Industrial Heating Elements

Industrial Heating Elements

Industrial heating elements are used within many industries for process heating. We supply a wide range of heating elements to suit different types of heating; they are conduction, radiation and convection heating.

Heating Liquids

The heating of liquids should carefully considered as there are several ways and types of elements you can consider. The determining factor is by the heating method you want to employ.

You can either heat the liquid directly from the inside of the vessel/tank or externally from the outside. Your choice will depend on the type of fluid to be heated.

If you are heating water, then heating from the inside is usually the best way as this would allow for the best heat transfer/energy release method.

If corrosive liquids are required to be heated, then heating from the outside is the best choice. The element is not in direct contact with the fluid so ensures the element will last as long as possible. We can also supply heating elements with unique Teflon sheath or coating if it is not possible to heat from the outside.

The heating of oils and viscous liquids needs to be considered carefully, first if the liquid has a maximum will deteriorate at high temperatures, external heating is preferred. The vessel is heated first giving a slower and more gentle heat rise. If the liquid is viscous (thick) the heating over a large surface area is required, This allows a greater heat transfer area, giving a better even melt.

Generally thicker the liquid the slower it should be heated, and this is usually from the outside.

Heating Metals & Plastics

When you are required to heat metal object, there are two options, conduction heat transfer or radiant heat.

If the heated object is a metallic material, then it must be heated all the way through. Examples such as the aluminium mould tool die, then conduction heat transfer is best.

Heating elements such as cartridge heaters offer the best performance. Usually, because they can be high watt densities, the surrounding object will quickly absorb the heat. This process is called heat transfer. Correct element spacing is also important to ensure even heating.

Specific processes such as thermoforming and vacuum forming should use infrared radiant heating. The heated object being is usually thin 2-6mm thick. The radiant heat is used to soften the sheet, and then it is formed into its given mould shape using a process called vacuum forming.

Other solid objects that require heating use radiant heating usually to soften the surface such as process lines for shrink wrapping, drying, cooking and curing. The use of infrared lamps or heating elements is the best options. Infrared is preferred where a faster response in temperature control is required.

Heating Gases/Air

Heating of air or gasses is best done using finned heating elements. Finned elements allow for a greater surface area that the air/gasses can flow over to be heated.

Air/gas systems typically use a series of fan systems to push the air across the heating elements surface. Some gasses expand when released and so may not require the function.

The determining factor for heating element watt density is the airflow and the temperature required at the measuring point. Several heating points may be necessary depending on the distance the heat is needed to travel. Adequate insulation should be used to reduce heat losses.

We have a range of finned heating elements suitable for this application