flowmax
The Flowmax product range leads the way in thermal storage, able to supply balanced mains pressure hot water with good flow rates to all terminal outlets whilst simultaneously providing a rapid response to space heating demands.
improving the standard
The demand for high performance mains pressure domestic hot water supply has led to the increased specification of thermal storage systems.
The W.M.A in consultation with leading manufacturers, has written a performance specification, the aim of which is to enable a specifier to select a thermal storage unit based on performance criteria. i.e. ensuring there is sufficient domestic hot water in extreme conditions
THE W.M.A "PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION FOR INTERGRATED THERMAL STORES FOR HEATING AND HOT WATER" IS MET BY ALL THE NEW IMPROVED FLOWMAX MODELS
nothing could be simpler or safer
The Range Flowmax combines the advantages of mains pressure with the safety of traditional open vent storage in one versatile system, they are simple and quick to install by any qualified plumber and fully guaranteed by Range.
Product Options
Cylinder Units
For use with a separate feed and expansion tank above the Flowmax. A common choice for refurb' projects.
Combination Units
Commonly chosen as a combination unit because it takes tanks out of the roof space.
Central Boiler Models
Flowmax is the ideal partner for a central boiler plant. Installed in each property it allows for single metering of hot water usage and is an extremely economical system in terms of installation and running costs. Range can custom design units to suit your requirements.
Multiple Heat Sources
Flowmax thermal stores form the ideal basis for a system with multiple heat sources. Fire back boilers, solar heating and solid fuel stoves (Aga's Rayburns etc.) can all be coupled up alongside the usual boiler or immersion heaters.
Builder Features
- Manufactured from copper - the material preferred by plumbers
- Flexible to site
- No visible discharge to waste needed
- Not subject to building control regulations
- Inherently safe mains pressure with an open vent
- Meets W.M.A specifications
- No need for tank stillages in roof space
- Complete package from one manufacturer
- Part L compliant
The benefits
- No additional shower pumps required
- Inherently safe mains pressure with open vent
- Flow rates of 22 litres/min, double that of most combi boilers
- Thermostatic control of hot water temperature
- Quick and simple to install with only 5 plumbing connections
- Flexible siting aids building design
- Energy efficient due to reduced boiler cycling
- Not subject to building control regulations unlike unvented type products
- Equally suited to new build/refurbishment projects
- Radiators heat up faster than ever
- Hot water is on tap 24 hours a day
- Powerful showers available without waiting
- Baths can be filled with hot water in under 5 minutes
- Efficient - saves fuel and reduces energy bills
- Maintenance free roof space (no pipes or tanks) can save on insurance
- Safe thermostatically controlled delivery of hot water
- Balanced pressure on both sides gives stable shower temperatures
- Simple to operate
How flow max works
Hot Water
Flowmax differs from conventional cylinders in that the water stored is not the same water that is delivered to the taps. It should be thought of as a store of heat. This primary heat store is is typically maintained at 75oC. A 50mm thick layer of CFC free foam insulation keeps heat loss to a minimum.
The heart of the Flowmax is the plate heat exchanger. Mains pressure cold water is heated instantaneously as it passes through this heat exchanger. A flow switch detects hot water demand, and switches on the store pump to assist heat exchange. Hot water can leave the plate heat exchanger at over 60oC. A thermostatic mixing valve ensures water is delivered at a safe temperature.
The store is vented via a feed and expansion tank. Only the inside of the plate heat exchanger is at mains pressure.
Flowmax electric units are heated by two immersion heaters and provide hot water only. Boiler models are heated by gas or oil and in addition to hot water can also provide heat directly to space heating (typically radiators)
Space Heating
Previously, in a combined space heating and hot water system, operational control has focused on the boiler. Flowmax changes the this and allows the thermal store to be the heart of the central heating system.
Space heating is supplied directly from the store. The store thermostat maintains the store temperature at 75oC and with this ready store of hot water the space heating demands are met far quicker than in conventional systems. As the temperature of the water in the thermal store is reduced, the thermostat activates the boiler. The store is heated until it reaches its set temperature and the thermostat shuts the boiler off.
If a timed pump overrun is fitted then the pump will continue to run, for a short while, to extract heat from the boiler circuit and maximise system efficiency. With the thermostat ON and the thermal store controlling the system, inefficient boiler cycling is eliminated, lowering fuel consumption and maintenance bills.
How flow max works
Double Pump System
The typical installation uses a combination unit sited in the airing cupboard. System design is simple and incorporates 2 pumps, a cylinder stat, programmer and room stat, along with pump over-run.
The full output of the boiler is transferred into the hot store and is directly controlled by the cylinder stat, it reduces boiler cycling.
The heating pump, controlled by the programmer and room stat provides instant response to the demand from the radiators.
Cold feed to the unit is 22mm from the stop tap. In common with any other hot water cylinder, a device to prevent the build up of scale should be fitted in areas where the hardness exceeds 200mg/litre.
Hot water draw off pipe is 22mm to the bath branching off in 15mm to other terminal fittings. Overflow/warning pipe should be 3/4" diameter and discharges in the same way as a warning pipe in a traditional system.
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