Ecotherm heat transfer technology using a patented shell and tube heat exchanger with free-floating turbulator rods

Ecotherm is a leading Austrian manufacturer of turnkey hot water, steam, and solar systems. With thousands of installations worldwide, Ecotherm delivers energy-efficient, hygienic, and reliable solutions tailored to each project. Combining advanced stainless steel manufacturing with global service and support, Ecotherm ensures long-lasting value for hotels, hospitals, industries, and beyond.

Among its cutting-edge innovations is the Shell & Tube Heat Exchanger with patented free-floating turbulator rods. This unique design generates high flow velocities inside the tubes, enabling exceptionally efficient heat transfer. At the same time, the oscillating turbulator rods actively prevent fouling, ensuring consistent performance, reduced maintenance, and longer system lifespan—making it one of the most advanced and reliable heat exchangers available today.

Key Features of Ecotherm Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers with Free-Floating Turbulator Rods

• highly increased performance > cold water heats up from 12°C to 60°C in one second
• compact and slim design
• easy inspection and cleaning compared to plate heat exchanger
• prevention of fouling and scaling due to high speed water flow and oscillating turbulator rods
• high quality stainless steel AISI 316Ti

Advanced Heat Exchanger Solutions for Hot Water and Steam Systems

ECOTHERM heat exchangers, featuring patented free-floating turbulator rods, represent the most advanced solution in the market. They combine all the benefits of conventional heat exchangers and heating coils—without carrying any of their drawbacks.

High performance

Unlike conventional shell and tube heat exchangers, ECOTHERM's high capacity heat exchangers contain patented free floating turbulator rods. The rods significantly increase the performance and reduce the size of the heat exchanger. The domestic hot water flows through the heat exchanger at high speed in less than 1 second. The cold water is heated up from 12°C to 60°C in one pass.

Compact

ECOTHERM's high capacity water heaters are extremely compact compared to conventional water heaters. With a floor space saving potential of up to 95%, the ECOTHERM high capacit water heater is fully compliant with the current building trend for lower building costs through compacter heating systems.

The very small surface area of the heat exchanger minimizes radiation heat loss, thus enhancing the overall fuel efficiency of the water heater.

Anti-fouling

The high speed of water flow and the oscillating action of the free floating turbulator rods help to prevent fouling deposits from collecting in the heat exchanger. Maximum efficiency and optimum hygiene are maintained throughout the life of the water heater.

Lifelong corrosion free service

ECOTHERM Stainless Steel 1.4571 / duplex gives lifelong corrosion free service. ECOTHERM stainless steel is a valuable raw material for recycling.

Fast maintenance access with no down time

The external configuration makes it unnecessary to drain the water heater to access and clean the heat exchanger. For inspection and cleaning purposes, simply close the shut-off valves to the tank, open the end flange and pull out the free floating turbulator rods for inspection.

Inspection and cleaning can be accomplished in a fraction of the overall time required for conventional water heaters. Thanks to the stored hot water in the tank, there is no interruption of service.

Turbulent flow, contraflow

ECOTHERM high capacity heat exchangers employ the principle of turbulent flow for optimum heat transfer. A thin film of domestic water flows with turbulent flow and at high speed through the secondary circuit. It flows in the opposite direction to the fluid in the primary circuit, resulting in the highest average temperature gradient across the tube walls over the whole length of the heat exchanger. The turbulent flow prevents lime scaling.

Patented free floating turbulator rods

The free floating turbulator rods are hard wearing and designed for extremely long life. They fulfill many important functions:

Efficient heat transfer

The free floating turbulator rods in the centre of the heat exchanger tubes force thin films of water to flow along the walls of the tubes. The high water surface exposure per volume makes efficient heat transfer possible. Thanks to the fast flow rate, ECOTHERM high capacity heat exchangers perform at around 3,500 to 5,000 W/m²K, which enables even low temperature output from the boiler perfectly satisfactory for efficient operation.

Turbulent flow

The free floating turbulator rods constantly oscillate from side to side. This lateral movement causes turbulent water flow in the tubes, which is beneficial for efficient heat transfer. (Poor mixing caused by laminar water flow would greatly reduce heat transfer efficiency).

High flow speed

Thanks to the free floating turbulator rods, domestic water passes through the heat exchanger at a speed of approximately 1.6 m/s. This high speed and turbulent flow helps prevent fouling. (Lime scale deposits would act as a heat insulator, greatly reducing the heat transfer capacity of the heat exchanger)

Self cleaning action

The constantly oscillating rods inhibit the formation of fouling on the walls of the tubes, thus further ensuring that maximum efficiency is maintained.

Conclusion

With its unmatched expertise in hot water and steam solutions, Ecotherm continues to set new standards in efficiency, reliability, and innovation. The Shell & Tube Heat Exchanger with free-floating turbulator rods reflects this commitment—delivering rapid heating performance, compact design, effortless maintenance, and long-lasting durability through premium stainless steel construction. By preventing fouling and scaling while ensuring maximum heat transfer, Ecotherm provides customers with a future-proof solution that combines cutting-edge technology and proven Austrian quality.

PGTECH is the authorized representative of ECOTHERM® (Austria) in Vietnam, bringing world-class solutions for central hot water systems, steam systems, and solar energy applications in hotels, hospitals, and industrial projects. Contact PGTECH today for expert consultation, tailored solutions, and premium products trusted worldwide.

PGTECH GROUP LIMITED – Authorized Distributor of HVAC System Products in Vietnam and Regional Markets

News Editorial Board: PGTECH

Editor: Mai Phuong

PGTECH GROUP LIMITED

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