Everything You Need to Know About Immersion Heater

Water is heated efficiently and conveniently by using Immersion heater, making it an essential component of many households. The importance of this heater becomes abundantly clear when the need for hot water arises, especially during chilly mornings or for a soothing bath after a long day. Let's explore what these types of heaters are, how they work, their types, applications, and some essential tips for maintenance.

What is an Immersion Heater?

It is a device used to heat liquids, primarily water, by immersing a heating element directly into the substance needing heating. It consists of a tubular heating element made of materials such as copper, stainless steel, or in some cases, titanium, housed in a protective sheath. The sheath is often made of metal to withstand the corrosive effects of water. These heaters are typically powered by electricity but can also utilize other heat sources like gas in specific industrial applications.

How Do Immersion Heaters Work?

The principle behind the functioning of these heaters is relatively simple. When electricity passes through the heating element, it encounters resistance, which generates heat. This heat is subsequently transferred to the surrounding liquid, gradually raising the temperature. The process continues until the desired temperature is reached, at which point the heater automatically switches off, thanks to a built-in thermostat, preventing overheating. 

Types of Immersion Heater

Screw-in Immersion Heaters: These are the most common types of heaters used in domestic water heating systems. They feature a threaded base that allows them to be screwed directly into a compatible water tank or boiler. 

Flanged Immersion Heaters: Primarily used in industrial settings, flanged heaters are designed for installation in large tanks and boilers. They feature a flange at the base, which is bolted onto the tank, providing a secure attachment.

Over-the-Side Immersion Heaters: As the name suggests, these heaters are installed over the side of a tank, making them suitable for applications where direct immersion is not feasible or practical.

Circulation Immersion Heaters: These heaters are equipped with a circulation pump to ensure even heat distribution throughout the liquid, making them ideal for large-scale heating requirements.

Applications of Immersion Heater

Domestic Water Heating: These heaters are extensively used in homes for heating water in storage tanks, boilers, and hot water cylinders, providing hot water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning purposes.

Industrial Processes: In industrial settings, these heaters find applications in various processes such as oil and gas heating, chemical processing, food and beverage production, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. 

Space Heating: They can also be used in space heating systems, where they are employed to heat water in radiators or underfloor heating systems.

Maintenance Tips for Immersion Heater

Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the heating element and the surrounding sheath for signs of corrosion, scale buildup, or damage. Replace any worn-out or damaged components promptly to prevent malfunctions.

Descaling: Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate on the heating element, reducing its efficiency. Descale the heater regularly using appropriate descaling agents to maintain optimal performance.

Temperature adjustment: Ensure that the thermostat is set to the desired temperature to prevent overheating or excessive energy consumption. Adjust the thermostat as needed based on seasonal variations in water temperature requirements.

Safety Precautions: Always follow manufacturer guidelines and safety precautions when installing, operating, or servicing this or any other sort of heaters. Avoid operating the heater without water, as it can lead to overheating and damage. 

Professional Servicing: For complex issues or unsure about any aspect of maintenance, seek professional assistance from qualified technicians to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Conclusion

Immersion heater plays a crucial role in heating water for various domestic and industrial applications. Understanding how this heater works, its different types, applications, and maintenance requirements can help users make informed decisions regarding its usage and ensure trouble-free operation for years to come. By following proper maintenance practices and safety guidelines, this heater can continue to provide reliable hot water solutions, making our daily lives more comfortable and convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does the immersion heater remain warm?

As long as you utilize a heater with a decent insulating layer or jacket, it should keep the water warm all day, even after it is switched off. If you require hot water, it should not take long to reach the desired temperature once turned back on. 

Do immersion heaters utilize gas?

It is an electric water heater that is installed inside a hot water tank. It functions similarly to a kettle, heating the water around it with an electric resistance heater. A cable connects these types of heaters to the electricity supply.

Are the immersion heaters noise-free?

Not really. This heater element, like a kettle element, makes noise when water comes into contact with the element's heated surface and changes to steam. This noise cannot be prevented without employing a non-standard immersion heater with a substantially bigger surface area for transferring heat into the water.

What is the life of immersion heaters?

The manufacturer's suggested service life states that a water heater should last 8 to 12 years on average. This varies according to the location and design of the unit, the caliber of the installation, the frequency of maintenance, and the water.

Do immersion heaters require servicing?

These heaters should be serviced once a year to keep them in good working order. The heater must be inspected for corrosion or obstructions, and all electrical connections should be examined for evidence of damage or wear.

What is the highest temperature for an immersion heater?

This heater's control thermostat is programmed to shut down when the water temperature hits 60°C. This is sufficient for residential use. The high-temperature cut-out thermostat is pre-programmed to 85°C and includes a tamper-proof cover.

Are immersion heaters safe to use?

These heaters are regarded as particularly safe and efficient because they just heat the water that is utilized rather than the entire tank or container.