Better Band

Better Band

  • Tutco, recognizing the need for a heater with operating temperature capabilities exceeding that of mica-insulated bands, pioneered the development of the mineral insulated band heater and received a patent on this technology.
  • In both laboratory and factory conditions, the Better Band has performed without fail in temperatures up to 1400°F (760°C) and watt densities of 100 watts per square inch (15.5 w/sq. cm).

 

Product Details

Better Band - Features & Benefits

  • Maximum watt densities; far in excess of any other type of band
  • Highest application temperatures available
  • Best possible clamping and the resulting improved efficiency
  • Longest life available for any application and reduction of equipment downtime
  • High heat transfer rates and the resulting fast response
  • Rapid heat-up capabilities and no fear of heater failure
  • Expandable, two-piece or hinged construction
  • Cost-effective performance

Better Band - Industries & Applications

The Better Band will consistently out-perform other bands in virtually any application. Common industries and applications for this product include:

  • Plastics Industry - specifically processing engineering-grade resins
  • Heating Pipes
  • Chemical Processing
  • Drum Heating

In addition, Better Bands can be modified to meet the demands of virtually any special application. Our engineers can utilize a variety of alternative features and options to customize the heater to your specific needs.

Better Band - Lead Options

Flexible Leads, Near Gap

Near Gap, Axial, Opposite sides

Near Gap, Axial, Opposite sides

Near Gap, Axial, Same side

Near Gap, Axial, Same side

Near Gap, Along width, Same side

Near Gap, Along width, Same side


Available with leads exiting axially or along the width of the band. Axial leads can be positioned on each side of the gap or on one side only. Axial leads feature full contact clamping for longer heater life. 10" (25.4 cm) leads standard, other lengths available.

Flexible Leads, Near Gap, With Cap

Near Gap, With Cap, 90

Near Gap, With Cap, 90°

Near Gap, With Cap, 45

Near Gap, With Cap

Near Gap, With Cap

Near Gap, With Cap, 45°


Low profile cap and tube with leads exiting axially, 90° to axis, or at a specified 15°, 30°, or 45° from axis. Axial leads exit in direction of junction/termination. If heaters are in tandem, they can be positioned next to one another. 90 degree cap ideal for installations where access is limited. 10" (25.4 cm) leads standard, other lengths available.

Two Piece Band

Specify for easy installation/removal where projections or tandem positioned heaters are in use.

When using two-piece heaters, each half is designed with half of the total wattage requirement. This has the capability of being used on either 120 Volte (V1 = V2 = V Total) when connected in parallel or 240 Volts (V1 + V2 = V total) when connected in series.

Ground Wire

A ground wire is available on most heaters where grounding is required.


>> Additional Options

Better Band - Additional Lead Options

Flexible Leads, Opposite Gap

Opposite Gap, Axial

Opposite Gap, Axial

Opposite Gap, Axial, One Braid

Opposite Gap, Axial, One Braid

Opposite Gap, Along Width

Opposite Gap, Along Width


Available with leads exiting axially or along the width of the band. Axial leads can be bound together in one braided sheath. These heaters are generally specified when clearance around the heater is not adequate to allow the lead to exit from the heater pressure plate. 10" (25.4 cm)leads standard, other lengths available.

Flexible Leads, Opposite Gap, with Cap

Opposite Gap w/ Cap, Axial

Opposite Gap w/ Cap, Axial

Opposite Gap w/ Cap, 90° to Axis

Opposite Gap w/ Cap, 90° to Axis

Opposite Gap w/ Cap, Variable Angle From Axis

Opposite Gap w/ Cap, Variable Angle From Axis


The cap and tube option gives protection near the sheath. Leads can exit axially, 90° to the axis, or at a specified 15°, 30° or 45° from the axis. 10" (25.4 cm)lead standard. Other lengths available.


>> Standard Options

Better Band - Termination Styles

Screw Terminals Near Gap

On Each Side

On Each Side

Along the Width on One Side

Along the Length on One Side

Along the Length on One Side

Along the Width on One Side


Screw terminals can be positioned near the gap on each side, along the width, or along the length. This style of terminal helps simplify lead wire connections.

Screw Terminals Opposite Gap

Opposite the Gap Along the Width

Opposite the Gap Along the Length

Opposite the Gap Along the Length

Opposite the Gap Along the Width


Screw terminals can also be positioned opposite the gap either along the width or along the length.

Better Band - Lead Protection

Plain Leads

High temperature mica tape lead wire is suitable up to 842° F (450° C) max. with nickel stranded conductors. Outer jacket is glass Teflon® finish. The use of Monel® lugs is recommended. Better Band comes standard with mica tape lead wire.


Sleeving

Fiberglass silicone rubber coated sleeving class c -1, 392° F (200° C ) service. Provides extra insulation where wire is exposed to heat, molten plastics or abrasion. Rated 1500 volts at 428° F (220° C), except 5/16" (7.9 mm) size which has no voltage rating. This size used primarily to enclose multiple insulation wires in heat and abrasion resistant covering.


Stainless Steel Braid

Stainless steel over braid is most commonly specified in applications where leads may be subjected to abrasion due to movement of the application. Lead wires may be rubbing together or passing over sharp objects.


Stainless Steel Armor

Used over leads in areas where more protection is necessary. Selected for similar applications as the stainless steel braid, in addition to applications where non-fluid contamination may come in contact with the leads. This lead protection is not as flexible as the braid.

Stainless steel square lock construction.


Convoluded Armor

This is a seamless product and can be attached to the heater so that fluids do not contaminate the leads. This system of lead protection is generally associated with the “Sealed Band” construction. Not recommended where leads are flexed in the application.


>> Additional Options

Better Band - Additional Lead Protection

Relief Spring

This optional relief spring is welded to the band sheath. It adds protection from abrasion while keeping the leads very flexible.

Specify length, maximum length: 12" (30 cm)


Copper Elbow

Simple straight abrasion-resistant stainless steel armor or moisture-resistant armor is attached to a 90° copper elbow to accommodate applications where lead access is only possible from one side and armor exit direction is a concern.

When ordering without a swivel option, specify direction of 90° copper elbow.


Pipe Coupling/Extension Tube

These pipe couplings, welded to the heater sheath, provide a method of fastening conduit or armor to the heater which can be disconnected from the heater as required.

Standard stainless steel.


Standard Terminal Box

Designed for protection safety, snap-off cover leaves terminals easily accessible.

For heaters 1 1/2" (38.1 mm) or wider with screw terminals at one end along length on top. Also with screw terminals at one end across width, on top 2 5/8" (67.0 mm) or wider.

Terminal cover protects terminals against accidental grounding or short circuit due to spillage.


>> Standard Options

Better Band - Plugs

European Plug Options

[txt missing for (BETTER_STRIP_PL_P_1, BetterStrip)]

European Plug

European Plug with Bracket

European Plug with Bracket

European Plug with Box

European Plug with Box


Plug is illustrated in the most common position. There are occasions for special boxes where the plug may be positioned on the top surface of the box.

Other Plug Options

Quick Disconnect Socket

2 pole-25 amp-250V 600° F (315.5° C) service. Ideal for power connection to heaters. Durable cast aluminum body on female side. Both sides have ceramic insert insulators. Ground connection via contact fingers.


Hubbell® Plug (or equivalent)

Customer to specify type, part number and amperage required. There is a wide variety of Hubbell® plugs that can be fitted to our heaters. Please specify Hubbell's part number or call us for suggestions.

Better Band - Shapes & Construction

Shroud (Insulated/Non-insulated)

The insulated shroud is available as an accessory or attatched to the heater. It serves to conserve energy and reduce power consumption. Fiberfrax insulations is optional.


Hinged Band

Available in two-piece heaters for applications in which the assembly is frequently required to be opened for easy and registered positioning around the surface.


Expandable Band

A heater which can be easily expanded to fit around a surface. Not for applications requiring consistent removal. (2-3 times max.) Separate full clamping strap provides excellent clamping. Can be expanded 2-3 times without parting.


Partial Band

Available in a variety of terminations and clamping styles (please indicate when ordering). Specially constructed to any angle. Please specify inner diameter, width, angle and termination style.


Special with Holes

Heaters can be built to satisfy your special requirements. Certain applications require holes for thermocouples, to clear tubing, wiring, and other obstacles. These modifications require customer drawings to specify exact diameters and locations of the holes. Special order only.


Special with Cutout

When clearance is a problem with band heater installation, consider requesting slot cut-outs. This can greatly facilitate installation. Drawing is required with exact dimensions and locations. Special order only.


Better Band - Clamping

Strap Standards

Straps can be vastly modified to fit a wide variety of bands. As wider bands are used, multiple straps will most likely be designed in. Normally barrel nuts are built into the ends: one threaded, one through hole. Slots shown are to clear termination areas. Unless otherwise specified, straps are assigned by our engineering staff to best suit each application.

Clamping


One-Piece Strap


Two-Piece Strap


Full-Width Strap



Strap Ends


Ear Clamping


Bar Clamping


Illustrated are the various available styles of clamping for band heaters. When a band is provided the material is of a low coefficient of expansion type. Width of the clamping band or the number used per heater is dictated by the design standards. There are a variety of clamping mechanisms that can be attached to the band or directly to the heater. The most common forms are the strap and strap ends. Factors influencing the type and size of clamping are:

  • Type of band heater
  • Diameter and Width
  • Termination type and location
  • Holes and notches in heater
  • Preferences of the user


Belleville Clamping

A clamping system is generally selected for use with large diameter heaters where additional compensation of band elongation is required. Belleville clamping comes with a standard 1/4 - 20 X 5" (12.7 cm) long screw.


Spring Bolt Clamping

Spring bolt clamping applies constant tension on the clamping mechanism to compensate for heater elongation once it has been energized. Spring bolt clamping comes with either a 1/4 - 20 X 4" (10.7cm) or 1/4 - 20 X 5" (12.7cm) long screw.


Turnbuckle

Specified where a heater is used to heat an I.D. surface. Use of this mechanism is governed by the heater diameter and width. Obstructions such as shafts passing along the center line of the heater may present an interference problem. 1/4 - 20 X 2 1/2" (63.5 mm) long screw.


Wedge-Lock

Specially designed for mounting where space is limited. Eliminates the need for straps. Leads must exit opposite gap.