Mineral insulated cartridge heaters
Cartridge heaters are high-watt density cylindrical heating elements designed for insertion into drilled holes or cavities, providing targeted and efficient heating in a compact form. They are typically used to heat solid materials such as a metal block from the inside. Cartridge heaters are known for their quick response times and precision which make it a suitable heating solution for a variety of applications.
Product summary
- High-watt density for efficient, targeted heating
- Compact design for small spaces
- Fast response for precise temperature control
- Uniform heat with magnesium oxide (MgO) insulation
- Suitable for metal heating, gas chromatography, etc.
- Customizable in size, wattage, and temperature
About cartridge heaters
When electrical power is supplied to the cartridge heater, current flows through the resistive wire which is typically made of a nickel-chromium alloy such as NiCr 80/20. This wire is coiled inside the cartridge heater to maximize the heat generation potential. Due to the electrical resistive properties of the wire, it heats up as it converts electrical energy into thermal energy. The heat generated by the resistance wire is conducted through its core and magnesium oxide (MgO) powder and transferred to the metal sheath. More information about MI heating can be found here. The MgO powder ensures that heat is evenly distributed throughout the cartridge heater’s length, allowing for uniform heating of the target area. The heat which is generated at the cartridge sheath is transferred to the surrounding medium.
Cartridge heaters have the same working principle as tubular heaters. Heat is generated by converting electrical energy through the resistive wire that is encapsulated with MgO powder and the metallic sheath. However, what distinguishes one from the other is that cartridge heaters are better suited to application where small confined areas need to be heated with precision. Tubular heaters are better suited for applications requiring larger area heating, such as in air heating, liquid immersion, and radiant heating systems.
Industries using cathode heaters
There are numerous applications where precise heat is required and cartridge heaters are a cost-effective solution to attain the required temperature within a certain solid material or process. Due to the ability to generate precise and efficient heating, cartridge heaters are used across a wide range of industries. Industry examples where these heaters are being used are food and beverage, oil and gas, chemical, and plastics injection molding.
Cartridge heaters are also used in gas chromatography applications. Gas chromatography is a method in analytical chemistry employed to separate, identify, and quantify the various components of a material through heating until it becomes a gas. Accurate temperature control is essential as even small changes can affect the reliability of the results. Cartridge heaters are an excellent choice for these applications as they are able to precisely heat and control the temperature that is required for a specific research sample.
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Kamet’s cartridge heaters
Kamet’s cartridge heaters offer highly reliable and efficient heating solution that can be precisely customized to meet the specific dimensions, wattages, and temperature requirements of various industries. Designed for durability and versatility, they are an essential component for optimizing productivity, ensuring consistent product quality, and maintaining process efficiency in demanding industrial environments. With their robust construction and metallic sheath, Kamet’s cartridge heaters provide an economical option with a long service life and minimal maintenance needs, making them a smart choice for any heating application.
- Reliability: Due to its robust design, cartridge heaters are built to withstand rigorous industrial use and have a long service life.
- Uniform heating: MgO insulation ensures that heat is evenly distributed throughout the length of the cartridge heater.
- Corrosion protection: Due to the stainless steel or other available sheath materials, cartridge heaters offer additional protection against corrosive environments.
- Efficiency: Reduced energy consumption due to superior and efficient heat transfer to target area.
- Customizability: Design flexibility in terms of power and dimensions making them a suitable choice for demanding applications.