Charge Air Coolers
For turbocharged marine & land-based engines
Bowman charge air coolers (intercoolers) cool the compressed combustion air from the turbocharger — making the intake air denser for better combustion, improved performance, and lower fuel consumption and emissions. A comprehensive range covers engines from 50kW up to 850kW.
Reducing Temperature. Improving Performance.
When a turbocharger compresses intake air, that air heats up and becomes less dense. A charge air cooler removes that heat before the air enters the engine — packing more oxygen into each cylinder for a cleaner, more powerful, more efficient burn.
Built on Bowman's renowned 'shell and tube' design, these liquid-cooled units allow charge air temperatures to be precisely controlled. They're renowned for their quality, thermal efficiency and durability, with single and two-pass end covers available in cast iron or naval brass for applications requiring higher coolant flow rates.
Typical applications include marine propulsion, combined heat and power generation, engine testing, and pumps used in emergency fire-protection systems. All units are backed by a comprehensive range of replacement parts for fast delivery, and supported in Australia by Luxfords with expert selection advice and maintenance workshops on both coasts.
Why Choose Bowman Charge Air Coolers?
High Thermal Efficiency
An innovatively designed tube stack delivers exceptional heat transfer, dropping charge air temperatures dramatically for denser intake air and better combustion.
Outstanding Reliability
Designed and built to the highest standards from Bowman's 100 years of heat transfer experience — proven in the most demanding environments.
Marine & Land Versions
Whether the cooling medium is salt water, fresh water or mineral-rich/contaminated water, there's a Bowman charge air cooler to suit.
Simple to Maintain
The easily removable tube stack and end covers make routine cleaning and servicing straightforward, minimising downtime and running costs.
Model Range & Performance
Typical performance for each model. Figures are based on an air inlet temperature of 180°C at 1.75 bar g and cooling water at 30°C — use typical engine power as a starting point, and our engineers will confirm the right model for your exact duty.
| Model | Typical Engine Power | Charge Air Flow | Air Outlet Temp | Heat Rejection | Water Flow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC120 | 50 kW | 2.5 kg/min | 53.1 °C | 5.3 kW | 30 l/min |
| FC100 | 90 kW | 4.3 kg/min | 56.7 °C | 9.1 kW | 50 l/min |
| FG100 | 120 kW | 9.8 kg/min | 56.8 °C | 20.8 kW | 80 l/min |
| GL140 | 175 kW | 15.4 kg/min | 56.4 °C | 32.9 kW | 140 l/min |
| GK190 | 280 kW | 20.3 kg/min | 43.2 °C | 46.8 kW | 180 l/min |
| JK190 | 365 kW | 30.1 kg/min | 41.5 °C | 70.3 kW | 270 l/min |
| PK250 | 570 kW | 40.3 kg/min | 40.3 °C | 95.0 kW | 400 l/min |
| RK250 | 850 kW | 60.0 kg/min | 35.2 °C | 146.6 kW | 550 l/min |
Maximum air inlet temperature 250°C. Maximum air inlet pressure 5.5 bar g (EC120–GK190) and 4 bar g (JK190 & RK250). Coolers must be mounted with the water outlet uppermost and never run without adequate water flow.
Dimensions & Connections
Key dimensions and part numbers across the range. Full dimensioned engineering drawings for every model are in the brochure.
| Model | Overall Length | Weight | Water Connection | Marine Part No. | Land Part No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC120 | 346 mm | 3.8 kg | 3/4" | EC120-4073-3 | EC120-5173-3 |
| FC100 | 358 mm | 6.7 kg | 1" | FC100-4074-2 | FC100-5174-2 |
| FG100 | 472 mm | 10 kg | 1¼" | FG100-4075-2 | FG100-5175-2 |
| GL140 | 502 mm | 17 kg | 1½" | GL140-4076-2 | GL140-5176-2 |
| GK190 | 674 mm | 36 kg | 2" | GK190-4877-3 | GK190-5177-3 |
| JK190 | 704 mm | 53 kg | 2½" | JK190-4078-3 | JK190-5178-3 |
| PK250 | 852 mm | 97 kg | 3" | PK250-4979-4 | PK250-5979-4 |
| RK250 | 1012 mm | 153 kg | DN100 flange | RK250-4980-4 | RK250-5980-4 |
Titanium Tube Stacks — Fit and Forget
For the most aggressive water conditions — salt water, or contaminated/mineral-rich fresh water — Bowman offers titanium tube stacks on many of its charge air coolers. Titanium resists chemical attack indefinitely and eliminates the possibility of galvanic reaction between dissimilar metals, a common cause of premature failure.
Standard tube stacks are manufactured in cupro-nickel for excellent corrosion resistance in typical marine and industrial duty. Where conditions demand the ultimate, titanium is the 'fit and forget' solution.
Bowman titanium tube stacks come with a full 10-year guarantee on all titanium in contact with cooling water.
Correct Installation
To achieve maximum efficiency, Bowman charge air coolers must always be installed in counter flow — where the cooling medium flows in the opposite direction to the air being cooled. Units must be mounted with the water outlet uppermost and must never be operated without adequate coolant flow. When used with header tank heat exchangers, position the cooler so it always receives the full flow of the engine coolant pump.
Servicing & Parts
By simply unscrewing the end-cover retaining screws, the tube stack can be removed from its outer shell for routine cleaning and maintenance. On reassembly we always recommend replacing the 'O' rings to ensure a reliable, watertight seal. A comprehensive range of replacement parts — end covers, O-ring seals, tube stacks, bodies and end-cover fixings — is available for every model.
Applications
Marine Propulsion
On the catamaran 'Independencia' in Portugal, Bowman FG100 coolers converted two John Deere engines for marine use — cutting engine room temperatures from over 50°C to just 25°C.
Power Generation
In Fort Providence, Canada, Bowman FG100 coolers play a vital role in a co-generation system that has halved energy costs in a remote community where winter temperatures fall to −40°C.
Irrigation Systems
Bowman GK190 coolers cool Iveco irrigation pump sets at a 165-hectare vineyard in NSW, Australia, where 800-metre vine runs create particularly high operating pressures and temperatures.
Active Fire Protection
A leading Australian fire pump manufacturer exclusively specifies Bowman charge air coolers for its fire pumps, with hundreds of units now installed throughout the country.
Get the Right Unit, First Time
Bowman uses a dedicated selection programme to match the exact cooler to your application. To give an accurate recommendation, it helps to have as much of the following as possible:
- Charge air mass flow rate (kg/min)
- Charge air pressure (bar g)
- Max. acceptable charge air pressure drop, if known (kPa)
- Charge air inlet & outlet temperature — or heat load & one temperature (kW and °C)
- Coolant temperature (°C)
- Type of coolant — fresh, sea or glycol, including concentration
- Coolant flow rate, if known (l/min)
Our qualified mechanical & heat-transfer engineers are here in Australia to help you select and specify the right unit.
Enquire About Charge Air Coolers
Talk to a Heat Transfer Specialist
Need help choosing? Our team can match the right Bowman charge air coolers to your exact application.