| An "Application Brief" on another problem solved...
Profiled heat element compensates for heat loss
Problem:
A medical device company manufactures a universal blood analyzer that must heat the blood to 37°C for proper analysis. The diagnostic unit will be able to test DNA, diseases, infections, and other bacterial that can be diagnosed and treated by medical professionals. The equipment required tight temperature control and uniform heat.
Significant heat loss was occurring at the edge of the test plate as well as from the unit chamber due to poor insulation. Also, the cover was drawing heat away from the test tray causing inconsistent temperature gradient across the test plate.
Solution:
An upper heater, roughly twice the size of the lower heater plate, was added to the chamber to offset the heat losses. Both heaters were designed using a profiled element to generate more wattage at the edge of the plates. The heaters were also vulcanized to the plates to provide the best possible heat transfer.
Each heater plate has an integrated thermal ribbon sensor. The sensor size was increased to measure a larger footprint area of the heater plates. Each heater assembly is calibrated to the temperature controller and is controlled independently to optimize performance.
Engineering Tip:
Use a profiled heating element to compensate for heat loses from the edges, holes, or additional heat sinks mass. Combined with a properly insulated heating zone will improve performance.
Need a solution that involves circuitry, heating or sensing? Go to Minco's APPLICATION BRIEF ARCHIVE >> |  |  |  | | Learn how to use
heaters and sensors
to achieve optimal
performance in medical devices | |  Superior thermal performance
Temperature uniformity
Low mass
Fast time response
See how in the Medical Diagnostics and Implant Industry Guide >>
| Reliable heating
solutions for
medical devices | | Silicone Rubber Thermofoil Heaters
Silicone rubber is a rugged, flexible elastomer material with excellent temperature properties.
Polyimide Thermofoil Heaters
Polyimide (Kapton™) is a thin, semitransparent material with excellent dielectric strength - ideal for applications with space and weight limitations.
Learn more in the Flexible Heater Design Guide >> | |
