Tubular Heating Elements – Construction And Use

Tubular heating elements are one of many different types of heating element used in industry, but is among the most commonly used due to its simplicity of design and durability.

How Tubular Heating Elements Work

Core – At the core of the element is a wire made of a resistive metal – usually an alloy such as Nichrome, which combines Nickel, Chrome and sometimes Iron. The exact metals and proportions used will affect the resistive properties of the wire and hence the temperature range that it will generate. The high resistance means that it heats up quickly when an electrical current is passed through it, and can reach extremely high temperatures. The amount of heat generated is related to the electrical current applied, which immediately presents a basic control mechanism.

Middle Layer – The wire is surrounded by a layer which needs to be a good electrical insulator (for safety as well as not to interfere with the resistance of the wire itself) but at the same time a good conductor of heat, enabling the generated heat to be easily transferred to the medium being heated. A common substance used for this purpose is Magnesium Oxide, a powdery substance which needs to be compacted around the wire and held in place by the outer sheath.

Outer Sheath – The outer sheath may be made of a variety of materials depending on a number of factors. However a metal sheath is most commonly used for two reasons: firstly, to provide good heat conductivity, and secondly to be sufficiently malleable to allow the element to be formed into different shapes. Different types of metal are more or less durable and are more or less prone to corrosion. Corrosion resistant alloys are used in applications where the element is exposed to tough chemical conditions or where a long component life is required. Dpstar can supply tubular elements with Incoloy, Stainless Steel or Titanium sheaths, according to the application or client preferences

Versatility – The inner wire and outer sheath can both be easily formed into virtually any shape without affecting the electrical or heating properties of the element. This type of element can therefore be used for just about any shape or size of system.

Durability – The strong outer sheath protects the heater itself from physical damage, making this type of element ideal in situations where the element is likely to be subjected to knocks, vibration or other physical disturbance, including home appliances and industrial situations. A long life is especially important in applications where:

• The heating element is of central importance to the user (e.g. a hairdryer or oven)
• Product reliability is important to the reputation of a particular supplier, product or brand
• Access to the element is difficult (e.g. underfloor heating or where the element is permanently immersed in liquid)

Wide range of wattage – Depending on the particular materials chosen, a single tubular element can deliver a wide range of temperatures.

Tubular Heating Elements from dpstar

Dpstar can supply a wide range of tubular heating elements to suit most industrial applications. Most of the elements we supply meet the specific design characteristics required by each client. Clients can specify a number of parameters including: shape,dimension,wattage and temperature range required.

Dpstar will take care to fully understand your requirements and ensure you get the right component for your application.

Please send your enquiries to : [email protected]

Or visit: www.dpstar.com.my