Instantaneous water heaters for decontamination

An instantaneous water heater for decontamination heats water for decontamination showers and other applications in civil protection and disaster response. For tent manufacturers and system integrators, the key requirements are the right water flow rate, adjustable temperature and integration into the overall system. CLENA develops hot water modules, dosing units and water supply units that can be tailored to each application.

We supply individual modules as well as units ready for connection. Options range from basic mobile units to custom designs for vehicles, roll-off containers and stationary installations. We can also configure small production runs to meet customer requirements.

Hot water for decontamination tents and emergency response systems

When planning a decontamination system, the tent, showers and water supply must work together. How many outlets will operate at the same time? What temperature is required at these outlets? And how much space is available for the equipment?

Our decontamination modules are designed for civil protection, disaster response and field camps. They are used in personnel decontamination, mass decontamination systems and the decontamination of injured or wounded people. Tent and vehicle manufacturers can use these modules to develop water supply systems for fire services, the THW and the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr).

The Dekon P roll-off container is frequently used in personnel decontamination. The BBK refers to the corresponding vehicle as the Gerätewagen Dekontamination Personal, or GW Dekon P (personnel decontamination equipment vehicle). Dekon V refers to casualty decontamination. The instantaneous water heater provides hot water within these systems. Shower temperature, pressure and any agents used are selected to suit the application and the relevant operational procedures.

From a basic heater to a customised unit

The basic unit heats water as it flows through the heater, with the temperature set using a thermostat. Additional functions can be incorporated to suit the application.

Cold water mixing is a key option for decontamination showers. A mixing valve blends cold water with the heated water to achieve the required outlet temperature. This is useful, for example, when a system needs to supply different outlets.

Further configuration options include chemical injection or dosing, multiple independently adjustable water outlets and versions with higher flow rates. Versions suitable for drinking water applications are also available on request. The components in contact with water and the specific equipment configuration are selected to suit the intended use.

Hot water modules with flow rates of up to 80 litres per minute

The HW-DK range includes versions with a heating output of 90 kW and various flow rates and connections. You can find an overview of our standard configurations here.

The maximum values refer to the total flow rate of each module. The achievable temperature depends on the inlet water temperature and the heat output actually transferred to the water. Where a module has multiple outlets, the available water flow is shared between them.

Water temperature and flow rate at 90 kW

The more water heated per minute, the smaller the temperature rise at a given heating output. When sizing a decontamination shower system, the flow rate, inlet water temperature and required shower temperature must therefore be considered together.

The table below shows rounded calculated values from CLENA’s overview of temperature rise at 90 kW. Inlet water temperatures of 5, 10 and 15 °C are used as examples.

Calculation basis: 90 kW of heat output transferred entirely to the water, before any additional cold water mixing. The values are provided for guidance and are not guaranteed operating points or recommended shower temperatures. The usable heat output, temperature control, pipework heat losses and permissible operating limits of the selected version determine the actual values.

For example, at 50 l/min and an inlet water temperature of 10 °C, the calculated outlet temperature is approximately 36 °C. With an inlet temperature of 5 °C, it is approximately 31 °C under the same assumptions. Even this difference can affect system sizing. CLENA therefore matches the required heating output and water flow rate to the intended operating conditions.

Supply and dosing within the water management system

Decontamination water management includes supplying, pumping, heating and distributing water, as well as dosing agents where required. The collection and handling of contaminated wastewater must also be planned as part of the overall system. CLENA’s range covers hot water, dosing and water supply equipment.

The DEKON/70 water supply unit is a portable module for water supply and pressure boosting, supplied with pre-assembled pipework and ready for operation. It delivers flow rates of up to 70 l/min and includes a stainless steel centrifugal pump, an electric pressure switch with dry-running protection, a pre-filter, a non-return valve and a pressure gauge. The electrical supply is 230 V / 50 Hz.

The DEKON-E dosing unit can, for example, be installed downstream of a water heater. Its dosing range is 1 to 5%, with a flow range of 0.25 to 45 l/min. The maximum permissible water temperature through the unit is 40 °C. The agents, dosing rate and material compatibility are selected to suit the process.

When combining components, they must all be able to operate at the required system operating point. For example, a dosing unit with a maximum flow rate of 45 l/min installed in series will limit the flow through that branch, even if the upstream instantaneous water heater can accommodate a higher flow rate.

Integration into mobile and stationary systems

We adapt our equipment to the project requirements of tent manufacturers, vehicle bodybuilders and other system integrators. This can include dimensions, frames, connections, outlets and controls. Options include mobile units, stationary installations, integration into vehicles and roll-off containers, and custom-built systems.

During joint development, we work with customers and end users to establish how the unit will be transported, connected, operated and maintained. These requirements inform the design. We manufacture standard production runs and small batches as well as individual custom solutions.

We use straightforward technology and high-quality, proven components. Long-term spare parts availability is part of our service offering. This helps operators and manufacturers maintain their water supply equipment throughout its service life. Find out more in our custom systems section.

Frequently asked questions about planning a decontamination unit

How many decontamination showers can one module supply?

This depends on the water demand per shower, how many showers operate simultaneously, the required temperature and the available pressure. Assuming a flow rate of 8 l/min per shower, four showers operating at the same time require a total of 32 l/min. The next step is to check whether this water flow can be heated sufficiently at the expected inlet temperature and delivered through the entire system. Having four outlets alone therefore does not determine how many showers a module can supply.

Will the unit fit into our roll-off container or vehicle?

CLENA offers versions for vehicle and container installation and can adapt them to specific project requirements. A drawing or the available installation dimensions will help with planning. In addition to the external dimensions, we consider connections, access for operation and maintenance, and the installation requirements of the selected heater.

What water and electrical supplies are required?

Inlet pressure, water flow rate, water quality and electrical supply depend on the selected modules. All units in the CLENA DEKON range can operate on a 230 V power supply. The water itself is heated by a diesel-fired instantaneous water heater.

Are customisations possible for small order quantities?

Yes. We provide individual configurations and custom designs even for small order quantities. This allows tent manufacturers and system integrators to source a unit tailored to their application and move into series production if required.

Plan your hot water supply with CLENA

Are you developing a decontamination tent, a mobile decontamination unit or a water supply system for field use? Tell us the required water flow rate, the expected inlet temperature, the desired outlet temperature and the available installation space. Details of any dosing and drinking water requirements will also help us select the right equipment.

Together, we will configure the right instantaneous water heaters and water supply modules for your project.

Enquire about a customised decontamination unit

Email: [email protected] · Phone: +49 461 4807088-0