Commercial Indirect Water Heater/Heat Exchanger System in Ohio, USA

- Type: Indirect water heater with internal heat exchanger
- Heat Source: External boiler (steam or hot water)
- Construction: Copper-clad steel vessel
- Heat Transfer: Internal coil or U-tube bundle
- Configuration: Vertical storage tank
- Application: Commercial domestic hot water
- Efficiency: High heat transfer design

Heat Exchanger Configuration

Primary Side (Heating Medium)

- Input: Boiler water or steam supply
- Temperature: Typically 180-210°F
- Flow Path: Through internal heat exchanger
- Return: Back to boiler system
- Control: Modulating or on/off

Secondary Side (Domestic Water)

- Storage: Potable water in tank
- Temperature: 120-140°F typical
- Capacity: Commercial volume
- Recovery: Based on boiler input
- Safety: T&P relief protection

Complete System Package

Main Components

- Copper-clad pressure vessel
- Internal heat exchanger bundle
- Insulated storage tank
- Temperature/pressure relief valve
- Primary loop connections (boiler side)
- Secondary connections (domestic side)
- Control valve and actuator
- Professional piping assembly

Heat Transfer Features

- Exchanger Type: Internal coil or U-tube
- Material: Copper or cupronickel
- Surface Area: Sized for application
- Efficiency: Maximized heat transfer
- Maintenance: Removable bundle design
- Fouling Resistance: Self-cleaning velocity

Key Specifications

Tank Construction

- Shell: Steel pressure vessel
- Cladding: Copper exterior jacket
- Insulation: High-efficiency foam
- Lining: Glass or cement lined
- Connections: Flanged or threaded
- Design Pressure: 125-150 PSI typical
- Temperature Rating: 200°F+

Performance Characteristics

- Recovery Rate: Based on boiler capacity
- Storage Volume: Commercial sizing
- Standby Loss: Minimized with insulation
- Heat Exchanger Rating: BTU/hr capacity
- Flow Requirements: GPM on primary side
- Temperature Rise: Designed for application

System Advantages

Operational Benefits

- Separation: Boiler water isolated from potable
- Efficiency: High heat transfer rates
- Reliability: No combustion components
- Safety: Double-wall protection
- Longevity: No direct flame exposure
- Flexibility: Works with any heat source

Installation Benefits

- Space Saving: No combustion air required
- Location Flexible: No venting needed
- Quiet Operation: No burner noise
- Clean Operation: No combustion products
- Integration: Works with existing boilers
- Controls: Simple temperature control

Ideal Applications

- Hotels & Hospitality
- Hospitals & Healthcare
- Multi-family Buildings
- Office Complexes
- Schools & Universities
- Industrial Facilities
- District Heating Systems
- Central Plant Operations
- Any facility with boiler systems
- Combined heat and power applications

Technical Details

Heat Exchanger Design

- Configuration: Shell and tube or coil
- Materials: Copper, cupronickel, or stainless
- Tube Bundle: Removable for service
- Baffles: Optimize heat transfer
- Connections: Full port for flow
- Velocity: Self-cleaning design

Control Strategy

- Temperature Control: Aquastat or digital
- Valve Type: Modulating or on/off
- Sensor Location: Tank immersion
- Set Point: Adjustable 120-140°F
- Differential: Prevents short cycling
- Integration: BMS compatible

Installation Requirements

- Boiler system connection
- Primary loop piping
- Circulation pump (if required)
- Expansion tank on primary
- Domestic water connection
- Pressure reducing valve
- Backflow prevention
- Temperature/pressure relief
- Drain connection

Maintenance Features

- Accessible heat exchanger
- Removable bundle design
- Inspection ports
- Drain valves
- Temperature gauges
- Pressure gauges
- Isolation valves
- Annual inspection recommended

Energy Efficiency

- Utilizes existing boiler efficiency
- Minimal standby losses
- No cycling losses
- Precise temperature control
- Insulated tank and piping
- Heat recovery compatible
- Lower operating cost than direct-fired

Safety & Compliance

- ASME Construction: Pressure vessel standards
- Double Wall: Prevents cross-contamination
- Relief Valve: Temperature/pressure protection
- Materials: NSF approved for potable water
- Controls: Fail-safe design
- Inspection: Annual requirement
- Codes: Meets commercial standards

Package Includes

✓ Indirect water heater vessel

✓ Internal heat exchanger

✓ Copper cladding jacket

✓ Insulation package

✓ T&P relief valve

✓ Primary/secondary connections

✓ Control components

✓ Professional installation

Comparison to Direct-Fired

Advantages

- No combustion air required
- No venting needed
- Quieter operation
- Longer equipment life
- Better for hard water areas
- Utilizes efficient boiler

Considerations

- Requires external heat source
- Dependent on boiler operation
- Slightly slower recovery
- Higher first cost
- Requires primary pump