like other forms of electric heating, is the cleanest method of heating. There are no by-products of combustion as with fossil fuel burning units. Electric infrared adds nothing to the air nor takes anything from it.
8) SAFE UL listed
No open flame
No moving parts to malfunction
No fuel lines to leak
No toxic by-products of combustion
9) EFFICIENT All Electric Heaters convert energy to heat at 100% efficiency.
In electric Infrared heating for ‘Total Area’ heat design, the actual fixture layout parallels closely the approach used in a general lighting system, but without as much permissible latitude. The allowable range of air temperature people accept as "comfortable" is very limited. Deviations of a few degrees from the preferred comfort temperature greatly affect a feeling of being too warm or too cold. For this reason, assumptions or rough approximations of critical factors in an indoor total heating system design must be minimized.
In electric infrared heating systems, it is important to know that air temperatures can be lower than temperatures with conventional heating systems, while giving the same degree of comfort to the occupants. The reason is that much of the heating affect on the occupants comes directly from the radiant energy produced by the heating elements. The infrared system also makes the temperature of the floor and surfaces higher than the surrounding air temperature.
The function of an electric infrared ‘Total Area’ heating system is
to supply the right amount of heating where needed to maintain a constant desired
comfort level. An effective heating system brings the room surfaces and air
up to temperature and holds them constant despite changes in outside air temperature
or variations in heat losses. If the infrared equipment is carefully selected
and properly installed (to project heat downward in a uniform distribution pattern
over the floor area), excellent ‘Total Area’ heating efficiency can
be expected.
The method of transferring and directing the infrared energy to the work level is an important factor in the heating design and will greatly affect the efficiency of the heating system.
Reflectors are used to direct the radiant energy from the source to the work area. The higher the efficiency of the reflector, the more radiant energy will be transferred to the work level. The reflector efficiency is influenced by the reflector material, its shape and contour.
One method of measuring the efficiency of the material is by the emissivity factor. Emissivity is defined as the ratio of the amount of energy given off by radiation from a perfect black body; and is equal to the rate that material will absorb energy. The lower the emissivity number the less the material will absorb; hence the better the reflectivity of the material.
We custom fabricate infrared heating panels with ceramic heaters. While manufacturing ceramic infrared heaters is a constant part of our business routine, adapting the heaters, either by configuration or by physically creating custom products with the ceramic medium to unlimited known and unknown applications, is what Infrared Internationale and its representative agents and distributors do best. We pledge never to remain satisfied with the status quo when improvements are needed and challenges continuously presented. Our product is manufactured based on the specifications of our customers needs. It is you who determines the effectiveness of our product and advancing technology which dictates our progress and direction.
Our engineering services are available and we welcome and encourage you to consult with us in helping you to create the perfect solution for your infrared heating needs. We can typically provide conceptual drawings and quotes on a custom infrared emitter or panel within days of a customer request. All information received from a distributor or the distributor's customer will be kept strictly confidential.
The versatility and flexibility of the ceramic medium and subsequent infrared products allow for their adaptability to countless applications. Infrared Internationale, through its representative agents and distributors, provide engineering, laboratory testing, custom fabrication, and system design.
What is the optimum distance from the ceramic heater source to the load?Answer:
The source should be as close as practically possible to the load. However,
the source should be far enough away from the load so that the infrared radiant
pattern from each emitter (in a panel) will overlap each other. Some materials
are very heat sensitive and if the radiant patterns of the heat source do not
overlap at the load, "striping" can occur. The distance from the source
to the load is dependent on the spacing between emitters. emitters that are
spaced 1" apart would require a distance to the load of 8" to achieve
even heating of the load.
What are the radiant emission patterns of ceramic emitters?Answer: The question
often arises about the different shapes of ceramic heaters. Ceramic heaters
are manufactured with three basic emitter faces: convex, concave as in the,
and flat.These different shapes create three different emission patterns. Radiant
energy is emitted from all objects at different levels of intensity. This energy
comes off all surfaces at true right angles. The convex shape gives off a "wide
area" pattern which is desired in comfort heating or other applications
that require dispersed heating. A concave surface will emit a "concentrated"
pattern which is highly effective when zone heating is desired as well as radiant
heating in general. The flat surface will produce a "uniform" pattern
for even heating at a close proximity between the emitter and the material to
be heated. Examples of this are sheets of plastic or curing of surfaces. When
dealing with new applications the emission pattern needed is usually easily
determined, but in retrofit applications elements should not simply be replaced
without questioning whether there has been a change in application. Can ceramic
infrared heaters be used to heat metals?Answer: If you apply infrared radiation
to a polished metal surface, almost all of the incident infrared radiation will
be reflected from the metal surface. In this condition the metal will never
come up to the temperature required. The only way to effectively heat metals
using infrared radiation is to increase the emissivity of the metal surface.
Painting the surface of the metal will increase its surface emissivity value
to 90%. Now the paint will absorb 90% of the incident infrared radiation and
will transfer this heat to the metal via conduction.
How can you tell if a Salamander ceramic emitter is working? Answer: This heat transfer will turn black when the emitter is "on". When the emitter is "off" this heat transfer will return to its original red color.
What type of controls are required to control the temperature of the ceramic emitters?Answer: Since the ceramic emitters are relatively slow responding ( 8 minute warm-up time required to achieve operating temperature ) closed loop control with an inexpensive proportional control and contactor will control the heaters typically between +/- 2 ° F. Percentage timers and SCR power controls can also be used very effectively.
A lot has been said about the zoning capability of ceramic heaters. In fact, zone control is one of the biggest advantages to using ceramic elements over other forms of infrared heaters. Control products are available, and many are stocked at Mor Electric, and can be purchased along with the ceramic elements as well as other accessory products needed to create a "system".
The control of ceramic emitters can be one of two types: non-feedback or feedback. It is important to be able to differentiate between these two control systems in order to best advise your customers on the products available to them.
Non-feedback can control the temperature by two different methods. The first controls by time using a percentage-on/percentage-off duty cycle. When the timer is set for the on/off time cycle, the overall temperature of the emitter will stabilize. This can be done with either a mechanical timer or with a computer control.
The second method of non-feedback is through voltage control. In this application, a manual potentiometer control, or computerized control regulates the amount of voltage the emitters are receiving, thus controlling the temperature.
With Feedback control, a thermocouple is used to either measure the temperature of the element’s coil or, more accurately, the surface temperature of the element. A type K thermocouple is most universally used because of its 0-2000° F. temperature range and because it is able to be cast into the emitter where it measures the actual internal element temperature. If a Type J thermocouple is desired, in the case of low temperature applications, it must be potted into the element after firing, resulting in the measurement of the center of the emitter which is not as accurate. Infrared Internationale is also the only manufacturer to provide an interchangeable thermocouple in Type J or K. When inserted into a requested thermocouple well, it too will accurately measure surface temperature.
A feedback signal can also be created with a non contact infrared sensor that can sense the emitters or product temperature.
As the temperature of the element changes, the thermocouple creates a millivoltage which is sent back to a temperature controller. The controller then converts the millivoltage into a temperature reading. There are varying ranges of temperature controllers available from a simple on/off, non-indicating controller to a sophisticated digital PID control with ramp soak programming, smart tuning, etc.
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