If you are looking for heaters, you will realize that there are different types and models. One type of heater that you might come across is an immersion heater. These heaters have become popular over the years due to their affordability and cost-effectiveness. But what is an immersion heater, and how does it work?

Ergo Agency answers all your questions about immersion heaters in this guide.

What Exactly is an Immersion Heater?

An immersion heater is a heating device used to heat liquids in tanks and various equipment. Also known as bayonet heaters, these devices can be directly inserted into a tank or equipment to heat oils, water, or other liquids.

Immersion heaters are either direct or indirect. Indirect heaters use convection or radiation to heat liquids, whereas direct immersion heaters use heating elements to heat materials. 

They are also classified into over-the-side, in-line, infrared, and pipe heaters. In-line and over-the-side heaters can be classified as direct immersion heaters, whereas the others are indirect.

How Do Immersion Heaters Work?

Now that we have discussed what immersion heaters are, you are probably eager to learn how they work.

These heating devices come with heating elements that heat the liquid. However, you might overlook the heating elements because they are enclosed in a sheath. When you turn it on, the heating element will be activated, heating the liquid material.

Because heat is distributed through the enclosing sheath, the effectiveness of your immersion heater will depend on the material and conductivity of the sheath. 

As mentioned earlier, direct heaters are immersed in a liquid, whereas indirect immersion heaters are dipped into a pipe with a closed-end before being immersed in the liquid. Regardless of the type of immersion heater you buy, it should have the following elements and parts:

·         Wattage

·         Sheathing

·         Heating element

·         Temperature Range

·         Power density

·         Enclosure

Immersion Heaters Applications

Immersion Heaters are among the most flexible heating devices out there. They can be used in various applications and conditions, such as wastewater management, the oil industry, laboratories, nuclear plants, cement curing, food processing, the brewing industry, water purification, and more. 

Conclusion

Immersion heaters are heating devices used to heat liquids in various industries and conditions. They are either indirect or direct.