U-Shaped Alpha SIC Rods

U – shaped sic heaters or alpha rods comprises of two carefully matched SIC Rods united with a Thickened Bridge, both terminals from one side of the Furnace. Ideal for drop-through design, radiant tube systems or where one element will not span the heating chamber.

The Low Resistance Ends (LRE) have a high (15:1) electrical resistance ratio to the hot zone section. To provide a low resistance contact surface the first few inches of the cold ends are metallized with aluminium. Just like the other types of heating elements the U shaped SiC rods are held in compression to the ends by stainless steel spring clamps and the connections are made with flat aluminium braids. U Shaped Alpha SiC rods are specified by providing the overall length, the heating section length, the cold end length and the diameter. The U – shaped sic heaters have high density of approximately 2.4gm/cc. This helps in providing a superior performance, high strength and slow aging characteristics.

The U-Shaped Alpha Rod operate at temperatures of up to 1425° C (2600° F). The cold ends of the U-shaped rods restrict the maximum temperature that can be obtained. If higher temperatures are required (above 1425°C), then the cold section of the heating elements must be protected from the furnace temperatures. If the furnace temperature required are higher than 2600°F (1425°C), the cold end section should be protected from the full furnace chamber temperatures.

Silcarb U-Shaped Alpha Rod elements gradually increase in resistance with use. This characteristic is also known as aging. The aging depends on several factors like operating temperature, atmosphere, maintenance techniques, etc. U-Shaped heating element can be mounted in various positions but horizontal and vertical are the most common positions. When the elements are mounted horizontally, the bridge must be supported.

The U – shaped sic heaters are available in different product forms and can be customized to different standard sizes and geometries to suit a variety of heating processes. Contact us for any further details.

Type U element is normally with a straight cold end. Dumbbell cold end are also available (For Dimensions, Resistance, Kindly Contact us):

For further information on silicon carbide heating elements…

Download Silcarb SiC Heating Elements Brochure

Download Silicon Carbide Heating Elements Technical Brochure