Tiefenheizverfahren

Tiefenheizverfahren, translated as deep heating process, refers to a group of thermal treatment methods used to increase the temperature of materials or objects within their interior. This is distinct from surface heating methods that primarily affect the outer layers. The primary goal of Tiefenheizverfahren is to achieve uniform heating throughout the entire volume of the material, or to selectively heat specific internal regions.

Common applications of Tiefenheizverfahren include industrial processes like drying, curing, and sterilization. In the food industry, it is used for pasteurization and sterilization to extend shelf life and ensure safety. For wood and other porous materials, deep heating can facilitate efficient drying, removing moisture from the core. In the manufacturing sector, it can be employed for heat treatment of plastics, rubber, and composites to achieve desired material properties.

Various technologies are employed for Tiefenheizverfahren. Dielectric heating, using radio frequency or microwave energy, is a prevalent method. This works by causing polar molecules within the material to vibrate and generate heat internally. Induction heating is another technique, particularly effective for conductive materials like metals, where alternating magnetic fields induce eddy currents that generate heat. Infrared radiation can also penetrate some materials to a certain depth, contributing to deep heating. The choice of method depends on the material properties, the required temperature, and the desired heating uniformity.