The efficiency of infrared heaters in an industrial process depends on matching the emission wavelength of the heater lamp to the absorption spectrum of the material to be heated. For example, the peak absorption of water is around 3000 nm. Thus, medium-wave and carbon (CIR) infrared heaters are best suited for heating water and drying water-based coatings. The peak emission of these infrared heaters falls in the same area as the absorption peak of the water.
Another differentiation between heater types is the intensity, usally measured in W/cm (heater length) or W/cm2 (heated area). Due to the higher filament temperature, the radiation intensity of short-wave and halogen heaters tends to be higher than that of medium-wave infrared heaters.
When chosing an infrared heater or an infraed heating system for an industrial process, wavelength and power density are amongst the key parameters to be considered.
Spectral radiation distribution measured at same electrical power of infrared heater
Infrared heaters from Heraeus
