Infrared technology
- Focus heat exactly where it’s needed
- Heat quickly and precisely controllable
- efficient use of energy
- Contactless in-process heating
- Very short heat-up and cooling-off periods
- Easy integration into existing production facilities
Because the thermal energy is transferred by electromagnetic radiation, infrared heating processes achieve a high operating efficiency. The irradiated object absorbs the infrared radiation and transforms it into heat.
Besides being considerably faster, the IR method allows for more efficient energy use compared to circulating air ovens. The power output of infrared emitters can be regulated faster and more precisely, which means superior heating possibilities especially with varying material thickness of the objects to be heated. Beside our regular range of systems, we also offer complete solutions custom-built for your needs.
Infrared modules
Optron® infrared modules are compact, short wave or medium wave emitter units with a high performance in industrial drying processes. An integrated fan keeps the casing temperature at an optimal level. The emitters are designed to be easily mounted and combined to create any possible emitter field.
The deciding factors in process optimization in the area of infrared heat are the positioning and the selection of the heating elements. Depending on the application as well as the length of the cycle and the material to be heated, one would either use short wave emitters with high performance output or middle wave IR emitters. More about wave lenght you will find in "spectral engergy distribution" below
Especially at drying processes the constructive buildup of the IR module offers an additional important advantage. Through the light and pointed front-sided air turbulence over the whole module width, the drying process will additional accelerated by the removal of the arising solvents.
To be used as a single module or in a large array of multiple modules, all of them are fan-cooled and ready for use 24/7. All variants (up to 2.14 m length) in different power classes are in-stock products.
We will gladly assist you with our expertise and conduct tests to find the optimal solution for your needs at our company headquarters in Hanover-Garbsen.
Infrared emitters
Also referred to as radiator, lamp or bulb our high-class infrared emitters are the base of each Optron® module.
We offer a wide range of different lengths, power, construction form and wavelength, many of them in-stock products. In case you can't find a fitting emitter in our standard portfolio, we build your own custom-made emitter in short lead times.
Compared to middle or long wave emitters, short wave technology offers clear advantages, for example in lacquer-drying and plastic treatment. The shortwave energy penetrates the lacquer coating and dries it from the inside. This means being able to work with higher performance output without having to risk bubble formation- which results in a shorter drying time.
Optron® Quality starts at emitter production exclusively in Germany and Europe. The final assembly line of our modules (modular housings) is located in Hanover-Garbsen only. All Optron® products like emitters, modules and power controller are 100 % quality checked at all time.
Spectral energy distribution of various Optron® IR emitters
The IR-modules can be equipped with various IR-emitters of our product line.
The peak wavelength of Optron® shortwave IR-emitters is around 1.2µm. This spectral region has proven perfectly suited for heating solid materials, because the IR energy penetrates deep into the material and ensures an even distribution of heat. E.g. at the drying of lacquer can be processed with high power without having risk of bubble formation – which results in a shorter drying time. The shortwave IR-emitters have the fastest response time. Therefore they are suitable for fast control action.
The peak wavelength of Optron® NIR-emitters is around 0.98µm with the advantage of max. penetration and high emittance. A special cooling system is necessary to ensure the maximum lifetime of the emitters. These emitters were used for hardest application with highest power density.
The peak wavelength of Optron® fast medium wave emitters is around 1.6µm. The advantage is a higher energy absorption of partly or total transparent materials. The depth of penetration is less in comparison with shortwave IR-emitters.
The peak wavelength of Optron® fast medium wave type C emitters is around 2µm. The performance of this irradiation is more effective on most plastics and aqueous solutions than shortwave irradiation. But with decreasing depth of penetration. Response time is approx. 2 seconds. The fast medium wave type C emitters are a new development and replace the previous carbon emitters.
The peak wavelength of Optron® medium wave IR-emitters is around 2.6µm. Medium wave IR-emitters are favoured for heating of plastics or aqueous solutions because energy with this wavelength is better absorbed.
Irradiation distance single emitter / IRD module
Regarding the energy irradiation of an IR emitter in axial direction appeared an almost homogenous irradiation at short distances (see diagram). At longer distances, the IR energy will be reduced at the fringes. Shorter irradiation distances will also raise the efficiency due to reduced reflection losses.
The graphic with opening angle of a single emitter is highly approximated. If shows our IRE 380L with ceramic reflector. The intensity decreases exponentially with higher distances.
Irradiation distance IRE module
For a smooth area drying the IR irradiation has to hit the surface most homogeneous. This is realized at irradiation distances from 40 to 60 cm. At this distance the usual characteristic loss of power at the emitter fringes is widely compensated by the arrangement of several single emitters in a line (see diagram).
Apposition of IR-Modules
Shortwave IR-emitters are normally bar-shaped radiation sources with relative small filament surfaces and high power density. The energy allocation off the target area can easily reached by changing the irradiation distance. By using several IR-modules an almost homogeneous irradiation area in every size can be build up.
IR-Emitter Lifetime
The average lifetime of our IR-emitters wave length short, fast medium and fast medium type C is 5000 hours.
The following operating conditions have to be observed to reach this lifetime:
- Operate the IR-emitters only with the stated nominal voltage.
- Do not drop, hit or stress infrared emitters with excessive force or vibration.
- Operate at vibration-free conditions.
- Keep the sealing part (at the ends, where the glass tube is pinched.) as cool as possible (max. 350°C) to avoid a loss of electrical conductivity caused by molybdenum foil oxidation.
- The surface temperature of the IR-emitters shouldn’t exceed 900°C for emitters with ceramics reflectors and 450°C for emitters with gold reflector else the reflector coating peel away.
- Assemble in the stated installation position (horizontal or universal).
- Do not use infrared heater lamp(s) under water, high humidity or corrosive environment.
- In order to keep the quartz tube in good condition, do not handle infrared emitter tubes with bare hands.
- Don’t exceed the max. ambient temperature for the connection wires.
- Avoid frequently switching on from cooled down conditions. Use soft start or let the IR-emitter go on heating with less power at work stoppage.
- Right assembly as described in the following chapters for the different emitter types.
For an optimised cooling the IR-emitters in our IR-modules are mounted on a secondary perforated and polished aluminium reflector.
The active ventilation system of our IR-modules assures a low case temperature and a long lifetime of the IR-emitter(s).
Installation advice for IR-Modules
Our IR-Modules are designed for a long lifetime. As descrbed in the Chapter before, surrounding influences can cause a reduction of lifetime, therefore the following aspects have to be considered:
- Vibreations, impacts and high acceleration of the IR-emitters or Modules must be minimized
- Heat accumulation in front of the Module must be avoided, if neccessary a ventilation or an exhaust system has to be installed
- Fans must be supplied with enough cool air, if neccessary an air duct or a vantilation has to be added
- The modules must be kept free from dirt, dust and liquids
- IR-Modules for applications with carbon fibre can be manufactured upon request
Power controller
To operate emitters and modules under 100 % of power, it is neccessary to connect them to a power controller. There are different kinds of product lines depending on application and construction (e.g. phase angle control, fast pulse group control, pulse width modulation).
As a part of an automatic power control all Optron® IR-modules can optionally be equipped with a radiation pyrometer. Because of the different infrared and the pyrometer working spectral range only the true object temperature is measured. Though also the material colour is nearly irrelevant. A control unit can provide the desired irradiation power.
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mail@optron.de