Technical

Reference Data
Corrosion Guide for Electric Immersion Heaters
Corrosion Guide Terminal Enclosures 5. Avoid galvanic corrosion. Avoid contact
of the element sheath with dissimilar
The Corrosion Guide on the following pages Corrosion of electric immersion heaters is metals.
provides suggested sheath materials for not limited to the sheath material. Frequently,
many applications. While it is by no means application problems are related to contami- 6. Keep immersion heaters out of the space
complete, the guide does include all of the nation or corrosion of heater terminals and between anode and cathode in electro-
readily available sheath materials and a wide electrical connections. When selecting a plating processes. The effects of plating
variety of common chemicals and solutions. heating element sheath material, also consider current may damage the element sheath.
The compilation is based on available data and the location and environment of the terminal 7. Examine immersion heaters periodically
application experience and is furnished as a enclosure. Select an appropriate heater electri- for corrosion and sludge accumulation.
guide to the user. The recommendations are cal terminal enclosure. Take corrective action to maintain
only suggestions and should not be interpret-
continuity of operation.
ed as an absolute choice of sheath material in Temperatures & Watt Densities
a particular application. 8. Electrically Ground metal sheath heaters
Consider your selection of a heater sheath to the tank and, in turn, to earth for safety
Types of Corrosion material very carefully. Once the material and protection of personnel against
has been selected, design the application for electrical shock. Consider the use of a
In immersion heater applications, a protec- sheath watt densities as low as practical and ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for
tive or “passive” film forms on the surface of economical. Remember, the sheath of an optimum safety.
a metal sheath which protects it from further immersion heater functions as a heat transfer
corrosion. As long as the film remains intact, surface and thus operates at temperatures Table Legend to the Corrosion Guide
the base metal is protected. Corrosion mecha- above the temperature of the surrounding
nisms destroy the protective film and allow the media. The higher the watt density, the higher A = Good to Excellent service life
base metal to be attacked. Sheath corrosion the sheath temperature. The elevated media
takes a number of different forms. The most temperatures and the fluid movement around B = Fair to Good service life, expect some
common are: the sheath accelerate chemical reactions and sheath corrosion
may create severe localized corrosive condi- C = Depends on Conditions such as
• General Corrosion tions on the metal surface. Materials recom- solution concentration, operating
• Galvanic Corrosion mended for construction of your tank or vessel temperature and fluid flow
may not be suitable as the sheath material for
• Stress Corrosion Cracking the immersion heater. X = Not Suitable or Not Recommended
• Intergranular Corrosion. Operating & Maintenance Factors Blank = Data Incomplete or Not Available
Temperature accelerates the corrosion pro- for Maximum Heater Life WARNING — Hazard of Electric Shock. Any
cess. Austenitic stainless steels are particularly installation involving electric heaters must
susceptible to stress corrosion cracking and Sheath selection is only part of the solution to
be effectively grounded in accordance with
intergranular corrosion. resolving potential corrosion problems. The
the National Electrical Code to eliminate
ultimate life of a heating element sheath in a
shock hazard. All electrical wiring to electric
Sheath Selection Process particular application will also depend upon a
heaters must be installed in accordance with
number of operating and maintenance factors.
the National Electrical code or local electrical
Since it is the responsibility of the end user to These factors are usually within control of the
codes by a qualified person. For maximum
make the final selection of sheath material for end user. To ensure maximum heater life and
equipment protection, the National Electrical
any particular application, the information in minimize sheath corrosion, Chromalox recom-
Code recommends Ground Fault Protection
this guide may be used as a reference in the mends the user:
be provided for each branch circuit supplying
investigation of a particular process. Select
1. Maintain the chemistry of the solution. electric heating equipment.
the sheath material and watt density based
upon your intimate knowledge of the chemi- Avoid carry-over from other processes.
cals and operating conditions which exist in Warranty Disclaimer
2. Avoid depletion of bath chemistry.
the actual application. As part of the analysis, Maintain bath chemistry at optimum Many factors that affect the corrosion of
you should consider the anticipated operating levels. heater sheath material are beyond the
temperatures, the recommendations of the
control of the heater manufacturer. For this
chemical supplier and actual test results where 3. Filter or remove accumulating sludge,
reason, Chromalox assumes no responsibil-
available. Contact your Local Chromalox Sales since sludge impedes flow of heat from
ity for any electric Immersion heater failure
office for assistance or sheath material recom- element sheath and accelerates corrosion.
that can be attributed to corrosion. This is
mendations for chemicals and solutions not
4. Keep process temperatures stable and in lieu of any warranties, written or verbal,
shown in this list.
as low as possible. Excessive operating relative to heater performance in a corrosive
temperatures mean shorter heater life. environment.

I-48
 Technical

Reference Data
Corrosion Guide for Electric Immersion Heaters (cont’d.)
Legend Sheath Material

304, 321, 347 SS

C276 Hastelloy®
INCOLOY® 800
INCONEL® 600
A = Good to Excellent

Carbon Steel

MONEL® 400
B = Fair to Good

20Cb-3 SS
Aluminum

Density 12
Cast Iron

Teflon® 12
Titanium
C = Depends on Conditions

Suggest
Copper

316 SS

Quartz
X = Not Suitable

Lead
Blank = Data Not Available Notes
Solution Corrosion Rating
Acetic Acid (100%) X X X X C B X BC BC A BC A A A A 23
Acetic Acid (50%) C X X X X B X B C A AC BC A A A 15
Acetone (100%) A BC A X A A B A B A B BC A A A 2
Actane 70™ A 1
Actane 80™ A 1
Actane Salt™ CONTACT FACTORY
Alcoa Bright Dip R5™ A A 1
Allyl Alcohol B B A A A A B A A A B B B B A 2
Alcohol B B A B A A A A B A A B A A A 23 - 26 2
Alcorite™ A 1
Alkaline Cleaners B X 30 - 40 1
Alkaline Soaking Cleaners B 30 - 40 1
Alodine™ CONTACT FACTORY
Aluminum (Molten) CONTACT FACTORY
Aluminum Bright Dip A A 1, 9
Aluminum Chloride (Aqueous) X X X C X X X X X X C A A B A 1
Aluminum Cleaners X C X C A A X A A A B X B 1
Aluminum Sulphate (Sat.) X X X X X BC B X BC BC B BC A A A 1
Alum X X X X BC BC X X X BC BC BC A A A 1
Ammonia (Anhydrous) C A X X A C C A B A A A A A A
Ammonia (Gas) X C X X B C C X A A B A A A A
Ammonium Bifluoride X X X X X X X B X B AC B X X A
Ammonium Chloride (50%) X X X X A C X A C C B A B A A
Ammonium Hydroxide (25%) B BC X A A A X X A A A B X A A
Ammonium Nitrate B A X X X BC X X A A A A C A
Ammonium Persulphate B X X X C C C X C B B A A
Ammonium Sulphate (< 40%) X X X X B A B B C B B B A A A
Amyl Alcohol C A A B B B B BC B B B B A A A 23 - 26 2
Aniline B C X B B B B B A A A B A A A
Anodizing X X X X X X A X X X A A A X A
ARP 28™ A 1
ARP 80™ Blackening Salt A 1
Arsenic Acid X X C X X B X X B B B C A X A
Asphalt X A X A A A X X BC B A B A A A 6 - 10 2
Barium Hydroxide (Sat.) X B X B B B X C B B B B A AC A
Barium Sulphate B C B B B AC B B B B B B A A A 55
Beer A X B A B X A AC A A A A B A 30 - 40
Black Nickel A A 23 5
Black Oxide A 23 5
Black Liquor X X X BC BC BC BC C A 15
Bleach 5.5% Cl, Clorox™ X X BC BC AC A 15 - 23
Bonderizing™ SEE ZINC PHOSPHATE
Boric Acid X X C X C A C BC BC BC C A A A A
Brass Cyanide A 1
Bright Nickel A A 23 1, 5
Brine (Salt Water) X X BC AC AC B C B A 55 10, 11
Bronze Plating A A 1
Butyl Alcohol (Butanol) BC BC A A A A A A A A A B A B A 2
Cadmium Black A 1
Cadmium Fluoborate A 1
Cadmium Plating A
Calcium Chlorate B B X B B B C B BC BC B B B A
See notes at end of table.
INFORMATION
TECHNICAL

I-49
 Technical

Reference Data
Corrosion Guide for Electric Immersion Heaters (cont’d.)
Legend Sheath Material

304, 321, 347 SS

C276 Hastelloy®
INCOLOY® 800
INCONEL® 600
A = Good to Excellent

Carbon Steel

MONEL® 400
B = Fair to Good

20Cb-3 SS
Aluminum

Density 12
Cast Iron

Teflon® 12
Titanium
C = Depends on Conditions

Suggest
Copper

316 SS

Quartz
X = Not Suitable

Lead
Blank = Data Not Available Notes
Solution Corrosion Rating
Calcium Chloride (Sat.) BC B B B B B X B BC B B A A A A 23
Carbon Dioxide - Dry Gas A B BC B A A B A A A A A A AC A 10 - 23
Carbon Dioxide - Wet Gas A X X X A A B A B B A B A BC A 10 - 23 2
Carbon Tetrachloride X C AC X A A AC A A A A AC A A A 23 - 26 1
Carbonic Acid (Phenol) B B X C A AC X AC A A A A A A A 1
Castor Oil BC A AC A A A A A BC B A A A A 23 - 26 1
Caustic Etch X A C A A A X A A A A BC X A 15 - 26 6
Caustic Soda SEE SODIUM HYDROXIDE 2
Chlorine Gas - Dry X C C X B A X AC C BC B B A X B
Chlorine Gas - Wet X X X X X X X C X X X BC A X B
Chloroacetic Acid X X X X C C X C X X C AC A A A
Chromic Acetate A 1
Chromic Acid (40%) X X X X X X B X BC B BC B A A X
Chromic Anodizing A 1
Chromylite A 1
Citric Acid (Conc.) X X X X B AC X B BC A A A A A A 1
Clear Chromate A A A 1
Cobalt Nickel A 1, 6
Cod Liver Oil A A A A A 23 - 26 1
Copper Acid A A 1
Copper Bright A 1
Copper Bright Acid A 1
Copper Chloride X X X X X B X XX X X B A A A
Copper Cyanide X X A BC B BX B B A A AC A
Copper Fluoborate B B BB B B A
Copper Nitrate X X X X X BC AX A A C A B A
Copper Pyrophosphate A 1
Copper Strike A A A 1
Copper Sulphate X X X X BC B A X B B B B A A A
Creosote C A BC A B B X B B B B B A A 6 - 15 2
Cresylic Acid 50% C BC C C C X X B A B B A B A 2
Deionized Water SEE WATER
Deoxidizer (Etching) A 1
Deoxidizer (3AL-13 Non-Chrome) A A 1
Detergents BC A B A B A AC A A 40 - 55
Dichromic Seal X X A A A 1
Diethylene Glycol B AC B A B B A B A A A B A A A 1
Diversey-DS9333™ A 1
Diversey-511™ A 1, 5
Diversey-514™ A 1
Dowtherm™ (Diphenyl) X A C A B A A A A 23 5
Dur-Nu™ A A 23 1,5
Electro Cleaner A A 1
Electropolishing A 1
Electroless Nickel A A A 1
Electroless Tin (Acid) A A 1
Electroless Tin (Alkaline) A A 1
Enthone Acid - 80 A 1
Ethers, General B B B B B A B B A A B B A B A 2
Ethyl Chloride B B B B A A B B A A A B A A A 2
Ethylene Glycol A A B B B A X B B A A A A A A 23 - 30 5
Fatty Acids A X C X B AC X B BC A A A A A A 23 - 26
Ferric Chloride X X X X C X X X X X X BC A A A
Ferric Nitrate (< 50%) X X X X X BC X BC B A BC A AC A
Ferric Sulphate X X C X C C B C BC AC A A A A A
Fluoborate A A 1
Fluoboric Acid X AC X B BC AC AC A X A
Fluorine Gas (Dry) AC X X X A C C A AC A A BC C X C
Formaldehyde (< 50%) B X B X B B X B AC AC A B A A A
See notes at end of table.

I-50
 Technical

Reference Data
Corrosion Guide for Electric Immersion Heaters (cont’d.)
Legend Sheath Material

304, 321, 347 SS

C276 Hastelloy®
INCOLOY® 800
INCONEL® 600
A = Good to Excellent

Carbon Steel

MONEL® 400
B = Fair to Good

20Cb-3 SS
Aluminum

Density 12
Cast Iron

Teflon® 12
Titanium
C = Depends on Conditions

Suggest
Copper

316 SS

Quartz
X = Not Suitable

Lead
Blank = Data Not Available Notes
Solution Corrosion Rating
Formic Acid (10 - 85%) B X C X B B X B AC B A A A C A
Freon (F-11, F-12, F-22) B C B A A A A A A A B 3-9
Fruit Juices (Pulp) B X B A A BC B BC A B A A 30 - 40
Fuel Oil (Normal) B A B A B A B A A A B A 6 - 15 2, 3, 7
Fuel Oil (Acid) X X X X C C C C B A A 6 - 10 2, 3, 7
Gasohol B B B B B B B B B B 23 - 26
Gasolene (Refined) B B B B B B B B B B B A 23 2, 5
Gasolene (Sour) X B X C C C X B B B B A A 23 2, 3, 5
Glycerin (Glycerol) A B A B A A B A A A A A A A A
Grey Nickel A A A 23 1, 5
Hydrocarbons-Aliphatic A A A A A A A A A A A A 23 - 26 2
Hydrocarbons-Aromatic A A A A A A A A A A A A 23 - 26 2
Hydrochloric Acid (Dilute) X X X X BC BC X BC X X X AC B B A 20 - 30
Hydrochloric Acid (50%) X X X X X X X X X X X BC X X A 15 - 25
Hydrocyanic Acid (10%) B B X X B B X B B B B A A
Hydrofluoric Acid (Dilute) X X X X BC X B C X X B A X X A 23 5
Hydrogen Peroxide (90%) A X X X B B X B AC AC AC A A B 23 - 26
Indium A A 1
Iridite™ - #4 - 75, #4 - 73, #14, A
#14 - 2, #14 - 9, #18 - P A 1
Iridite™ - #1, #2, #3, #4-C,
#4PC&S, #4P-4, #4-80, #4L-1, A
#4-2, #4-2A, #4-2P, #5P-1, X X X X X B X X X X X B A A A
#7, #7-P, #8, #8-P, #8-2, #12-P, X X A BC B X B B B A A AC A
#15, #17P, #18P A 1
Iridite™ Dyes - #12L-2, #40, #80 A A 1
Irilac™ A A 1
Iron Fluoborate A 1
Iron Phosphate (Parkerizing™) A B B A A A
Isoprep™ Deoxidizer #187, #188 A 1
Isoprep™ Cleaner #186 A 1
Isoprep™ #191 Acid Salts A 1
Jetal™ A 1
Jet Fuel JP-4 B B A B B BC B BC A A
Kerosene B B BC B A B B B B B B 23 - 26 2
Lacquer Solvents A A A A B B A B A A A A A 23 - 26 2
Lead Acetate X X X X A A X B B B B B A A A
Lead Acid Salts B 1
Lime Saturated Water X B B B B B X B B A B A X C 23 - 40
Linseed Oil B B B B A B B A A A A A 10 - 15 2
Lubricating Oil B A A A A A A B B B A B A A 23 - 26 7
Machine Oil A A A A A B B B B A A 23 - 26 7
Magnesium Chloride X BC B X A B X B C B B A A A A
Magnesium Hydroxide B A B B A B X B A A A A A A A
Magnesium Nitrate B B B B B A X B B B B B A B A
Magnesium Sulfate B BC BC B AC B B A B B B B A B A
McDermid™ #629 A 1
Mercuric Chloride X X X X X X X X X B BC B A B A
Mercury X A X A B A X B A A A A A A A 23 - 30
Methyl Alcohol (Methanol) C B B B A A B A B B B A A A A 2
Methyl Bromide X C B C B B B B BC A A A A A
Methyl Chloride X X B C B C C B AC AC A B A A A
Methylene Chloride C BC C BC B B B AC B B AC A A A A
Milk A B C A A X C A A A A 30 - 40
INFORMATION

Mineral Oil B B B A AC B A AC B AC A A A 23 - 26
TECHNICAL

See notes at end of table.

I-51
 Technical

Reference Data
Corrosion Guide for Electric Immersion Heaters (cont’d.)
Legend Sheath Material

304, 321, 347 SS

C276 Hastelloy®
INCOLOY® 800
INCONEL® 600
A = Good to Excellent

Carbon Steel

MONEL® 400
B = Fair to Good

20Cb-3 SS
Aluminum

Density 12
Cast Iron

Teflon® 12
Titanium
C = Depends on Conditions

Suggest
Copper

316 SS

Quartz
X = Not Suitable

Lead
Blank = Data Not Available Notes
Solution Corrosion Rating
Muriatic Acid SEE HYDROCHLORIC ACID
Naphtha A A A B A A A A A A A A A A 2
Nickel Acetate X A 1
Nickel Chloride X X X X AC B C B BC BC B A A A A 23 1, 5
Nickel Plate-Bright X X BC C C C A B A 23 1, 5
Nickel Plate-Dull X X BC C C C A B A 23 1, 5
Nickel Plate - Watts Solution A A A 23 1, 5
Nickel Sulphate X X C X C C B C B B B A A
Nickel Copper Strike AC AC AC (Cyanide Free)
Nitric Acid (20%) X X X BC BC AC X X AC AC A AC A A A 15
Nitric & Hydrochloric Acid X X X X C X X X BC BC C A X A 15
Nitric & 6% Phosphoric Acid A A A 15 1
Nitric & Sodium Chromate A A A 1
Nitric & Sulfuric Acid (50% - 50%) X C X X X AC AC AC A 15
Nitrobenzene BC B BC B B B X B B B A B A A A 2
Oakite™ #67 A 30 - 40 1
Oleic Acid C BC B BC A AC X BC AC AC B B A AC A
Olive Oil AC B B B B B B AC A 23 - 26
Oxalic Acid (50%) X X B X AC AC X B X B B B A X A
Paint Stripper (High Alkaline) A 30 - 40 1
Paint Stripper (Solvent) A 23 - 26 1, 2
Paraffin A A A A B A B A A A A 6 - 15 2, 7
Parkerizing™ SEE IRON PHOSPHATE
Peanut Oil B B A 23 - 26
Perchloroethylene B A B A A A B A AC AC B B A A 23
Petroleum Oils (Refined) B B B B A A A A A 23 - 26 2, 3, 7
Petroleum Oils (Sour) X B X B X B B 15 - 23 2, 3, 7
Phenol (Carbolic Acid) B B X C A AC X AC A A A A A A A
Phosphates (Generic) BC AC B X 23 - 40 1, 5, 9
Phosphate Cleaners BC AC B X 23 - 40 1, 5, 9
Phosphatizing A X 23 1, 5, 9
Phosphoric Acid (25% - 50%) X X AC X BC C B C AC BC AC A X A 23 5, 9
Picric Acid BC X X X C BC X X BC B B B A A
Plating Solutions - Brass B AC AC A A A 23 - 35 1
Plating Solutions - Cadmium B AC AC A A A 23 - 35 1
Plating Solutions - Chrome (25%) X X X X BC X BC B AC AC A X A 23 - 35 1
Plating Solutions - Chrome (40%) X X X X X X X BC B AC AC A A A 15 - 20 1
Plating Solutions - Cobalt A A 23 - 35 1
Plating Solutions - Copper AC A AC A 23 - 35 1
Plating Solutions - Gold (Cyanide) AC AC AC A AC A 15 - 20 1
Plating Solutions - Gold (Acid) A A A 15 - 20 1
Plating Solutions - Nickel AC AC AC AC A A A 23 - 35 1
Plating Solutions - Silver AC AC AC AC A A A 23 - 35 1
Plating Solutions - Tin C AC AC A X A 23 - 35 1
Plating Solutions - Tin-Nickel A A 23 - 35 1
Plating Solutions - Tin-Alkaline A A 15 - 20 1
Plating Solutions - Zinc AC AC A A A 23 - 35 1
Plating Solutions - Zinc Acid A 15 - 20 1
Plating Solutions - Zinc Cyanide A A 15 - 20 1
Potassium Aluminum Sulphate C X C C BC A BC A A A 1
Potassium Bichromate B C C C B B B B B B B A AC A
Potassium Chloride (30%) X BC X X AC B C AC AC A AC B A A
Potassium Cyanide (30%) X BC X X B B X B B B B B A X A
Potassium - Hydrochloric Solution A A 1
Potassium Hydroxide (27%) X BC C X B B X B BC B A B X X A
Potassium Nitrate (80%) A B BC B BC B B B B B B B A A
Potassium Sulphate (10%) A BC BC X AC BC BC A A A A A A A A
See notes at end of table.

I-52
 Technical

Reference Data
Corrosion Guide for Electric Immersion Heaters (cont’d.)
Legend Sheath Material

304, 321, 347 SS

C276 Hastelloy®
INCOLOY® 800
INCONEL® 600
A = Good to Excellent

Carbon Steel

MONEL® 400
B = Fair to Good

20Cb-3 SS
Aluminum

Density 12
Cast Iron

Teflon® 12
Titanium
C = Depends on Conditions

Suggest
Copper

316 SS

Quartz
X = Not Suitable

Lead
Blank = Data Not Available Notes
Solution Corrosion Rating
Reynolds Brightener A A 1
Rhodium Hydroxide A A
Rochelle Salt - Cyanide A A 1
Ruthenium Plating A A 1
Silicon Oils BC B AC B B 23 - 26
Silver Bromide (10%) X X X X AC C X X C AC A A A
Silver Cyanide X C X C AC BC AC AC AC AC A A A
Silver Lume A 1
Silver Nitrate X X X X BC BC X X B AC B AC A AC A
Soap Solutions B BC BC C AC AC C BC BC BC BC AC A 55 3
Sodium Bichromate (Neutral) C B C A B B B B B B A C A
Sodium Bisulphate X C X X BC BC C BC BC BC BC B A BC A
Sodium Bromide (10%) X C C X B B B C BC B B A C A
Sodium Carbonate X C BC C A AC X A BC B AC AC C A A
Sodium Chlorate B X BC X A AC B AC BC B B A A A A
Sodium Chloride X C B X AC A B AC C C C B A A A 11
Sodium Citrate X X X X AC AC X B BC B A BC A A A
Sodium Cyanide X X X B BC BC X X AC AC A BC A C A 30 - 40
Sodium Dichromate (Hot Seal) B BC X BC BC AC A A 1
Sodium Hydroxide (50%) X C X C AC B X AC AC AC B AC X AC A 15 6, 8
Sodium Hypochlorite (20%) X X X X X X X X X X C X A A A 20
Sodium Nitrate AC B C B A A X BC AC AC AC BC A AC A 23 5
Sodium Peroxide (10%) B BC X C BC B X B BC B BC B C A
Sodium Phosphate (Neutral) X B B B B B B B B B B A B A
Sodium Salicylate B C B B B B B B A A
Sodium Silicate C B X B B AC X A BC B B B A A 4
Sodium Sulfate AC B BC X B AC X BC AC A B B A C A
Sodium Sulfide (< 50%) X X X X B AC X B BC BC BC B C C A
Sodium Stannate C C B B B B B B A A
Sodium Thiosulfate (Hypo) C X X C B B BC B B BC BC A AC A
Solder Bath X X X B X X X X X X X X X X X 4
Steam (Medium Pressure) C BC A A AC BC BC BC B 10 - 15
Stearic Acid B C BC C B AC X C BC A B A A A
Sugar Solution A A A A A A X A A A A A A A A 10 - 23 7
Sulfamate Nickel A A A 1
Sulfamic Acid X X C X BC BC A AC A
Sulfur A X X X A A X BC A A A A A A
Sulfur Chloride (Dry) X X X X B AC C X BC BC BC B A A
Sulfur Dioxide (Dry) C AC BC C B AC B B B B B B A A 15 - 23
Sulfur Dioxide (Wet) X X X X X BC BC X X B BC AC A A 10 - 20
Sulfuric Acid (10% - 50%) X X X X X BC A X X X B AC A X A 15
Sulfuric Acid (98%) X X X X X BC A X X BC AC AC A X A 15
Sulfurous Acid C X X X BC A A X X BC B B A A A
Tannic Acid X X C X B B X B B B B B A AC A
Tin (Molten) X X X X X X X X X 20 4
Trichloroethane A A A A A A A A A A A A A A
Trichlorethylene AC BC BC A AC AC X A B B B A A A A 23
Triethylene Glycol A A A A A A A A A A A A A 23
Trioxide (Pickle) A A 1
Trisodium Phosphate X BC BC A X BC AC AC AC AC X A
Turco™ 4181 (Alkaline Cleaner) A 1
Turco™ 4008 (Descaler) A 23 1, 5
Turco™ 4338 (Oxidizer) A 1, 7
Turco™ Ultrasonic Solution A 1
INFORMATION

Ubac™ A 1
TECHNICAL

Udylite™ #66 A A A 23 1, 5
Unichrome™ CR-110 A A 1
Unichrome™ 5RHS A A 1
See notes at end of table.

I-53
 Technical

Reference Data
Corrosion Guide for Electric Immersion Heaters (cont’d.)
Legend Sheath Material

304, 321, 347 SS

C276 Hastelloy®
INCOLOY® 800
INCONEL® 600
A = Good to Excellent
Carbon Steel

MONEL® 400
B = Fair to Good

20Cb-3 SS
Aluminum

Density 12
Cast Iron

Teflon® 12
Titanium
C = Depends on Conditions

Suggest
Copper

316 SS

Quartz
X = Not Suitable

Lead
Blank = Data Not Available Notes
Solution Corrosion Rating
Vegetable Oil B B BC B A B B B A AC 23 - 26
Water, Deionized X X X X A A C A A A B 50 - 75 10
Water, Demineralized X X X X A A C A A A B 50 - 75 10
Water, Pure (Distilled) X X X X A A A A A A A 50 - 75 10
Water, Process C X B A A B BC BC A B A A A 50 - 75 10, 11
Water, Potable C X B A A B BC BC A B A A A 50 - 75 10, 11
Water, Salt Brine X X BC AC AC B C BC A 55 10, 11
Water, Sea X X BC X BC AC A C BC BC AC A A A 55 10, 11
Watts Nickel Strike A 1
Whiskey X X BC B A A A B AC 55 2
Wines X X BC B A A B A 55
Wood’s Nickel Strike A 1
Yellow Dichromate A A 1
Zinc (Molten) X X X X X X X X X X X
Zinc Chloride X X X X B BC X BC X B B B A B A
Zinc Phosphate A X 23 1, 5
Zincate™ A A 1
Actane™ - Ethone Inc. Dowtherm™ - Dow Chemical Co. Parkerizing™ - Parker Div. OMI Corp.
Alcoa™ - Aluminum Company of America Dur-Nu™ The Duriron Co., Inc. Turco™ - Turco Products Div., Purex Corp.
Alcorite™ - Fredrick Gumm Chemical Co. Iridite™ - Allied-Kelite Products Div. Ubac™ - The Udylite Co., OMI Corp.
Alodine™ - Amchem Products Inc. Irilac™ - Allied-Kelite Products Div. Udylite™ - The Udylite Co., OMI Corp.
ARP™ - Allied-Kelite Products Div. Isoprep™ - Allied-Kelite Products Div. Unichrome™ - M & T Chemicals Inc.
Bonderizing™ - Parker Div. OMI Corp. Jetal™ - Technic Inc. Zincate™ - Ashland Chemical
Clorox™ - The Clorox Co. MacDermid™ - MacDermid, Inc.
Diversey™ - Diversey Chemical Co. Oakite™ - Oakite Products Inc.

Notes —
1. This solution is a mixture of various chemical compounds or is a proprietary trade name whose identity and proportions are unknown
or subject to change without our knowledge. Check the chemical supplier or manufacturer to confirm the choice of
sheath material or alternate sheath materials that may be suitable.

2. CAUTION — Flammable material.

3. Chemical composition varies widely. Contact the chemical supplier for specific recommendations.

4. Direct immersion heaters are usually not practical. Recommend using clamp-on heaters on the outside surface of a cast iron pot.

5. Element surface loading should not exceed 23 watts per square inch.

6. For concentrations greater than 15%, element surface loading should not exceed 15 watts per square inch.

7. Concentrations vary widely. See suggested watt density chart or contact your Local Chromalox Sales office.

8. Remove crusts at liquid level.

9. Clean often.

10. Passivate stainless steel for maximum corrosion resistance.

11. Stainless steel materials may be subject to chloride or stress corrosion cracking in this environment.

12. Suggested watt densities do not apply to Teflon® coated heaters. Lower watt densities may be required.

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 Technical

Technical Information
NEMA Enclosures & Chromalox Equivalents
NEMA Enclosures for Type 3 Enclosures — are for outdoor use Type 6P Enclosures — are
Non-Hazardous Areas providing protection against windblown dust, similar to Type 6 except Type 6P
rain, and sleet and damage from external ice protects against the entry of
The National Electrical Manufacturer’s As- formation on the enclosure. water during prolonged submer-
sociation (NEMA) publishes a classification sion at a limited depth.
system for electrical enclosures. The NEMA Type 3R Enclosures — are similar to Type 3
except Type 3R provides protection against Type 12 Enclosures — are in-
classification or type indicates the exposure tended for indoor use
or environment for which the enclosure was falling rain.
providing protection against
designed. While Chromalox E1, E2, E3 and Type 3S Enclosures — are for outdoor use dust, falling dirt and dripping
E4 enclosures are designed for applications protecting against windblown dust, rain, and non-corrosive liquids.
similar to the NEMA types, they are not identi- sleet and providing for operation of external (Chromalox E2 and E4
cal due to modifications required to adapt the enclosures.)
mechanisms when ice laden.
housings to heater configurations. Condensed Type 12K Enclosures (knockouts)
descriptions of the NEMA non- hazardous Type 4 Enclosures — are for indoor or — are similar to Type 12 except
enclosure types are listed below with the Chro- outdoor use providing protection against they are provided with knockouts.
malox equivalents indicated. The condensed windblown dust and rain, splashing water, Knockouts only permitted in either
descriptions are not intended to be complete and hose-directed water and remain undam- or both the top or bottom walls.
representations of the National Electrical aged by the formation of ice on the enclosure.
Manufacturers Association standards for (Chromalox E4 Moisture Resistant or E2 Type 13 Enclosures — are for
Moisture and Explosion Resistant enclo- indoor use providing protection
electrical enclosures. For complete details on
sures.) against lint, dust, spraying of wa-
NEMA enclosure requirements refer to NEMA
ter, oil and non-corrosive coolant.
Std. No. 250. (Chromalox E2 enclosures may
Type 4X Enclosures — are similar to Type 4
Type 1 Enclosures — are for indoor use in except Type 4X also protects against be used.)
locations where unusual service conditions corrosion. The table below lists a comparison
do not exist. Intended primarily to provide of the characteristics of NEMA and
Type 5 Enclosures — are for indoor use and
protection against contact with the enclosed Chromalox enclosures for Non-
protects against dust and falling dirt.
equipment and limited amounts of falling dirt. Hazardous areas.
(Chromalox E1 or General Purpose enclo- Type 6 Enclosures — are for indoor or Note — For Classified (Hazard-
sures.) outdoor use providing protection against the ous) Location enclosures, refer to
entry of water during temporary submersion NEMA Enclosures and Hazardous
Type 2 Enclosures — are for indoor use
at a limited depth and remain undamaged by Location Heaters elsewhere in this
providing protection against limited amounts
ice on the enclosure. section.
of falling water and dirt.

Comparison of Specific Applications of Enclosures for Non-Hazardous Locations

Provides a Degree
Provides of Protection
a Degree Against
of Protection Against Type of Enclosure Chromalox®
the following Environmental Conditions 1 2 3 3R 3S 4 4X 5 6 6P 11 12 12K 13 E1 E2 E3 E4
the following Environmental Conditions 1 2 3 3R 3S 4 4X 5 6 6P 11 12 12K 13 E1 E2 E3 E4
Incidental contact with the enclosed equipment X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Falling dirt X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
Falling liquids and light splashing X X X X X X X X X X X X
Dust, lint, fibers and flyings — Not Class III X X X X X X X X X X X
Hosedown and splashing water X X X X X X
Oil and coolant seepage X X X X X X
Oil or coolant spraying and splashing X X
Windblown dust X X X X X X X X X
Rain, snow and sleet X X X X X X X X
Sleet X
Corrosive agents X X X
Occasional temporary submersion X X
Occasional prolonged submersion X
INFORMATION
TECHNICAL

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