The source should be as close as practically possible to the load. The distance from the source to the load is dependent on the spacing between emitters. The question often arises about the different shapes of ceramic heaters. These different shapes create three different emission patterns.
Radiant energy is emitted from all objects at different levels of intensity.
This energy comes off all surfaces at true right angles. Examples of this are sheets of plastic or curing of surfaces. When dealing with new applications the emission pattern needed is usually easily determined, but in retrofit applications elements should not simply be replaced without questioning whether there has been a change in application. See page 4 of our Technical Manual for more information. If you apply infrared radiation to a polished metal surface, almost all of the incident infrared radiation will be reflected from the metal surface.