Gas Catalytic Infrared Cure Ovens in Indiana
Gas catalytic infrared panels produce infrared energy through a flameless reaction on a catalyst bed. They combine gas operating economics with infrared's direct heating. Indiana manufacturers coating switchgear enclosures, HVAC cabinets and sheet metal assemblies use catalytic IR to gel or fully cure powder. Double D installs gas catalytic IR ovens and their gas, electrical and exhaust connections.
Discuss your installationHow catalytic panels work
Gas reacts with oxygen on a heated catalyst pad without an open flame, producing infrared energy. Panels need a preheat to start the reaction, typically with built-in electric elements.
Gas piping and controls
Each panel or zone needs a regulated gas supply with safety valves. Piping is sized for total panel demand and laid out to keep pressure consistent across zones.
- Gas header sized for full demand
- Zone valves and regulators
- Preheat circuits for startup
- Safety shutoffs tied to airflow and conveyor
Distance and spacing
Panel distance from the part and spacing between panels affect how evenly energy lands. Panels too far away waste energy; too close can overheat edges.
Pairing with convection
Many lines use catalytic IR to gel powder quickly, then finish cure in a convection oven. This keeps powder from blowing off in the convection airflow and can shorten total oven length.
Planning a booth or oven project in Indiana
Crews mobilize from Houston; Indiana is roughly 850 miles away, so equipment, panels and tooling are staged and shipped ahead of the install crew.
Manufacturing in Indiana is concentrated around Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend. The sectors most likely to be specifying spray booths, blast rooms, powder systems and cure ovens there include automotive and powertrain, RV and trailer manufacturing, steel, and aerospace components.
Cold winters mean make-up air heaters are sized for sub-freezing intake, and booth or oven placement has to account for frost lines, snow loads on roof penetrations and winter slab work.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between catalytic and electric IR?
Catalytic panels run on gas with a flameless reaction. Electric IR uses electric emitters. Fuel costs and wavelength differ.
Do catalytic panels need electricity?
Yes, for preheat at startup and for controls.
Can catalytic IR fully cure powder?
On some parts, yes. Many lines use it to gel and finish in a convection oven.
What gas supply do catalytic panels need?
Regulated gas sized for total panel demand.
Why gel powder before convection?
Gelled powder is less likely to be disturbed by convection airflow.