Cathodic corrosion and dry fire protection apparatus and methods for electric water heaters
US9803887B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 2014 |
| Grant date | Oct 31, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24H1/202
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The metal tank portion of an electric water heater is protected against corrosion utilizing a corrosion protection system that detects a voltage potential between the sheath portion of a tank water-immersed electric heating element and the tank. In one embodiment of the corrosion protection system the sensed sheath/tank potential is utilized to enable a user of the water heater to accurately gauge the necessity of replacing a sacrificial anode extending into the tank. In another corrosion protection system, the sensed sheath/tank potential is utilized to provide impressed current cathodic protection of the tank and also to prevent dry firing of the electric water heater.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.