FEATURE u Medical Equipment & Devices


The role of heating technology in medical equipment


Andy Selvy, Chief System Designer at industrial technology company Watlow, discusses medical device trends and how heating technology plays a vital role there


body temperature post-operation could not be injected into the body.


When selecting an industrial heating equipment manufacturer to support with a medical device project, it’s important to consider a company’s portfolio of thermal solutions for the industry. Watlow, which has manufactured heating technology such as controllers, heaters and sensors since 1922, is accomplished in providing OEMs with solutions that enable exceptional thermal control, meeting the most demanding product specifications like combining miniaturisation and high performance. For instance, its ULTRAMIC advanced ceramic heater is ideal for the minimisation trend. Providing thermal performance up to 155W/cm2


in a package of just 8mm2


, and with T


he term medical device refers to any instrument, apparatus or appliance involved in the diagnosis, treatment or


improvement of life. There are around 10,000 different medical devices on the market today, with each piece having to be manufactured to the highest standards to ensure accurate, efficient and safe use. What’s lesser known is the role heating technology plays in some of the most commonly used forms of medical devices.


DEVICE TRENDS Medical device manufacturing is a burgeoning market. For example, the UK, which is home to over 2,000 device manufacturing companies, is the third largest medical device market in Europe, expected to be worth over £5bn by 2025. More specifically, Ireland is beginning to assume the position of Europe’s medtech leader. There are over 300 medical technology companies in Ireland, which is also the second largest exporter of medical technology products in Europe. In fact, 25% of the world’s population that has diabetes relies on injection devices that are made in Ireland. It’s thought that the success of Ireland’s


recognised medtech sector is a result of active collaboration, as over 25% of companies have a shared services mandate, helping the sector develop world-class operations and technology


26 July/August 2021 Irish Manufacturing


solution development. Currently, there are several market trends that create unique thermal challenges: miniaturisation of devices, increased throughput for diagnostic equipment, and a shift towards point-of-care diagnostics focused on preventative care and faster medical decisions. From an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) perspective, they must also contend with increased globalisation efforts such as leveraging a single device in all regions of the world. This shift creates several manufacturing challenges. For instance, producers of medical devices must now consider a greater number of voltage requirements and increasingly stringent safety standards. For those focusing on making devices smaller, there’s the associated challenges of still delivering high performance and ensuring careful, considered placement of each component to maximise space.


HEATING TECH IN MEDICAL DEVICES From anaesthesia delivery systems and respiratory therapy devices, such as ventilators, to blood and intravenous (IV) fluid warmers and transfusion equipment, heating plays a crucial function in many medical devices. Without heaters, humidity could not be added to respiratory equipment, instruments could not be sterilised and fluids that help stabilise


onboard sensing for closed-loop temperature control, the ULTRAMIC saves space, reduces the machine’s overall footprint and simplifies the manufacturing and assembly processes. In addition, Watlow’s small industrial electric heaters comply with medical equipment and mechanical and electrical isolation requirements, and commonly include on-board monitors and safety-limit controllers.


IN TIMES OF CRISIS Several Watlow products have been used in medical devices during the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, one medical device manufacturer is using the ULTRAMIC advanced ceramic heaters in a product that treats COVID-19 patients, which has proven effective in preventing people from requiring ventilators. Elsewhere, Watlow’s foam-in-place silicone rubber heaters have been used to help with COVID-19 vaccine testing. Additionally, Watlow’s EZ-ZONE panel mount controllers are being used by another company to control air flow and negative vacuum conditions in makeshift hospital tent systems. Heating technology acts behind the scenes to ensure the critical function of various medical devices. When developing new technology, OEMs should consider partnering with a heating expert that understands the regulatory environment they must operate in and can work alongside them to create life- saving innovations.


Watlow www.watlow.com www.irish-manufacturing.com


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