CRFC

Supported Applications

The Omega CRFC Series consists of high-temperature, low-mass, vacuum-formed ceramic radiant heaters designed for fast heat-up and cool-down cycles. These cylinder-shaped units combine the heating element and insulation into a single unit using helically wound iron-chrome-aluminum wire embedded in high-purity vacuum-formed ceramic fiber with a low-sodium inorganic bond. The series is intended specifically for radiant heat applications, including tube furnaces, annealing ovens, and pipe heating.

CR Series heaters are designed to provide radiant energy only; the documentation explicitly states that material to be heated must never come into direct contact with the face of the heater.

Operating Conditions & Performance

The CRFC series is rated for a maximum operating temperature of 982°C (1800°F). The heaters are engineered for low-mass operation to achieve rapid thermal response. Electrical power supply options include 60, 120, and 240 Vac configurations.

Performance specifications derived from the series data sheet indicate a resistance tolerance of ±5%. Users should note that unit shrinkage may occur at higher temperatures; this dimensional change could be up to 4% for temperatures reaching 980°C. Additionally, there is a potential variance of ±1/4" in heater size.

Power and Voltage Configurations

The series supports various wattage levels across different voltage inputs as documented in the specification tables:

• Voltage Options: 60 Vac, 115 Vac, 120 Vac, and 240 Vac.
• Dual Circuit Configurations: Certain high-wattage models (e.g., CRFC-518/240-A) utilize dual 240 Vac circuits to achieve higher power outputs such as 3390 Watts or 4520 Watts.
• Wattage Range: Available wattages span from 220 Watts up to 4000 Watts depending on the specific model and voltage selection.

Configuration Options

The CRFC series offers configurable dimensions and mounting options tailored to cylindrical heating requirements. The heaters are available in two primary configurations regarding vestibules:

• Without Vestibules (-A): Standard cylinder configuration.
• With Vestibules (-C-A): Includes attached vestibules, adding 3" to the 'A' dimension (length).

Detailed dimensional data is provided in inches and centimeters for parameters labeled A through D. For example, model CRFC-156/60-A features a length of 15 cm (6") without vestibules.

Selection Guidelines

• Diameter Fit: It is recommended that the outer diameter (OD) of tubes, pipes, or circular items used with these heaters be kept a minimum of ½" under the nominal inside 'C' dimension.
• Electrical Connections: Units are supplied with 10 standard leads. Mechanical terminations such as SPLIT BOLT connections or TERMINAL STRIPS are recommended for installation.

Key Product Differences

The CRFC series is distinguished by its cylindrical geometry, contrasting with other Omega ceramic heater families like the flat plate (CRFP) or rectangular (CRRS) configurations. Within the CRFC line, variations are defined by wattage, voltage, and physical dimensions.

• Model Numbering: The format follows CRFC-<Wattage>/<Voltage>-A for units without vestibules or CRFC-<Wattage>/<Voltage>-C-A for units with vestibules.
• Vestibule Option: Models designated with the '-C' suffix include complete vestibules attached, which extend the overall length by 3" compared to their non-vestibule counterparts.

All CRFC heaters are manufactured in the USA and carry a 1-year warranty. The series is produced using vacuum-formed ceramic fiber technology with iron-chrome-aluminum ribbon elements mounted in ridges to dissipate heat effectively.