Function of a Plate Heat ExchangerA 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 ExchangerThe 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 ExchangersParaflow 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 ExchangersEasy 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