2025-09-26
PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy) immersion tank heaters work using the principle of direct resistance heating combined with the superior corrosion resistance of the PFA sheath. They are specifically designed for heating highly corrosive liquids like strong acids, bases, and ultrapure water in chemical and industrial applications.
Here's a breakdown of how they function:
Heating Element: The core of the heater contains a resistance wire (often a nickel-chromium alloy or quartz glass fiber element). When electricity flows through this wire, its electrical resistance converts the electrical energy into heat (Joule heating).
Heat Transfer: The heat generated by the resistance wire is transferred outwards. In many PFA heaters, the heating element is encased in a protective material like quartz fiber before being coated.
The PFA Sheath: The most critical component is the outer PFA fluoropolymer coating (a type of Teflon).
This sheath is placed directly into the liquid in the tank.
The PFA material has excellent chemical inertness, meaning it won't corrode or degrade when exposed to harsh chemicals, which traditional metal heaters can't withstand.
The heat transfers efficiently from the internal element, through the PFA sheath, and directly into the surrounding liquid. This direct contact makes the heating process highly energy-efficient.
Heating the Liquid: The heat transferred to the liquid causes the temperature to rise. The heat transfer primarily occurs via conduction (direct contact with the sheath) and convection (the heated liquid rises, promoting circulation and uniform temperature throughout the tank).
Safety and Control: PFA heaters are typically equipped with safety features like over-temperature thermal cutouts and often integrate with liquid level controls to prevent the heater from operating when submerged in air, which can cause overheating and damage.
In essence, the PFA coating allows the heater to safely and efficiently use the fundamental principle of electrical resistance heating in environments where an exposed metal element would quickly fail due to corrosion.