Magnetic fields of induction heaters in the framework of directive 2004/40/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.
The spectrum and the polarization of the magnetic flux density (B-field) of 6 induction heaters and 1 arc oven were measured by means of a PMM (Italy) spectrum analyser. The spectrum analysis showed that no substantial harmonics were observed while the polarization analysis revealed that the operator's exposure was non-homogeneous within a distance of 1.5 m from the heater. When the distance was larger, the body was homogeneously exposed. In general we can state that the B-field strongly varied between heaters and that exposure exceeded the occupational reference levels recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) (1998) and European Directive 2004/40/EC in 5 of the 7 heaters. Within the framework of the Directive some protection actions should be taken. Whereas mitigation of existing/old induction ovens is difficult, the design of new induction heaters and their housing should be based, among others, on electromagnetic reducing engineering concepts.
Decat
Gilbert
G
VITO, Mol, Belgium. gilbert.decat@vito.be
Deckx
Leo
L
Meynen
Guy
G
De Graef
Emmy
E
Jonlet
Florence
F
D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005060:Europe; D005062:European Union; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006361:Heating / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011834:Radiation Monitoring; D011840:Radiation, Nonionizing / Q000009:adverse effects; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D017132:Workplace / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards