The world is tuning in to the numerous benefits of industrial heaters and that’s why the market for heat pumps keeps growing at an astronomical rate. In fact, there’s a forecast that the market will grow from $8.7 Billion in 2022 to about $15.88 Billion in 2029.
If you’re still wondering why the market for custom flexible heaters, flexible silicone heaters, and other types of heaters is growing so fast, you might want to check some of the benefits of industrial heaters listed below.
· The ideal flexible heater elements will save operational costs.
· Choosing the proper heaters will also improve your operational efficiency.
· There’ll be higher returns on investment.
· Most importantly, the lifespan of your equipment will be increased.
It is necessary to add the fact that you can only enjoy the benefits listed above if you install the appropriate heaters and also customize them for specific needs.
This article discusses some tips on how to customize your high temperature heaters.
1. Identify the Industrial Needs
Before you purchase and install some custom heaters, you need to identify your specific needs and the dimension of the enclosure that heaters will cover. Besides this, you must find out the ideal temperature range and volume of the area to be heated.
Along with this, chances are you’ll also need to factor in the time or duration required for the heating.
In addition, you may have to marry your choice of high-temperature heaters with potential environmental challenges, if any. Of course, you may lack the experience and expertise to make the best decisions on your heating needs.
2. Consult an Expert
Making the right decisions about your specific heating needs requires the input of an expert in the heating industry. Only a pro will help you choose the most suitable heaters because there are several types and sizes of heaters.
There are silicone rubber heaters, polyester heaters, kapton heaters, high heat heaters, and several other kinds of heaters.
Only an expert knows the pros, cons, and features of every one of them. Based on his knowledge, he’ll help you figure out the best heating options for you. A pro will also help to choose the right type of heater.
Whether it’s steam heaters, infrared heaters, gas-fired heaters, or electric heaters. They are all effective but they have different installation and maintenance costs. And some of them will suit your situation more than others.
3. Choose the Ideal Heating Elements
There are several types of flexible heating elements and non-flexible ones. You need to know all of them and their features before picking the most suitable option among them. To guide your choice, see the major types of heating elements below and their features.
Resistance Heating Elements
These are the most common ones. As their name implies, these are made from materials that possess high electrical resistance. These are typically materials like Kanthal and Nichrome (this is an alloy of chromium and nickel).
These heating elements generate heat from their resistance to electricity. You find these in hair dryers, electric heaters, ovens, and toasters.
Induction Heating Elements
These heating elements use their electromagnetic induction properties to heat materials directly. With them, there’s no need for physical contact. You’ll find these types of elements in industrial heating applications and induction cooktops.
Infrared Heating Elements
These heating elements are designed to emit infrared radiation. This radiation heats target objects without heating the air around them.
One striking feature of Infrared heating elements is their low energy consumption. In fact, most people love them for their high level of energy efficiency. In general, Infrared heating elements are usually found in grills and infrared heaters.
Microwave Heating Elements
As the name implies, this is the type of heating element used by microwave ovens. They penetrate the object they’re heating with the help of microwaves and generate heat via friction.
Gas Heating Elements
These elements generate heat through a combustion process and they transfer the heat through different mediums. Water heaters, gas furnaces, and gas stoves work on this technology.
Other types of heating elements are ceramic and halogen heating elements. Ceramic heating elements are made of ceramic but they generate heat through the heating wires embedded in them. A uniform distribution of heat is their major selling point.
You’ll find ceramic heating elements in industrial furnaces and space heaters.
4. Consider Safety Mechanisms
Remember, safety should always come first. So, your heating application design should have the necessary safety features and measures.
Try to include temperature sensors, pressure reliefs, and an overheat protection facility. In doing this, you’ll need to follow all the necessary safety guidelines. This is another reason to hire a professional in the heating industry.
You need accurate temperature control and that’s why a thermostat may be required in the setting. PID controllers and PLC-based systems can also help with temperature control.
5. Protect Your Heaters
To extend the lifespan of your heating devices and equipment, it is necessary to protect them against dust, harsh environmental conditions, inclement weather, moisture, corrosive gases, and other harmful conditions.
6. Weigh the Pros and Cons of all the Heating Options
You need to compare all the options at your disposal before picking one. Some of them have lower installation costs but higher maintenance costs, while others offer the direct opposite.
So, you need to compare the installation costs of your preferred heating option to the maintenance option. You may also consider their different lifespans. Most importantly, factor in their different levels of energy efficiency.
7. Are Your Heaters Compliant?
Make sure your custom heaters are in line with the relevant compliance standards, rules, and regulations in your region.
You don’t want to face stringent penalties like paying a huge fine or having your business sealed off.
Conclusion
If you have to pick only one of the seven tips discussed above, pick #2 – consult an expert. That’s the most important tip of all. Your chosen heating element expert will guide you on the following options.
Also, don’t base your choice on only low installation costs. Some heaters have low costs of installation but high maintenance costs.
