Powered anodes can replace the magnesium or (aluminum+zinc) sacrificial anodes. The main attraction is they do not provide metal ions to aid in the sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). A lesser known reaction is that aluminum anodes can help produce aluminum hydroxide gel.
To prevent H2S production in the WH, some replace the sacrificial anode with a 3/4 inch brass plug. That does not protect the tank.
I have a Ceranode powered anode, but those are no longer available. I liked that the electrode could adjust length thru stretching a coiled section.
A expensive anodes are available from Corro-Protec. My concern with them is the electrode is fairly stubby. I see three offerings, and I think they differ in the power supply, with more current available for bigger WH tanks.
If I were shopping today, I think I would go with the AO Smith "Product Preservers". Most of those have a 19.67 inch electrode, but they have 7.87 and 31.5 inch available. It is the 31.5 that I think would be a good match to a high-boy water heater.
https://www.hotwater.com/lit/spec/com_accessories/apcpp18003.pdf has the part numbers and dimensions for the 19.67 inch versions. https://www.supplyhouse.com/sh/control/search/~SEARCH_STRING=powered anode has a nice selection, and uniquely (AFAIK) provides the electrode dimensions. It is the AO Smith 100111286, with the 31.5 inch electrode, that I would go to if I had a need at the moment. I don't know what "Shielded" means. I know it must be related to that thing part way down the electrode, but what would the function be? I speculate that it partially insulates the middle part of the electrode, because the needed current density at the electrode would be less, since that part of the anode is not supplying current to protect the top and bottom.
If you would like to read why I think longer electrodes (up to the length of the original) are better, https://terrylove.com/forums/index....heater-no-rotten-egg-smell.77342/#post-571874 presents my thinking. For more background info, I suggest you look at
http://www.uotechnology.edu.iq/dep-chem-eng/THESIS/HDepl_1/rana.pdf see "current density" as good search term. Also see http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a081707.pdf pages 10..12 water tank
To prevent H2S production in the WH, some replace the sacrificial anode with a 3/4 inch brass plug. That does not protect the tank.
I have a Ceranode powered anode, but those are no longer available. I liked that the electrode could adjust length thru stretching a coiled section.
A expensive anodes are available from Corro-Protec. My concern with them is the electrode is fairly stubby. I see three offerings, and I think they differ in the power supply, with more current available for bigger WH tanks.
If I were shopping today, I think I would go with the AO Smith "Product Preservers". Most of those have a 19.67 inch electrode, but they have 7.87 and 31.5 inch available. It is the 31.5 that I think would be a good match to a high-boy water heater.
https://www.hotwater.com/lit/spec/com_accessories/apcpp18003.pdf has the part numbers and dimensions for the 19.67 inch versions. https://www.supplyhouse.com/sh/control/search/~SEARCH_STRING=powered anode has a nice selection, and uniquely (AFAIK) provides the electrode dimensions. It is the AO Smith 100111286, with the 31.5 inch electrode, that I would go to if I had a need at the moment. I don't know what "Shielded" means. I know it must be related to that thing part way down the electrode, but what would the function be? I speculate that it partially insulates the middle part of the electrode, because the needed current density at the electrode would be less, since that part of the anode is not supplying current to protect the top and bottom.
If you would like to read why I think longer electrodes (up to the length of the original) are better, https://terrylove.com/forums/index....heater-no-rotten-egg-smell.77342/#post-571874 presents my thinking. For more background info, I suggest you look at
http://www.uotechnology.edu.iq/dep-chem-eng/THESIS/HDepl_1/rana.pdf see "current density" as good search term. Also see http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a081707.pdf pages 10..12 water tank
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