Heating unpressurised storage

[plumedic]

I hope this isn't to far off the subject that this forum was intended for. I'm A plumber working with a man that runs a radiator repair shop. He has an insulated unpressurised storage tank I'm going to call it. In this tank is a cleaning solution for cleaning radiators. The tank is about 8x8' with maybe 30" of water solution in it. Its being heated with electric elements now on 12 cent electric. He's wanting me to hook it up to nat gas boiler. That's the history. My question is will it work to drop a copper coil of say 3/4" pipe ( not sure how long) into the tank to heat it. Or maybe someone has some better advice. He wants the water 180°.
Thanks for your time!

 

[BadgerBoilerMN]

You have to find out what heating solution is and size an appropriate pump, plate or shell and tube heat exchanger to the load.

 

[tom in maine]

I would be a bit concerned about the solution being used. I suspect it is, at least, mildly aggressive to copper.
If that is the case, a copper coil that is always in there is going to be susceptible to corrosion. An appropriate stainless steel coil is more apt to survive.
You do need to talk with the customer about what the cleaner is.
IMHO, a coil in the tank is preferable to a plate hx which will require two pumps, one being on the tank side.

 

[BadgerBoilerMN]

If you can buy a coil of the right material, you're all set. If not you'll have two pumps like the rest of us...

 

[tom in maine]

If you have difficulty finding stainless coils, give us a call.