- Published on
A sacrificial anode by virtue of its name ‘sacrifices’ itself for the benefit of the hot water tank. Using the principles of electrochemical processes when two different metals are immersed in water one will corrode away to protect the other. Sacrificial magnesium anodes are used in hot water tank acting as the less noble metal and corrodes to protect the inner tank of the hot water tank.
Sometimes the quality of water prevents magnesium anodes from corroding. These water conditions are typically soft water. The low electrical conductivity in soft water reduces electrical flow from anode to cathode (inner tank) through the water. This stops the anode from corroding and therefore won’t protect the inner tank.
When inspecting the anode in these applications it could appear in excellent condition. However this may be an indication that the anode is not working and the heater is at risk.
What is a powered anode?
Powered anodes, or impressed current anodes, are non-sacrificial. The metal of the anode is titanium and theoretically will last the lifetime of the hot water tank.
Powered anodes use an electrical supply to produce a very low current into the water to replace the electrolytic current produced by sacrificial anodes.
It is good practice to remove the sacrificial anode (if already installed) from the hot water tank to maximise protection.
Which anode protection should I use for my hot water tank?
It depends on the area of the you are in and your choice of hot water tank.
Things to consider when choosing anode protection for your water tank:
Hardness of the water
Sacrificial anodes often don’t work in soft water areas due to the low electrical conductivity. But a powered anode in certain soft water areas may also have no effect in protecting the cylinder shell as the conductivity of the water, which the powered anode requires, may still be too low.
Site conditions
If the site is prone to electrical supply failures then powered anodes should not be used as without a power supply the hot water cylinder will not be protected from corrosion.
Cost and installation
Electrical anode protection can be more expensive initially due to a higher purchase price and the additional electrical connections that are needed for installation. However, over the lifetime of the unit they could be more cost effective than maintaining and replacing sacrificial anodes.
Again, all this needs to be considered in relation to the site and individual project.
Maintenance
Electrical supply and connections are needed for powered anodes. However powered anodes come with an indicator red or green LED to help you identify the status of the protection system.
Sacrificial anodes require maintenance and will corrode at different rates depending on the location. Regular inspection is required by an engineer to check the state of the anodes. You will need to learn how quickly the anodes deteriorate and therefore how often they need changing.
For more info contact solar water heater supplier in uae or call us at +971 4 25 22 966
Sometimes the quality of water prevents magnesium anodes from corroding. These water conditions are typically soft water. The low electrical conductivity in soft water reduces electrical flow from anode to cathode (inner tank) through the water. This stops the anode from corroding and therefore won’t protect the inner tank.
When inspecting the anode in these applications it could appear in excellent condition. However this may be an indication that the anode is not working and the heater is at risk.
What is a powered anode?
Powered anodes, or impressed current anodes, are non-sacrificial. The metal of the anode is titanium and theoretically will last the lifetime of the hot water tank.
Powered anodes use an electrical supply to produce a very low current into the water to replace the electrolytic current produced by sacrificial anodes.
It is good practice to remove the sacrificial anode (if already installed) from the hot water tank to maximise protection.
Which anode protection should I use for my hot water tank?
It depends on the area of the you are in and your choice of hot water tank.
Things to consider when choosing anode protection for your water tank:
Hardness of the water
Sacrificial anodes often don’t work in soft water areas due to the low electrical conductivity. But a powered anode in certain soft water areas may also have no effect in protecting the cylinder shell as the conductivity of the water, which the powered anode requires, may still be too low.
Site conditions
If the site is prone to electrical supply failures then powered anodes should not be used as without a power supply the hot water cylinder will not be protected from corrosion.
Cost and installation
Electrical anode protection can be more expensive initially due to a higher purchase price and the additional electrical connections that are needed for installation. However, over the lifetime of the unit they could be more cost effective than maintaining and replacing sacrificial anodes.
Again, all this needs to be considered in relation to the site and individual project.
Maintenance
Electrical supply and connections are needed for powered anodes. However powered anodes come with an indicator red or green LED to help you identify the status of the protection system.
Sacrificial anodes require maintenance and will corrode at different rates depending on the location. Regular inspection is required by an engineer to check the state of the anodes. You will need to learn how quickly the anodes deteriorate and therefore how often they need changing.
For more info contact solar water heater supplier in uae or call us at +971 4 25 22 966
0 Comments
