Anderson Thermal Devices, Inc. (ATD) is constantly being thanked, by customers, for ATDs quick response to the need for replacement shortwave and medium wave quartz halogen infrared lamps. ATD not only sells to OEMs, they sell replacement infrared lamps for most infrared dryers, pre-dryers, ovens and comfort heaters.
Not only will ATD supply replacement lamps, they assist customers in determining why their IR lamps have been failing prematurely.
Some of the most common factors that lead to premature shortwave quartz halogen lamp failure are as follows:
- Improper storage of stocked lamps: Lamps should be stored in their shipping containers to prevent breakage and contamination. There is nothing more frustrating than going to the shelf for an emergency replacement lamp only to find that the stocked lamps are broken. Quartz lamps have very thin walls and hence are very fragile.
- Improper installation: When installing the lamps, extreme caution should be used. The lamps should not be “forced” into position or into clamps. This is especially true of longer lamps. Forcing might induce micro cracks, resulting in pre-mature lamp failure.
- Devitrification due to contamination: Oils, salts and other contaminates cause devitrification of the quartz. Devitrification causes the quartz envelop to become opaque to infrared energy, rather than being transparent. This prevents energy from going out and the filament over heats, resulting in lamp failure. The oils and salts from handling with bare hands, shop oils, and dust will cause devitrification. Before being installed and powered up, all quartz halogen lamps should be visually inspected, and wiped clean using denatured alcohol. When handling quartz tube halogen lamps always wear cotton gloves.
- Improper powering up: A Soft Start Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) should be used. Minimizing temperature extremes results in less expansion and contraction of the filament and extends lamp life. Full power causes a very high in-rush current possibly damaging the wiring and blowing fuses. A Soft Start SCR ramps up the lamp voltage in predetermined steps bringing the filament temperature up incrementally.
- Improper power connections: IR lamps like all electrical products must be properly connected to the power. Loose connections and undersized wires are common reasons for a quartz halogen lamp’s shortened life.
Anderson Thermal Devices focuses on customer service and satisfaction, offering quick and efficient technological expertise in combination with efficient customer service, great pricing and quick delivery. Call or write for more information: 973-423-2709