Magnesium anode 3/4" 22x400 - INTEGRA, NADO (from 2010) 83.30.22

Magnesium anode for INTEGRA and NADO water heaters

The magnesium anode is a key protective element in enameled water heaters, acting as an active barrier against electrochemical corrosion. In combination with the enamel layer, it creates a comprehensive protection system that shields the metal components of the device from the harmful effects of utility water.

Construction and technical parameters

The anode with a diameter of 22 mm and a length of 400 mm is equipped with a 3/4" thread, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of water heaters. The element is dedicated to HEWALEX and DZ DRAZICE storage tanks from the INTEGRA series (models 400 and 500) as well as NADO devices manufactured since 2010.

The magnesium alloy construction is intentional - this material possesses the appropriate electrochemical potential, allowing it to serve as a "sacrificial anode." In practice, this means that if potential differences occur between different metals in the installation (steel, copper, brass), it is the magnesium anode that undergoes corrosion instead of the protected components of the water heater.

Principle of operation and corrosion protection

The operating mechanism is based on the formation of micro-corrosion cells in the water electrolyte. When different metals come into contact with utility water, microscopic galvanic cells naturally form, accelerating the corrosion process. The magnesium anode effectively neutralizes these potential differences by taking over the electrolysis process.

The rate of anode consumption is not constant and depends on many environmental factors. The hardness of the utility water is of key importance - the more aggressive the water environment, the more intense the consumption of the anode material. Additionally, water quality parameters and the intensity of device operation have an impact.

Servicing and operational replacement

Regular inspection of the anode condition is a fundamental element of maintaining the device warranty and ensuring its long-term efficiency. It is recommended to perform inspections at least once a year, or more frequently with hard utility water.

Replacement becomes necessary when consumption exceeds two-thirds of the initial volume of the element, or at most every two years from installation. Some sources recommend replacement at half of the original volume - such a restrictive approach guarantees continuous corrosion protection without the risk of a system interruption.

The replacement process is relatively simple technically - it only requires unscrewing the worn element and installing a new one with identical thread and dimensional parameters.