Tubular Heat Exchangers
Proven engine cooling for marine & land
Bowman tubular heat exchangers keep marine and stationary land-based engines at their correct operating temperature where air cooling isn't an option. With over 50 years of proven service and a range spanning 20kW to 2500kW, they deliver compact, reliable jacket-water cooling backed by Bowman's century of heat transfer expertise.
Staying Cool Under Pressure
Bowman tubular heat exchangers transfer heat from an engine's jacket water to a separate raw water circuit, maintaining the correct operating temperature that is vital to engine performance. They're purpose-built for applications where air cooling is unavailable or unsuitable, and for over 50 years have cooled engines in roles as varied as marine propulsion, power generation, engine testing and emergency fire protection.
Each unit is built around a fully floating tube stack housed within a cast body, allowing the stack to expand and contract freely to minimise thermal stress and extend service life. Removable end covers let the tube stack be withdrawn for straightforward cleaning, while raw water connections and BSP ports are sized to suit each model. The full range carries a maximum working pressure of 16 bar and a maximum temperature of 110°C.
Available in dedicated marine and land-based versions to handle salt water, fresh water or mineral-rich and contaminated water, the range covers engines from 20kW up to 2500kW. Compared with traditional air-blast radiators they offer a more compact cooling solution. Luxfords supplies the complete Bowman range in Australia with expert selection, technical support and maintenance backup.
Why Choose Bowman Tubular Heat Exchangers?
Fully Floating Tube Stack
The tube stack expands and contracts freely within the cast body to minimise thermal stress, enhancing reliability and life.
Simple to Maintain
Removable end covers allow the tube stack to be easily withdrawn for cleaning and routine maintenance.
Marine & Land Versions
A comprehensive range suits any cooling medium — salt water, fresh water, or mineral-rich and contaminated water.
Optional Titanium Tubes
Titanium tube stacks are available as a fit-and-forget option for aggressive water, backed by a 10-year guarantee.
Model Range & Performance
Marine range selection guide, by typical engine suitability. Land-based versions with equivalent performance are also available. Each model has an equivalent header-tank exchanger.
| Model | Typical Engine | Max Raw Water Flow | Engine Coolant Volume | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EC80 | 20 kW | 54 l/min | 0.26 L | 2.4 kg |
| EC100 | 40 kW | 54 l/min | 0.49 L | 3.2 kg |
| EC120 | 52 kW | 54 l/min | 0.74 L | 3.8 kg |
| FC100 | 82 kW | 95 l/min | 1.10 L | 6.3 kg |
| FC120 | 115 kW | 95 l/min | 1.50 L | 7.3 kg |
| FG100 | 150 kW | 125 l/min | 2.40 L | 10 kg |
| FG120 | 200 kW | 125 l/min | 3.00 L | 12 kg |
| GL140 | 240 kW | 225 l/min | 3.60 L | 18 kg |
| GL180 | 320 kW | 225 l/min | 4.80 L | 21 kg |
| GL240 | 400 kW | 225 l/min | 6.30 L | 25 kg |
| GK190 | 450 kW | 325 l/min | 7.00 L | 34 kg |
| GK250 | 600 kW | 325 l/min | 9.00 L | 39 kg |
| GK320 | 750 kW | 325 l/min | 11.60 L | 46 kg |
| JK190 | 620 kW | 460 l/min | 9.70 L | 58 kg |
| JK250 | 820 kW | 460 l/min | 12.50 L | 66 kg |
| JK320 | 1000 kW | 460 l/min | 16.10 L | 78 kg |
| PK250 | 1200 kW | 700 l/min | 13.60 L | 94 kg |
| PK320 | 1500 kW | 700 l/min | 22.60 L | 110 kg |
| PK400 | 1800 kW | 700 l/min | 28.50 L | 125 kg |
| RK400 | 2500 kW | 1000 l/min | 43.40 L | 186 kg |
Max working pressure 16 bar, max temperature 110°C. Requires a separate remote header tank (header-tank models with an integrated reservoir are also available). Full marine and land tables plus dimensions are in the brochure.
Materials & Construction
Bowman tubular heat exchangers are built around a fully floating tube stack mounted inside a cast outer body, with removable cast end covers. The floating design accommodates thermal expansion of the tube stack to reduce stress and prolong service life.
For aggressive water conditions, titanium tube stacks are offered as an option across many models. Bowman describes titanium as the ultimate 'fit and forget' material; standard tube stacks suit salt water, fresh water and mineral-rich or contaminated water depending on the version selected.
A 10-year guarantee applies to all titanium material in contact with cooling water on units specified with optional titanium tube stacks.
Correct Installation
Install the heat exchanger horizontally with the engine coolant connections on top and the raw water outlet uppermost, piped so that entrained air is eliminated. Bowman units operate with a separate remote header tank (not supplied) of at least 17% of total system volume, fitted with a pressure cap of at least 50 kPa. Recommended pipe sizes: vent line 8mm; fill line 19mm (EC–FC) or 25mm (GL–RK). Bowman recommends an ethylene glycol coolant at the engine manufacturer's specified concentration.
Servicing & Parts
Routine servicing is simple — unscrew the end-cover retaining screws and the tube stack withdraws from its outer shell for cleaning. On reassembly, renew the 'O' rings for a reliable, watertight seal. A comprehensive range of replacement parts is available, including end covers, 'O' seals, tube stacks, bodies and end-cover fixings. In Australia, Luxfords supports the range with maintenance workshops on both coasts.
Applications
Irrigation Systems
Cooling engine jacket water on irrigation pump sets so pump engines run reliably despite high ambient temperatures.
Marine Engineering
Trusted marine cooling for everything from sport boats and yachts to commercial vessels, with over 50 years of service.
Engine Testing
Used extensively to control engine temperatures during hot and cold testing for OEM and R&D organisations.
Fire Protection
Many mission-critical fire protection systems rely on Bowman exchangers to cool engine pumps in an emergency.
Get the Right Unit, First Time
Bowman uses a computer selection programme to match the correct exchanger. To recommend the right unit, supply:
- Heat to be dissipated (kW)
- Engine coolant flow (l/min)
- Maximum engine coolant temperature (°C)
- Raw water temperature (°C)
- Type of raw 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 Tubular Heat Exchangers
Talk to a Heat Transfer Specialist
Need help choosing? Our team can match the right Bowman tubular heat exchangers to your exact application.