Enerquip Helps Design a Fountain That Flows During Freezing Temperatures
Leave a CommentOutdoor fountains are designed to be eye-catching features, but keeping them functional in all weather conditions can be a challenge—especially when temperatures dip below freezing. When Ascend Federal Credit Union in Tullahoma, Tennessee, wanted a fountain at its corporate headquarters that would run reliably year-round, Signature Fountains turned to Enerquip for a solution.
The Challenge: A Fountain That Works in Freezing Temperatures
Tennessee winters are generally mild, but temperatures can and do drop below freezing. That presents a problem for outdoor fountains. Ice can restrict water flow, damage equipment, and even shut the system down completely.
Signature Fountains needed a way to prevent this. They outlined three key requirements for the heating system:
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Compact design – It had to fit inside a small underground utility pit.
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Efficient heating – The system needed to draw hot water from a nearby building.
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Smart controls – Operation should be automatic, kicking in only when temperatures fall.
At the same time, the project needed to be completed on a tight schedule.
The Enerquip Solution: A Compact Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger
Enerquip’s engineering team designed a custom shell and tube heat exchanger that fit the project’s unique needs. Here’s how it works:
- When the air temperature drops below 45°F, the system automatically activates.
- A pump draws hot water from the credit union’s office building.
- The heat exchanger uses a multi-pass design, circulating the hot water multiple times for maximum efficiency.
- The fountain water is warmed just enough to keep it flowing, even in sub-freezing weather.
The result was a compact, energy-efficient system that worked seamlessly with the fountain’s existing controls.
The Results: Reliable Performance, Even in Cold Weather
“The design worked beyond our best expectations,” wrote Gary Boeyer of Signature Fountains.
When overnight temperatures in Tullahoma recently dipped below freezing, the system automatically switched on. The fountain stayed fully operational—without ice buildup or damage.
Both Signature Fountains and Ascend Federal Credit Union praised Enerquip’s quick turnaround and practical design. The solution not only met their needs but will continue to deliver reliable performance for years to come.
Why Choose Enerquip Heat Exchangers for Outdoor Applications?
Enerquip’s custom heat exchangers are trusted in industries ranging from food processing to industrial manufacturing—and as this project proves, they’re also ideal for unique applications like fountain design.
Whether you need a compact heat exchanger for a small installation or a large-scale solution for industrial use, Enerquip delivers:
- Custom engineering to meet unique challenges
- Energy-efficient multi-pass designs
- Durable, long-lasting construction
- Quick turnaround to keep projects on schedule
Looking for a heating or cooling solution for your sanitary or industrial system? Contact Enerquip today to discuss your project with our team of experts.
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