Heater element concern

[phild]

Hi All,

I just purchased and received the following Tempco heater element (perhaps erroneously):
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/TEMPCO-SS-Heater-2XEF3

However, when talking with RFT he mentioned that he had just purchased this heater element:
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/TEMPCO-SS-Heater-2XDW1


There appear to be only two differences between each of these, the one I bought has terminals at either end and has a 'Watt Density' of 45.

The other has both terminals at one end only and has a 'Watt Density' of 32.

The terminal location is neither hear nor there, but I am concerned about the Watt Density and potential longevity of the element.

I did find two pages of information which are relevant, one is the specs on the elements and the other is a discussion on Watt Density:
http://www.tempco.com/Strip%20Heaters/finned_strip_std_specs.htm
and
http://www.process-heating.com/Articles/Feature_Article/154bd7dd2f268010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0____



Watt Density appears to be a function of the size/area of the device and of the wattage.  Since both of these elements are the same physical size (as far as I can see), and have the same wattage (900) how can the watt density be different?

Has anyone on the forum installed the element with the Watt Density of 45 and has there been any failures?

Thanks for all help :)
Phil

[pensrock]

the difference must be inside. maybe one has coiled elements inside and the other a ribbon type. so it would be possible for one of the elements to be longer depending on how it is built. or maybe one element is a bigger diameter than the other?

[phild]

Thanks for the response Pensrock

[muebe]

I have the 45w density one (connections on both ends) and mine has not failed...

[phild]

Hi Muebe,

Thanks for that answer, that is what I wanted to hear.   :D

Phil

[RFT]

Just to note that when I ordered my element I thought it was the exact same as meube.  I am pretty sure I just uses a link from an "element thread".   OR  possibly just had the compare page up at grainger and ordered the lower watt density unknowingly.  😚.   Either way I don't think it will make a difference in our application, or will it?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk