Laboratory Industry
Wattco produces many different types of electric heating elements for the medical industry. Electric heating’s reliability and precision control make it ideal for laboratory and medical use.
Immersion Heaters for Labs
Electric immersion heaters are the most efficient method for heat transfer. Direct immersion heating results in faster heating times with lower energy expenditure. Electric immersion heaters are commonly found in humidity chambers.
Humidity chambers are often used in pharmaceuticals and labs. They can test the viability of products and the longterm effects of humidity. Depending on the type of humidity chamber the immersion heater can be placed in a water bath or a steam generator.
Cartridge & Tubular Heaters in Medical Equipment
Tubular and cartridge heaters play important roles in many types of medical equipment. Cartridge heaters are often used in heating hospital beds and infant beds. Heated beds can improve patient comfort and recovery. Using cartridge heaters with internal thermocouples improves heat transfer capabilities.
Kidney dialysis machines, or Hemodialysis machines, also use cartridge heaters. These heaters can provide gradual heating to avoid damaging delicate fluids. Fitted with high-grade stainless steel sheaths, the heaters are able to withstand corrosion.
Tubular heaters see frequent use in respiratory therapy equipment. They offer a high degree of customizability and control. So they meet the necessary requirements for respiratory support.
As well, tubular heating is used in infant incubators. In infant clinics, the heating elements are necessary to maintain a temperature of 37℃. This keeps the babies warm, comfortable, and safe. Wattco tubular heaters can provide accurate temperatures up to 1 degree. The incubators may provide humidity and oxygen as well.
Radiant & Convection Heating
Convection and radiant heating methods supply a number of needs in medical and laboratory settings. They can provide comfort heating. As well as supplying the heat for lab-critical equipment.
Hot air ovens, for instance, use convection heating. These ovens are common in research and analytical work. Some key uses include:
- Manufacturing pharmaceutical tablets
- Testing materials
- Chemical research
- Moisture analysis & elimination
These ovens use nichrome heating elements. Nichrome is a good option as it is low cost, oxidation-resistant, and it offers stability at high temperatures.
Muffle Furnaces are another piece of lab equipment that uses specialized heater elements. These ovens can use conduction or convection heating. They make it possible to create an extremely high-temperature atmosphere in a lab. Heating equipment must be able to deliver accuracy and heat resistance.
Silicone Rubber Heaters
Silicone rubber heaters use fibreglass reinforced silicone rubbers. These materials are resistant to moisture and chemicals. This makes them ideal for patient samples, as the heater can reduce condensation and humidity. As well, silicone heaters still provide efficient heat transfer and accurate monitoring.
Temperature Controls
Wattco heating systems are easily outfitted with a variety of high-quality temperature controls and sensors. Their design puts user-friendliness and automation front-of-mind. So it’s easy to accurately monitor:
- Temperature
- Time
- Humidity
- Motion
- Speed
High-limit sensors and automated shutdown switches help to protect patients. As well as equipment and lab materials.
Digital control panels are the “brain” of lab heaters. They supply intelligent automation that responds to inputs in real-time.
Materials
Material selection for laboratory heaters is an important consideration. Most lab heating equipment uses high-quality stainless steel. This material is better able to prevent contamination and the formation of impurities.
Other considerations for materials include:
- Temperature
- Corrosion
- Oxidation
- Wattage
As well, sealing materials are important for medical and lab heaters. Silicone and epoxy are common sealants to protect equipment from contamination.
Mentioned Products
Cartridge heaters are primarily used to heat solids by being placed in a mold. They can reach and maintain temperatures of up to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wattco Tubular heaters can be customized for nearly every scenario. They use a strong outer sheath. So they can withstand physical stress and high-quality alloys for efficient heat transfer.