Heated Water Recirculation

[jimjim2991]

Hello,

I have a 1kW heating element built in to a polypropylene tub. I use it to heat up and recirculate 10L of water. I want to maintain a temperature of 70C and I was told the heating element was capable of this, but I have only been able to manage ~65C.

I have a similar set-up with a 3kW heating element and the temperature easily stays at 70C.

Can anyone explain what's going on and what I'm able to do about it?

I tried running two 3kW heating elements in the same room but the power wasn't allowed!

 

[ShaunCorbs]

what are you using the water for?

 

[jimjim2991]

Cleaning

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Cleaning

cleaning what?

 

[steadyon]

I would guess that the heat losses from the tank and whatever pipework you are using are preventing the heater from achieving 70 degrees. If you could insulate the tank, and perhaps the pipework, you might get the results you want.

Presumably the heater does not have a thermostat set to 65.

 

[jimjim2991]

cleaning what?

I'm cleaning metal surfaces from oil residues. It's a small unit and I've attempted to insulate the outside of the tub with loft insulation.

 

[jimjim2991]

I would guess that the heat losses from the tank and whatever pipework you are using are preventing the heater from achieving 70 degrees. If you could insulate the tank, and perhaps the pipework, you might get the results you want.

Presumably the heater does not have a thermostat set to 65.

What's the best way of insulating the tank? I've wrapped the polypropylene tank with the reservoir of heated water with this loft insulation. I haven't yet wrapped the pipes too. Is there anything more I could do? Is there a waterproof insulation that I could put inside the tank?

The thermostat is actually set to 80C! Could the issue be ANYTHING OTHER than heat loss?

 

[oz-plumber]

Yes,
It could be as simple as a as a faulty thermostat.

A 1 kw element should heat a 10 ltr tank with ease.
It also depends on how much water you are using and the expected recovery rate

 

[jimjim2991]

I'm using 10L of water.

I'll try another thermostat.

What is recovery rate?

Is it possible that I've wired it incorrectly?