Function of a Plate Heat Exchanger A plate Heat Exchanger is a unit which transfers heat continuously from one media to another media without adding energy to the process. The basic concept of a plate and frame Heat Exchanger is two liquids flowing on either side of a thin corrugated metal plate so heat may be easily transferred between the two.
The plate Heat Exchanger efficiency requires less floor space compared to other types of Heat Transfer equipment and is lighter in weight.
Design of a Plate Heat Exchanger The plate Heat Exchanger is designed with either single-pass or multi-pass flow, depending on the duty. For most duties single-pass is suitable and often the preferred solution as it keeps all connections on the stationary frame part and consequently makes disassembly easier. Multi-Pass however, is required when flow rates are low or when approach temperatures are close. Other factors such as building ceiling height or space limitations for handling of large plates often leads to the decision to use multi-pass and thereby more and smaller plates.
Types of a Plate Heat Exchangers
Paraflow Plate Heat Exchangers The Paraflow is the original plate type Heat Exchanger designed by APV to provide maximum efficiency and cost effectiveness in handling a wide variety of Heat Transfer applications.
ParaBrazed Plate Heat Exchangers ParaBrazed Heat Exchangers are a compact, cost effective unit designed to deliver high thermal efficiency while maintaining lower pressure drops. It's the perfect choice for many single and two phase Heat Transfer applications for industrial and refrigeration duties.
Advanges of Plate Heat Exchangers Easy to Remove and Clean
Plate Heat Exchangers are easy to clean by remove the tie bolts and slide back the movable frame part. Then the plate pack can be inspected, pressure cleaned, or removed for refurbishment if required.
Expandable
A very significant feature of the plate Heat Exchanger is that it is expandable. Increasing the Heat Transfer requirements means simply adding plates instead of buying a new Heat Exchanger, saving time and money.
High Efficiency
Because of the pressed patterns in the plates and the relative narrow gaps, very high turbulence is achieved at relative low fluid velocity. This combined with counter directional flow results in very high Heat Transfer coefficients.
Compact Size
As a result of the high efficiency, less Heat Transfer area is required, resulting in a much smaller Heat Exchanger than would be needed for the same duty using other types of Heat Exchangers. Typically a plate Heat Exchanger requires between 20-40% of the space required by a tube and shell Heat Exchanger.
Close Approach Temperature
The same features that give the plate Heat Exchanger its high efficiency also makes it possible to reach close approach temperatures which is particularly important in heat recovery and regeneration applications. Approach temperatures of 0.5°C is possible.
Multiple Duties in a Single Unit
The plate Heat Exchanger can be built in sections, separated with simple divider plates or more complicated divider frames with additional connections. This makes it possible to heat, regenerate, and cool a fluid in one Heat Exchanger or heat or cool multiple fluids with the same cooling or heating source.
Less Fouling
Very high turbulence is achieved as a result of the pattern of the plates, the many contact points, and the narrow gap between the plates. This combined with the smooth plate surface reduces fouling considerably compared to other types of Heat Exchangers.
Lower Costs
High Heat Transfer coefficients mean less Heat Transfer area and smaller Heat Exchangers, and sometimes even less Heat Exchanger.
Features and benefits
Experience the benefit of an individually customized solution that perfectly matches your requirements and lowers your energy consumption. High performance for a low pressure drop eliminates unnecessary burdens on your system and optimizes overall system performance. The design results in a compact solution with a small footprint, simple installation, and easy access for maintenance.
Applications
HVAC industry - e.g. district cooling solutions using seawater and groundwater as cooling source - e.g. district heating solutions using, for example, solar and geothermal energy as heating source
Marine/offshore industry - e.g. central and lubrication oil cooling
Dairy/food/beverage industry - e.g. pasteurization, heat recoveries, and duties that require gentle treatment
Sugar industry
Biogas industry
Pulp and paper industry
Heavy industry
Mining industry
Petrochemical industry
Chemical industry - e.g. waste heat recovery from condenser water