The Heat Exchanger Service Unit ThermoFlux - 7108 is a bench-mounted control and service unit providing hot and cold water circuits for the systematic investigation of heat exchanger performance across parallel flow and counter flow configurations. The unit houses a 50–60 litre stainless steel hot water tank with four 1.5 kW electric heating resistances (6 kW total), a PID digital temperature regulator (thermostat 70°C), a 0.75 HP centrifugal pump (0–29 LPM), and two independent flow meters (1–7 LPM each) for hot and cold circuits. Seven K-type thermocouples (−100°C to 400°C) provide comprehensive temperature monitoring; a pressure regulation valve set at 0.6 bar protects the connected exchanger module. The anodised aluminium frame with laser-engraved HDF panel supports four optional interchangeable heat exchanger modules: Plate Type (ThermoFlux - 7108-01), Concentric Tube (ThermoFlux…

Heat Exchanger Service Unit ThermoFlux - 7108, Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | ThermoFlux - 7108 |
| Unit Type | Bench-mounted heat exchanger service and control unit |
| Compatible Heat Exchanger Modules | Plate Type (ThermoFlux - 7108-01), Concentric Tube (ThermoFlux - 7108-02), Shell and Tube (ThermoFlux - 7108-03), Jacketed Vessel with Stirrer and Coil (ThermoFlux - 7108-04) |
| Flow Configurations | Parallel flow and counter flow |
| Frame Construction | Anodised aluminium structure; insulated HDF wood panel |
| Water-Contact Materials | PVC, brass, copper, stainless steel |
| Front Panel | Laser-engraved diagram matching real unit layout |
| Cold Water Supply | Laboratory mains or optional chilling unit |
| Data Output | Digital display; USB/Ethernet to PC (DAQ option) |
| Pressure Regulation Valve | Set at 0.6 bar |
| Flexible Connecting Tubes | 4 |
Technical Data
Heater
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 4 |
| Total Power | 6 kW |
| Power per Heater | 1.5 kW each |
| Type | Electric heating resistance with thermostat (70°C) |
| Temperature Regulation | PID digital temperature regulator |
Hot Water Tank
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Capacity | 50–60 litres |
| Cover | Stainless steel cover |
| Level Protection | Level switches to prevent dry-running of heater |
| Drain | Draining water valve |
Pump
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Centrifugal |
| Power | 0.75 HP |
| Flow Range | 0–29 litres per minute |
Flow Meters
| Circuit | Range |
|---|---|
| Hot water | 1–7 LPM |
| Cold water | 1–7 LPM |
Thermocouples
| Quantity | Range | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1× (temperature controller) | −100°C to 400°C | K type |
| 6× (system measurement) | −100°C to 400°C | K type |
Key Features
Experiments
Construction and Design
The Heat Exchanger Service Unit ThermoFlux - 7108 is constructed on an anodised aluminium structural frame with an insulated HDF wood panel, providing a rigid and thermally stable mounting platform for all components. The stainless steel hot water tank (50–60 litre capacity) is fitted with four 1.5 kW electric heating resistances (6 kW total), a thermostat set at 70°C, a PID digital temperature regulator, a K-type thermocouple for water temperature monitoring, level switches for dry-run protection, a stainless steel cover, and a draining valve. A 0.75 HP centrifugal pump circulates hot water through the connected heat exchanger module at variable flow rates up to 29 litres per minute. Two independent flow meters, each covering 1–7 LPM, monitor the hot and cold water circuits respectively. A cold water control valve and a pressure regulation valve set at 0.6 bar manage cold circuit flow and system pressure. Four flexible connecting tubes provide rapid interchange between heat exchanger modules. All water-contact components are manufactured from PVC, brass, copper, or stainless steel. Seven K-type thermocouples, one dedicated to the temperature controller and six distributed across the system, each cover −100°C to 400°C. Measured values are presented on panel-mounted digital displays and can be simultaneously transmitted to a PC via USB/Ethernet when the DAQ system is selected. The front panel features a laser-engraved schematic diagram matching the real unit component layout for durable, long-life reference during laboratory use.
Software
ThermoFlux - 7108SW (Optional)
Scope of Delivery
Optional Heat Exchanger Modules (Ordered Separately)
| Module | Model |
|---|---|
| Plate Type Heat Exchanger | ThermoFlux - 7108-01 |
| Concentric Tube Heat Exchanger | ThermoFlux - 7108-02 |
| Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger | ThermoFlux - 7108-03 |
| Jacketed Vessel with Stirrer and Coil | ThermoFlux - 7108-04 |
Q1: What is the function of the ThermoFlux - 7108, and can it be used as a standalone unit?
The ThermoFlux - 7108 is a service and control unit that provides the hot and cold water circuits required to operate heat exchanger modules. It cannot be used as a standalone experimental unit, at least one compatible heat exchanger module (ThermoFlux - 7108-01, -02, -03, or -04) must be ordered separately to conduct experiments.
Q2: Which heat exchanger modules are compatible with the ThermoFlux - 7108?
Four modules are available: Plate Type Heat Exchanger (ThermoFlux - 7108-01), Concentric Tube Heat Exchanger (ThermoFlux - 7108-02), Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger (ThermoFlux - 7108-03), and Jacketed Vessel with Stirrer and Coil (ThermoFlux - 7108-04). All are optional and ordered separately.
Q3: How is parallel flow or counter flow operation selected on the ThermoFlux - 7108?
Flow direction is changed by reversing the water connections between the service unit and the heat exchanger module. This allows the same unit and module combination to operate in either parallel flow or counter flow configuration without modification to the apparatus.
Q4: What is the heating capacity of the hot water tank, and how is temperature controlled?
The hot water tank is fitted with four 1.5 kW electric heating resistances providing 6 kW total heating power. Temperature is regulated by a PID digital temperature regulator and a thermostat set at 70°C, monitored by a dedicated K-type thermocouple. Level switches prevent the heater from operating without water in the tank.
Q5: Is the DAQ software included as standard with the ThermoFlux - 7108?
No. The ThermoFlux - 7108SW DAQ software is an optional accessory developed in the National Instruments™ LabVIEW™ environment. When selected, measured values are transmitted to a PC via USB/Ethernet and a set of electronic sensors is included. The software runs on any Windows™ operating system.