What is an Elstein ceramic infrared radiator?
Elstein ceramic IR radiators are electrical heating elements consisting mainly out of a technical ceramic being high-temperature resistant.

What is the application for an Elstein ceramic heating element?
Elstein IR heating elements are used for an endless number of heating and drying applications. A selection of IR heating and drying applications has been placed on our website under applications. For determining if Elstein electric heating elements can be used for your application we provide consulting and test devices. If required we can do heating and drying tests in our laboratory aswell.

What advantages does an Elstein electric infrared heater have?

  • Elstein electric IR heaters have among others the following advantages:
  • Long service life due to an embedded heating coil.
  • Can be controlled with an accuracy of 1°C due to an integrated thermocouple.
  • Surface is clean and does not oxidise.
  • Suitable for food sector.
  • Available in many sizes, wattages and operating voltages.
  • Quick mounting or replacement due a simple fastening system.

    What is the wavelength of an Elstein ceramic infrared emitter?
    Elstein electric IR emitters provide only the non-visible infrared radiation and no visible or rather any hardly visible light. The emitted infrared radiation covers the medium and long-wave infrared range of 2 - 10 µm.

    Can an Elstein infrared radiant heater be controlled?
    A large number of Elstein IR radiant heaters can be supplied with a thermocouple which is embedded in the radiation surface. In connection with our TRD 1 Temperature Control Units and TSE Power Switches the temperature of the radiators can be controlled with an accuracy of +/- 1°C.
    It is also possible to use proprietary power controllers or dimmers.

    How long is the service life of an Elstein infrared radiant element?
    The durability is primarily influenced by the temperatures reached during use. For example, an HLS at 1100 °C in continuous operation has an average service life of 2000 hours. An SHTS with 900 °C on the other hand reaches about 8000 hours. Radiators with a low power often reach more than double this useful life. On the other hand, there are applications in which the radiators can fail after 1000 hours due to materials, which attack the heating coil or the ceramic. Such materials are, for example, chlorine, fluorine, hydrofluoric acid, sodium hydroxide, nitrogen and peroxide.

    Does an Elstein infrared radiant heater fulfil clean room requirements?
    Yes. For decades Elstein IR radiant heaters have been used in clean rooms class 100 or better. They are used in semiconductor production, in the pharmaceutical industry and in manufacturing picture tubes. Elstein Infrared Radiators are also used in the production of modern TFT displays.

    What is the optimal distance between infrared radiators and goods to be heated?
    In the case of heat-sensitve goods (paper, thin foils) the radiation distance should not be less than 50 mm. If the radiators are not mounted densely next to each other, the distance must be larger if the goods to be heated are stationary. If the distance between radiators is 3 - 4 cm, a distance between radiators and goods of 15 - 20 cm is required in order to achieve uniform heating.

    Can Elstein infrared radiant heating elements be used to heat metals?
    Bright metal shows a relatively weak absorption of infrared radiation. However, corroded, roughened, coated, enamelled or painted metal can reach an absorption degree of more than 90%.

    Can an Elstein infrared radiant emitter be used in vacuum?
    Yes, Elstein infrared radiant emitters can be used in vacuum. Only the HLS series can not be used.

    Are Elstein infrared heaters susceptible to splash water?
    When hot, Elstein infrared emitters are splash resistant. If the radiators get in touch with water when they are cold, they must subsequently dry at a low temperature (max. 80°C) for a few minutes.

    Questions concerning health?
    Elstein infrared radiation elements are successfully used in warming cabins and therapeutic equipment. The heat radiation emitted by Elstein Radiators has healthy effects. Risks are not known.

    Do Elstein infrared radiant heaters have explosion protection?
    No but under circumstances Elstein radiators can be used. Concerning this subject, please request our "Technical Leaflet M1 (Explosion Protection)".

    Are Elstein ceramic infrared radiators for special applications available?
    Yes. If required we develop and produce economical quantities of ceramic infrared radiators, which match the needs of our customers.