Commercial Indirect Water Heater/Heat Exchanger System

Overview

This Commercial Indirect Water Heater Heat Exchanger is a professional-grade storage tank with internal heat exchanger designed for producing domestic hot water using an external heat source such as a boiler. The copper-clad cylindrical vessel provides efficient heat transfer and storage capacity for commercial applications. This indirect system separates the heating medium (steam or hot water) from the potable water supply, ensuring safe, reliable hot water production for commercial facilities.

Design and Performance

• 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