AUTOTERM Flow 5D diesel liquid heater is a compact, stand-alone 12 V heater with 5 kW of heating power for heating liquid-based heating circuits in boats, vehicles, and motorhomes. It can be used for cabin heating via radiators or fan coils, engine preheating, window defrosting, and heating through a liquid-connected heat exchanger. The model was previously known as BINAR 5S.
The heater uses diesel according to EN 590 and has a maximum fuel consumption of 0.62 l/h. The normal electrical power consumption is 42 W, while the power consumption during startup is 122 W. A separate metering pump delivers fuel, and the included electric circulation pump moves the coolant through the heat exchanger. When the selected coolant temperature is reached, combustion stops while circulation continues; heating resumes automatically when the temperature drops.
The heater measures 220 × 90 × 136 mm and weighs 2.4 kg. The optimal total fluid volume in the circuit is 10–12 liters. The coolant flow rate is 1,200 l/h at 0 bar system backpressure and 800 l/h at 0.18 bar. The coolant ports have an outer diameter of Ø 18 mm, and the coolant system pressure must not exceed 2.1 bar.
The heater is mounted on the included bracket with at least three M5 × 12 bolts. The bracket can be mounted horizontally or vertically, while the heater is positioned at 0° with the exhaust downwards or at 90° with the air pump upwards. It must be mounted below the level of the expansion tank, and the circulation pump is placed before the heater in the direction of flow. The coolant circuit must be bled before the first start and after changing the coolant.
The included exhaust pipe is 1 meter long and has an inner diameter of Ø 24 mm. The total exhaust length must not exceed 2 meters. The exhaust pipe can reach temperatures of up to 500 °C and must be heat-insulated in heat-sensitive areas. For marine installations, the heater must be protected against water and bilge water, and the exhaust outlet must be placed at least 60 cm above the waterline.
The kit includes a fuel pump with a rubber-damped clamp, wiring harness for the pump and control panel, air intake hose with filter, 1 meter of exhaust pipe, 5.5 meters of nylon fuel hose with protection, pump mounting bracket, silencer with mounting kit, heat protection for the exhaust, electric circulation pump, coolant hose connector, L-shaped exhaust adapter, and 2 meters of coolant hose.
A digital control panel with item no. 50.251.01 is purchased separately to operate the heater; an optional 5-meter extension cable has item no. 50.251.12. To complete the liquid circuit, a suitable hot water/coolant hose is used, including item no. 17.740.16. Local fan coils are selected according to the needs of the installation, for example 50.266.01, 50.266.02, 50.267.01, or 50.267.02. For the Ø 24 mm exhaust, hull feed-throughs 50.255.01, 50.255.02, or 50.255.03 can be used.
The Flow 5D is type-approved according to UNECE R10 for electromagnetic compatibility and UNECE R122 for heating systems in vehicles. It is recommended for boats of 10–13 meters in a Mediterranean climate and 8–11 meters in a Nordic climate. Engine preheating is documented for engines with a displacement of up to approximately 4 liters and at ambient temperatures down to −45 °C.
Key featuresDiesel-powered liquid heater for 12 V DC
Heating power of 5 kW
Normal electrical power consumption of 42 W
Max. diesel consumption of 0.62 l/h
Electric fuel and circulation pump included
Heater dimensions of 220 × 90 × 136 mm
Max. system pressure of 2.1 bar
UNECE R10 and R122 type-approved
Control panel purchased separately
