Miraculously, while it was discovered by accident in 1938, DuPont scientists quickly realized PTFE’s properties make it highly resistant to most acids, detergents and solvents. In addition, PTFE has a high melting point and an extreme amount of flexibility, making it ideal protection for immersion heaters that need to be immersed in corrosive and reactive chemicals in many industries. PTFE immersion heaters are sleaved in the PTFE compound, so the metal underneath is not subjected to the corrosive solutions they heat. Using an immersion heater sleaved with PTFE can allow you to heat chemicals rated up to 13 pH. With this particular compound, your immersion heater can spend as much time submerged in corrosive chemical solutions as necessary.
PTFE heaters offer extreme durability against corrosive solutions, but careful practice must be taken when using them. PTFE is a soft material and vulnerable to nicks, cuts or abrasions that could leave the underlying heating element exposed to corrosion. Polypropylene guards can protect the PTFE-sleaved components from damage.
While PTFE is the most versatile plastic in terms of chemical compatibility, it is not compatible with hydrochloric acid. If you need to heat hydrochloric acid, ask us about our titanium heaters.
Which Immersion Heater is Right for You?
When deciding what PTFE immersion heater is best for your needed application, there are several factors you should consider before purchase. Immersion heaters come in several different variations that should be used depending on the type of tank you have. PTFE tank heaters come in three basic variations to suit your specific , each optimized for specific uses. You can choose from:
The type of immersion heater isn’t all that matters, however. Before purchasing your PTFE heater, you’ll want to know the pH value and chemical compatibility of the corrosive solution you’re heating. You’ll also want to know the specific heat or Watt Density needed. If you’re having issues figuring out which immersion heater would work best for you, feel free to contact the experts at Heatmax so we can provide assistance and get the PTFE heater that will work best for your application.
Additionally, we offer screw plug immersion heaters and flanged immersion heaters that safely and effectively heat liquids and materials in process tanks and vessels.