It is hard to imagine the lack of hot water. In home installations, water is boiled using various heating devices. The most common choice is a capacity tank. However, for them to work effectively, an anode must be used. It is worth learning more about it and getting to know the types.
Check out the anodes at the Onninen wholesaler
What is an anode?
Large tanks such as boilers can store hot water and maintain its temperature. However, for this to happen, an anode must be used. Here the question arises - what is an anode ? It is an important part of various types of storage water heaters. Its task is to protect the tank from corrosion. This means that it affects the safety of the water used. The user is sure that rust, which is very harmful, does not get into it. The anode prevents the formation of an unpleasant smell. However, it also requires systematic replacement. There are several types of anodes. These include:
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magnesium anode , which resembles a rod. It is finished with a special thread that facilitates assembly. Its color is usually milky silver. It is made of a special magnesium alloy, which dissolves in the tank over time. It provides excellent cathodic protection. It protects metals against electrochemical corrosion; - titanium anode - made of titanium. It is extremely durable and resistant to even strong corrosion. Using it, you can completely eliminate the unpleasant smell of water, but it also prevents the reproduction of bacteria. Unlike the magnesium anode, it does not dissolve in water. It also does not need to be replaced.
- chain anode - is designed for installation in vertical enameled tanks, and precisely in places where access to install another anode is difficult. It protects the tank well against corrosion. It is most often made of non-noble, physiologically non-aggressive magnesium. You have to remember one important thing, namely water that has a high content of sulphates can cause an unpleasant smell and in such a case using a chain anode is not enough and it should be replaced with another one, e.g. titanium.
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isolated anode - plays the same role as the magnesium anode, but differs in that in its case it is possible to check the degree of wear. It is enough to measure the protective current. In this case, the connection to the tank shell is made via the anode's ground wire, which allows checking its condition. The measurement should be taken with the tank filled. It is best to do this on average once a year.
How does the anode work?
The operation of an anode is very simple. First of all, it is based on the properties of the material from which it is made. It is magnesium or a titanium alloy that protects the tank from corrosion. To fully understand reactivity, it is necessary to learn how corrosion occurs. The main cause is oxygen, which is contained in water. It knocks electrons out of materials, e.g. the tank. This can lead to greater or lesser reactivity. In the tank, the metal crumbles, which in turn causes the coating to leak. The tanks of capacitive heaters are also exposed to corrosion. Then, reactions occur in environments that conduct electricity. When an anode is installed in the tank, corrosion changes its direction, focusing on the reactive metal. In this case, e.g. magnesium or titanium, so the tank is a galvanic cell, where its surface forms one of the poles, i.e. the cathode, while the other is the anode, and between them there is water, i.e. the electrolyte. This process is called cathodic protection.
How often should the anode be replaced?
In principle, the time of replacing the anode depends largely on its wear and tear and the aggressiveness of the water. In the case of a magnesium anode, it is best to replace it after about 15 months. In some cases, it can be done even later, i.e. every 18 months. In some cases, this time is shorter and the anode must be replaced every year. The situation is different in the case of a titanium anode, which is more expensive, but provides more comfortable use. Its service life is very long, because titanium does not wear out, which also means that it does not need to be replaced.
Anodes at the Onninen plumbing wholesaler
In the Onninen plumbing wholesaler you can find really reliable anodes. A good choice may be the GALMET magnesium anode with a 5/4" brass plug . It is perfect for enameled exchangers and boilers. A good choice may also be the GALMET active titanium anode with a power supply and M8 screw , which is designed for tanks from 350 to 500 l. This is an investment for years. The Biawar FI26-7X1200 chain anode is also a good choice. It is an isolated device equipped with 4 cells. It prevents corrosion and will work well in hard-to-reach places.