Fast-responding infrared heaters.

Medium-wave infrared heaters are available from Krelus AG of Hirschthal, Switzerland, which has begun marketing in the U.S., though it does not have an office here. The Krelus Mini heater is claimed to be one of the fastest-responding units available and to be more economical than other infrared and halogen types. It reportedly heats up in 8 to 10 sec and cools down in 2 sec. It's also said to use 20% less energy than other IR heaters and 30% to 40% less than halogen heaters. Electric current passes through metal-foil ribbons held in a stainless-steel frame and backed by refractory insulation. Low power consumption is said to be due to the large radiating area. The medium-IR spectrum (2.6 to 9.6 microns) is absorbed equally by light or dark plastics, making the heaters "colorblind," the company says. Heaters operate at 20 to 32 kw/[m.sup.2] and up to 800 C (1470 F). Tel: [phone] * www.krelus.com

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