🔥 Bowman EC160-5113-5C-SP Cupro Nickel Heat Exchanger | 55kW Solar Panel Series

☀️ High-Capacity Solar-Optimised Heat Transfer for Pools up to 120,000 Litres – British Engineering Excellence

📋 Product Overview

The Bowman EC160-5113-5C-SP is a professional-grade shell and tube swimming pool heat exchanger, specifically engineered for larger solar panel heating systems. Built with premium cupro nickel tube construction, this unit delivers exceptional heat transfer performance while offering outstanding corrosion resistance for chlorinated pool environments.

Designed and manufactured in Birmingham, UK, by EJ Bowman – a company with over 100 years of heat transfer expertise – this heat exchanger bridges your solar thermal collectors and pool water circuit with maximum efficiency. The innovative ‘Universal Fit’ composite end covers simplify installation into both imperial (1.5″/48mm) and metric (50mm) pool pipework systems.

Whether you’re heating a large domestic pool or a commercial installation, the EC160 Solar Series delivers the capacity and reliability needed for sustainable, cost-effective pool heating throughout the swimming season.

⭐ Key Features

✅ 55kW Heat Transfer Capacity – High-output performance optimised for renewable energy systems including solar collectors and heat pumps

✅ Cupro Nickel Tube Core – Superior corrosion resistance for chlorinated freshwater pools with excellent thermal conductivity

✅ 120,000 Litre Pool Capacity – Suitable for large domestic and commercial swimming pools up to 26,000 gallons

✅ Universal Fit End Covers – Composite design accepts both 48mm O/D (1.5″ nominal) and 50mm O/D metric pipework

✅ Removable Tube Stack – Easy disassembly for routine maintenance and inspection without specialist tools

✅ Dual Mounting Options – Install vertically or horizontally to suit your plant room configuration

✅ Integrated Thermostat Pocket – 7mm x 40mm pocket on inlet end for temperature monitoring

✅ Maximum 110°C Operating Temperature – Handles high-temperature solar thermal systems with ease

✅ 6 Bar Operating Pressure – Robust construction for demanding commercial applications

✅ Complete Mounting Kit Included – Supplied with brackets and solvent weld adaptors for straightforward installation

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model Number	EC160-5113-5C-SP
Heat Output	55kW (Renewable Energy Systems)
Shell Material	Composite End Covers
Tube Material	Cupro Nickel
Max Pool Volume	120,000 litres / 26,000 gallons
Maximum Pool Water Flow	15.0 m³/h (250 l/min)
Max Operating Pressure (Pool Water)	6 bar / 87 psi
Max Operating Pressure (Solar Water)	6 bar / 87 psi
Max Operating Temperature	110°C / 230°F
Connections (Solar Water)	3/4″ BSP (Inlet & Outlet)
Connections (Pool Water)	50mm or 48mm O/D (Universal Fit)
Overall Length	768mm
Mounting Hole Centres	452mm
Shell Diameter	86mm
Weight (Dry)	8.5 kg
Thermostat Pocket	Ø7mm x 40mm deep (Inlet End)

📊 Heat Transfer Performance

The EC160-5113-5C-SP delivers impressive heat transfer rates that scale with your solar collector output temperature and flow rate. Performance has been tested and verified by EJ Bowman under controlled conditions.

🏊 Heat Output at Various Solar Water Temperatures

Pool water flow: 250 l/min at 28°C

Solar Water Temp	10 l/min	20 l/min	30 l/min	40 l/min	50 l/min	60 l/min
45°C	10 kW	17 kW	22 kW	26 kW	29 kW	32 kW
60°C	19 kW	33 kW	42 kW	50 kW	56 kW	62 kW
70°C	25 kW	43 kW	56 kW	67 kW	75 kW	82 kW
82°C	33 kW	56 kW	73 kW	86 kW	97 kW	107 kW

Source: EJ Bowman Product Brochure EC160-5113-5, February 2017

⚡ Efficiency Factors

Achieving optimal heat transfer depends on several critical factors:

• Flow Rate Optimisation – Both solar circuit and pool circuit must maintain adequate flow rates. Insufficient flow significantly reduces heat transfer efficiency.
• Temperature Differential – Greater difference between solar collector output and pool water temperature increases heat transfer rate.
• Proper Sizing – The EC160 is rated for pools up to 120,000 litres. Undersizing will result in extended heating times; oversizing wastes capital investment.
• Solar Collector Matching – Ensure your solar panel array can deliver sufficient hot water flow (up to 60 l/min) at adequate temperatures.

⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance

⚠️ Important Notice: Heat-up times vary significantly based on multiple factors and cannot be accurately specified without knowing your complete system configuration.

Variables That Affect Heating Time

Heat-up times for your pool depend on:

• Solar collector array size and efficiency – Total kW output of your solar thermal system
• Available sunshine hours – Geographic location and seasonal variations
• Starting water temperature – Colder water requires more energy input
• Target water temperature – Higher targets require proportionally more energy
• Pool cover usage – Reduces heat loss by up to 75%
• Ambient temperature and wind conditions – Affects heat loss rate
• Pool insulation – Ground contact, exposed walls, etc.

🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide

Cupro Nickel Construction

The EC160-5113-5C-SP features cupro nickel tubes, offering an excellent balance of heat transfer efficiency and corrosion resistance.

✅ Recommended Applications:

✅ Chlorinated freshwater pools – Excellent resistance to standard pool chemicals

✅ Brominated pools – Compatible with bromine-based sanitisation

✅ Mineral pools – Handles mineral-rich freshwater sources

✅ Solar thermal systems – Optimised for renewable energy heating

✅ Heat pump integration – Works seamlessly with air or ground source heat pumps

❌ Not Recommended For:

❌ Salt water pools with chlorinators – Use Titanium model (EC160-5113-5T) instead

❌ Marine/seawater applications – Requires Titanium specification

Why Cupro Nickel?

Cupro nickel (copper-nickel alloy) provides:

• Superior thermal conductivity compared to stainless steel
• Excellent corrosion resistance in chlorinated environments
• Cost-effective durability – longer lifespan than stainless steel in pool applications
• Proven performance – industry-standard material for pool heat exchangers

🎯 Applications & Use Cases

☀️ Solar Thermal Pool Heating

The primary application for the EC160-5113-5C-SP. Connect to evacuated tube or flat plate solar collectors to harness free energy from the sun. Ideal for extending your swimming season without ongoing fuel costs.

🏊‍♂️ Large Residential Pools

Perfect for domestic pools from 50,000 to 120,000 litres. The high-capacity design ensures efficient heat transfer even for substantial water volumes.

🏢 Commercial & Semi-Commercial Installations

Hotels, holiday parks, schools, and leisure facilities benefit from the robust construction and high flow capacity. Rated for 6 bar operating pressure.

🔥 Hybrid Heating Systems

Combine solar thermal with boiler backup for year-round swimming. The EC160 handles both renewable and conventional heat sources seamlessly.

⚡ Heat Pump Integration

Connect to air source or ground source heat pumps for efficient pool heating. The 55kW capacity matches well with commercial heat pump outputs.

🏗️ New Build & Retrofit Projects

Universal Fit end covers simplify installation in both new constructions and existing pool systems with either imperial or metric pipework.

🔨 Installation Considerations

Mounting Options

The EC160-5113-5C-SP can be installed in either orientation:

• Horizontal Mounting – Standard configuration with supplied brackets
• Vertical Mounting – Space-saving option for compact plant rooms

Connection Requirements

Solar Water Circuit (Shell Side):

• 3/4″ BSP threaded connections
• Inlet and outlet clearly marked on unit
• Flow direction must be observed

Pool Water Circuit (Tube Side):

• Universal Fit accepts 48mm O/D (1.5″ nominal) OR 50mm O/D metric pipe
• Solvent weld socket unions included
• 416mm connection centres

Flow Direction

⚠️ Critical: Observe correct flow direction for both circuits. Counter-flow design maximises heat transfer efficiency. Solar/hot water and pool water should flow in opposite directions through the heat exchanger.

Automatic Dosing Systems

If your pool has an automatic chemical dosing system, it must be installed after the heat exchanger on the return line to the pool. This protects the heat exchanger from concentrated chemical exposure.

Space Requirements

• Overall length: 768mm
• Shell diameter: 86mm
• Allow adequate clearance for end cover removal during maintenance

⚠️ Professional Installation Recommended

For warranty compliance and optimal performance, we strongly recommend installation by a qualified pool heating engineer. Professional installation ensures:

• Correct flow rates and pressure settings
• Proper electrical connections for any controls
• Compliance with local regulations
• System commissioning and testing

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 EC160-5113-5 Product Brochure – Complete technical specifications, dimensions, and performance data (PDF)

🏆 Why Choose Bowman Heat Exchangers

✅ 100 Years of Expertise – EJ Bowman has manufactured heat exchangers in Birmingham, UK since the early 1900s. Unmatched industry experience.

✅ British Manufacturing Quality – Designed, engineered, and built in the UK to exacting standards

✅ Premium Material Selection – Cupro nickel, titanium, and stainless steel options to match every application

✅ Proven Pool Heating Performance – Trusted by pool installers and facilities managers worldwide

✅ Comprehensive Product Range – From small domestic units to large commercial specifications

✅ Technical Support – Backed by manufacturer expertise and detailed documentation

🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs

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

✅ Competitive Pricing – Trade and retail pricing on genuine Bowman heat exchangers

✅ Fast UK Delivery – Stock items dispatched promptly for quick installation

✅ Technical Advice – Guidance on sizing, compatibility, and system design

✅ Genuine Products – Authorised stockist of authentic Bowman heat exchangers

✅ After-Sales Support – Assistance with installation queries and ongoing support

✨ Summary

The Bowman EC160-5113-5C-SP represents the pinnacle of solar pool heating technology, combining 55kW heat transfer capacity with premium cupro nickel construction for pools up to 120,000 litres. Backed by over a century of British engineering excellence, this heat exchanger delivers the performance, durability, and versatility demanded by professional installers and discerning pool owners alike. Whether you’re heating a large residential pool or specifying for a commercial project, the EC160 Solar Series provides the reliable, efficient heat transfer your system requires.