Heat exchangers

[Bernie2]

With the wide use of plate heat exchangers and other types in UK combi boilers, which do you think is the best.

I like the idea of the plate heat exchanger, but it's narrow channels make it obvious why most systems would seem to require Power flushing and water treatment.

But which do you think is the best metal to use for making it?

In the US apparently they seem to be experimenting with cast iron heat exchangers designed to last 40-60 years.

The problem with aluminium exchangers is the PH in the condensate and they have not been out long enough to find out how they get on.

Mixed metals always a chance of electrolysis and Stainless steel has its own problems as does copper.

So how do you rate heat exchangers? 🙂🙂🙂🙂

 

[Plumbstar Tom]

you have to look at the manufacturer is happy for it to fail after the warranty

They wont admit that but think of the money they make on parts out of warranty

 

[oldplumber]

forget plate heat exchangers and use an intergas combi, all the pipework for the ch/water runs through one main heat exchanger, less to go wrong but they arent cheaper to buy, cost more than equivalent remeha/less than worcester

 

[Bernie2]

Hi! oldplumber,

Had a quick look seem good I will try and read up on them.

The plate heat exchanger does seem to be a bit of a drawback, although it heats the water very fast and you can virtually build your own combi with one and the likes of a solenoid valve, flow switch and a few sensors.

Its just that the channels would seem so prone to blocks.

But if this Intergas proves good then I can imagine many people going over to it. I think the big landlords wanting to cut down on combi repair costs and tenant complaints will probably be the first.

Had a read seem simple, so may prove highly reliable, good heat exchanger gurantee, now lets get to work on getting rid of some of those pcb's. 🙂 🙂

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

if the plate heat exchanger fails it is normally a cost effective repair to replace it,but if a twinpass heat exchanger fails as used on a ferroli or intergas big money not cost effective when boiler gets to a certain age and they can and do fail the first signs being over pressuring discoloured dhw

 

[oldplumber]

if any main heat exchanger fails its big money, intergas seem to have got it right, they have an old one still heating away in their depot which seems a good reccomend to me. I saw a 3 year old worcester main heat exchanger leaking recently, and that did cost a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mehran]

well intergas claim to never have had a HX fail. got one in my house and happy with it so far.also remember it's not just no Plate hx, it s not DV/DV-motor also as it does not get air locked like round hx's it have no AAV to leak...just fill up and switch on.

mehran

 

[Bernie2]

Really like it more and more!

I think they also give a 2 year guarantee on their boilers like most European companies seem to do on their stuff. But I think they also give a 10 year guarantee on their heat exchangers.

I like simple boilers, the thing is it seem so many companies want to stick everything onto a pcb board. Which can lead to all kinds of problems and hours fault finding.

I suppose its money saving on production costs. But they certainly don't seem very reliable. I should think the Dutch Intergas would be more reliable because of its simplicity and I suppose a whole lot easier to fault find.