🔥 Bowman EC120-5113-3T Titanium Heat Exchanger | 80kW (270,000 BTU/h)

🌡️ Premium British-Made Titanium Pool Heating – Ultimate Corrosion Resistance for Salt Water & Chlorinated Pools

📋 Product Overview

The Bowman EC120-5113-3T represents the pinnacle of swimming pool heat exchange technology, featuring a full titanium tube stack for unmatched durability in demanding water conditions. Manufactured in Birmingham by E.J. Bowman – the acknowledged brand leader with over 60 years of swimming pool heat exchanger expertise – this unit delivers exceptional heat transfer performance of up to 80kW (270,000 BTU/h) when paired with an 82°C boiler system.

The titanium construction makes this heat exchanger the ultimate “fit and forget” solution, capable of withstanding attack from all known pool chemicals including salt water chlorinators. Unlike stainless steel alternatives, titanium eliminates the possibility of galvanic reaction between dissimilar materials – a major cause of premature tube stack failure. This allows the EC120 to operate at higher flow rates than other materials, delivering greater heat transfer efficiency for pools up to 130,000 litres (28,500 gallons). Whether you’re heating a large residential pool, commercial facility, or spa installation, this compact unit offers versatile mounting options and straightforward maintenance access.

⭐ Key Features

✅ Full Titanium Tube Stack – Ultimate corrosion resistance with 10-year guarantee on all titanium material in contact with pool water

✅ 80kW Heat Transfer Capacity – Delivers up to 270,000 BTU/h with 82°C boiler water, heating pools up to 130m³ (28,500 gallons)

✅ Salt Water Compatible – Titanium construction suitable for salt water chlorinators, salt water pools, and all chlorinated systems

✅ Universal Fit End Covers – Composite end covers designed to accommodate both metric 50mm (DN40) and imperial 1½” NPS pipe for easy installation

✅ Compact Lightweight Design – Just 4.9kg dry weight with 542mm overall length for flexible positioning in plant rooms

✅ Versatile Mounting Options – Install horizontally or vertically with supplied mounting brackets

✅ Integral Thermostat Pocket – Built-in 7mm x 40mm thermostat pocket on inlet end for accurate pool water temperature monitoring

✅ Removable Tube Stack – Easy access end covers allow simple cleaning and maintenance without disconnecting pipework

✅ Counter Flow Design – Optimised heat transfer through counter flow operation where pool water flows opposite to heating water

✅ Multi-Source Compatible – Works with boilers, heat pumps, and solar thermal systems

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model Number	EC120-5113-3T
Tube Stack Material	Titanium
Shell/Body Material	Cast Iron with Composite End Covers
Heat Output (82°C Boiler)	80kW / 270,000 BTU/h
Heat Output (60°C Boiler)	46kW / 157,000 BTU/h
Max Pool Volume (82°C Boiler)	130m³ / 130,000 Litres / 28,500 Gallons
Boiler/Primary Flow Rate	4.0 m³/h (67 l/min)
Maximum Pool Water Flow	15.0 m³/h (250 l/min)
Max Operating Pressure (Both Sides)	6 bar
Max Operating Temperature (Heating Side)	110°C
Max Operating Temperature (Pool Side)	100°C
Primary Connections (Boiler/Solar)	2x ¾” BSP Threaded
Secondary Connections (Pool Water)	Solvent Weld Ø48/Ø50mm (DN40 Pipe)
Overall Length	542mm
Body Diameter	86mm
Mounting Hole Centres	130mm
Weight (Dry)	4.9 kg
Thermostat Pocket	Ø7mm x 40mm (Inlet End Only)

📊 Heat Transfer Performance

🏊 Pool Heating Performance with Boilers

The Bowman EC120-5113-3T delivers impressive heat transfer capacity that varies based on your boiler water temperature:

Boiler Temperature	Heat Output	Suitable Pool Volume
82°C	80kW (270,000 BTU/h)	Up to 130m³ (28,500 gal)
60°C	46kW (157,000 BTU/h)	Up to 130m³ (28,500 gal)

Source: Bowman Swimming Pool Heat Exchanger Brochure Issue F21

☀️ Performance with Solar Panels & Heat Pumps

When connected to renewable energy sources operating at lower temperatures:

Heat Source Temperature	Heat Output	Suitable Pool Volume	Primary Flow Rate	Max Pool Flow
70°C	30kW (102,000 BTU/h)	Up to 50m³ (11,000 gal)	1.5 m³/h (25 l/min)	6.2 m³/h (104 l/min)
60°C	20kW (68,000 BTU/h)	Up to 40m³ (8,800 gal)	1.5 m³/h (25 l/min)	6.2 m³/h (104 l/min)
45°C	10kW (34,000 BTU/h)	Up to 20m³ (4,400 gal)	1.5 m³/h (25 l/min)	6.2 m³/h (104 l/min)

Source: Bowman Swimming Pool Heat Exchanger Brochure Issue F21

⚡ Efficiency Factors

The actual heat transfer performance depends on several key factors:

• Flow Rate Optimisation – Maintaining recommended flow rates on both circuits ensures maximum heat transfer efficiency
• Temperature Differential – Greater difference between heat source and pool water temperatures increases heat transfer rate
• Counter Flow Installation – Essential for optimal performance; pool water must flow opposite to heating water direction
• Proper Sizing – Matching heat exchanger capacity to your heat source output and pool volume

⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance

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

• Heat source output (boiler/heat pump kW rating)
• Starting water temperature
• Target water temperature
• Pool cover usage (reduces heat loss significantly)
• Ambient/outdoor temperature
• Weather and wind conditions
• Pool insulation quality

The Bowman EC120-5113-3T is a passive heat transfer device – actual heating performance is determined by your heat source capacity and installation conditions rather than the heat exchanger alone.

What the manufacturer confirms:

According to Bowman documentation, their heat exchangers can heat pools “up to three times faster” than conventional units due to having “more heat transfer tubes than most competitor’s products.” However, specific heat-up times are not provided as they depend entirely on your individual installation setup.

🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide

Why Choose Titanium?

The EC120-5113-3T features a full titanium tube stack – the ultimate material choice for swimming pool heat exchangers. Here’s why titanium matters:

✅ Universal Water Compatibility – Titanium can be used with ANY type of pool water, including:

• Salt water pools
• Salt water chlorinators
• Heavily chlorinated systems
• Bromine-treated pools
• Standard freshwater pools

✅ Maximum Corrosion Resistance – Titanium is capable of withstanding attack from all known pool chemicals indefinitely

✅ No Galvanic Reaction – Eliminates the possibility of galvanic corrosion between dissimilar materials – a major cause of tube stack failure in other heat exchangers

✅ Higher Flow Rate Capability – Titanium tube stacks can operate at higher flow rates than stainless steel or cupro-nickel, delivering greater heat transfer efficiency

✅ 10-Year Titanium Guarantee – Bowman provides a full 10-year guarantee on all titanium material in contact with pool water

Recommended Water Chemistry Limits (Titanium)

Parameter	Recommended Range
Free Chlorine	Up to 15.0 ppm max
pH	6.8 – 8.0
Calcium Hardness	200 – 1000 ppm
Alkalinity	100 – 150 ppm
Bromine	Up to 15.0 ppm max
Chloride	Less than 3000 ppm

Source: Bowman Installation, Operation & Maintenance Guide Issue L21

Material Comparison

Feature	Titanium (This Model)	Cupro-Nickel	Stainless Steel
Salt Water Compatible	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No
Salt Chlorinator Compatible	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No
Chloride Tolerance	Up to 3000 ppm	Up to 150 ppm	Up to 350 ppm
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent	Very Good	Good
10-Year Guarantee	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No

🎯 Applications & Use Cases

The Bowman EC120-5113-3T Titanium Heat Exchanger is ideal for:

🏊‍♂️ Large Residential Pools – Perfect for pools up to 130,000 litres with boiler heating systems

🌊 Salt Water Pools – Titanium construction provides complete protection against salt water corrosion

🏢 Commercial Facilities – Reliable performance for hotels, leisure centres, and health clubs

🛁 Hot Tubs & Spas – Compact design suits spa installations with demanding water chemistry

☀️ Solar Thermal Integration – Compatible with solar panel systems operating at 45-70°C

🔥 Boiler Connections – Optimised for gas, oil, or biomass boiler systems up to 82°C

♨️ Heat Pump Systems – Works efficiently with air source and ground source heat pumps

🏊 Indoor & Outdoor Pools – Suitable for all installation environments

🔨 Installation Considerations

Mounting Options

The EC120-5113-3T can be installed either horizontally or vertically, providing flexibility for various plant room configurations. Mounting brackets are supplied with the unit.

Connection Requirements

• Pool Water Connections: Solvent weld directly into Ø48mm or Ø50mm (DN40) pipe using the Universal Fit end covers
• Boiler/Solar Connections: ¾” BSP threaded connections for primary circuit

Critical Installation Points

⚠️ Counter Flow Installation Required – The heat exchanger MUST be installed in counter flow configuration where pool water flows in the opposite direction to heating water. Failure to install correctly will significantly reduce performance.

⚠️ Thermostat Placement – Install thermostat in the integral pocket on the pool water INLET end for accurate temperature monitoring. The heat source should be controlled by this thermostat set at your required pool temperature.

⚠️ Chemical Dosing – Automatic dosing systems must be installed DOWNSTREAM from the heat exchanger (between heat exchanger and pool) with a non-return valve. If chemicals are used, gases must be prevented from entering the heat exchanger when the filtration system is not in use.

⚠️ Pipe Support – Ensure adequate pipe support to prevent stress on connections

⚠️ Frost Protection – Install in a frost-free enclosure. For winter shutdown in areas exposed to frost, drain the heat exchanger or remove from installation.

System Integration

The heat exchanger should be installed downstream of pumping and filtration equipment. Boiler/solar water must be pump-assisted with precautions taken to prevent air locks. It is recommended to add an inhibitor to the boiler circuit to protect the system against corrosion.

✅ Professional Installation Recommended – For warranty compliance and optimal performance, professional installation by a qualified plumber or heating engineer is strongly recommended.

📥 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 Technology – E.J. Bowman has been at the forefront of heat transfer innovation for a century

✅ British Manufacturing Excellence – Designed and manufactured in Birmingham, UK to the highest quality standards

✅ Industry-Leading Brand – Acknowledged as the brand leader in swimming pool heat exchangers with tens of thousands of units operating reliably worldwide

✅ 10-Year Titanium Guarantee – Exceptional warranty coverage on all titanium material in contact with pool water

✅ 60+ Years in Pool Heating – Over six decades of swimming pool heat exchanger manufacturing experience

✅ Proven Global Performance – From Russian spa resorts to Australian outback pools, Bowman heat exchangers deliver reliable performance in diverse conditions

✅ Complete Spare Parts Availability – Comprehensive stock of replacement tube stacks, O-seals, end covers and components

🛍️ Why Buy From Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-Based Pool & Spa Specialists – Expert knowledge of heating systems for pools, hot tubs and spas

✅ Technical Advice Available – Our team can help you select the right heat exchanger for your application and answer installation questions

✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on genuine Bowman products

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

✅ After-Sales Support – Ongoing assistance with spare parts, maintenance queries, and technical support

✅ Genuine Products – Authorised supply of authentic Bowman heat exchangers with full manufacturer warranty

✨ Summary

The Bowman EC120-5113-3T Titanium Heat Exchanger represents the ultimate solution for pool heating in demanding water conditions. With 80kW heat transfer capacity, full titanium tube stack construction, and a 10-year guarantee on titanium components, this British-made unit delivers the corrosion resistance, efficiency, and reliability that Bowman has been renowned for over 60 years. Whether you’re heating a large residential pool, commercial facility, or salt water installation, the EC120-5113-3T provides premium performance backed by century-proven engineering excellence.