Choosing the Right Carbon Fiber Heating Tube: Hollow vs. Core Rod

When selecting carbon fiber heating tubes, if you are not well-informed about the options, you might experience decision fatigue, unsure whether to choose hollow heating tubes or heating tubes with core rods. Today, we will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each type and guide you on how to choose the right heating tube.

The Core Components of Carbon Fiber Heating Tubes

The core component of a carbon fiber heating tube is the carbon fiber heating wire, which fundamentally determines the lifespan of the heating tube. The next important component is the external quartz tube, followed by the heat resistance grade of the wires. Today, we will analyze the structure of heating tubes with core rods versus hollow carbon fiber heating tubes, focusing on their respective advantages and which equipment they are best suited for.

The Structural Differences Between the Two Types

Currently, there are two types of carbon fiber heating tubes on the market. One type has a heating wire with a core rod (double-layer quartz tube), and the other type is hollow (with no support for the internal heating wire). The fundamental difference between the two is whether or not there is a quartz tube inside to support the carbon fiber heating wire. Now, let’s explore the differences and benefits of each.

First, let’s analyze the structural differences. The carbon fiber heating wire in tubes with core rods is firmly wound around an internal quartz rod, resulting in a more uniform distribution of the heating wire. This eliminates concerns about uneven heating or wire displacement due to vibration. Therefore, carbon fiber heating tubes with core rods offer flexible installation options, allowing for both horizontal and vertical mounting.

In contrast, hollow heating tubes lack a core rod, so the internal heating wire is unsupported. If the equipment experiences vibration, the heating wire will vibrate along with it, making it unsuitable for vertical or angled installations. However, hollow carbon fiber heating tubes also have several advantages, such as the ability to be processed into various shapes. This versatility is a significant reason why hollow carbon fiber heating tubes occupy a large share of the market.

Performance Differences Between the Two Types

Next, let’s analyze the performance differences between the two types. There is no difference in heating performance and electrical heat conversion efficiency between the two. The differences lie in startup time and surface temperature, which show slight variations. The startup time for hollow carbon fiber heating tubes is approximately 3 seconds, while tubes with core rods take around 10 seconds, a 7-second difference that is negligible for most equipment. In my experience, only one type of equipment had specific requirements for heating tube startup time. Thus, in terms of heating speed, both types are virtually the same. Surface temperature measurements using a K-type sensor indicate that tubes with core rods reach 360°C (with an infrared thermometer reading of 522°C), while hollow tubes reach 324°C (with an infrared thermometer reading of 497°C), giving a slight edge to tubes with core rods.

Disadvantages of Each Type

Now, let’s examine the disadvantages of each type.

Disadvantages of Carbon Fiber Heating Tubes with Core Rods:

1. The structure is relatively simple and can only be made in a straight shape (with single or double-end wiring).
2. The individual product weight is heavier, approximately 25% more than hollow carbon fiber heating tubes of the same specifications.
3. The cost is higher due to the pure molybdenum electrode and the internal quartz tube, making it slightly more expensive than hollow heating wires.
4. The startup time is 7 seconds slower than that of hollow tubes.

Disadvantages of Hollow Carbon Fiber Heating Tubes:

1. They cannot be installed vertically.
2. The heating wire tends to vibrate during operation, which can affect its lifespan.
3. It is impossible to produce 380V carbon fiber heating tubes.
4. The lifespan is slightly shorter compared to tubes with core rods.

Advantages of Each Type

Advantages of Carbon Fiber Heating Tubes with Core Rods:

1. They can be installed vertically.
2. The heating wire is evenly distributed and fixed on the internal core rod.
3. The heating wire is not limited by thickness, with individual units ranging from a minimum of 200W to a maximum of 3KW.
4. They have a long lifespan; the longest feedback from customers has been over four years.

Advantages of Hollow Heating Tubes:

1. They can be made into various shapes, such as round, square, U-shaped, M-shaped, and more.
2. The startup time is quick, 7 seconds faster than tubes with core rods, and can match the 1-second startup time of tungsten filament infrared heating tubes.

Zaključak

From the above analysis, it’s clear that carbon fiber heating tubes with core rods have a longer lifespan, higher surface temperature, and correspondingly higher price. In contrast, hollow heating tubes offer faster startup times and customizable shapes but have a shorter lifespan, which is a significant drawback. Therefore, both types of carbon fiber heating tubes have their respective markets. Hollow carbon fiber heating tubes are commonly used in low-temperature civilian applications (such as small sun heaters and liquid heating equipment), while industrial equipment, which demands higher temperature and usage requirements, generally opts for tubes with core rods, as they often have fewer requirements for the shape of the heating tube.

At GlobalQT, we specialize in high-quality carbon fiber heating tubes tailored to meet diverse industrial and civilian needs. For more information, visit our web stranica ili nas kontaktirajte na contact@globalquartztube.com.