Heat Up Demonstration of Hi Temperature Heater Puck 200mm


Background:

Industrial & semiconductor applications require high heat in a centralized location. BCE designed a heater platen with the goal of 900⁰C operation, fast ramp & soak of at least 800⁰C. When tested in our BCE Lab in Hayward California, we were able to push this heater further and achieved upwards of 1,050°C

Ramp Time:
  • Test#1 23°C to 800°C, 29 Min. (without Insulation)

  • Test#2 23°C to 800°C, 13 Min. (with 2" Insulation)

  • Test#3 23°C to 900°C, 17 Min. (with 2” Insulation)

  • Test#4 23°C to 950°C, 18 Min. (with 2” Insulation)

  • Test#5 23°C to 1,000°C,19 Min. (with 2” Insulation)

Temperature Uniformity:

After the heater stabilized from 800⁰C to 950⁰C, the surface thermocouple on the edge to the internal thermocouple (approximately 180⁰ away), there was a 1% to 2% delta.

Scope:
  • Material: 304 Stainless Steel with Inconel Heat Source
  • Stainless Steel CF or KF flanges of various sizes, with heat sink near heater outlet
  • 200mm Ø x 0.50” Thick
  • Vacuum, He Leak Test available
  • 700VDC, Hi-pot, 1mA current leakage
  • 5mΩ @ 500VDC prior to shipping
Outcome:

Ramped heater from 23°C to 1,000°C in 19 min. under 2” thick ceramic fiber insulation. The heater was held at this temperature for 1 hour, and it intermittently hit 1,050°C.

BCE does not recommend operation above 900C as this can drastically impact the life of the assembly. Furthermore, high-temperature operations should be in a vacuum/oxygen-free environment, and use of insulation is advised.


BCE Mfg.
21060 Corsair Blvd. Hayward, CA 94545
510-274-1990
https://bcemfg.com

Maximizing Efficiency with Non-Contact Spot Heaters: The Power of Focused Light

Maximizing Efficiency with Non-Contact Spot Heaters: The Power of Focused Light

A high-temperature, non-contact spot heater, also known as a lamp heater, utilizes focused light to generate intense heat in specific areas without physical contact. The core of this technology is a halogen lamp, which produces light across a broad spectrum, including significant infrared radiation, which is particularly effective for heating.

Halogen lamps generate light by passing electricity through a tungsten filament enclosed in a quartz envelope filled with halogen gas. This design enables the lamp to operate at higher temperatures and produces more intense light than conventional incandescent bulbs, making them highly effective in applications requiring focused and intense heating.

The spot heater's effectiveness stems from its ability to direct and condense the light emitted by the halogen lamp. A carefully designed reflector system surrounds the lamp, typically made of highly reflective materials. The reflector's shape and curvature focus the light rays onto a specific target area, ensuring maximum energy concentration. This concentrated energy allows the heater to deliver heat precisely where needed, improving efficiency and effectiveness.

Some advanced spot heaters incorporate additional optical elements, such as lenses or filters, to refine the light beam further. These components can help shape the heated area more precisely, filter out unwanted wavelengths, or sharpen the intensity on the desired spot. The ability to filter out specific wavelengths can be particularly beneficial, as certain materials absorb infrared radiation more effectively at particular wavelengths, enhancing the overall heating efficiency.

When the concentrated light hits the target surface, the material absorbs infrared radiation, which converts it into heat energy. This absorbed energy heats the part's surface and then conducts inward through the material. The efficiency of this process depends on the target's material properties, particularly its ability to absorb the specific wavelengths emitted by the halogen lamp. Materials with higher absorption rates at the lamp's specific wavelengths will heat more effectively, making the selection of appropriate optical filters critical in some applications.

One of the main advantages of this technology is its ability to heat specific areas rapidly without physical contact. This feature minimizes the risk of contamination or damage, making it particularly useful in manufacturing processes where traditional contact heating methods might interfere with other operations or harm sensitive components. The non-contact nature of the heating also allows for quick temperature adjustments and precise control. Many systems include sensors and feedback mechanisms to monitor the temperature in real time, ensuring the maintenance of desired heat levels and preventing overheating. Operators can modulate the lamp's intensity or adjust the focusing mechanism to fine-tune the heating process for different materials or applications.

Spot heaters find applications in various industries, including electronics manufacturing, automotive assembly, and materials testing. They excel in welding, soldering, heat-treating small components, or curing adhesives in localized areas where precision heating is critical. The ability to focus heat precisely reduces energy waste, making these heaters effective and energy-efficient.

While highly effective for many applications, users must consider factors such as the target material's reflectivity and thermal properties when implementing this technology. Additionally, proper safety measures are essential, as the intense light and heat can pose risks if not managed correctly.

High-temperature, non-contact spot heaters offer a unique solution for precision heating in industrial processes. By combining the power of focused light with advanced control systems, they deliver heat exactly where it's needed without the limitations of traditional contact-based methods and do so with an eye toward efficiency and safety.

BCE Mfg.
21060 Corsair Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94545
510-274-1990
https://bcemfg.com

BCE MINI CLEAN FLOW – High Pressure

BCE MINI CLEAN FLOW – High Pressure

BACKGROUND

The BCE application required a custom heating solution at 0.25 CFM with an operating
temperature of 800°F (427°C) and an inlet pressure of 800 PSI. The medium being heated was
nitrogen. Stainless steel (such as 316) and nickel alloy 600 were used for the heat source in this low flow/mid-temp application.

SCOPE

The Mini Clean Flow HeaterHigh Pressure specifications:
  • Outlet temperature needed to be 800°F (427°C)
  • Inlet needed to withstand 800 PSI
  • Perpendicular configuration with ¼” tube fittings
  • Hydrostatically pressure tested to 2000 PSI for 1 minute
  • Must pass all electrical tests before and after the 2000 PSI test
  • Ability to place the heater in a vertical flow position if necessary
  • Type “K” thermocouple for additional temperature measurement
  • 300-Watt, 120 Volt
  • Material: 316SS with Nickel 600 Alloy heat source

OUTCOME

After the 2000 PSI test, the MCF heater was tested to 212°F at 1-3 CFM in the lab. We then re-tested it electrically, checking for any abnormal readings. The tests performed were the meg-ohm insulation resistance at 500 VDC and a hi-pot, 700 VDC test. The heater passed with no changes from the initial inspection prior to the 2000 PSI test.

The heater was cleaned, packaged, and prepared for delivery to the customer.

BCE Mfg.
21060 Corsair Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94545
510-274-1990
https://bcemfg.com

BCE Heaters, Feedthroughs, and Control Consoles


At BCE, we understand the need for precision and reliability in industrial applications. That's why our vacuum feedthroughs, electric heating elements, and con are designed to meet the highest standards. 

BCE’s electric heating elements provide consistent, controllable heat distribution essential for critical thermal processes. 

Our vacuum feedthroughs ensure tight connections, preventing leaks and maintaining vacuum integrity. BCE Control Consoles work well with all custom heater assemblies and are quality-built, self-contained systems for monitoring and controlling process temperatures in a wide range of fixed or portable applications. 

BCE Mfg. 
21060 Corsair Blvd. 
Hayward, CA 94545 
510-274-1990

The BCE SSR 480 Volt, 3 Phase Temperature Control Panel

The BCE SSR 480 Volt, 3 Phase Temperature Control Panel

A high-performance solution for precision temperature management in a variety of industrial applications.

Our BCE Controller Console is the ideal companion for custom heater assemblies, including the Larger Clean Flow Heater. Designed for wall mounting, this self-contained system boasts robust construction and is engineered to effortlessly monitor and control process temperatures in diverse fixed setups.

Key features of this 1-zone unit include reliable next-generation 1/16 DIN auto-tuning temperature controllers with fuzzy logic and PID control, ensuring optimal temperature regulation with user-friendly programming.

Key Specifications:
  • Controller Compatibility: BEC-9100, or BEC-9300 Temp Controller
  • Sensor Type: Supports type K or J
  • Power: 480V, 3-phase, Solid State, with a maximum load of 30 amps (25KW)
  • Sub-Circuit: 1 sub-circuit designed for suggested customer applications
  • Fusing: Class J, 40 amps fast-acting fuses for enhanced safety
  • Compact Dimensions: Approximately 14.0"; x 12.0" x 6.0"
  • BCE Part Number: BCE11376
  • Safety Certified: cULus listed marking required (USL/CNL)
Invest in the BCE 480Volt, 3-phase Temperature Control Console to elevate your temperature control processes with confidence and precision. Whether you're in industrial, manufacturing, or research settings, this console offers the reliability and versatility you need for top-notch temperature management.

BCE Mfg.
21060 Corsair Blvd. Hayward, CA 94545
510-274-1990

Large Capacity Clean Flow Heater from BCE


A compact, fast responding electric heating element for liquids and gases for all clean, fuel cell, bio-med, laboratory, food, and pharmaceutical applications.

- Parts cleaning
- Critical fluid heating
- Solvent replacement
- Biomass extraction
- Bio reclamation
- Semiconductor processing equipment
- Photoresist material

The MCF heaters can be used to heat media in-line with the process flow. The heater is cleaned with IPA and rinsed with DI water and then passivated. This process minimizes contamination of the media being heated. For liquids, the max outlet temperature is driven by the liquid media, for gases the max outlet can be 800°C. The internal element in most cases comes with a built-in thermocouple (K or J), which will monitor the heater and the media temperature. BCE prefers grounded junctions, meaning grounded to the sheath of the internal heater. By having this configuration, the heating element is in direct contact with the media, hence maximum efficiency.

The MCF-Stream was designed in such a way that the delta-T between the ni-chrome internal element and the sheath of the heater is at a minimum. By keeping the delta-T to a minimum the life of the element will be optimal for most applications.

BCE
21060 Corsair Blvd. Hayward, CA 94545
510-274-1990

BCE Hi Temperature Puck Heater - 200mm

BCE Hi Temperature Puck Heater - 200mm

Background:

Industrial & semiconductor applications require high heat in a centralized location. BCE designed a heater platen with the goal of 900⁰C operation, fast ramp & soak of at least 800⁰C. When tested in our BCE Lab in Hayward California, we were able to push this heater further and achieved upwards of 1,050°C

Ramp Time:
  • Test#1 23°C to 800°C, 29 Min. (without Insulation)
  • Test#2 23°C to 800°C, 13 Min. (with 2" Insulation)
  • Test#3 23°C to 900°C, 17 Min. (with 2” Insulation)
  • Test#4 23°C to 950°C, 18 Min. (with 2” Insulation)
  • Test#5 23°C to 1,000°C,19 Min. (with 2” Insulation)

Temp. Uniformity:

After the heater stabilized from 800⁰C to 950⁰C, the surface thermocouple on the edge to the internal thermocouple (approximately 180⁰ away), there was a 1% to 2% delta.

Scope:
  • Material: 304 Stainless Steel with Inconel Heat Source
  • Stainless Steel CF or KF flanges of various sizes, with heat sink near heater outlet
  • 200mm Ø x 0.50” Thick
  • Vacuum, He Leak Test available
  • 700VDC, Hi-pot, 1mA current leakage
  • 5mΩ @ 500VDC prior to shipping

Outcome:

Ramped heater from 23°C to 1,000°C in 19 min. under 2” thick ceramic fiber insulation. The heater was held at this temperature for 1 hour, and it intermittently hit 1,050°C.

This video shows a test in atmosphere with no insulation which is less efficient but more interesting to look at.

BCE does not recommend operation above 900C as this can drastically impact the life of the assembly. Furthermore, high-temperature operations should be in a vacuum/oxygen-free environment, and use of insulation is advised.

BCE Mfg.
21060 Corsair Blvd. Hayward, CA 94545
510-274-1990