When infrared energy strikes an object it may be absorbed, transmitted, or reflected from the surface. The sum of the amount of energy absorbed, transmitted, and reflected must equal 100% of the total incident energy. An object is called a "blackbody" if it absorbs (or emits) 100% of incident infrared radiation.
Throughout the years many different forms of infrared heat sources have been developed. Some of the more familiar forms seen today are metal sheathed tubular heaters, quartz tubes, quartz lamps, gas-fired catalytic, flat faced panels, and ceramic emitters. Each source has its own distinctive set of properties.
Our ceramic infrared heaters (emitters) are manufactured with three basic emitter faces: Concave, Flat and Convex. The concave surface will emit a concentrated radiant pattern which is highly effective when zone heating is desired as well as radiant heating in general. Flat surface emitters will produce a uniform pattern for even heating at a close proximity between the emitter and the target being heated. Finally, the convex shaped emitter gives off a wide area pattern which is desirable in comfort heating or other applications that require a dispersed radiant emission pattern.
