Band Heater Tips
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I don't have a part number!
How do I order?
It's really pretty simple, after locating a configuration from one of the links the sides or bottom of this page, determine the diameter of the part you want to install the heater on.
Hopefully, you can get this information from a drawing, but if not, you can refer to the above graphic and easily make your own measurement (We only need one of the dimensions). Next, determine the width of the heater and the length of the lead wire if appropriate.
After that, specify the wattage and the available voltage and you are ready to go! If there are holes or notches in your band heater click HERE for more information on how to measure your band heaters.
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Check Your Barrel or Nozzle Surfaces
When replacing a band heater assure that the barrel or nozzle is free of material, smooth and clean.
A rough spot or foreign material on the barrel can greatly reduce the life of your band heater. A small particle can leave an air gap on either side of itself which can cause a "hot spot."
Air will not conduct the heat away from your heater as fast as the metal of the barrel. This results in a spot on the heater where the temperature will be significantly hotter than the rest of the heater. Just a 0.005" air gap on a typical 30 watts per square inch heater will cause that spot to run 250 degrees (F) hotter!
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The Tighter, The Better
After installing a new mica band heater, we suggest that you come back to it after fifteen minutes of operating time. After proper actions are taken to assure there is no power going to the heater and that the heater will not cycle on, re-tighten your straps or clamping mechanism.
Make a habit of checking the tightness of the band heater periodically and you will be surprised at how you can increase the life of your band heaters.
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Fewer Holes, Longer Life
Every time you add a hole to a mica band heater, you give another avenue for contaminates to enter the heater. You also add expense and often add to the delivery time.
If the hole is for a thermocouple or other instrument, you can often order a heater with a larger gap to accommodate the thermocouple. Another option if the band heater has several holes along the circumference of the heater is to use two heaters instead of one. For instance if you are using a six inch wide heater with several one inch holes, you might try using two heaters that are 2.5" wide.
Call us at 1-800-633-2962 and speak with one of our customer service reps or email us HERE if you'd like some help in trouble-shooting your band heater problems.
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Use the Right Parts
If your band heater has post terminals, make sure you are using high temperature ring terminals. Standard ring terminals will cook to the point they become brittle and can easily break causing a short. You can find high temperature wire and ring terminals HERE.
If your band or strip heater terminations are not covered with a terminal box, consider using ceramic terminal covers. Dust, material or other contaminates can build quickly on and around the connections eventually carbonizing which will short the heater and cause downtime.
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Printable Mica Band Heater Tip Sheet
An easy reference sheet to aid in increasing the life and efficiency of your band heaters.
Just click on the above icon. You'll need the free Adobe Acrobat reader for this. You can get that HERE.
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From our FAQ's |
Post Terminals With Straps Band Heaters
