Industrial Heating Elements

A fully-comprehensive collection of heating elements

Here at Under Control, we realise that industrial heating elements are used across many different industries – for a wide range of applications. Therefore, when it comes to our online collection, we like to cover all the bases and ensure we have the perfect product to meet your requirements.

Our extensive range can be split into three ‘heating’ categories:

1. Conduction heaters

This is a collection of heating elements that transfer thermal energy via direct contact and include:

• Cartridge heaters
• Strip heaters
• Drum heaters
• Nozzle heaters
• Band heaters
• Ring heaters
• Mica plate heaters
• Silicone heat mats
• Kapton film heaters

2. Convection heaters

We currently stock one ‘convection-based’ heating element. That is the finned strip heater. Essentially, this transfers thermal energy from one place to another through the movement of gas.

3. Radiant heaters

The third type of industrial heating element that we sell is radiant heaters. These transfer thermal energy with the help of electromagnetic waves and include:

• Ceramic emitters
• Quartz elements
• Ceramic infrared bulbs

In each case, a variety of lengths, sizes and wattages are available.

All of our industrial heating elements are manufactured in-house or by a leading industry brand. Therefore, you can expect the highest-grade materials and an exceptional level of quality. Yet, despite this, they’re still available for a fantastic price. We even have a generous multi-buy offer, whereby the more heating elements you buy, the greater the discount you will receive.

Which is the right industrial heating element for me?

This is determined by the nature of your application and why you need the heating element:

To heat liquids

Liquids can either be heated directly from the inside of the vessel/tank or externally from the outside – and the best option for you will depend on the type of liquid you wish to heat.

For example, whilst water can be easily heated from the inside, corrosive liquids should be heated externally. This prevents direct contact between the element and the liquid, and as such, can help to prolong its lifespan. But if external heating isn’t possible, we can also supply industrial heating elements with a unique Teflon sheath or coating (to protect it from potential corrosion).

Oils and viscous liquids can often deteriorate if heated too quickly. Therefore, these should also be heated externally – allowing the vessel to heat first and creating a slower rise in temperature.

To heat solids

If you need to heat a metal object, conduction is typically the recommended method of heat transfer. Cartridge heaters, in particular, tend to offer the best performance. This is because they have a high watt density and enable the surrounding object to absorb the heat quickly and evenly.

For processes that involve the heating of plastic – such as thermoforming and vacuum forming – infrared radiant heaters are typically the best choice. These allow much greater control over the temperature and are an efficient way to soften the plastic sheet and mould it into shape.

Radiant heaters are also used to heat solids for shrink wrapping, drying, cooking, curing and more.

To heat gases

Gas-based systems typically use a series of fans to push air across the heating element surface, and heat this air via the process of convection. As such, finned strip heaters are recommended. These have a large surface area for the gasses to pass over and, therefore, speed up the heating process.

To determine the watt density of the finned heating element, you will need to consider airflow and the temperature required at the measuring point. Several heating points may be necessary (depending on the distance that heat needs to travel) and adequate insulation should be used.

Several other factors must also be considered when choosing an industrial heating element, including the temperature it needs to reach, how much control you require, how long the element will need to be active and the desired voltage. For further information and advice on this matter, be sure to check out our recent blog ‘Which type of heating element do I need?’.

Want to find out more about our industrial heating elements?

You’re welcome to get in touch. Our trained sales engineers have excellent knowledge of the industrial heating elements available – and they’re always happy to answer your questions and advise on the best products for your requirements. Either give us a call on 0121 238 2795 or send an email to info@undercontrol.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.