9 March 2005

Since 1985 Stokvis has been a market leader in packaged plate heat exchangers and is now launching its Econoplate C Series Packaged Plate Heat Exchangers for used with condensing boilers.

Stokvis Energy Systems’ new package is specifically designed to operate with the lower flow and return temperatures provided by condensing boilers. The C series Econoplates are available in three ranges – a total of some 50 units – with outputs up to 742 kW.

These units operate with primary flow temperatures of 70^oC and achieve return temperatures in the mid 40s^oC. The C series heat exchangers will contribute well to the optimum efficiency of condensing boilers, and combine extremely well with the Stokvis Econoflame range of fully modulating, premix, gas fired, condensing boilers.

“Already the acknowledged leader in packaged heat exchangers for the HVAC sector, Stokvis is now the first company to market a packaged plate heat exchanger specifically designed for use with condensing boilers,” says Managing Director, Ivan Thompson.

“In putting this package together with the correct flow temperature and Delta T for condensing boiler systems, we have really made it very simple for customers to select condensing technology and meet efficiency targets such as those in the Building Regulations Part L upgrade in Jan 2006.”

Many years of experience with modulating high efficiency and condensing boilers means that Stokvis knows how vital it is to get the whole system design and application right in order to take maximum advantage of any  extra capital cost.

Ivan Thompson again: “If the return water temperature to the boiler is above the dew point of the flue gas there is little point in specifying a condensing boiler. Engineers should recognise that with this packaged plate heat exchanger serving the hot water services load, they can significantly increase the seasonal system efficiency at no extra cost.

“Generally throughout the year there is HW services load (unlike heat load demand) and, as our condensing plate heat exchanger costs no more, it has no pay back period. It is the best and simplest way to make your boiler and system run more efficiently.”

In addition, the C series incorporates all the intrinsic benefits of the Stokvis Packaged Plate Heat Exchanger range. It naturally has a low water content, which reduces heat losses to the plant room causing excessive boiler firing. There is a fully modulating control valve – giving close control on heat input minimizing boiler firing and providing accurate control of HWS temperature.

The plate exchanger itself is more efficient than coils and not subject to costly insurance checks. It is also easy to expand duty with additional plates. Plate heat exchangers react quickly so the water temperature is raised from 10^oC to 60^oC in seconds, giving no legionella risk.

The compact size of the heat exchanger gives an outstanding output to size ratio, which helps keep plant rooms small. The C Series comes as a complete package for ease of installation and service - affording minimum down time.

Econoplate C series units are designed to provide hot water instantaneously, without the need for storage, up to their maximum rated output. Where necessary they can be coupled to a buffer vessel for even greater outputs. Plate Heat Exchangers have low water content and low thermal inertia making them ideal for use in systems with varying loads.

All Econoplate C series packages are supplied with fast acting 3 port motorised control valves fitted to the primary circuit. This valve is modulated by a purpose built PID controller, which senses the secondary water temperature. Primary water is constantly circulated around the unit by an integral pump which has been matched to the heat exchanger, with an allowance of 6 kPa for pipe work losses.

All Stokvis Econoplate units are fully assembled and factory wired, leaving just the electrical supply and primary and secondary water circuits to be connected on site.