Datasheet

26
Introduction
Design
Guide
Polyimide
Heaters
Silicone
Rubber
Heaters (foil)
Standard
Polyimide
& Rubber
Rubber
Heaters
(wire-wound)
Mica Heaters
Thermal-Clear
Heaters
All-Polyimide
Heaters
Sensors,
Controllers &
Accessories
Reference
|
Flexible Heaters Design Guide | www.minco.com
Uncontrolled system
If powered without regulation, a heater will rise in temperature until heat losses (increas-
ing with temperature) equal heat input. This may be acceptable in rare situations, but
normally is avoided because the equilibrium temperature is highly unpredictable.
In most cases the heater temperature needs to be controlled. This allows the heater to
ramp up to setpoint faster without fear of overshooting and burning out the heater.
On/off control
On/off is the most basic form of control: Full power on below setpoint, power off
above setpoint. Electronic on/off controllers offer faster reaction time and tighter
control than thermostats. All on/off controllers have a differential (hysteresis or dead
band) between the on and off points to reduce rapid cycling and prolong switch life.
With on/off control, temperature never stabilizes but always oscillates around the setpoint.
Proportional control
A proportional controller reduces power as the heater approaches setpoint.
This reduces oscillation for steadier control. Note that most controllers are “time
proportioning,” where they scale power by rapid on/off switching. Short cycle times
usually require a solid state relay for power switching.
Simple proportional controllers can experience “droop” where the temperature settles
at a point near the setpoint but not exactly on it.
PID controllers
Proportional/Integral/Derivative controllers solve the problem of droop and
otherwise improve control accuracy through advanced digital algorithms. They
have various tuning parameters for best control, but typically have some preset
modes suitable for most situations.
Temperature Controllers
Desired
operating
temperature
Setpoint
Droop
Minco controller model Control method Supply power Sensor input Controlled output
CT198 On/off 4.75–60 VDC None (uses high-TCR
heater element as sensor)
Same as supply power
CT325 On/off 4.75–60 VDC PD: 100 Ω platinum RTD
PF: 1000 Ω platinum RTD
TF: 50 kΩ thermistor
Same as supply power
CT15 PID, proportional,
on/off (selectable)
100–240 VAC PD: 100 Ω platinum RTD
PF: 1000 Ω platinum RTD
J, K, or T thermocouple
Internal SSR rated to 3.5 A
at 250 VAC
External SSR optional
CT16A Fuzzy Logic, PID, propor-
tional, on/off (selectable)
100–240 VAC
(12–24 VDC optional)
PD: 100 Ω platinum RTD
PF: 1000 Ω platinum RTD
NB: 100 Ω nickel RTD
Most thermocouple types
Internal SSR rated to 2.0 A
at 240 VAC
External SSR optional
Custom controllers
In high volume applications, a specially designed controller
often gives the best performance and price. Controllers can be
stand alone devices or embedded in other electronics.
How Thermofoil heaters improve control accuracy
• Intimate thermal contact means less lag time.
• Profiling and multiple elements give more options for direct-
ing the heat where needed.
• Flexible Thermal-Ribbon™ sensors ensure tight coupling
between the heater, heated object, and control sensor.
• High watt density produces nimble response.