🔥 Bowman EC120-5113-3C Compact Heat Exchanger | 70kW / 240,000 BTU Cupro-Nickel

🌡️ High-Performance British-Engineered Pool Heating for Medium to Large Residential Pools

📋 Product Overview

The Bowman EC120-5113-3C is a high-output compact heat exchanger delivering impressive 70kW (240,000 BTU/hr) heat transfer capacity for medium to large swimming pools. Manufactured by EJ Bowman in Birmingham, UK – with over 100 years of heat transfer expertise – this unit is designed for pools up to 120,000 litres when connected to an 82°C boiler system.

Featuring a robust cupro-nickel tubestack, this heat exchanger provides excellent corrosion resistance for chlorinated freshwater pools. The innovative Bowman design incorporates more heat transfer tubes than typical competitor units, enabling pool heating up to three times faster while reducing energy consumption, costs, and CO2 emissions.

The EC120-5113-3C comes equipped with composite “Universal Fit” end covers and solvent weld connectors for straightforward installation directly into pool pipework. An integral thermostat pocket allows for precise temperature monitoring, making this unit ideal for larger domestic pools and smaller commercial installations requiring reliable, efficient heating.

⭐ Key Features

✅ 70kW / 240,000 BTU Heat Transfer – Powerful heat transfer capacity at 82°C boiler water temperature for rapid pool heating

✅ Cupro-Nickel Tubestack – Superior corrosion resistance for chlorinated freshwater pools with excellent thermal conductivity

✅ Up to 3x Faster Heating – More heat transfer tubes than competitor products for significantly reduced heat-up times

✅ Universal Fit End Covers – Composite end covers accommodate both metric 50mm and imperial 1½” NPS pipework

✅ Integral Thermostat Pocket – Built-in Ø7 x 40mm thermostat pocket for accurate pool temperature monitoring

✅ Solvent Weld Pool Connections – Easy installation directly into pool filtration pipework

✅ Compact Design – 542mm overall length with 5.5kg dry weight for flexible installation options

✅ Maximum 6 Bar Operating Pressure – Robust construction for reliable operation on both heating and pool water circuits

✅ Solar & Heat Pump Compatible – Versatile design works with renewable energy sources at lower temperatures

✅ 12 Month Warranty – Manufacturer-backed guarantee against manufacturing faults

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model Number	EC120-5113-3C
Heat Output (82°C Boiler)	70 kW / 240,000 BTU/hr
Heat Output (60°C Boiler)	40 kW / 135,000 BTU/hr
Shell Material	Cast Iron Body
Tube Material	Cupro-Nickel
End Cover Material	High-Grade Composite (Plastic)
Max Pool Volume (82°C Boiler)	120 m³ / 26,000 Gallons
Boiler Water Flow Rate	3.6 m³/hr / 60 L/min
Max Pool Water Flow Rate	13.5 m³/hr / 225 L/min
Max Operating Pressure	6 Bar (Both Sides)
Max Heating Water Temperature	110°C
Max Pool Water Temperature	100°C
Pool Water Connections	Solvent Weld Ø48/Ø50mm (DN40 Pipe)
Boiler Water Connections	Threaded ¾” BSP
Thermostat Pocket	Ø7 x 40mm (Inlet End)
Overall Length	542mm
Shell Diameter	86mm
Mounting Hole Spacing	130mm (centres)
Weight (Dry)	5.5 kg
Warranty	12 Months

📊 Heat Transfer Performance

🔥 With Boiler Systems

Boiler Temperature	Heat Output	Max Pool Volume
82°C	70 kW (240,000 BTU/hr)	120 m³ / 26,000 gal
60°C	40 kW (135,000 BTU/hr)	—

Boiler System Requirements:

• Boiler water flow rate: 3.6 m³/hr (60 L/min)
• Maximum pool water flow rate: 13.5 m³/hr (225 L/min)

☀️ With Solar Panels & Heat Pumps

Source Temperature	Heat Output	Max Pool Volume
70°C	30 kW (102,000 BTU/hr)	50 m³ / 11,000 gal
60°C	20 kW (68,000 BTU/hr)	40 m³ / 8,800 gal
45°C	10 kW (34,000 BTU/hr)	20 m³ / 4,400 gal

Solar/Heat Pump System Requirements:

• Solar or heat pump water flow rate: 1.5 m³/hr (25 L/min)
• Maximum pool water flow rate: 6.2 m³/hr (104 L/min)

⚡ Performance Note: All heat transfer data is based on achieving a pool water temperature of 30°C. Higher source temperatures deliver greater heat transfer output.

⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance

⚠️ Heat-up times vary based on multiple factors including:

• Heat source output (boiler or heat pump kW rating)
• Starting water temperature
• Desired temperature rise
• Pool cover usage and insulation
• Ambient/outdoor temperature conditions
• Heat exchanger sizing match to heat source

ℹ️ Note: Actual heating performance depends on your specific heat source, pool conditions, and environmental factors. The heat exchanger transfers heat provided by your boiler or heat pump – its efficiency depends on the heat source capacity and operating temperatures. For accurate calculations tailored to your installation, please contact our technical team.

Important: Heat exchangers are passive devices that transfer heat from your boiler, heat pump, or solar system to pool water. They do not generate heat themselves – heating times are determined by your primary heat source capacity.

🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide

Cupro-Nickel Tubestack (Model Suffix: C)

The EC120-5113-3C features a cupro-nickel tubestack, offering:

✅ Chlorinated Freshwater Pools – Ideal for standard chlorinated pool water

✅ Excellent Heat Transfer – Superior thermal conductivity for efficient heat exchange

✅ Strong Corrosion Resistance – Resistant to chlorine and common pool chemicals

✅ Cost-Effective Durability – Excellent lifespan with proper water chemistry maintenance

Recommended Water Chemistry (From Manufacturer):

Parameter	Recommended Range
Free Chlorine	1.0 – 3.0 ppm
pH Level	7.2 – 7.8
Calcium Hardness	200 – 400 ppm
Alkalinity	100 – 150 ppm
Bromine	2.0 – 4.0 ppm
Chloride	Less than 150 ppm

⚠️ Not Suitable For:

❌ Salt water pools or salt water chlorinators ❌ High chloride environments (above 150 ppm)

Alternative Material Options

Stainless Steel (EC120-5113-3S):

• Suitable for freshwater pools with standard chemicals
• Higher flow rate capability (up to 15.0 m³/hr / 250 L/min pool water)
• 80 kW / 270,000 BTU at 82°C boiler temperature
• Pools up to 130 m³ / 28,500 gallons
• ❌ Not suitable for salt water

Titanium (EC120-5113-3T):

• Ultimate corrosion resistance for all water types
• ✅ Salt water pools and salt chlorinators
• ✅ 10-year guarantee on titanium material in contact with pool water
• Higher flow rate capability (up to 15.0 m³/hr / 250 L/min pool water)
• 80 kW / 270,000 BTU at 82°C boiler temperature
• Pools up to 130 m³ / 28,500 gallons
• Lighter weight: 4.9 kg

🎯 Applications & Use Cases

Application	Suitability
🏊‍♂️ Medium Residential Pools	Pools 60,000 – 120,000 litres
🏊 Larger Domestic Pools	High-output heating requirements
🛁 Commercial Spas	Multiple spa installations
💧 Plunge Pools & Swim Spas	Rapid heating for smaller volumes
🔥 Gas/Oil Boiler Systems	Optimised for 82°C or 60°C boiler water
☀️ Solar Thermal Integration	Compatible with solar heating (70°C, 60°C, or 45°C)
🌡️ Heat Pump Connection	Works with air source and ground source heat pumps
🌿 Biomass Boiler Systems	Renewable heating applications

Heat Source Compatibility:

• Gas and oil-fired boilers (optimal at 82°C flow temperature)
• Electric boilers
• Ground source heat pumps
• Air source heat pumps
• Solar thermal panels
• Biomass boilers
• Combined heat and power (CHP) systems

🔨 Installation Considerations

Mounting Options:

The EC120-5113-3C can be installed either horizontally or vertically, providing flexibility for different plant room configurations.

Critical Installation Requirements:

✅ Counter-Flow Installation – The heat exchanger MUST be installed so pool water flows in the opposite direction to heating water. Failure to observe this reduces performance significantly.

✅ Downstream of Filtration – Always install after the pump and filter equipment in the pool water circuit.

✅ Chemical Dosing Position – Dosing systems MUST be fitted downstream from the heat exchanger with a non-return valve.

✅ Frost-Free Location – Install in a dry, frost-free enclosure with a non-aggressive atmosphere.

✅ Pump-Assisted Heating Circuit – Boiler/solar water must be pump-assisted with precautions taken to prevent air locks.

✅ Thermostat Positioning – Install thermostat in the pool water inlet side for accurate temperature control.

✅ Inhibitor Recommended – Add inhibitor to the boiler circuit to protect the system against corrosion.

Connection Information:

• Pool Water: Solvent weld to Ø48mm or Ø50mm (DN40) pipe using Universal Fit end covers
• Metric 50mm pipe: 28mm deep recess to secure pipe to end cover
• Imperial 1½” NPS pipe: 56mm deep recess – ensure full pipe engagement for watertight seal
• Boiler Water: Threaded ¾” BSP connections

Space Requirements:

• Overall length: 542mm
• Shell diameter: 86mm
• Allow adequate access space for maintenance and end cover removal

Maintenance Access:

The EC120-5113-3C features easily removable tubestack and end covers for straightforward cleaning. End cover screws should be tightened to 8 Nm torque. New O-seals are recommended whenever end covers are removed.

⚠️ Professional Installation Recommended – We recommend installation by a qualified plumber or pool engineer to ensure warranty compliance and optimal performance.

 Downloads & Resources

 Swimming Pool Heat Exchanger Brochure – Complete product range specifications and performance data (PDF)

 Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide – Full technical installation instructions and maintenance procedures (PDF)

🏆 Why Choose Bowman Heat Exchangers

✅ 100 Years of Heat Transfer Expertise – British manufacturing excellence from EJ Bowman, Birmingham

✅ Industry-Leading Performance – More heat transfer tubes than competitor products for up to 3x faster heating

✅ Proven Global Track Record – Tens of thousands of units operating reliably worldwide, from spas to Olympic pools

✅ Premium Material Options – Choice of cupro-nickel, stainless steel, or titanium tubestacks to suit any water type

✅ Titanium 10-Year Guarantee – Optional titanium upgrades backed by decade-long material warranty

✅ Complete Spare Parts Availability – Full range of replacement parts including tubestacks, O-seals, end covers, and mounting brackets

✅ FM38224 Quality Certified – Manufactured to the highest quality standards

🛍️ Why Buy From Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-Based Pool Heating Specialists – Expert knowledge of Bowman heat exchangers and pool heating systems

✅ Technical Advice Available – Help with sizing, selection, and installation queries

✅ Fast UK Delivery – Quick dispatch to get your project moving

✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on genuine Bowman products

✅ After-Sales Support – Ongoing assistance and spare parts availability

✅ Full Product Range – Access to the complete Bowman swimming pool heat exchanger range including all material variants

✨ Summary

The Bowman EC120-5113-3C delivers powerful 70kW heat transfer in a compact, reliable package perfect for medium to large pools up to 120,000 litres. With its durable cupro-nickel tubestack, Universal Fit end covers, and compatibility with boilers, heat pumps, and solar systems, this British-engineered heat exchanger offers versatile, energy-efficient pool heating backed by Bowman’s century of expertise and 12-month warranty.