Heating is one of the most important production processes useful in a wide range of industries. To do this, different electric industrial heaters are useful, with variations in watt densities, designs, and temperature ranges. Cartridge heater with thermocouple are a type of industrial heater used in the metals, plastics, and packaging industries in addition to immersion heating.
These heaters have grown significantly in significance over time and are currently the go-to option for industrial heating procedures. You can learn all you need to know about cartridge heaters, including how they operate, applications, and features, from this blog.
Cartridge Heaters: What are They?
Cartridge heaters, another name for electric cartridge heaters, are cylindrical heating components that have a ceramic core around a heating element. In particular, when compact, insert-type heating is essential, these heaters provide an appropriate and dependable method of applying focused heat at high temperatures. Because of their extended lifespan and trouble-free operation, cartridge heaters are very adaptive.
Heating elements must come into touch with the substance to be heated for the best possible heat transmission. Reduced air gaps from the swaged construction improve efficiency and heat transfer. Low, medium, and high watt densities are all appropriate for cartridge heaters. They have an operational temperature tolerance of up to 700 °C.
The Process of Building
Similar to other industrial heaters, cartridge heaters can adjust with temperature sensors and watt densities that vary depending on the needs of the application. The installation and removal of tiny cartridge heaters are more easier by the fact that these heaters are usually able to be marginally smaller than their nominal diameter.
- High-temperature lead wires for current flow that are composed of silicon rubber or fiberglass and can tolerate temperatures as high as 550°C.
- Heat transmission is facilitated by an evenly wrapped nickel-chromium heating element over a ceramic core.
- Ceramic cap sealed with cement or epoxy to withstand strong vibrations and avoid contamination.
- Magnesium oxide that has been tightly packed offers superior heat conductivity and dielectric strength as insulation.
- Sheath composed of stainless steel or Inconel that offers protection against heat and oxidation conditions.
- End seal to stop the growth of moisture and contaminants.
Operation of the Electric Cartridge Heater
The conduction mechanism of heat transmission is the basis for how these heaters operate. They are of a compressed MgO around the ceramic core, which provides dielectric strength, and a heating element loops over it. The entire structure is then covered with a metal sheet. In the event of a failure, the insulation in the heater keeps the sheath from melting and guarantees that the heating element never comes into touch with it.
Heaters from cartridge heater supplier sources powers these heaters. Lead wires are useful to apply a two- or three-phase voltage so that current may pass through the coil. The heating element heats up as the current flows through the lead wires.