IR devices that generate heat and light fluxes are actively used in various fields of production and private economy. The most popular gas infrared emitters for industrial premises. Their action is based on the ability of a heated body to release the received heat into space.
You will learn all about the operating principles of infrared equipment from our article. We will talk about the varieties of infrared equipment and their characteristic differences. Introducing market leading models.
The essence of infrared radiation
Infrared radiation differs from ordinary and such familiar visible light. They are similar in speed with which they travel and cross space. Both varieties are capable of refracting, reflecting and gathering “in a bundle”.
Unlike ordinary light radiation, which is electromagnetic waves, the IR flux has both wave and quantum properties. That is, it transfers both light and heat.
Both ordinary light and infrared radiation are streams of electromagnetic waves. The difference is that in the first case the visible component prevails, in the second - the visible component is combined with the thermal
The light supplied by infrared devices moves in waves. Electromagnetic light vibrations are in the spectrum segment from 760 nm (nanometers) to 540 microns (micrometers). The heat generated by IR emitters is a flux of quanta. Their energy ranges from 0.0125 to 1.25 eV (electron volts).
The heat and light flux emitted by infrared devices are interconnected. With increasing light intensity, the quantum heat flux decreases. Depending on the temperature, infrared radiation can be perceived and not perceived by our eyes. Thermal radiation is not visually detected.
This specificity of infrared radiation is used in industry to accelerate the polymerization and solidification processes. The thermal part of infrared radiation provides the ability to determine the presence and location of a person or animal in a dimly lit and unlit night period.
Infrared heating devices emit light in combination with thermal energy used in the formation of a comfortable microclimate on camp sites, in workshops, in production shops, poultry farms, greenhouses and many other objects
The non-standard operation of infrared devices emitting light in combination with heat has become the basis for the development of night vision devices. It is used in flaw detection, in the means of a hidden alarm and in technical devices for photographing in the dark.
Both components of infrared radiation almost do not scatter in the treated space; they seem to focus on objects in the zone of their influence. The heat penetrates into the body of the heated object, the penetration depth depends on the properties, structure and material of the object. Depth varies from a tenth of a mm to several mm.
Infrared heaters are installed on the floor, attached to the walls, suspended on the ceiling. Devices are characterized by flameless combustion, oxygen conservation in the surrounding space, do not raise dust columns, unlike convectors
When used for industrial purposes, the wavelength from infrared emitters is selected based on the technical characteristics of the object or substance. IR rays freely pass through the air mass, so heating is carried out without noticeable losses. This circumstance is justifiably considered a weighty advantage in production.
In addition to heating and lighting the zone treated by the device, infrared emitters are used to solve the following problems:
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Acceleration of polymerization processes
Faster coating setting
Infrared equipment in medicine
Infrared lamps in greenhouses
Types of infrared sources
The simplest sources of infrared radiation include all of us well-known incandescent bulbs operating under low voltage. Under such conditions, they mainly emit infrared streams. The proportion of light electromagnetic waves is negligible, but it is nevertheless determined optically.
Now at the disposal of private consumers, construction and manufacturing organizations, many different types of infrared emitters.
The scope of their application is determined by:
- operating temperature;
- the maximum value of the wavelength;
- the area in which the infrared flux is distributed evenly.
Given the above characteristics, they select a radiating device designed to solve specific problems.
The most common types of infrared emitters include:
- Lamps with mirror reflective devices. At maximum radiation, their wavelength is 1.05 microns.
- Quartz tube lamps. Their wavelength at maximum radiation is in the range from 2 to 3 microns.
- Rod non-metallic heaters. Structurally, they are supplemented with reflectors, the maximum wavelength is from 6 to 8 microns.
- Tubular electric heaters. Widely used in everyday life, used in production devices with heating elements.
- Infrared burners. They are equipped with ceramic or metal perforated nozzles. They are used in construction for heating outdoor and indoor areas during the construction of a building, finishing work.
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Tube infrared emitter
Tubular electric heater
Rod IR source
Gas infrared tile
- Infrared lamps. These are “light” emitters and devices that supply thermal radiation.
- Heaters. Devices used for heating enclosed spaces and open spaces. Among them are models powered by power, liquid or gaseous fuels. The heating element can be either a heater or a spiral made of an alloy with high resistance.
According to the classification by wavelength, infrared sources are divided into two main groups: dark and light. The former work by emitting long waves into space, the latter - short.
Dark and light IR emitters
By definition, “bright” sources are capable of emitting light. The streams emitted by them are perceived by sight, although it is still difficult to name them and use them for precisely this purpose at all.
"Dark" devices deliver an invisible heat flux for humans, sensed by the user's skin, but not visually detectable. The boundary value between “light” and “dark” is considered to be a wavelength of 3 μm. The boundary temperature of the heated surface is 700º.
The property of infrared emitters to supply thermal energy is actively used in greenhouses, in chicken coops and farms to support young animals
The most famous representative of the “dark” heating unit is a brick Russian stove, which has been successfully heating low-rise buildings for centuries. Among the “bright” ones, as we already understand, an incandescent light bulb appears if it supplies no more than 12%.Its main energy is directed to the generation of heat.
Features of the device light devices
Structurally, light sources are similar to a typical incandescent lamp. However, there are differences in the bodies of heat. For light infrared devices, the temperature cannot exceed the limit of 2270-2770 K. This is necessary to increase the heat flux by reducing the light emission.
Just like with standard bulbs, a tungsten filament body is placed in a glass flask. Only the bulb is equipped with reflectors, thanks to which all radiant energy is focused on the heated object. At the same time, a small part of the energy is spent on heating the base of the bulb.
The bulb of light infrared sources is heated to high temperatures, because it also participates in the process of heat transfer to space. Thermal energy from a heated bulb is not focused by the reflector and goes into an unworkable space, and it is a component that reduces the efficiency of the device.
By design and method of connection, infrared lamps are very similar to ordinary incandescent bulbs. However, their working body temperature is much lower, due to which the service life is greatly increased
The performance of a bright infrared source does not exceed 65% on average. It is increased by placing the tungsten heating body in a tube made of quartz glass or a similar flask. This solution allows you to increase the wavelength to 3.3 microns, and reduce the temperature to 600º.
This option is used in quartz infrared heaters, in which a nickel-chromium wire is wound around the quartz rod and all this is located together in a quartz tube.
Light infrared emitters are characterized by low productivity. Efficiency of their infrared flux usually does not exceed 65%
The essence of the work is the double use of wire glow. The heat released is partly used for direct heating, and partly for raising the temperature of the quartz rod. A heated red rod also generates heat fluxes.
The advantages of tubular devices include quite reasonably the resistance of all components made of quartz and ceramics to atmospheric negative. The disadvantage is the fragility of ceramic parts.
The specifics of the work and design of dark heaters
The so-called "dark" sources of IR streams are much more practical than the "light" counterparts. Their radiating element in structure differs for the better. The heated conductor itself does not radiate thermal energy, it is supplied by the surrounding metal shell.
As a result, the operating temperature of the device does not exceed 400 - 600º. In order for thermal energy not to be wasted, dark emitters are equipped with reflectors that redirect the flows in the right direction.
Long-wave emitters of the dark group are not afraid of shocks and similar mechanical effects, because the fragile polymer or ceramic element in them is protected by a metal like shell and a protective heat-insulating layer. The efficiency of the emitters of this group reaches 90%.
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Infrared emitter in a cafe
IR heating device in the production room
Installation of the emitter in front of the house entrance
Heating IR emitter at home
But they are not without flaws. Heaters of the dark group depend on the design features of the device. If the distance between the main radiating element and the surface of the device is large, then it will be washed and cooled by the flowing air. Efficiency is reduced as a result.
Due to the design features, dark models are installed for heating rooms with low ceilings and areas requiring linear heat supply. Light - set where processing of rooms with a high ceiling and vertically elongated areas is required.
Gas burners as a source of infrared rays
Devices in which flameless gas processing occurs are called gas burners or gas infrared emitters. The thermal energy released with great tension is transferred to space through the radiating surface of the unit.
It is gas-fired infrared heaters of the burner type that are used on an industrial scale during construction and installation works. The predominant volume of thermal energy is transmitted by the emitting ceramic nozzles of the burners.
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Injection type gas burner
Flameless burner
Outdoor burner operation
Gas heater for tourists
As nozzles are used:
- perforated ceramic plates that are flat or embossed;
- ceramic plates with evenly distributed pores;
- ceramic elements with a mesh nichrome screen, metal mesh and all kinds of catalytic nozzles.
All of the above types of holes in a ceramic or metal element are fire channels.
The heat generation by the catalytic nozzle is based on the oxidation process activated when gas is supplied to the plate
The main gas for operation of this type of infrared emitters is gas, as well as its liquefied version or artificially created gases. In Russia, burners are designed for the processing of liquefied and main gas. Foreign equipment is mainly designed for processing liquefied and artificial options.
Infrared gas burners process gas with an air mass burning factor of virtually one. They work on the main, liquefied and artificial gas
If the operating rules are not violated, the combustion products from the operation of the gas burner are emitted in a minimum amount with a slight content of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.
To supply gas, gas infrared burners (GIG) are equipped with nozzles through which gas is pumped at high speed. This gas supply provides the injection of air required for combustion. It is “pushed” by a high-speed flow through the injector into the distribution chamber.
A metal structure is located above the radiating nozzle of the device. It increases the efficiency and serves as a support for dishes, if the burners are cooked
Gas not only injects air, but also mixes with it in the injector, resulting in a gas-air mixture suitable for complete combustion. This mixture moves to the surface of the ceramic nozzle through its pores, perforated holes or slots, where it burns completely in a thin layer with a thickness of not more than 1.5 mm.
Burners with flat ceramic nozzles
The predominant amount of thermal energy is transferred to ceramic tiles heated to ultra-high temperatures in less than a minute. The outer surface of the ceramic element turns into an additional source of heat flux.
The ceramic nozzle accounts for 40 to 60% of the radiation transmitted by an industrial gas infrared heater. In order to increase the efficiency of the device, a mesh screen is installed above the nozzle. To increase the heat transfer surface, perforated tiles are glued using refractory putty.
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Using a burner as a tile
Security features
Nameplate with basic technical parameters
Characteristics in the data sheet of the device
An important indicator is the diameter of the fire channels. It determines which gas the appliance can process. The total number of holes in the ceramic tile depends on the diameter. The more of them, the more fragile the radiating element will turn out and will be sensitive to mechanical damage of the GIG.
Finned Type Heaters
In addition to flat ceramic nozzles with perforation, relief elements are used. The use of a ribbed surface in this case stimulates the heat exchange flow between the radiating surface and the burning gas. Ribbed ceramic tiles heat up better, while the thermal load on the radiating element does not increase.
Flat and ribbed ceramic nozzles are heated up to 1473 K. But porous ceramic elements only up to 1237 K. The porous version is easier to manufacture, therefore, cheaper. In addition, waste from the ceramic industry is used in its production.
The use of ceramic nozzles with a relief radiating element allows you to significantly increase the area that transfers heat to the consumer
The thickness of porous tiles reaches 30 mm, which significantly increases the resistance of the nozzle to mechanical stress. During the operation of a burner with such a nozzle, the gas-air mixture leaving the distribution chamber burns up to 2 mm on the outer surface of the ceramic tile.
The combustion region in the porous nozzle moves from the outer surface to a depth of 3-5 mm. In this case, the heating temperature reaches only 1123 K.
The disadvantage of porous nozzles for GIG is an excessively high hydraulic resistance, because of which it is impossible to use low-pressure main gas in operation.
Equipment with metal mesh
However, all of the listed types of nozzles are made of ceramic, which means that despite the thickness and all kinds of tricks of the manufacturer who wants to increase strength, they are still fragile. Fragility is especially annoying if the device needs to be constantly moved.
Therefore, to heat the sites during construction or installation works, a more durable type of burner was developed, equipped with a metal double mesh. In such a device, the gas-air mixture is processed in the gap between the nozzle and the nets. The surface of the external mesh heats up to only 1023 K.
Using a metal mesh made it possible to significantly increase the thermal power of the IR emitter, as well as protect the ceramic nozzle from damage
In GIG with mesh nozzles, these elements are made of heat-resistant alloys with chromium and nickel. Nozzles are made so that the mesh size of the upper mesh allows the flame to pass freely, and the lower one is minimal, critical for the passage of fire. Here, infrared heat emitters can be both grids or one.
If an infrared burner processes main gas or a propane-butane liquefied mixture from a gas cylinder, only the upper grid is involved in the distribution of thermal energy. If gas with a low load is processed, both grids emit heat. In this way, heat transfer is increased.
However, the maximum value of the efficiency of the GIG with grids does not exceed 60%, because the hydraulic resistance of the nozzles is two times greater than that of perforated ceramic tiles of all varieties. True, it is smaller than that of porous nozzles.
Devices with increased thermal power
The rather low efficiency of infrared gas emitters with ceramic plates and grids led to a search for ways to increase thermal power. The result was achieved by introducing a new type of nozzle, which is a ceramic panel with a number of slots.
In the slit, the slots have a sudden expansion, their inlet openings are smaller than the outlet ones. This solution improves the burner efficiency by recirculating the combustion products, i.e. their return to the base of the flame within the fire channel. In addition, the flame in such models is more stable and much less likely to die out in the open wind.
To increase the thermal power, various techniques are used, one of which is the offset of the slotted holes relative to each other. This solution also contributes to wind protection.
The live section of slotted panels averages 55-60% of their real total section. The burners equipped with them operate on medium pressure gas. The outer plane of the nozzle is heated to 1723 K.
Resistant to wind load
Stability of work under wind load is an important indicator for choosing a gas infrared burner used in the construction or assembly of production plants. This quality is far from all industrial infrared emitters that process gas.
For outdoor areas, special devices are needed that:
- characterized by stable injection, depending on gusts of wind;
- equipped with a device to prevent deviation of the jet exiting the nozzle;
- protected from active cooling of the radiation surface due to the effects of winds.
In the data sheet of gas equipment capable of heating with a gusty wind and not go out, wind resistance is indicated. This characteristic of commercially produced infrared burners is approximately equal to that for direct, i.e. frontal exposure to wind, and with side airflow.
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Wind resistance is an important indicator for large-scale production facilities, especially if they are equipped with a powerful ventilation system
Resistance to wind is important for those who purchase heating devices for installation within the entrance group, in front of the often opening door, on glazed or open verandas, terraces
Those wishing to purchase wind-resistant equipment should know that when the wind pressure is reduced, the efficiency of these devices also decreases
In order to correctly select a device, you need to find out how much its performance is reduced when the wind load drops, and take into account local weather conditions
Infrared emitter in a production hall
Wall mounted infrared heater
Gas processing with windproof equipment
Outdoor windproof burner
A reduction in the injection coefficient causes a flame to appear on the outer surface of the radiating panel. In this case, the temperature drops sharply. Reduces its cold air penetrating the combustion area.
Wind resistance is physically interconnected with the specific heat load and the volume of air entering the nozzle during the combustion period. With an excess and high speed of the air flow, the efficiency of the infrared emitter is reduced. Accompanied by a reduction in the appearance of flames, darkening of the radiating surface and the cessation of the unit in flameless mode.
Overview of manufacturers of infrared heaters
Gas appliances for the formation of a favorable microclimate on the construction site, in the workshop, production workshop and similar facilities are produced by both domestic companies and foreign firms.
According to consumers, the rating of Russian-made products is led by gas burners of the Solyarogaz brand. The assortment presented by this company includes models designed for heating areas of various sizes. Units can be used in greenhouses, garages and on the open areas.
One of the most popular types of gas infrared equipment in the domestic market and field-proven is the range of gas burners and stoves from Solyarogaz
The only drawback that buyers and real owners of gas burner and stove models from the capital's manufacturer should take into account is the lack of security system sensors. In view of what they can be used in everyday life, but with the observance of precautionary measures.
Products from the Pathfinder company are not inferior in popularity. However, the consumer product line is dominated by consumer products and travel options.
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Tourist gas burner Pathfinder
Device for connecting the cylinder
Adapter for connecting to a collet cylinder
Complete gas mobile burner
The tiles used both in heating and in the preparation of simple dishes, and mini burners from spray cans are quite justified.
Excellent characteristics from consumers received gas heaters with the Aeroheat logo. This equipment attracts with reliability, justified by the use of high-quality components, and affordable cost. Tiles and gas-fired burners from Dikson and Sibiryachka have proven themselves well.
The list of decent gas heaters from foreign suppliers is headed by gas burners and stoves from the South Korean company Kovea. The brand’s products are actively used in small workshops, at painting and construction sites, in camping trips and fishing.
Gas stoves and burners from Hyundai are not inferior in quality and technical characteristics to devices from European manufacturers. In some indicators, even superior
To equip the workshops, gas heaters from the Italian company Sistema are more often used. Models from South Koreans Hyundai, Italian gas stoves Bartolini, which can be used both at home and in the office, are actively in demand. Reliability and stable operation are distinguished by the Swedish Timberk stoves, Chinese Ballu equipment.
The steps for installing a ceiling-mounted gas heating appliance are shown here:
In the Russian Federation, different types of infrared burners are produced, including wind-resistant models. The assortment offered by the company allows you to choose a device for heating outdoor and indoor areas.
It is important before buying to decide for what purpose and in what conditions the equipment will be used, and then choose either a more productive or durable model that is not afraid of repeated movements.