MBH-Barrel

Supported Applications

The Omega MBH Barrel series comprises DuraBand® with Built-In Strap band heaters designed for heating cylindrical surfaces in industrial applications. The product overview identifies typical uses including plastic injection molding machines, extruders, oil reclamation equipment, and food processing machinery.

Operating Conditions & Performance

The series features a specially treated rust-resistant steel sheath casing with mica insulation and nickel-chrome resistance ribbon wire. The maximum operating temperature for the standard sheath is 482°C (900°F). Electrical ratings support a maximum voltage of 480 Vac, with dual voltage or 3-phase availability depending on heater design.

Performance specifications include:

• Nominal Watt Density: 3 to 7 Watt/cm² (20 to 45 Watt/in²)
• Maximum Watt Density: Dependent on heater size and operating temperature
• Resistance Tolerance: 10%, -5%
• Wattage Tolerance: 5%, -10%

A caution note states that failure to adhere to the maximum allowable watt density per heater size will result in poor operating life.

Configuration Options

The MBH Barrel series is available in various construction styles, including one-piece bands, two-piece bands, and one-piece expandable bands. Clamping variations include standard built-in strap, wedge lock, and separate straps. The heaters feature a general purpose terminal box with 13 mm (1/2") trade size knockout (actual diameter 22 mm (7/8")) for standard conduit or flexible armor cable connectors.

Electrical connection options include:

• Screw terminals: 8-32 UNF—20 Amp; 10-32 UNF—25 Amp
• Lead wire termination: 10 Amp
• Flexible armor cable for lead protection is available

The series supports a range of minimum inside diameters and widths based on construction style. For example, Type SB (One-Piece Band) has a minimum ID of 22.2 mm (7/8") and width of 19.1 mm (¾"). The one-piece expandable band should not be opened and closed more than twice.

Construction Styles and Minimum Dimensions

• Type NB—One-Piece Band: Min ID 50.8 mm (2"), Min Width 31.8 mm (1¼")
• Type NS—Two-Piece Band: Min ID 76.2 mm (3"), Min Width 31.8 mm (1¼")
• Type NE—One-Piece Expandable Band: Min ID 63.5 mm (2½"), Min Width 31.8 mm (1¼")
• Type TWL—Wedge Lock One-Piece Band: Min ID 25.4 mm (1"), Min/Max Width 25.4 to 88.9 mm (1" to 3½")
• Type SB, SS, SE—Separate Straps: Minimum IDs range from 22.2 mm (7/8") to 63.5 mm (2½") with widths of 19.1 mm (¾") or 31.8 mm (1¼")
• Type LT, LS, LE—Separate Straps: Min ID 177.8 mm (7"), Min Width 38.1 mm (1½")

Key Product Differences

The series distinguishes between construction styles based on clamping mechanisms and dimensional constraints. One-piece bands, two-piece bands, and expandable bands offer different minimum inside diameters starting from 22.1 mm (7/8") up to larger sizes depending on the specific type code.

• Standard Built-In Strap Clamping includes Types NB, NS, NE with varying minimum IDs of 50.8 mm (2"), 76.2 mm (3"), and 63.5 mm (2½") respectively.
• Wedge Lock configuration is available as Type TWL for one-piece bands starting at a 1-inch ID.
• Separate Straps configurations include Types SB, SS, SE with minimum IDs of 7/8", 2", and 2½". Larger separate strap styles (LT, LS, LE) begin at a 4-inch or 7-inch ID depending on the specific model series listed in construction tables.

Unheated areas must be subtracted from total wattage calculations: one-piece bands require subtraction of 1" × width; two-piece bands require 2" × width; holes and cutouts require Size + ½" × width. If a larger gap is required for probes or thermocouples, this should be specified when ordering.