It's hard to imagine not having hot water. In home installations, water is boiled using various heating devices. Capacity tanks are the most frequently chosen. However, for them to work effectively, an anode must be used. It is worth learning more about it and getting to know its 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 ? This is an important part of various types of storage water heaters. Its task is to protect the tank against corrosion. This means that it affects the safety of the water used. The user can be sure that no rust, which is very harmful, gets into it. The anode prevents the formation of unpleasant odors. However, it also requires systematic replacement. There are several types of anodes. These include:
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a magnesium anode , which resembles a rod. It ends with a special thread that facilitates installation. Its color is most often milky silver. It is made of a special magnesium alloy, which dissolves in the tank over time. Provides excellent cathodic protection. Protects metals against electrochemical corrosion; - titanium anode - made of titanium. It is extremely durable and resistant even to severe corrosion. By using it, you can completely eliminate the unpleasant smell of water, but it also prevents the proliferation of bacteria. Unlike the magnesium anode, it does not dissolve in water. There is no need to replace it either.
- chain anode - intended for installation in vertical enamelled tanks, specifically in places where access to installing another anode is difficult. It protects the tank well against corrosion. Most often, it is made of non-noble, physiologically non-aggressive magnesium. You need to remember one important thing - water with a high content of sulfates may cause an unpleasant odor and in such a case, the use of a chain anode is not enough and it should be replaced with another one, e.g. titanium.
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insulated anode - serves the same role as the magnesium anode, but differs in that it is possible to check the degree of wear. Just measure the protective current. In this case, the connection to the tank jacket is made via the anode ground cable, which allows you to check its condition. The measurement should be taken with the tank filled. It is best to do this on average once a year.
How does an anode work?
The operation of the 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 titanium alloy that protects the tank against corrosion. To fully understand reactivity, you need to understand how corrosion occurs. The main cause is oxygen, which is contained in the water. It precipitates electrons from materials, e.g. a tank. This may result in greater or lesser reactivity. The metal crumbles in the tank, which causes the coating to leak. Tanks of storage heaters are also susceptible to corrosion. Then, reactions occur in electrically conducting environments. When an anode is installed in the tank, the corrosion changes its direction, focusing on the reactive metal. In this case, for example, magnesium or titanium, the tank is a galvanic cell, where its surface forms one of the poles, i.e. the cathode, and 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?
Basically, the anode replacement time depends largely on its consumption and the aggressiveness of the water. In the case of a magnesium anode, it is best to replace it every 15 months. In some cases, this 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 titanium anode, which is more expensive, but provides more comfortable use. Its service life is very long because titanium does not wear out, which means that it does not need to be replaced.
Anodes in the Onninen hydraulic wholesaler
At the Onninen hydraulic wholesaler you can find truly 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 an M8 screw , which is intended 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 with 4 cells. It prevents corrosion and works well in hard-to-reach places.