Cartridge heaters are versatile heaters that can be used for a variety of processes. Their high temperature and high watt density enable them to operate at temperatures up to 1400degF. Fortunately, they are available from stock and can be easily customized to fit your specific needs. These devices can be found in different imperial and metric diameters and lengths. They are also available in various styles. If you’re unsure about the type of heater you need, here are some tips that may help you choose the correct one.
Choose a cartridge heater Manufacturer with a heat transfer coating. Ceramic or stainless steel is best. Ceramic or glass is the best option for heating materials. Both types of materials have different operating temperatures and require special heating methods. The ceramic element is the best choice if you need a constant temperature. If you want to make your own custom cartridge heater, it is possible to select a thermoplastic or non-refractive material. For optimal heat transfer, choose a thermoplastic cartridge heater.
When selecting a cartridge heater, consider the temperature of your application. A higher watt density will mean a higher temperature inside the heater. This will shorten the life of the ceramic elements. The heating coil is made from a metal alloy, typically a nickel-chromium mix (also known as nichrome). It’s wound around a ceramic core. Its number of spirals is dependent on its watt density.
The cartridge heater sheath makes contact with the material that needs to be heated. This sheath is made from several different metal alloys, including 304 and 316 stainless steel. Incoloy 800-grade alloys are the best choice for this application. The heater sheath is sealed against contaminants. If the sheath is too thin, moisture and other impurities may be drawn into it and cause it to malfunction. The sheath is also made from a metal alloy that has a high watt density.
The sheath is made of nichrome or Incoloy. The sheath is made to contain the heating elements inside the cartridge. It is a good idea to avoid using a lead that is electrically conductive. If the lead wires are too thin, they can cause a tripping hazard. However, most people don’t notice this because the sheath is made of plastic. A thermoplastic sheath doesn’t have this effect.
A cartridge heater is usually made of a metal alloy, but can be made out of other metals as well. Often, a ceramic core is used to prevent rust. A nichrome heater can be used in many applications, as they have high-temperature requirements. Depending on the type of fluid, a nichrome cartridge can also be immersed in a fluid to transfer heat. In this case, the sheath is protected from oil or spray.
When choosing a cartridge heater, make sure the lead is anchored tightly. The leads should not be allowed to move around in the process area, as this can cause damage to the insulation. A short lead is preferable to a long one. Ensure the leads are protected from oil and spray. Ideally, a single lead should be less than an inch wide. This will enable them to reach the material they need to heat without any difficulty.
To ensure the longevity of the cartridge heater, it is important to secure the lead wire. There is no need to cut the lead wire because it will not touch the surface of the hole. Moreover, a lead can also be electrically conductive. This leads are also suitable for use in hazardous areas. During installation, make sure the lead is not too long. It should be no more than 1/16-inch long. A large extension leads are more suitable.
During the manufacturing process, the heater has to be protected from the environment. There are many ways to protect the heater from contaminants and moisture. RTV rubber potting and ceramic potting are some of the common options for this protection. The end of the lead wire should be sealed with epoxy to ensure safety. If the heat source is too far away, the lead wire should be separated from the housing. A separate zone should be used for the heating elements.