How Flexible Heaters Can Be Used in a Veterinary Industry
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The medical industry has long relied on flexible heaters to keep patients safe. Many of those same practices apply in veterinary medicine.
Hi-Heat Industries manufactures flexible heaters for veterinary practices across the country. Whether you need a heater for IV warmers or a custom-fit heater for warming systems, you’ll find what you need.
Veterinary flex heater applications
Look at any veterinarian practice, and you’ll find flexible heaters. They’re built into equipment to keep pets comfortable during treatment. Whether it’s while providing hydration or in post-surgical recovery. Here are a few top applications for flexible heaters in the veterinary industry.
Flex heaters for liquids
Infusion heaters keep fluids at a consistent temperature as they enter an animal’s system. These heaters don’t make direct contact with the liquid, so there’s no need for them to have water resistance. They can cool liquids, keep them at room temperature, or heat liquids to a warmer temperature.
The biggest job of an infusion heater is to maintain liquids at a consistent temperature. You may also want to look at how much time it takes the heater to heat up. Some applications might not allow you to wait to get to the desired temperature.
Flex heaters for surgical recovery
Hyperthermia and hypothermia are both concerns with pets during and after treatment. Small animals are more vulnerable to hypothermia as they lose body heat quicker. During and after surgery, veterinarians have to make up for that body heat loss.
After surgery, the recovery process starts with warming blankets or a heating pad. Each of these items comes with a built-in flexible heater to provide even, consistent heat. A professional remains by the animal’s side until they’re ready to go home.
Flex heaters for cages
During the recovery period, it’s important that the pet remains comfortable. Flex heaters keep pets at the right body temperature, called normothermia, after surgery. Normothermia prevents infection and keeps animals comfortable as they rest and recuperate.
Warmth can come from blowers that generate and circulate air through the cage or from a blanket or pad. In all cases, flex heating elements are important components. They’re thin and pliable enough that they can fit the smallest applications.
Types of veterinary flex heaters
The veterinary industry turns to flexible heaters due to their thin, bendable profile. You can install flex heaters in a variety of equipment, from blankets to fluid warmers. The materials made to manufacture flex heaters can play a direct role in how they operate. Some are more efficient than others in certain areas. It’s important to know the difference to ensure you get the right part for each application.
Polyester flex heaters
Polyester is best for uses that need to maintain a low, consistent temperature over a large area. You might see these in warming blankets, trays, and pads. They max out at 221°F (105°C), so this does limit use options.
There are two types of polyester heaters. One is an etched foil polyester, while the other is a wire-wound polyester heater. Etched foil is great for thinner applications, but they do have size limitations. Wire wound flex heaters offer all the etched foil benefits and are perfect for smaller quantities and prototypes.
Polyimide flex heaters
Another option for large-scale warming is polyimide, also known as a Kapton® heater. Polyimide is an ultrathin but durable polymer film with a high level of flexibility. That makes it great for squeezing into tight, narrow, and even curved spaces.
Polyimide flex heaters work for all your high-heat equipment needs, with a max temperature of 392°F (200°C). The design allows it to heat large surface areas better than other types of flex heaters. Large warming surfaces for bigger animals are ideal for this type of heater.
Silicone rubber flex heaters
Silicone rubber is the most flexible type of heater. The durability and resistance to moisture makes it great for use in warming liquids. It can also heat a large surface area, making it great for post-surgical recovery uses. Like polyimide heaters, silicone rubber can handle temperatures up to 392°F (200°C). They’re great for liquid warmers and equipment due to their durable but flexible build.
But, water and pressure aren’t the only stresses that silicone heaters can withstand. They’re built to take on fungus, oils, and solvents. The process of getting the heaters into the equipment is the first important step. You’ll want to make sure you have a heater that can handle your manufacturing environment.
If you’re looking for flexible heaters for veterinary equipment, Hi-Heat can help. We carry a range of flexible heaters that are ideal for veterinary applications. You can choose from polyester, polyimide, and silicone rubber flexible heaters. We can even custom build components to meet your needs. Contact us today to get a free consultation and learn how we can help you.
