Definition and general information
Electrically heated silicone fabrics are designed to raise or maintain the temperature of liquids and viscous products contained in vats, tanks or pipes, as well as to heat solid materials up to a temperature of250°C.
They are widely used in various industrial sectors (food processing, industrial processes, pharmaceuticals, etc.) to maintain fluid temperatures, prevent condensation in electrical enclosures, or heat solid parts such as press platens or molds.
Heat transfer takes place mainly by conduction, whether when the silicone heating fabric is pressed against a metal part, or when heating a liquid or viscous product through the walls of a container or pipe.
When heating air in an enclosure, heat transfer is by natural convection directly between the fabric and the air, or via a heat exchanger on which the heating element is mounted, thus optimizing heat transfer.
Heated silicone fabrics are lightweight, flexible and can be preformed to fit specific shapes such as cylinders or cones. They are resistant to moisture, chemicals, UV rays and aggressive environments. What's more, they offer excellent electrical insulation.
They consist of one or more resistive wires embedded between 2 layers of silicone-coated braided fabric. They can be pre-formed or cut to size to suit the support to which they will be attached.
Heated fabrics can be fitted with various functional accessories: temperature sensor, thermal limiter, adhesive face for permanent attachment, insulating foam coating, as well as various removable fastening systems such as Velcro or magnetic fasteners, hooks with springs or straps.
- Single-phase (DC or AC) or three-phase voltage.
- Fabric thickness from 0.8 mm to 3 mm.
- Standard IP64 tightness, IP65 for special designs.
- Maximum dimensions: 940 x 3000 mm
Applications
Heated silicone fabrics are used in a wide range of applications. Here are just a few examples:
Aeronautics
In the form of heated panels, silicone fabrics are used in repair operations on composite parts in the aerospace industry, particularly for heat treatment during bonding or polymerization of materials.
Food industry
Heating equipment for commercial catering: from service counters and hot plates in hotels and restaurants to meal preparation on board aircraft.
Chemistry and pharmaceuticals
In the form of heating belts, silicone fabrics maintain the temperature of fluids stored in drums, preventing them from solidifying or crystallizing.
Industrial processes
In the form of cabinet heaters, silicone fabrics bonded to a metal base prevent condensation in electrical cabinets.
Technical data
Heated silicone fabrics are made of :
- One or more electric heating wires integrated between 2 layers of silicone-coated braided fabric.
- Power cable or wires (length on request). Output can be under boss or under patch, depending on space constraints.
- As an option, the fabrics can be provided with an adhesive side, for durable attachment to the element to be heated.
- Optional fasteners for quick, removable assembly, similar to those used on flexible heating belts. Several solutions are available: Velcro straps, magnetic fasteners, hooks with springs, eyelets with laces, straps...
- Optional integration of a sensor (Pt100 or thermocouple type), preset temperature limiter or control thermostat.
- Optional foam insulation on the outside.
Further information
- Silicone heating fabrics are not suitable for ATEX environments.
- Under no circumstances may they be cut or drilled after delivery. Any openings, cut-outs or specific shapes must be defined in advance, during the manufacturing process.
- In addition to a wide range of finished products shown in our online catalog, Vulcanic is able to design custom-made equipment to meet your specific requirements (power, voltage, dimensions, shape...).
Recommendations
Precautions for use
Silicone heating cloth should not be folded excessively, as this may cause breakage.
After bonding, a heating fabric cannot and must not be removed.
Installation and connection
In the case of mechanical hold-downs, check after assembly that the entire fabric is in contact with the surface to be heated. Any part of the fabric that does not meet this condition generates a hot spot, which can cause irreparable destruction of the heating wire.
Please refer to the instruction manual for all recommendations relating to the equipment.
