Mid-Wave Infrared Heating Tubes Wavelength

In the electric heating industry, the wavelength of mid-wave infrared heating tubes is strictly between 2μm and 15μm. It’s important to note that although these are referred to as mid-wave infrared heating tubes, they do not only emit mid-wave infrared radiation. In this spectrum, mid-wave infrared has the largest proportion, but during normal heating, the tubes also emit visible light, which is another form of light wave, though it does not have a heating effect.

Let us learn together about the international standard division of infrared radiation wavelengths. When we use infrared heating tubes or other infrared radiators to radiate heat to an object, the molecules of the object absorb part of the light energy, converting it into vibrational and rotational energy.

If we use wavelength or wavenumber as the horizontal axis and absorption rate or transmittance as the vertical axis, we can obtain the infrared absorption spectrum or transmission spectrum of the substance. Wavenumber and wavelength are inversely related, where the wavenumber is defined as the number of wave cycles per centimeter, which is the reciprocal of the wavelength. According to the International Electrotechnical Commission’s standards for electric heating, infrared radiation is divided into long-wave infrared, mid-wave infrared, and short-wave infrared, as detailed in the table below.

This is the international standard for the classification of infrared bands, although different industries and fields have slightly different definitions for these bands. Below is a table showing how different fields divide the infrared spectrum, measured in micrometers (μm):

1. Optical Physics: Optical physics studies the spectra of diatomic molecules, obtaining precise knowledge of diatomic molecular rotational, vibrational, and electronic energy levels. This allows for precise determination of molecular bond lengths, vibration frequencies, force constants, dissociation energies, and other structural properties of diatomic molecules. Both rotational-vibrational and infrared spectra are highly beneficial to human health.
2. Lighting Field: The field of lighting studies light sources, such as arc lamps or incandescent lamps. In the nineteenth century, British scientist Davy developed the carbon arc lamp. Seventy years later, American scientists applied arc lamps for practical use in street and plaza lighting. In 1880, Edison invented the household incandescent lamp, initiating the use of electricity for civilian daily life.
3. Electric Heating Field: Infrared heating and drying utilize the principle of radiant heat transfer through infrared or far-infrared electromagnetic waves, directly transferring heat to the object being heated, thereby achieving heating and drying effects. The effectiveness of infrared heating largely depends on the object’s absorption rate of infrared radiation. A higher absorption rate means more effective heating. The absorption rate depends on the type of material, its surface state, and the wavelength of the infrared radiation source. Improving the match between the wavelengths or bands of both can enhance the absorption rate, thereby efficiently heating and drying to produce high-quality processed products.

Global Quartz Tube specializes in producing advanced infrared heating solutions tailored to a variety of industrial applications. For more information or to discuss your specific needs, please visit our website or email us at contact@globalquartztube.com.