Header Tank Heat Exchangers
Reliable engine cooling for marine & land
Bowman header tank heat exchangers keep marine and stationary land-based engines at their optimum operating temperature where air cooling isn't an option. Combining an integrated coolant reservoir with a high-efficiency tube stack, they deliver consistent, compact cooling in some of the toughest conditions on the planet — for engines up to 1800kW.
Staying Cool Under Pressure
Bowman header tank heat exchangers are purpose-built to cool engines where air cooling is unavailable or unsuitable. Trusted for over 50 years across marine propulsion, CHP power generation, automotive engine testing and emergency fire pumps, they transfer engine jacket-water heat to a raw water circuit while offering a far more compact alternative to traditional air-blast radiators.
Every unit features a unique 'quiet zone' design with a special de-aeration feature, a pressurised filler cap and a large reservoir above the tube stack that eliminates air pockets and air locks for reliable operation. The fully floating tube stack allows free expansion and contraction within the cast body, minimising thermal stress. Single, double and triple-pass coolant-side options match different flow rates.
Whether the cooling medium is salt water, fresh water or mineral-rich/contaminated water, there's a Bowman header tank exchanger to suit, with material specifications matched to the duty. Backed by Luxfords in Australia, customers receive expert heat-transfer engineering support, correct unit selection and access to maintenance workshops on both the east and west coasts.
Why Choose Bowman Header Tank Heat Exchangers?
Quiet-Zone De-Aeration
A large reservoir above the tube stack with a dedicated de-aeration feature eliminates air pockets and air locks.
Fully Floating Tube Stack
The tube stack expands and contracts freely within the cast body, minimising thermal stress for long life.
Material Choice for Any Water
Cupro-nickel for aggressive marine media, copper for clean water, or titanium for the harshest conditions.
Simple to Maintain
Easily removable tube stack and end covers make routine cleaning quick, with 1, 2 and 3-pass options available.
Model Range & Performance
The complete range, by typical engine suitability and integrated header tank capacity. Single, two and three-pass versions are available in marine and land specifications.
| Model | Typical Engine | Engine Power | Header Tank Capacity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EH100 | Small auxiliary | 40 kW (54 HP) | 0.90 L | 5 kg |
| EH200 | Auxiliary | 52 kW (70 HP) | 1.32 L | 6 kg |
| FH100 | Light propulsion | 82 kW (110 HP) | 2.08 L | 8 kg |
| FH200 | Propulsion | 115 kW (154 HP) | 2.93 L | 11 kg |
| FH300 | Propulsion | 150 kW (201 HP) | 4.12 L | 14 kg |
| FH400 | Propulsion | 200 kW (270 HP) | 5.70 L | 17 kg |
| GH200 | Mid propulsion | 240 kW (322 HP) | 6.20 L | 25 kg |
| GH300 | Mid propulsion | 320 kW (429 HP) | 8.54 L | 30 kg |
| GH400 | Mid propulsion | 400 kW (540 HP) | 11.20 L | 35 kg |
| KH200 | Heavy propulsion | 450 kW (603 HP) | 13.00 L | 51 kg |
| KH300 | Heavy propulsion | 600 kW (804 HP) | 17.30 L | 59 kg |
| KH400 | Heavy propulsion | 750 kW (1005 HP) | 22.60 L | 67 kg |
| JH200 | Large propulsion | 620 kW (831 HP) | 18.60 L | 82 kg |
| JH300 | Large propulsion | 820 kW (1100 HP) | 24.80 L | 93 kg |
| JH400 | Large propulsion | 1000 kW (1340 HP) | 32.30 L | 106 kg |
| PH200 | Commercial | 1200 kW (1608 HP) | 34.20 L | 136 kg |
| PH300 | Commercial | 1500 kW (2010 HP) | 44.60 L | 156 kg |
| PH400 | Commercial | 1800 kW (2413 HP) | 56.40 L | 190 kg |
Max working raw water pressure 16 bar, engine water pressure 1 bar, temperature 110°C. Copper tube option (suffix 'TC') for clean-water duties; titanium available for aggressive conditions. Full selection tables and dimensions in the brochure.
Materials for Any Cooling Medium
Marine-grade units are specified for aggressive cooling media such as sea water or mineral-rich fresh water, with cupro-nickel tube stacks and corrosion-resistant end covers. Land-based units use cupro-nickel tube stacks with cast iron end covers as standard for fresh or contaminated water.
For clean mains-water applications such as fire pumps, copper tube stacks offer a cost-effective alternative (add the 'TC' suffix). For super-aggressive conditions, titanium tube stacks are the ultimate 'fit and forget' material — resisting chemical attack indefinitely, eliminating galvanic reaction between dissimilar metals, and allowing higher flow rates than cupro-nickel without tube erosion.
A full 10-year guarantee applies to all titanium material in contact with the cooling water.
Correct Installation
Header tank heat exchangers must always be mounted above the engine's cylinder-head level, with the engine water circuit arranged to be self-venting on filling. Use a by-pass type thermostat arranged so only the heat exchanger is by-passed when the engine is cold. Position all other cooling components to receive the full flow from the engine's water pump, and always fit an automatic engine shutdown system on unattended installations. Bowman recommends an ethylene glycol solution at the engine manufacturer's specified concentration.
Servicing & Parts
Servicing is straightforward — unscrew the end-cover retaining screws and the tube stack removes from its outer shell for routine cleaning. On reassembly, always replace the 'O' rings for a reliable, watertight seal. A comprehensive range of replacement parts is available for 1, 2 and 3-pass units in both land and marine specification, and Luxfords supports customers with maintenance workshops on both coasts.
Applications
Irrigation — Australia
Bowman FH300 units cool Iveco 6.7L irrigation pump sets at an NSW vinery, keeping engines efficient through a challenging summer.
Marine Engineering
In Portugal, Bowman units converted two John Deere engines for the catamaran 'Independencia', cutting engine room temps from 50°C to 25°C.
Automotive Engine Testing
In test facilities worldwide, Bowman units precisely control engine coolant temperatures across extreme hot and cold conditions.
Fire Protection
At Durban International Airport, Bowman units sit at the heart of a mission-critical fire protection pump system.
Get the Right Unit, First Time
Bowman uses a computer programme to select the correct header tank exchanger. Simply supply:
- Heat to be dissipated (kW)
- Engine water flow rate (l/min)
- Maximum engine water temperature (°C)
- Cooling water temperature (°C)
- Type of cooling water (sea, fresh or contaminated)
Our qualified mechanical & heat-transfer engineers are here in Australia to help you select and specify the right unit.
Enquire About Header Tank Heat Exchangers
Talk to a Heat Transfer Specialist
Need help choosing? Our team can match the right Bowman header tank heat exchangers to your exact application.