need heat exchanger help

Ericjeeper

I am a DIY. I installed my complete radiant floor system in concrete. heatloss analysis says I need 27,000btu. I am using a bock oil fired water heater. and it has been up and running great. Til the heat exchanger started leaking. it is a twin tank shell and tube deal.. It is leaking glycol out of the double wall.. like it is supposed to.. in case of a leak.. I am wanting suggestions on other suppliers. and types.. I have very hard water and am worried about a flat plate exchanger.. am I incorrect in my worrying?
The supplier is willing to either replace my unit.. or refund my money.. But I am wanting it fixed right this time.. Thanks Eric Enk, Martinsville Indiana

hr

Hard water

will be tough on any HX. Any way to add a softner, at least to the hot water, to avoid future "lime ups"? Why not address the problem not the symptom

If not add some valves that allow you to circulate a coil cleaner through the exchanger. Regardless of the type of HX, a de-lime will be needed to keep the output in spec.

Webstone makes a valve just for this purpose. I have also used the Watts PV valves, with a garden hose side tap for this purpose.

Flat Plate are the most common HX I see used for your application, although double walled adds cost.

Your choice, either will do the job, but both will need maintenance.

Is glycol an absolute must?

hot rod

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Ericjeeper

glycol is already in the system.. I have two seperate manifold locations.. and I decided to go over rather than under to get my lines to it.I will likely put a softener in..but for now one fix at a time. I perfer a double walled unit no matter what the type