🔥 Bowman EC120-5113-3T-SP Titanium Heat Exchanger | Up to 70kW | Solar Panel Series

🌡️ Premium British-Engineered Titanium Heat Exchanger – Ultimate Corrosion Resistance for Solar-Heated Pools Up to 130m³

📋 Product Overview

The Bowman EC120-5113-3T-SP is a premium shell and tube swimming pool heat exchanger, engineered specifically for solar panel integration and renewable energy heating systems. Manufactured in Birmingham, UK by EJ Bowman – a company with over 100 years of heat transfer expertise – this titanium model delivers exceptional heat transfer performance while providing unmatched corrosion resistance for salt water, chlorinated, and mineral-rich freshwater pools.

Featuring a full titanium tube core, the EC120-5113-3T-SP efficiently transfers heat from your solar thermal collectors to your pool water, capable of handling pools up to 130m³ (28,500 gallons). The innovative ‘Universal Fit’ composite end covers accommodate both imperial 1.5″ (48mm O/D) and metric 50mm pipework, making installation straightforward regardless of your existing pool plumbing configuration. With a compact 542mm length and versatile mounting options, this heat exchanger integrates seamlessly into both new installations and existing pool heating systems.

Backed by Bowman’s full 10-year warranty on titanium materials, the EC120-5113-3T-SP represents a long-term investment in reliable, efficient pool heating.

⭐ Key Features

✅ High Heat Transfer Capacity – Up to 70kW with boiler heating or 20kW optimised for renewable energy systems including solar thermal collectors

✅ Full Titanium Tube Core – Superior corrosion resistance suitable for salt water pools, chlorinated water, and mineral-rich freshwater applications

✅ Universal Fit End Covers – Composite end covers accommodate both 1.5″ imperial (48mm O/D) and 50mm metric pool pipework

✅ Generous Pool Capacity – Designed for pools up to 130m³ (28,500 gallons)

✅ High Flow Rate Capability – Maximum pool water flow of 15.0 m³/h (250 l/min) for efficient heat distribution

✅ Robust Operating Parameters – Handles hot water temperatures up to 110°C (230°F) and operating pressures up to 6 bar (87 psi)

✅ Compact & Lightweight Design – Just 542mm overall length and 4.9kg weight for easy handling and installation

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

✅ Easy Maintenance Access – Removable tube stack and accessible end covers for routine servicing

✅ 10-Year Titanium Warranty – Full manufacturer warranty on titanium materials demonstrates confidence in durability

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model Number	EC120-5113-3T-SP
Tube Material	Titanium
Shell Material	Composite End Covers
Typical Heat Transfer (Boiler)	70kW
Typical Heat Transfer (Renewable/Solar)	20kW
Maximum Pool Volume	130m³ (28,500 gallons)
Maximum Pool Water Flow	15.0 m³/h (250 l/min)
Maximum Hot Water Temperature	110°C (230°F)
Max Operating Pressure (Pool Water)	6 bar (87 psi)
Max Operating Pressure (Hot Water)	6 bar (87 psi)
Connections (Hot Water/Primary)	3/4″ BSP
Connections (Pool Water/Secondary)	Universal Fit – 1.5″ (48mm O/D) or 50mm metric
Overall Length	542mm
Shell Diameter	86mm
Mounting Hole Centres	226mm / 190mm
Thermostat Pocket	Ø7 x 40mm (Inlet end only)
Weight (Dry)	4.9 kg
Warranty (Titanium Materials)	10 Years

📊 Heat Transfer Performance

The Bowman EC120-5113-3T-SP delivers variable heat transfer output depending on your hot water supply temperature and flow rate. The following performance data is taken directly from manufacturer documentation with pool water flowing at 250 l/min at 28°C:

🔥 Heat Output by Hot Water Temperature & Flow Rate

Hot Water Flow Rate	82°C	70°C	60°C	45°C
10 l/min	26 kW	20 kW	15 kW	8 kW
20 l/min	41 kW	31 kW	24 kW	12 kW
30 l/min	51 kW	39 kW	29 kW	15 kW
40 l/min	58 kW	45 kW	34 kW	17 kW
50 l/min	64 kW	49 kW	37 kW	19 kW
60 l/min	69 kW	53 kW	40 kW	21 kW
70 l/min	73 kW	56 kW	42 kW	22 kW

Source: Bowman EC120-5113-3 Product Profile (February 2017)

☀️ Solar Panel Applications

When used with solar thermal collectors, the EC120-5113-3T-SP is optimised for typical renewable energy outputs around 20kW. Solar panel systems typically deliver lower water temperatures (45-60°C) compared to boilers, so matching the heat exchanger to your solar array output is essential for optimal performance.

⚡ Efficiency Factors

• Flow Rate Optimisation – Bowman emphasises that providing the correct water flow volume is vital to heat exchanger performance. Insufficient flow on either the hot water supply or pool water circuit will prevent the unit from transferring all available heat energy
• Temperature Differential – Greater temperature difference between hot water supply and pool water results in higher heat transfer rates
• Proper Sizing – Ensure your heat source (solar array, heat pump, or boiler) is appropriately matched to the heat exchanger capacity

⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance

⚠️ Important Notice: Specific heat-up times are not provided in the manufacturer documentation for this heat exchanger. Heat exchangers are passive devices – their performance depends entirely on your heat source output.

Variables That Affect Pool Heating Time

Heating times vary significantly based on multiple factors including:

• 🔥 Heat source capacity – The kW/BTU output of your boiler, heat pump, or solar thermal array
• 🌡️ Starting water temperature – Colder starting temperatures require more energy input
• 🎯 Target water temperature – Higher desired temperatures extend heating duration
• 🛡️ Pool cover usage – Covers dramatically reduce heat loss and speed up heating
• 🌤️ Ambient/outdoor temperature – Weather conditions affect heat retention
• 📐 Heat exchanger sizing match – Correctly sized exchangers maximise efficiency

☀️ Solar Heating Considerations

Solar thermal systems deliver variable output depending on:

• Available sunlight hours and intensity
• Solar panel array size and efficiency
• Orientation and shading
• Seasonal variations

🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide

Why Titanium?

The EC120-5113-3T-SP features a full titanium tube core – the premium choice for pool heat exchangers requiring maximum corrosion resistance and longevity.

✅ Salt Water Pools – Titanium is completely resistant to chloride-induced corrosion, making it the only safe choice for salt water chlorinator systems

✅ Chlorinated Pools – Handles all standard pool chemical treatments without degradation

✅ Mineral-Rich Freshwater – Resistant to scaling and corrosion from hard water and mineral content

✅ Maximum Corrosion Resistance – Titanium offers superior protection compared to cupro-nickel and stainless steel alternatives

✅ Longest Lifespan – 10-year warranty on titanium materials reflects exceptional durability

✅ Solar Thermal Compatibility – Ideal for renewable energy systems where the heat exchanger must withstand decades of operation

Material Comparison

Material	Salt Water	Chlorinated	Freshwater	Relative Cost
Titanium (This Model)	✅ Excellent	✅ Excellent	✅ Excellent	Premium
Cupro-Nickel	✅ Good	✅ Excellent	✅ Excellent	Mid-Range
Stainless Steel	❌ Not Suitable	✅ Good	✅ Excellent	Economy

⚠️ Note: Stainless steel models (EC120-5113-3S) are NOT suitable for salt water chlorinators or salt water pools.

🎯 Applications & Use Cases

The Bowman EC120-5113-3T-SP is designed for versatile pool and spa heating applications:

☀️ Solar Thermal Integration

Primary application – efficiently transfers heat from solar collectors to pool water. Optimised for the lower temperatures (45-60°C) typical of solar heating systems.

🏊‍♂️ Residential Swimming Pools

Ideal for domestic pools up to 130m³ (28,500 gallons). The titanium construction handles salt water, chlorine, and all standard pool chemicals.

🛁 Hot Tubs & Spas

Suitable for larger spa installations requiring robust, corrosion-resistant heat exchange.

🔥 Boiler Connection

Compatible with oil, gas, or biomass boilers for traditional heating applications. Handles hot water up to 110°C.

🌡️ Heat Pump Systems

Works efficiently with air-source and ground-source heat pumps for energy-efficient pool heating.

🏢 Light Commercial Applications

Suitable for smaller commercial installations including holiday lets, hotels, and leisure facilities with pools within the 130m³ capacity.

🌊 Marine & Coastal Environments

Titanium construction provides exceptional resistance to salt air corrosion in coastal locations.

🔨 Installation Considerations

Mounting Options

The EC120-5113-3T-SP can be installed in either horizontal or vertical orientation using the supplied mounting brackets. Mounting hole centres are positioned at 226mm and 190mm.

Connection Requirements

• Hot Water (Primary): 3/4″ BSP threaded connections
• Pool Water (Secondary): Universal Fit composite end covers accept both 1.5″ imperial (48mm O/D) and 50mm metric pipework using solvent weld adaptors

Flow Direction

Ensure correct flow direction as indicated on the unit:

• Hot water inlet and outlet clearly marked
• Pool water inlet and outlet clearly marked
• Thermostat pocket located on inlet end only (Ø7 x 40mm)

System Integration

• Install isolation valves on both circuits for maintenance access
• Position heat exchanger after the filter on the pool water circuit
• If using automatic chemical dosing, install dosing system AFTER the heat exchanger on the return to pool
• Consider non-return valves to prevent backflow

Space Requirements

• Overall length: 542mm
• Shell diameter: 86mm
• Allow adequate clearance for end cover removal during maintenance

⚠️ Professional Installation Recommended: For warranty compliance and optimal performance, we recommend installation by a qualified pool heating engineer or plumber.

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Bowman EC120-5113-3 Product Profile – Complete technical specifications, dimensions, and performance data (PDF)

🏆 Why Choose Bowman Heat Exchangers

✅ 100 Years of Heat Transfer Expertise – EJ Bowman has been engineering heat exchange solutions since the early 20th century, bringing unmatched experience to every product

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

✅ Premium Titanium Construction – Full titanium tube core provides ultimate corrosion resistance for the most demanding applications

✅ Industry-Leading 10-Year Warranty – Comprehensive warranty on titanium materials demonstrates confidence in product longevity

✅ Proven Performance – Bowman heat exchangers heat pools faster, reducing energy costs through efficient heat transfer design

✅ Universal Compatibility – Flexible connection options and mounting configurations suit virtually any installation

✅ Easy Maintenance – Removable tube stack and accessible end covers simplify routine servicing

🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-Based Pool Heating Specialists – Expert knowledge of Bowman products and pool heating applications

✅ Technical Support – Speak to our team for sizing advice, installation guidance, and system design assistance

✅ Competitive Pricing – Great value on genuine Bowman heat exchangers

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

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

✅ After-Sales Support – Ongoing assistance with spare parts, maintenance advice, and troubleshooting

✨ Summary

The Bowman EC120-5113-3T-SP Titanium Heat Exchanger represents the premium choice for solar-heated pool installations. With its full titanium tube core delivering unmatched corrosion resistance, heat transfer capacity up to 70kW, and suitability for pools up to 130m³, this British-manufactured unit provides reliable, efficient performance backed by a 10-year warranty on titanium materials. Whether you’re installing a new solar thermal system or upgrading an existing pool heating setup, the EC120-5113-3T-SP offers the durability, efficiency, and quality that Bowman has delivered for over a century.