When choosing a mica band heater for your facility, it is essential to pay attention to many different facets of its operation. These heaters provide a surprising range of benefits when they operate correctly but need to be carefully balanced to ensure that everything goes well. The following elements are all things that you should consider when debating buying one of these items for your facility and shop. It will also help you minimize any manufacturing concerns that a poorly operating heater may trigger.
The Temperature Capabilities
When choosing band heaters for your facility, you need to make sure that you carefully select the best temperature capabilities. Most mica heaters are capable of producing 700-900 degrees Fahrenheit when properly installed. Try to find an option that has a high watt-density design, as well, as this helps to make it easier to focus your heating on the pipes of your facility and minimize any problems.
Overall Size
Many mica heaters can be built-to-fit and usually provide at least a myriad of different adjustment options. Often, these include plus-or-minus one-sixteenth of an inch and an overall diameter that varies plus-or-minus one-thirty-second of an inch. Make sure to pay attention to the height and width, as well, as they need to be slightly larger than your pipe and adjustable for maximum heating power.
Note the Barrel Surface
Your new mica heater needs to have a barrel free of any obstructions, as these may interfere with how well they operate. For example, some dust, dirt, or debris may end up getting beneath the band and burning due to the intense heat. This burning will cause smoke and even damage to the band, so make sure that you’re very careful about this process to prevent any serious problems.
Band Adjustability and Tightness
All mica bands have simple adjustability that makes them great to fit on just about any pipe in your facility. Ensure that you take the time to make it as tight as possible to prevent any heat loss. You need to make sure that your band is as tight as possible because any looseness is likely to increase heat loss, forcing the band to work harder and causing you higher utility bills in the process.
Don’t Ignore Heater Damage
Always pay attention to any hotels or other types of damage that may exist on your mica heater. This type of damage can cause your unit to operate poorly and may even make it fail. In a worst-case scenario, you may even find your unit catches fire and spreads damage throughout your facility. Therefore, you need to replace any heater that has been damaged, even if it is pretty minor.
Dealing With Manufacturing Difficulties
Manufacturing problems like these are typically easy to manage when you purchase and install a high-quality mica heater. Make sure that you don’t ignore the benefits of this heating process and choose an option that fits your needs and is easy to integrate onto a variety of different surfaces.