For instance, water absorbs best at about 3000 nm. Therefore, medium-wave and carbon infrared (CIR) emitters are optimal to heat water and water-based coatings. The main emission of these emitters lies exactly within the range of the main absorption of water. Another important emitter parameter is power, measured in W/cm (emitter length) or W/cm2 (heated surface). Due to the higher temperatures of the heating filaments, the power density of short-wave or halogen emitters is in most cases higher than that of medium-wave infrared emitters.
When selecting an infrared emitter for an industrial process, wavelength and power are among the most important parameters that are taken into account.
