Frequently Asked Questions at Process Technology

Why do I need to use my P fuse?
The heater sheath over-temperature “protector” fuse is a required safety device. It is designed to detect when the heater sheath exceeds a predetermined temperature, and trip. The protector must be wired such that when it trips all of the heaters operating in that tank are shut off.

Why do I need to derate a heater?
Our industrial electric immersion heaters are designed to heat a variety of non-flammable aqueous (mostly water) process chemistries. Metal heaters are designed and built with a standard watt density of approximately 35W/sq. in. These heaters perform well when the process chemistry has a viscosity and heat capacity close to that of water. However, certain process chemistries (i.e. concentrated sodium hydroxide, glycols, oils) have a higher viscosity and/or lower heat capacities. Therefore, they are unable to absorb the heat and move it away from the surface of the heater quickly enough. For process chemistries like this, we recommend “derated” heaters - a heater with a watt density below 20W/sq. in. PTFE-covered heaters with a standard watt density of 10W/sq. in. area are already considered to be derated.

Why is my control flashing UUU?
The “UUU” message typically denotes a bad temperature sensor. If you have a replacement temperature sensor available, try replacing the sensor on the controller. If this does not correct the error message, please contact our service department for additional support. You may also want to visit our Troubleshooting Controls guide online or our comprehensive page of downloadable .pdf files including manuals for controls.

Why did you discontinue the NE series temperature controllers?
The NE series temperature controllers were our line of non-indicating electronic temperature controllers first made available in 1988. In 2004, we launched the DLC series of digital indicating temperature controllers which offered a digital temperature display and a lower price than the NE series controllers. Since customers were then able to get an electronic temperature controller with a digital display for a lower price than the non-indicating NE series controllers, demand for the older NE controllers decreased. The NE controllers were officially discontinued at the end of 2009.

How do I calibrate my controller?
The calibration instructions are included in the temperature controller instruction manual (except for the DLC series controllers). Temperature controller installation manuals are also available online on our comprehensive page of downloadable .pdf files.

Can I calibrate my AHM totalizer in the field?
No. For a recommended annual calibration of your amp-hour meter, we suggest you contact our customer service department who can quote the calibration charges, the lead time for the procedure, and facilitate the return of the meter to our factory for calibration.

When do I need a AHM?
Amp-hour meters are used to track the amount of amp-hours used in a plating tank. Using an amp-hour meter to track the consumption of amp-hours can help measure the amount of metal that is plated onto a batch of parts, calculate the depletion of plating metals in the plating chemistry, and calculate the amount of emissions emanating from the tank. In the United States, non-resettable amp-hour meters are required for measuring emissions in chrome plating process tanks.

Can I get the riser on my L shaped aquaculture heater longer/shorter?
Yes. There is no price difference for making a heater with a short riser, but there may be a cost adder for a longer riser. Please contact our customer service department for more information.

What Third Party Approvals do your products carry (i.e. UL, CE)?
Almost all of our electric heaters are UL listed (cULus, which includes CSA approval for Canada) and CE compliant. Our temperature controllers are UL Listed, and many of them are also CE compliant. There are a few exceptions, so please refer to the product data sheet or the web page pertaining to a specific product to verify its approvals.

If I have a 304 stainless steel tank then why will a 304 stainless steel heater not work?
When energized, the surface temperature of an electric immersion heater is much higher than the bulk liquid temperature. Since the tank walls are not the source of heat, they are typically the same temperature as the bulk liquid temperature. In addition, the heater sheath is much thinner than a typical metal tank wall. When you consider that many chemicals are more aggressive or react more quickly at elevated temperature (such as on the surface of an electric immersion heater), the heater sheath may be subject to chemical attack when the tank wall is not.

How often do I have to clean my heaters and why?
Often enough to avoid buildup, although frequency varies upon application, solution, frequency of use, etc.

Why do I have to ground my heater?
The purpose of the ground connection is to minimize the chance of a shock hazard for an operator or equipment. A ground connection on an electric immersion heater is required by the National Electric Code and is also a required part of the UL Listed construction.

When do I need an insulator for my grid or serpentine coil?
Coil insulators are recommended for all metal coils that will be installed in an electrified plating tank. The coil insulators are simply pipe couplings fabricated from a non-conducting material. The purpose of the coil insulators are to prevent a stray voltage from travelling to the immersion coil and give the coil an anodic or cathodic charge, either of which could result in corrosion or plate-out on the coil.

What is the Difference Between a Teflon® Heater and a Fluoropolymer Heater or PTFE Heater?

Wet Process Heating and Cooling Equipment

Frequently Asked Questions