FAQ

What is infrared energy?

Infrared radiation heating is a direct and non contact method for heating objects. Energy is transmitted via electromagnetic radiation. By this method, depending on the absorption factor, the object can absorb up to 91% of the radiated energy, which gets transformed into heat. Normally, full efficiency is achieved within 1-3 seconds. As compared with other methods of heat transfer, space requirements are drastically reduced.

How does infrared benefit my process line?

Many applications are able to achieve faster line speeds, gain a smaller footprint, lower energy consumption, lower maintenance costs and improve product quality.

Are all infrared heat sources the same?

No; variables include response time, uniformity, efficiency, power output, reliability and cost.

What is emissivity?

Emissivity is a measure of how effective an object is with respect to absorbing radiant energy.

How much power will my line need?

The temperature needed determines the watt density.

What voltage and phase are available?

Voltage, phase and wattage are the three components engineers use to calculate the right oven system for you.

How many amps will the heater draw?

Amps =   Watts    for single phase
               Volts

Amps =       Watts          for three phase
             1.732 x Volts

Be sure to consult with a professional in your area who is familiar with your local electrical codes. Most electrical codes will require disconnects and other devices for safety.  

Will increasing the power increase my line speeds?

Maybe. There is a limit to the amount of energy a particular material/object can absorb over a given period of time and that varies for each material. In addition, infrared energy is transmitted in a variety of forms— shortwave, medium wave and long wave. The material you are heating and even the color of the material can influence how susceptible the material is to the various wavelengths of energy. Any heat source emits energy over a range of wavelengths. If the energy is being effectively directed to the product and the transmission is in the wavelength range that works most effectively with the material you are heating, then additional power can actually decrease the speed at which the product is heated. This results because the additional power will shift the wavelength distribution to one that is less effective. It can also have some unwanted side effects including quality problems and higher capital costs. On the other hand, there are cases where more power can speed up a process. But there are other options that can also improve your process in terms of speed, cost and quality. Discuss these options with an engineer.

What is striping?

Striping is the result of uneven heating of a product. In an application where the product being heated is stationary, it is most probably a reflection of the heater being too close to the product. In applications where the product is moving, striping can occur if the heat source is oriented in the direction of movement. Moving the heaters further from the product or rotating the heaters 90 degrees can prevent the problems.

Can you help me run tests?

Yes. Our engineers will work side by side with you. Testing can be done in your plant or here at Anderson Thermal Device’s.

Infrared emitters