Infrared burner

Types of infrared burners

Infrared burners are a particular style of gas burners that are becoming more and more popular in various applications, especially in industrial settings for high-heat production processes and efficient fuel use. They make use of infrared radiation transfer to heat up objects directly without having to first heat up the surrounding air.

When the gas is burnt, it is the emitter that is the character that absorbs the heat that is generated. The emitter is then used to release infrared radiation that heats the object or area directly. An infrared gas burner can come in different types. Each of these models works best in specific applications. Knowing the different kinds of infrared burners can help one choose the ideal model for their needs.

• High-Intensity Infrared Burners:

  These types of burners produce a high level of heat and are mostly used in industrial applications such as manufacturing, metal processing, and specialized cuisine. They have a compact design that ensures a high concentration of heat is produced. High-intensity infrared burners with open designs allow for a faster heat-up time but are more sensitive to wind and environmental conditions. On the other hand, those with a pressurized design produce a more concentrated and directed heat but require a specific gas pressure and flow rate.

• Medium-Intensity Infrared Burners:

  These burners fall between high and low intensity. They work best for industries that don't need extremely high levels of heat and also not a very low intensity. Like the high intensity, the medium intensity burners also have an open and a pressed design. Additionally, they also have ceramic placques and tubes. The ceramic placques design is popular in outdoor patios and under “pizza” type applications because they provide a diffuse and even heating. On the other hand, the tube designs are long and narrow and are mostly used in assembly or manufacturing lines.

• Low-Intensity Infrared Burners:

  Low-intensity burners are mostly used for applications that require a gentle and even heating. This includes curing processes, drying, and some food cooking applications. Unlike the medium and high burners, low burners produce lower heat but have a better heat radiation efficiency. The low intensity infrared burners are quite popular, especially in food service industries because they provide a constant heat source that cooks evenly and helps retain moisture in food.

Specifications and Maintenance

Infrared burners are available in different types and sizes to fit specific machinery applications. Generally, specifications include the following features.

• Heat Output

  The heat output of an infrared burner is measured in BTUs per hour. It shows the total energy used by the burner to produce heat. The heat output must match the heating needs of a machine or an indoor space.

• Power Supply

  An infrared gas burner gets its power from a gas supply or an electricity-powered unit. If it is gas, the specification must mention the type of gas, such as propane or natural gas. In electric units, it may specify a voltage between 120 and 240

• Operating and Control System

  An infrared burner may come with an electronic ignition or a manual lighting process. Modern units have a thermostat to control the temperature precisely. Other controls include timing functions and safety shut-off valves.

• Material

  Typically, an infrared gas burner is built from alloy steel or cast iron. Infrared ceramic burners have heat-resistant ceramic materials. These materials can withstand high heat from adjacent parts.

Proper maintenance increases the lifespan of an infrared gas burner. It also prevents issues that affect the heat output. Here are some helpful infrared burner maintenance tips.

• Regular Cleaning

  Users should clean the burner parts, such as the reflector and elements, regularly to avoid buildup. Reflectors should be free of debris to ensure top-notch heat transfer and good performance.

• Inspect Components

  Periodic inspection helps to discover damaged parts or signs of wear. Users should replace or repair any damaged parts to improve safety and performance.

• Check Gas Connections

  In a gas-powered infrared burner, the gas connections must be checked frequently to confirm that there is no gas leak. Gas leakage can pose health and safety risks.

• Maintain Proper Airflow

  Every infrared burner requires adequate airflow for efficient combustion. Users should avoid placing the burner unit in enclosed spaces that restrict airflow.

Scenarios of infrared burners

The following industries use these burners in various applications:

• Food industry: Numerous restaurants, street stalls, and food factories use infrared burners to grill beef, sausages, hamburgers, bread, etc. The food industry favors them because they cook food evenly, enhancing those eating customers' experiences.
• Industrial manufacturing: This field uses these burners for diverse purposes, including soldering, welding, and fusing. They are excellent options for these functions because they produce focused heat. Infrared burners facilitate quick production because they meet the high demands of industrial manufacturing.
• Construction: Construction details use infrared burners to heat the substances they work with when they need the materials to become malleable. The construction field effectively uses them for the above because the precise heat control preserves the integrity of the materials they work with.
• Chemical industry: The chemical field uses these burners for reactions and processes like drying and reaction heating that require steady heat. The chemical field easily regulates the infrared burner's heat because it is constant. Hence, this ensures the chemicals' processing procedures are successful.
• Entertainment industry: The entertainment industry uses infrared burners in theaters and film studios for special effects, scene recreation, or creating ambiance. They utilize these burners because they generate immediate light. Also, the heat they produce is controllable. Thus, protecting the actors and crew.
• Automotive industry: Automotive manufacturing and repair shops use infrared burners for drying paint, curing coatings, and pre-heating components during assembly. The precision and rapid heating capabilities of infrared burners make them suitable for automotive applications that require high productivity and quality standards.

How to choose infrared burners

For small-scale food business owners seeking to improve their product offerings with the addition of an IR burner, several factors should influence their choice. First, they should research industry standards in order to have a clear idea of what is acceptable quality before making any purchases. The size of the facility and infrastructure available also plays a vital role in determining which types are most suited for use within particular setups; some facilities may be better equipped for countertop models, while others might require those designed for commercial kitchens with more spacious interiors.

In addition, financial capabilities should not be overlooked when considering the purchasing decision; it's essential always to stay within budget constraints even though quality mustn't be compromised. Food safety regulations must also be taken into account because there may exist certain rules regarding equipment used by food businesses that must always comply so as not to violate any law alongside choosing appropriate equipment.

Finally, energy efficiency should always feature prominently among the factors considered during selection processes since this will impact operating costs cumulatively over time as well as environmental sustainability efforts on the part of business owners who operate at larger scales. By taking into account all these different yet interrelated elements, small-scale food production facilities can make informed choices about what kinds of infrared burners they invest in amidst many options available, thus ensuring better service delivery to customers.

Infrared burner Q and A

Q1 Are all infrared burners the same?

A1 No, there is a wide range of infrared burners to choose from. Flared up burners are contemporary and mostly used for modern indoor fireplaces. Crosshatched burners give a more even distribution of heat and are commonly used in BBQ grills. Radiant burners are probably the most popular burners in home kitchens. They are designed to give out a reddish glow when heated. Double burners have a single controller that controls both burners to give a more even distribution of heat. Piezoelectric are electronic starters that use a small electrical charge to ignite gas. Turbo burners have a fan built in, which helps to increase the gas velocity so that it can produce a hotter flame.

Q2 Which materials are infrared burners made of?

A2 Most infrared gas burners are made of stainless steel, aluminum, or ceramic. Stainless steel is a popular choice because of its resistance to rust and corrosion. It is not only durable, but it also has low maintenance. More and more, grill manufacturers are using aluminum in their infrared grills because it is lightweight and has pretty good heat conductivity. Infrared ceramic burners are commonly used in barbecue grills. They produce a wider distribution of heat and are more durable than steel burners.

Q3 Do infrared burners require special gas?

A3 No, most infrared burners are designed to use natural gas or propane. Manufacturers give options to buyers to choose the type of fuel they prefer to use.

Q4 How do users know if an infrared burner is good quality?

A4 A good quality infrared burner will be made of a material that is resistant to high heat and temperature fluctuations. It will produce an even distribution of heat without hotspots. Good quality infrared burners are easy to install and have user-friendly controls. Finally, a good quality infrared burner will have longevity and resistance to wear and tear.