With regard to induction heating systems, the word Electrolysis is almost always used to reference the erosion and degradation of copper buss-work and other internal components.

 

            Within most water cooled power supplies, the possibility of electrolysis exists. Some water cooled components will have a DC voltage impressed upon them. The cooling water (either exiting or entering the component) would normally flow through a NON-conductive hose. The combination of the voltage and the resistance of the water flowing within the hose completes an electrical path whereby electrolysis will occur.

 

The rate of erosion or degradation depends upon the resistance of the water path, and also upon the magnitude of the impressed voltage. Higher voltage and lower resistance will result in greater “electrolysis”.

 

            The photograph with this article shows a buss-work that has been partially eroded (eaten away) by electrolysis.

           

            DEPOSITION : It is important to note here that wherever erosion has occurred, the metal removed has been deposited (plated) somewhere else. Some of the eroded material will still be in solution in the water (as ions), however, chances are that the eroded material is piling up in some other area, which will eventually result in a clogging of the water passage. The most common place for the eroded material to attach is at the opposite end of a hose where erosion is taking place (just like electro-plating).  

 

            Electrolysis can be reduced by improving the quality of the cooling water. Water quality is mainly measured by the water’s resistivity or conductivity. Each manufacturer of induction power supplies normally has a specification for the cooling water.

 

Conductivity is the reciprocal of resistivity. 

            Conductivity is expressed in “siemens”. Siemens is equivalent to the “mho”.

Most often the conductivity is expressed in micro-siemens .

 

e.g.    200 uS/cm (micro-siemens/centimeter) or (umho/centimeter)

 

Next, electrolysis can be reduced by increasing the water hose length in a circuit experiencing erosion, which increases the resistance of the conduction path.

 

  

SOLUTION

 

Finally, a NON-Sacrificial water target can be installed into the cooling hose to eliminate electrolysis. The installation is a 3 minute task, if the water has been drained from the power supply.

Bone Frontier Company offers for sale the Non-sacrificial water target with a 5 year warranty.

Part # 1Z1355, for ½” hose,

Part # 1Z1356, for 3/8” hose                                                      revision 0