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Plate Heat Exchanger

A plate heat exchanger is a special type of heat exchanger with which the thermal energy of liquids can be transferred to another medium. A plate heat exchanger consists of layered corrugated plates arranged one above the other.

Between the different plate layers there are gaps, through which a cool and a warm medium is passed. The warm medium heats up the plates, which in turn give off the heat to the cooler medium.

A plate heat exchanger is therefore a popular method to save heat energy and is particularly worthwhile for companies or productions with a high energy consumption, such as industrial bakeries.

Another type of heat exchanger is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. However, both heat exchangers function according to the same principle and differ only in their special design.

It can therefore be very difficult to select the right product variant.
Therefore, in the following section we will explain the various construction methods in more detail and present the associated advantages.

Let us advise you without obligation and find the suitable product for your company.

Function and design of plate heat exchangers

Although a plate heat exchanger and a tube heat exchanger have similar functions, they differ fundamentally in their design. Unlike shell-and-tube heat exchangers, a plate heat exchanger consists of numerous plate layers that are more compact and effective. They filter the heat more effectively from the medium.

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The plates in a plate heat exchanger are made of stainless steel and are therefore ideal heat exchangers for food and pharmaceutical production. When buying a plate heat exchanger, you should pay attention to the special design. There are two different forms: Brazed and screwed plate heat exchangers.

Brazed plate heat exchangers

Brazed plate heat exchangers are the most commonly used type of construction. Brazed plate heat exchangers are particularly effective due to their compact design. The plates are soldered together by up to 180° and thus form flow channels.

These flow channels bundle the heat and transfer it effectively to the plates and thus to the cooler medium.

Types of soldering

In most cases the stainless steel plates are soldered with nickel or copper. A copper brazed plate heat exchanger can be used for all conventional applications.

Nickel brazed plate heat exchangers can be used for the application of distilled water or other more aggressive fluids. Brazed plate heat exchangers can be used up to a temperature of 200 °C and can withstand a maximum operating pressure of up to 39 bar.

The special design of a brazed plate heat exchanger creates a flow that creates a self-cleaning effect on the inner surfaces.

Screwed plate heat exchangers

Screwed plate heat exchangers are particularly suitable for large cooling systems with a high flow force and volume.

With a screwed plate heat exchanger, the various layered plates are held together by clamping screws in a special frame. It is therefore relatively easy to dismantle and clean the screwed plate heat exchanger.

It is also possible to add further plates to the heat exchanger to increase the performance.

Special gaskets between the screwed plates provide spaces for the transfer fluids to flow. One advantage of screwed plate heat exchangers is that they can withstand a higher pressure force and temperature.

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Advantages of plate heat exchangers

A plate heat exchanger has many advantages. We have compiled the most important advantages for you:

  • More compact design
  • It is a cheaper alternative when a stainless steel construction is required
  • Guaranteed high stability and operability, even at high compressive forces
  • Particularly suitable for cooling systems, smaller heating systems, food or pharmaceutical productions
  • Costs less than a shell and tube heat exchanger

Differences between plate heat exchangers and shell and tube heat exchangers

Due to its compact design, a plate heat exchanger can be used in more applications and therefore has a great advantage over shell and tube heat exchangers. In addition, the assembled plates have a larger surface area and can therefore absorb and transfer more heat energy.

Thus a plate heat exchanger has a higher compactness and a higher heat transfer coefficient. At the same time there is a reduced pressure inside the plate heat exchanger.

Why should you choose Exodraft?

exodraft is an experienced manufacturer of heat exchangers and can adapt them to specific customer requirements. exodraft manufactures highly efficient brazed stainless steel plate heat exchangers that can significantly reduce heat costs. exodraft heat exchangers can also be used in a wide range of applications.

This is a clear advantage over the standard products normally marketed, which in most cases cannot fully meet the needs of customers. exodraft heat exchangers can be customized to meet local performance requirements and conditions.

Exodraft – Your expert for effective heat recovery

exodraft‘s current research and development is focused on optimizing the design of plate heat exchangers for applications in special circumstances where the use of conventional plate heat exchangers would be unsuitable.

For example, exodraft has developed a heat exchanger for gas-liquid heat transfer with asymmetric flow.

exodraft has also developed heat exchangers that can withstand high gas temperatures and can be used in various heat recovery systems. One of the most important design innovations is the targeted introduction of hot gas into the heat exchanger. This prevents the plates from overheating.

exodraft offers a unique plate design within the heat exchanger that allows the temperature on the surface of the plates to be kept under control while filtering out most of the heat energy. exodraft plate heat exchangers are already used in many companies and have a long service life.

Combined with the asymmetric design of the exodraft heat exchanger, which reduces pressure drop, exodraft‘s plate heat exchanger remains the first choice for customers who want a dynamic, robust and reliable plate heat exchanger.

Contact us and let us advise you without obligation.

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    How do see your recovered heat being used (you can select multiple options)?
    Transferred to the district heating systemUsed in production processesHeating of factory, warehouse or office premisesUsed for apsorption chillers/refrigerationHot water for bathing facilitiesAir curtain & air heatning systemsHot warter for general cleaning/washing purposesOther