Ryuarm Red / Ceramic halogen lamp
brooders - The Best Choice for Heat Energy
What are the benefits of Infrared heat lamps
(The Trustees of Columbia University December 21, 1995)
Infrared heat lamps use low amounts of energy, have an ability to heat quickly,
and are low cost. There are two types of infrared heat lights, gas powered and
electric. Gas powered infrared lamps are usually used in commercial warehouses.
They are quite heat intensive and must be positioned at least ten feet away
from the source (person or area) to be heated. Electric infrared heat lamps
are most often found in the home. They used to be more common, but with the
advent of new types of bulbs that diffuse various levels of heat and colors,
consumers have a wider selection to choose from and it's rarer to see the infrared
bulbs in use. The infrared bulbs seen most commonly these days are used in heat
lamps in some bathrooms.
Twenty to thirty minutes is recommended as the suggested
maximum exposure for most body applications of heat lamps. While the distance
should be adjusted for personal comfort, the lamp should never be placed closer
than 18 inches to the surface toward which it is directed. Temperatures sufficient
to cause burns may occur from infrared lamps. Do not use near an infant, or
sleeping or unconscious person. These electric lamps should also not be used
by people with sensitive skin or poor blood circulation. Do not place the bulb
directly over the exposed person unless a protective screen is placed between
the lamp and the user. When in operation for extended periods, connect the lamp
to a porcelin socket. Because of the radiant heat in the beam of these lamps,
it should not be used close to combustible materials or materials adversely
affected by drying action.
The effects of infrared radiation on humans are normally
only of a purely thermal nature-- meaning that they warm you! The potential
hazards of infrared heat bulbs, lamps, and radiators are mainly to your skin
and eyes. Because of the intense and radiant heat emitted, skin can burn rather
quickly. However, any overheating or burning will be noticed fairly immediately
because of a violet colored skin reaction, preventing any further damage because
once you see your skin turn purple, you usually move away from the lamp's rays!
If a infrared radiator is
touched, especially tubular quartz types, severe burns can result. Most of the
tubular quartz radiators also have a high working pressure, which can be dangerous
if they explode or break. If considering a quartz type radiator, look for a
low-pressure model.
Your eyes are very susceptible to high-intensity short-wave
infrared radiation. Long-term exposure to infrared radiation can permanently
damage the eyes. Glass blowers and arc welders, for instance, who are exposed
to large amounts of infrared irradiation over time, are susceptible to depigmentation
of the iris and opacity of the aqueous humor, also known as "glass-blowers'
cataract." Goggles with special infrared absorbing glass should be worn
by people experiencing long-term exposure to infrared radiation. People with
limited exposure for only short periods do not need to take extra precautions.
Some medical practitioners, for example, use infrared heat lamps for their incubators
and do not need to take special protective measures.
Since these lamps generate intense heat, and contain a
significant amount of pressure, they can easily shatter. Protect people and
surroundings by employing proper enclosures, shields, lenses, and screens. Finger
marks and scratches from handling should also be avoided as it causes weakening
of the bulb, and more frequent shattering.
Infrared Wave length: 7.5 x 10^-7 meters to 1 x 10^4 meters.
The discovery of this wave occurred because many early experiments searched
for similarities between infrared energy and visible light. These were finally
revealed when, in 1847, Armand Hipolyte, Luis Pizeau and Jean B. Foucault of
France showed that infrared radiation produced interference patterns similar
to those of visible light.
Tungsten-filament lamps produce radiant heat instead of visible light. The
filament, which is sealed in a gas filled bulb or quartz tube is heated by an
electric and operated at a temperature of 4000 degrees F. to produce infrared
rays.
Uses:
Medicine:
Doctors use infrared lamps to treat skin diseases and relieve the pain of
sore muscles. In these treatments, the infrared rays pass through the patient's
skin and produce heat.
Science:
Scientific advances pertaining to infrared have allowed buildings to keep
cool even in the summer. Gold transparent films in the windows of large office
buildings reflect infrared and help to keep temperatures cool.
Consumer Goods:
Photographers use film that is sensitive to infrared rays to take pictures
in places where there is no visible light. Burglar alarms also use infrared.
Industry
Infrared is used extensively in specially-designed ovens for drying painted
and enameled surfaces, leather, metals, papers and textiles.
Dangers:
Although infrared is important, it also has some dangers associated with
it. The thin gold films on space crafts reflect infrared rays from the sun which
can harm both people and the equipment on the craft.
Protection:
In order to protect ourselves and the environment from these dangers, precautions
must be taken such as wearing sunglasses and sunblock to block the infrared
rays from our bodies.
Infrared from Outer Space
The celestial bodies that emit infrared rays are the sun and stars that
are in the making, and stars that are dying. These celestial bodies emit infrared
rays because of their high temperatures and great heat. Half the sun's rays
are infrared rays.
Other Interesting Facts about Infrared:
A recent magazine article talked about how infrared radiation is used to
obtain pictures of distant objects that are unclear due to atmospheric haze.
The detection of infrared radiation is used by astronomers to observe stars
that are invisible in ordinary light or emit radiation.
Infra means;
Infrared rays have a lower frequency other than red rays. Infrared devices
were used during WW2 and enabled sharpshooters to see their targets in total
darkness. Balometers are used to detect infrared. Balometers measure small amounts
of heat produced by types of radiant energy, chiefly infrared rays. Infrared
can be seen if exposed to compressed air.
Article about infrared
Last Update 01, February, 1999
Copyright(c) woon seog, 1999 All Right Reserved
go on top 