PTFE Immersion Heaters for Acid & Chemical Baths
Hongtai PTFE immersion heaters are engineered for the most aggressive industrial environments where standard stainless steel elements fail. Designed specifically for acid bath heaters and electroplating lines, these units feature a stainless steel core completely encapsulated in a heavy-wall Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sleeve, ensuring zero metal contact with corrosive liquids.
Our chemical resistant heating elements utilize a low watt density design to prevent thermal degradation of the PTFE coating, making them compatible with the entire pH range (0-14).
Key Features:
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Chemical Resistance: Excellent resistance to strong acids (Sulfuric, Nitric, Hydrochloric) and alkalines.
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Watt Density: Low watt density (<1.5 W/cm²) prevents coating failure and scaling.
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Core Construction: Rigid Stainless Steel 304/316 internal element for structural strength.
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Configuration: Vertical L-Shape (Over-the-side) or Flat Spiral (Bottom) designs.
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Safety: Non-stick surface reduces chemical buildup; Dry-burn protection available.
1. Specifications & Dimensions
We manufacture to strict industrial standards to ensure safety in hazardous chemical tanks.
| Parameter | Standard Specification | Customizable Options |
| Sheath Material | PTFE (Coated over SS304/316) | – |
| pH Range | 0 – 14 (Universal Resistance) | – |
| Voltage | 120V, 240V, 480V | 3-Phase Available |
| Watt Density | 1.5 W/cm² (10 W/in²) | Ultra-Low (for viscous fluids) |
| Shape Style | L-Shape, Spiral Coil, Vertical Loop | Custom Geometry |
| Cold Zone | Vertical Riser (Unheated) | Custom depth |
| Mounting | Over-the-side Bracket | Flange / Bulkhead |
Figure : PTFE Heater Styles.
L-Shape PTFE Heater: The most common configuration for deep tanks. The vertical riser is unheated (Cold Zone) to protect the terminal box from chemical vapors.
Spiral/Pancake: Designed for shallow tanks requiring uniform bottom heating.
2. Industrial Applications
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Electroplating: Gold, Chrome, Nickel, and Zinc plating baths.
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Chemical Processing: Pickling tanks, etching solutions, and acid cleaning lines.
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Biopharmaceuticals: High-purity water heating (DI Water) where metal contamination is prohibited.
3.Internal Construction & Design
Unlike soft flexible heaters, our PTFE units utilize a robust metal tubular heater core. This internal steel structure allows the heater to maintain its shape (L-shape or Spiral) in turbulent tanks. The external PTFE cladding provides the ultimate barrier against corrosion.
Design Note: Due to the thermal insulating properties of PTFE, these heaters must be designed with a larger surface area (lower watt density) compared to metal heaters to deliver the same total wattage without overheating.
4. FAQ
Q: Is this heater the same as a “Teflon heater”?
A: Yes. PTFE is the generic chemical name for the material often referred to by the brand name Teflon™. Our heaters offer identical chemical resistance and non-stick properties suitable for industrial acid baths.
Q: Can this heater withstand Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)?
A: Yes, PTFE is one of the few materials resistant to Hydrofluoric Acid. However, please consult our engineering team regarding the specific concentration and operating temperature to ensure safety.
Q: Why is the heater larger than my old stainless steel one?
A: To ensure the PTFE coating does not melt, we limit the surface load to 1.5 W/cm². This requires a longer tube length to achieve the same total power output as a high-density steel heater.
