heat exchanger - Flatplate

Dave Heath_2

No problem getting the larger diameter pex
Both Heatlink and Rehau have it available.
Rehau call theirs Insulpex.
Heatlink have it available up to 4" I believe(Possibly metric dimension)
It can be purchased as non-insulated or with insulation in single tube or double tube. Connection is thru Compression Brass fittings.

Rudy

flatplate exchanger - Hot Rod

Hot Rod,
Do you use Flatplate's software to size their heat exchangers? Is it accurate?
I assume that you use a BPHE when you tie into an existing closed loop with your open systems from your wood furnaces. My question is this: I've sized a heat exchanger for a 180000 btuh application. This will cover the full load with a 10% buffer. I sized the open side for a 30 ^T with a 12 gpm flow. The secondary size likewise. The secondary side will circulate through existing oil boiler to maintain its temp. I looked at the Goldline controllers yesterday and they look like a much more economical control unit. Anyway - my question is this, there are three zone pumps on the existing system. How will the efficiency of the heat transfer be through the BPHE when there is only 1 zone calling for heat? My thought is that it will be better given that the flow rate stays the same on the primary side but drops on the secondary side.
I also saw that RANCO makes a nice two stage controller also.
Is there anywhere to get 1-1/4 or 1-1/2 Pex. Suppliers act like its impossible to get and maybe it is. For the above app. I've got to parralel two 1" sets in to get the proper flow rate. It makes it fun when you have a 300 foot one way run! Not to mention pump sizing with all the head. I've seen some installers that put 1" in for everything and hope for the best. Sometimes they series 2 pumps to get the head that they need at the sacrifice of extreme velocity. i don't want to do that because every job IMO has its own parameters. The install can and will sell these units if done properly. Matt

hr

Good questions

When in doubt, call Flat Plate. I do have the software, but they always have a trick or two for sizing. Often to save $$'s. They seem to have models that don't appear on the software, or in the catalog. Like L series with lower pressure drop, and larger connections.

There is large bore pex out there, somewhere. Maybe a supplier will chime in. Check fitting costs!

You might just run 4 1" pex lines for some additional flow handling. Just manifold them together like a radiant tube connection! Throw an extra 3/4" line for wire pulling, maybe a 1/2" for water supply.

Copper tube is an option if 4 runs of pex gets to be a hassle cost, and insulation wise. One run of type L soft may be cheaper when you add all the insulation cost for that long of run.

I have seen a number of newbie DIYers overheat and melt down the pex, by turning the whole system to steam

Sounds like you have keyed into the best controllers to use. That Ranco is handy, and seems to be standard equipment on most outdoor wood burners.

Make sure they watch water treatment on the A side if this is an open system, of heat exchange in the FP will be a problem as the rust starts packing in.

hot rod

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Weezbo

HEY! Hey! hey!...

wirsbo makes large diameter...the pumper upper tools a bit Spent ty:)my buddy D decieded to forgo the wresteling act with it and went with two one inch... i think it is no different than large soft copper in that respect,mangeling it around corners one must adapt the electrical skills and general phylosophy of not putting three 90 in a Pull.