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Cartridge Heaters Features, Applications and Selection

Cartridge Heaters Features, Applications and Selection

A cartridge heater has a cylindrical tube type construction with a metal sheath containing resistive electrical circuit enclosed inside with proper insulation. It is a heating element used in various industrial applications. This type of heater is designed in such a way that the diameter has a standard dimension that can slide into holes of metric drill sizes commonly ranging from 4mm to 20mm. The length may vary from less than an inch to a few feet.

Generally these heaters are used to heat up solids by the phenomenon of conduction. The heater is made to slide into the hole drilled into a mold containing the solid. Uniform heating is a desirable feature of these heaters.

How to select a cartridge heater

Cartridge heaters are commonly used in industrial processes like mold dyeing, sealing bars, platen heating and similar processes. If you are looking for such a heater that suits your requirements, here are a few important things that you should consider:

  • The nature of material to be heated
  • The mass of the material to be heated
  • The maximum watt density for the material
  • The initial temperature
  • The final temperature to be attained
  • Target time in which final temperature is to be attained
  • Available voltage and phase

Once these basic parameters are established, the heater size, type, rating and quantity can be selected. The number of heaters required should be decided so as to provide uniform heating to the material. For accurate temperature control and even heating, the sensor should be placed close to the working area.

As the wattage for the heater is finalized, the wattage density and heater dimensions are to be selected. In some cases, the wattage density reaches above the permissible value. In such case, the dimensions, number of heaters and the heat losses are to be adjusted.

Features of cartridge heaters

Some unique features of these heaters make them desirable for various industrial purposes. These are:

  • These are designed with internal thermo-couples
  • These are available with lead wire options
  • Provided with Flanges and Fittings
  • Great performance in terms of uniformity in heating
  • Durability
  • Available in a number of configurations and constructions as per specific application
  • Corresponds to international performance standards

Applications

Various commercial units make use of these heaters in their everyday processes. Currently, these heaters are being used for following purposes in industries:

  • For packaging
  • Plastic processing plants
  • Heating gases and liquids
  • Hot runner mold
  • Labeling machineries
  • Hot Stamping
  • Dies and molds
  • Food processing machinery
  • Shoe manufacturing machines
  • And many more…

Cartridge heaters manufactured with custom features and specifications are used for specific applications such as heaters with crimped-on leads, swaged-in leads, stainless steel braid, stainless steel armoured cable, right angle fiber glass leads, right angle stainless steel braid, right angle stainless steel armour and many others. From composition to lead angle, every feature of these heaters is customizable making them highly desirable in various industries.

June 1, 2018 / by / in
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Precautions for Safe Use of Immersion Heaters

Immersion heaters, as the name indicates, are electric heaters that work by immersing them into a fluid tank to be heated. These work well for heating water as well as other fluids like oil. The heating element which is in the shape of a rod is made to submerge into the fluid while the upper part containing the electric circuit remains above the fluid surface.

Applications

These types of heaters are very versatile and are used in various appliances such as cooking ovens, pools, aquariums, kitchen equipment and other home appliances. In industries, these heaters are used in various processes such as packaging, material drying, plastic processing, manufacturing, medical equipments and for maintaining temperature in drums and barrels containing temperature sensitive material.

Safety precautions while using Immersion heaters

Besides these versatile heaters find use in a host of industrial applications, there are a few safety precautions that must be followed during their use. Some of these precautions are discussed below:

  • Under all conditions, the level of the fluid to be heated must lie below the maximum permitted level. If the fluid level rises above the safety limit, it may cause a short circuit in the electric circuitry or the drum may overheat causing unexpected situations.
  • These heaters are not to be left unattended. Over-night or long term use of these heaters must be done in the presence of someone who knows how to handle them. If extended use of the heater is needed, heaters with a provision for cut-off and full coverage heaters should be used.
  • Under all circumstances, the controlling part of the heater should be kept dry and free from moisture.
  • Proper grounding of the device must be ensured for safe use. Improper grounding may cause serious safety hazards like electric shock.
  • The electric wiring should be in regulation with the set standards by the authorities.
  • The heater rod should be immersed into the drum or placed inside the area to be heated before plugging into the power source.
  • Anything that can easily catch fire such as hay or grain should never be placed in close vicinity to the rod as it may overheat, catch fire and explode.
  • The drum heater is an indoor use device and should not be used outdoors to avoid spoiling.
  • Direct contact between the drum and the heater rod may cause overheating and melting of the drum. So these should not be touching each other.

Following these measures, safe use of the device will be ensured. Apart from these basic precautions, it is suggested to have a trained person present in the vicinity where the device is being used so that any unforeseen circumstances can be controlled.

Immersion heaters are designed to provide uniform heating to fluids. These have great heating capacity that can be controlled with automatic shut-off feature. The type of termination can be chosen as per the application. While using the device in environments with high humidity, heaters with custom sealed terminals should be preferred.

April 9, 2018 / by / in
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