What is the working principle of a quartz heating tube?

The working principle of a quartz heating tube mainly utilizes a specially made milky white or transparent quartz glass tube as the outer shell, with a high-resistance heating alloy wire (such as nickel-chromium alloy or iron-chromium-aluminum alloy) inside as the heating element. When current passes through the heating wire, electrical energy is rapidly converted into heat energy and released outward in the form of far-infrared radiation and heat conduction. Quartz glass, as an excellent infrared penetrating material, allows heat to penetrate the tube wall with extremely high efficiency, thereby achieving rapid heating of the target object.

Core Components and Operation Process of a Quartz Heating Tube

To understand Quartz heating tubes in depth, we need to analyze their internal structure and the heat conversion process:

Electrothermal Conversion: When the power is turned on, the resistance wire located in the core of the tube generates high temperature. Due to the extremely small coefficient of thermal expansion and extremely high thermal stability of the quartz tube, it can withstand instantaneous high-temperature shocks.

Infrared Radiation Output: The most significant feature of a quartz heating tube is its matched infrared radiation wavelength. Quartz tubes undergo special treatments (such as coating with a directional reflective layer or altering the tube's transparency) to concentrate the emitted infrared wavelengths within a specific range, making them easier for objects to absorb.

Heat diffusion: In addition to radiation, the air surrounding the quartz tube is also heated through convection. Due to its extremely low thermal inertia, this heating method typically results in "instant heating."

Why choose a quartz heating tube?

Among various heating elements, Quartz heating tubes are highly favored primarily due to the following technological advantages:

High thermal efficiency: Its electrothermal conversion efficiency can reach over 95%, making it more energy-efficient than traditional metal heating tubes.

Strong corrosion resistance: Quartz is an acidic material and, except for hydrofluoric acid, reacts almost no with other acids, making it suitable for use in complex chemical environments.

Long and stable lifespan: Under rated voltage, the performance of quartz heating tubes is very stable, and the heating wire is not easily oxidized.

Clean and pollution-free: No open flame, smoke, or odor is produced during the heating process, meeting the requirements of modern industrial dust-free production.

Common Classifications and Characteristics of Quartz Heating Tubes

Based on differences in materials, manufacturing processes, and heating elements, Quartz heating tubes are mainly classified into the following three types:

Transparent Quartz Tubes: Possess extremely high infrared transmittance and rapid heat-up. Primarily used in paint booths, food baking, and household heaters—applications requiring rapid heating.

Milk-White Quartz Tubes: The tube wall has a diffuse reflection effect, resulting in more uniform heat output. Commonly used in plastics processing, semiconductor manufacturing, and high-temperature sterilization cabinets.

Carbon Fiber Quartz Tubes: Utilize carbon fiber as the heating element, exhibiting extremely high electrothermal conversion efficiency and significant far-infrared therapy functions. Widely used in high-end drying equipment and medical therapy devices.

Industry Applications

Due to their superior performance, quartz heating tubes are widely used in the following industries:

Industrial Drying: Such as printing, packaging, and automotive painting production lines.

Medical Equipment: Utilizing their far-infrared properties for therapy and high-temperature sterilization.

Home Appliances: Electric ovens, space heaters, and multi-functional heating appliances.

Laboratory research: Due to its stable chemical properties, it is often used for heating high-purity reagents.

Quartz heating tubes, with their high efficiency, environmental friendliness, and durability, have become a leader in modern heating technology. Whether in efficient industrial manufacturing or quality-conscious household appliances, this heating element demonstrates significant value.