🔥 Bowman FC160-5114-5S-SP Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger | 96kW Solar Panel Series

☀️ High-Performance Solar-Optimised Heat Transfer for Commercial Pool Heating – Up to 190kW Output

📋 Product Overview

The Bowman FC160-5114-5S-SP is a professional-grade shell and tube heat exchanger engineered specifically for renewable energy pool heating systems. Developed by EJ Bowman with over 100 years of heat transfer expertise, this stainless steel model delivers exceptional thermal performance when paired with solar collectors, heat pumps, or hybrid heating configurations.

Featuring a robust stainless steel tube core housed within a durable shell construction, this heat exchanger efficiently transfers heat from your solar thermal system to pool water. The compact yet powerful design handles pools up to 200,000 litres (44,000 gallons) while maintaining optimal flow dynamics. An integral thermostat pocket enables precise temperature monitoring, and the removable tube stack ensures straightforward maintenance access.

Designed for commercial installations, leisure centres, and large residential pools focused on sustainable heating, the FC160-5114-5S-SP represents Bowman’s commitment to quality British engineering and renewable energy compatibility.

⭐ Key Features

✅ 96kW Typical Heat Transfer – Optimised for renewable energy systems including solar collectors and heat pumps

✅ Stainless Steel Tube Core – Corrosion-resistant construction for freshwater pool applications

✅ 200,000 Litre Pool Capacity – Suitable for commercial and large residential swimming pools up to 44,000 gallons

✅ 380 L/min Maximum Pool Water Flow – High flow rate ensures efficient heat distribution throughout the pool

✅ 110°C Maximum Operating Temperature – Handles high-temperature input from boilers and solar thermal systems

✅ 6 Bar Operating Pressure – Industrial-grade pressure rating (87 PSI) on both primary and secondary circuits

✅ Removable Tube Stack – Easy disassembly for routine inspection and maintenance

✅ Integral Thermostat Pocket – Built-in 7mm x 52mm pocket for temperature monitoring

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

✅ Solvent Weld End Covers – Simple integration into existing pool pipework systems

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Model Number	FC160-5114-5S-SP
Heat Output (Renewable Energy)	96 kW typical / Up to 190 kW at optimal flow
Shell Material	Steel
Tube Material	Stainless Steel
Max Pool Volume	200,000 litres / 200 m³ / 44,000 gallons
Primary Flow Rate (Hot Water)	Up to 100 L/min
Secondary Flow Rate (Pool Water)	Up to 380 L/min
Max Operating Pressure (Pool Water)	6 bar / 87 PSI
Max Operating Pressure (Hot Water)	6 bar / 87 PSI
Max Operating Temperature	110°C / 230°F
Connections (Primary – Hot Water)	1″ BSP
Connections (Secondary – Pool Water)	63mm Ø Solvent Weld
Overall Length	942 mm
Shell Diameter	108 mm Ø
Weight (Dry)	17 kg
Thermostat Pocket	Ø7 x 52 mm
Mounting Holes	Ø7 mm

📊 Heat Transfer Performance

The FC160-5114-5S-SP delivers variable heat output depending on the temperature and flow rate of your heat source. The data below is taken directly from manufacturer testing with pool water at 28°C flowing at 350 L/min.

🌡️ Heat Output at Various Hot Water Temperatures

Hot Water Flow Rate	82°C Input	70°C Input	60°C Input	45°C Input
30 L/min	90 kW	70 kW	53 kW	28 kW
45 L/min	120 kW	93 kW	70 kW	37 kW
60 L/min	144 kW	111 kW	84 kW	44 kW
75 L/min	164 kW	126 kW	95 kW	50 kW
90 L/min	180 kW	139 kW	104 kW	54 kW
100 L/min	190 kW	146 kW	110 kW	57 kW

Source: EJ Bowman Product Profile FC160-5114-5

⚡ Performance Considerations

• Flow Rate Optimisation – As demonstrated in the manufacturer data, both hot water and pool water flow rates significantly impact heat transfer efficiency
• Temperature Differential – Higher temperature differentials between heat source and pool water increase transfer rates
• Proper Sizing – Matching the heat exchanger to your heat source output ensures optimal performance

⚠️ Important: If flow rates are too low on either circuit, the heat exchanger cannot perform at designed efficiency and will be unable to transfer all available heat energy into the pool water.

⏱️ Heat-Up Times & Temperature Maintenance

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

• Heat source output (solar collector array size, heat pump kW rating)
• Ambient and starting water temperature
• Pool insulation and cover usage
• Desired temperature rise
• Weather conditions and solar irradiance
• Heat exchanger sizing match to system

The FC160-5114-5S-SP is a passive heat transfer device – actual heating times depend entirely on your heat source capacity and environmental conditions.

📈 What the Manufacturer Data Tells Us

With optimal flow rates and an 82°C heat source, this unit can transfer up to 190 kW of thermal energy. With lower temperature renewable sources (45°C typical for solar thermal), expect around 28-57 kW transfer depending on flow rates.

🛡️ Material & Compatibility Guide

Stainless Steel Construction

The FC160-5114-5S-SP features a stainless steel tube core, offering excellent heat transfer properties and durability for freshwater applications.

✅ Suitable For:

• Freshwater swimming pools
• Chlorinated pools (standard dosing levels)
• Solar thermal heating systems
• Heat pump connections
• Boiler-fed heating systems
• Commercial leisure facilities

❌ Not Suitable For:

• Salt water pools
• Pools with salt water chlorinators
• High-chloride water conditions

⚠️ Important: This stainless steel model is NOT recommended for use with salt water chlorinators or salt water pools. For salt water applications, consider the FC160-5114-5T Titanium variant which offers full corrosion resistance.

Alternative Material Options in the FC160 Range

Model	Tube Material	Water Compatibility	Warranty
FC160-5114-5S	Stainless Steel	Freshwater/Chlorinated	Standard
FC160-5114-5C	Cupro-Nickel	Freshwater/Chlorinated	Standard
FC160-5114-5T	Titanium	Salt Water/All Types	10-Year on Titanium

🎯 Applications & Use Cases

🏢 Commercial Solar Heated Pools – Ideal for leisure centres and facilities utilising large-scale solar thermal arrays

☀️ Solar Thermal Integration – Optimised design for renewable energy heating systems with lower temperature inputs

🔥 Hybrid Heating Systems – Combine with boiler backup for year-round pool heating capability

🏊‍♂️ Large Residential Pools – Perfect for pools up to 200,000 litres requiring sustainable heating solutions

🏆 Competition & Training Pools – Maintain consistent temperatures for athletic facilities

🌿 Energy-Efficient Facilities – Support sustainability goals with renewable-compatible heat transfer

Heat Source Compatibility

• ☀️ Solar thermal collectors and arrays
• 🌡️ Heat pumps (air source and ground source)
• 🔥 Gas and oil boilers
• ⚡ Electric boilers
• 🔄 Hybrid/combined systems

🔨 Installation Considerations

Mounting Options

The FC160-5114-5S-SP can be installed in either vertical or horizontal orientation using the supplied mounting brackets. Mounting holes are Ø7mm for secure fixing.

Connection Requirements

• Hot Water (Solar/Heat Source): 1″ BSP threaded connections
• Pool Water Circuit: 63mm Ø solvent weld adaptors included
• Thermostat Pocket: Ø7 x 52mm integral pocket for temperature sensor

Flow Direction

Refer to the unit markings for correct flow direction:

• Solar Water Inlet/Outlet (shell side)
• Pool Water Inlet/Outlet (tube side)

Installation Notes

• Install isolation valves on both circuits for maintenance access
• If using automatic dosing systems, install after the heat exchanger on the return to pool
• Non-return valves recommended on boiler/heat source circuit
• Ensure adequate flow rates for optimal heat transfer performance

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

Pressure Drop Data (For System Design)

Shell Side (Heating Water):

Flow Rate	Pressure Drop
30 L/min	2.3 kPa
50 L/min	6.3 kPa
70 L/min	12.2 kPa
90 L/min	20.0 kPa
110 L/min	29.8 kPa

Tube Side (Pool Water):

Flow Rate	Pressure Drop
140 L/min	3.3 kPa
200 L/min	6.2 kPa
260 L/min	10.0 kPa
320 L/min	14.6 kPa
380 L/min	19.9 kPa

Source: EJ Bowman Product Profile FC160-5114-5

📥 Downloads & Resources

📄 Product Profile & Technical Datasheet – Complete specifications, dimensions, and performance curves (PDF)

🏆 Why Choose Bowman Heat Exchangers

✅ 100 Years of Heat Transfer Expertise – EJ Bowman has manufactured heat exchangers since 1924, bringing unmatched experience to every product

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

✅ Proven Performance – Trusted by commercial pool operators, leisure centres, and professional installers worldwide

✅ Comprehensive Range – Multiple material options (Titanium, Cupro-Nickel, Stainless Steel) to suit any water chemistry

✅ Removable Tube Stack Design – Unique construction allows easy maintenance and inspection without complete system drainage

✅ 10-Year Warranty on Titanium Models – Industry-leading warranty demonstrates confidence in material quality

🛒 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs

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

✅ Technical Support – Advice on sizing, installation, and system compatibility before you buy

✅ Fast UK Delivery – Stock items dispatched promptly for quick project completion

✅ Competitive Pricing – Trade and volume pricing available

✅ After-Sales Support – Ongoing assistance with any technical queries or spare parts requirements

✅ Complete Heating Solutions – Full range of Bowman heat exchangers plus compatible controls and accessories

✨ Summary

The Bowman FC160-5114-5S-SP represents the ideal choice for commercial and large residential pools utilising solar thermal heating systems. With up to 190kW heat transfer capability, 200,000-litre pool capacity, and robust stainless steel construction, this British-manufactured heat exchanger delivers reliable, efficient performance for freshwater applications. Backed by Bowman’s century of expertise and designed for easy installation and maintenance, the FC160 Solar Series provides the foundation for sustainable, cost-effective pool heating.

Transform your solar investment into comfortable swimming temperatures – contact Parts4Tubs today for expert sizing advice and competitive pricing.