Radiant Infrared Heaters
Big Chief can approach Infrared Heating applications with a wider choice of heat sources than most manufacturers or suppliers. Operating in the medium-wave length range, energy produced by Big Chief infrared heat products can be used for virtually any heating, drying and curing process. Temperatures can be accurately controlled and matched to the ideal absorption characteristics of the material being heated. Much information is presented in the Engineering and Technical Section on how to apply infrared heat. Big Chief has vast experience and can provide extensive assistance in designing a new, or retrofitting an existing infrared heating system.
Big Chief Infrared Heaters are used in many industrial and commercial applications, such as:
 Paint Drying
Vacuum Forming
Thermoforming
Preheating or Vulcanizing Rubber
Laminating
Plastic Welding
Preheating Welding Seams
Resin Curing
Shrink Packaging
Heat Set Synthetic Fibers and Fabric
Paper Pulp Drying
Powder Coating
Adhesive Activation
Thermography |
Print Drying
Semiconductor Wafer Preheating and Drying
Drying of Glazing on Ceramic Tiles
Spot Comfort Heating
Environmental Chambers
Sterilizing
Embossing
Food Service Equipment
Water and Solvent Evaporation
Tempering Layered Glass
Leather Production
Baking and Browning Food Products
Incubators |
FP Flat Panel Infrared Heaters
 FP Flat Panel Infrared Heaters are very efficient infrared heat sources in that as much as 80% of the applied energy is converted into radiant energy. Typical ratings are 10-15 watts per square inch. The FP Flat Panel Infrared Heater’s advantage versus radiant elements such as quartz tube, metal sheath tubular and ceramic is the complete, wide area, uniform coverage provided. A broad range of standard sizes and ratings can form the modular base of a radiant heating system. Custom sizes and ratings can also be designed for special or unique applications. The standard material, Quartz Cloth, a cleanable Black Glass and extra-durable Stainless Steel emitter surfaces are available. Because of the rugged construction, FP Infrared Heaters are resistant to shock and vibration. No reflectors are required, eliminating maintenance requirements. Without insulation, the overall thickness is 1-1/2″ – with insulation, 3″. Thermowells can be installed near the surface for precise control of the sheath temperature. By controlling the sheath temperature, the wavelength can be matched to the specific absorption characteristics of the material being heated. |
Specifications:
Quartz Cloth, Black High Temperature Glass or Stainless Steel Emitter Surfaces.
Quartz Cloth and Stainless Steel surfaces have a black, high emissivity coating.
Stainless Steel Frame for continuous high temperature operation.
Minimum Frame dimensions allow little interruption in the radiant heat pattern
 when two or more panels are mounted together. 5/16″ of frame overlaps the
emitter’s surface.
Refractory Board with Channels for mounting Resistance Helix.
1-1/2″ is standard thickness; 3″ thick units include High Temperature Insulation.
1/4-20 x 1″ long Stainless Steel Screw Terminals. Standard position of terminals
depend on rating of heater. Terminal enclosure available.
10-32 Mounting Studs located in the corners and along the edge as required or
as specified.
Minimum Width – 4″; Maximum width – 24″.
Minimum Length – 6″: Maximum length – 48″.
Standard 5″ long, .24″ I.D. quartz tube thermowell installed from the side slightly
off center of the panel. Special thermowells can be supplied.
Type K Thermocouple to monitor or control emitter surface temperature –
ordered separately. |
Average Emitter Surface Temperatures:
| Watts/Square Inch |
Quartz Cloth Surface |
Glass Surface |
Stainless Steel Surface |
| 10 |
1100°F (593°C) |
1000°F (538°C) |
1200°F (649°C) |
| 15 |
1400°F (760°C) |
1200°F (649°C) |
1400°F (760°C) |
| 20 |
1650°F (900°C) |
1300°F (704°C) |
1600°F (872°C) |
| 25 |
1800°F (983°C) |
— |
— |
| An FP Panel Heater, positioned vertically, is energized in 70°F (21°C) ambient air. A Type K thermocouple is installed in a thermowell in the standard position next to the resistance element. A temperature control used in conjunction with the sensor and a solid state output will maintain the constant temperature required for the maximum radiant energy transfer to the process. This will also compensate for ambient temperature changes and voltage fluctuations. |
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Black Body Ceramic Infrared Heaters
 |
An efficient heat source for many industrial and commercial applications, the Black Body and Chameleon Ceramic Infrared Heater is available in an array of sizes and modules. Underwriter’s Laboratories component recognition is available on many of the items shown. Parabolic or flat profiles, square, rectangular or round shapes, mounted in housings or panels, Black Body and Chameleon Ceramic Heaters can easily be installed and arranged to produce heat patterns limited only by the imagination of the designer. |
Efficiently emits radiant energy
Corrosion and oxidation resistant
Peak energy wave length of 3-5 microns
Modular panels available
Modules and panels can be zoned
Virtually no maintenance required |
Up to 10,000 hours operating life
Available with type J or type K thermocouple
6 inch ceramic bead insulated leads
Wattage tolerance +/-5%
Chameleon color changes from yellow to
brown when processing temperatures are reached |
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Specifications
Wattage-Surface Temperature Chart
|
| Wattage |
1000 |
650 |
400 |
500 |
325 |
| Average Surface Temperature |
750°C 1380°F |
630°C 1165°F |
510°C 950°F |
750°C 1380°F |
630°C 1165°F |
| Maximum Allowable Surface Temperature |
800°C 1470°F |
700°C 1290°F |
565°C 1050°F |
800°C 1470°F |
700°C 1290°F |
| Peak Wave Length (m) |
2.9 |
3.2 |
3.7 |
2.9 |
3.2 |
 |
The maximum efficiency of the Black Body Ceramic Infrared Heater converts almost every watt of applied energy into radiant energy. Convection losses are minimal. Sheath temperatures can be controlled and the process can be zoned with a built-in thermocouple. The wavelength can be matched to specific absorption characteristics of the material being heated. Heat losses and changes in process requirements can also be compensated for. |
| Wattage |
Voltage |
X |
| 1000 |
220/230 |
9-5/8″ |
| 1000 |
480 |
9-5/8″ |
| 650 |
220/230 |
9-5/8″ |
| 650 |
120 |
9-5/8″ |
| 650 |
480 |
9-5/8″ |
| 400 |
220/230 |
9-5/8″ |
| 500 |
220/230 |
4-3/4″ |
| 325 |
220/230 |
4-3/4″ |
| 200 |
120 |
2-3/8″ |
* Flat Profile |
 |
EL Square Element with Flat Profile
 |
Black Body Ceramic Infrared Heater with Holes
5/16″ (8mm) holes throughout surface is practical for radiant heating applications with cooling requirements or where a 8-7/8″ x 12-1/8″ (225mm x 308mm) combination radiant/convective heat source is needed. Air blown through the surface would provide cooling or convection heat transfer. 4″ ceramic insulated lead wires are provided. The standard rating is 1500W, 240V, at 14 watts/square inch. |
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Housings
Housings for “A” Series Elements
| Housings are for one or combinations of A-1 Series Black Body Ceramic Heaters. Other lengths and combinations are available – consult factory.
Housings include mounting bolts, reflectors, ceramic terminal blocks and pre-wired insulated bus. |
A
(Length) |
Mounting Bolt
Center/Center |
| 10″ |
8-1/2″ |
| 19-7/8″ |
18-3/8″ |
| 29-3/4″ |
28-1/4″ |
| 39-1/2″ |
38″ |
| 49-3/8″ |
47-7/8″ |
|
Typical Installations
D-1-500 Round Element with Flat Profile
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