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Plate Heat Exchangers
Plates used in industrial heat exchangers , ready for assembly .
About the author
Lei Tao ( Steven Lei ), in his role as HFM ’ s CTO , boasts over 8 years of expertise in plate heat exchanger design and technical support , including his ability providing largescale thermal engineering solution . Lei ’ s dedication to practical innovation has led to significant advancements , particularly in optimizing gasket performance within heat exchangers . Notable for his contributions to engineering solutions , Lei holds utility and invention patents , reflecting his focus on pioneering technologies . As a leader , Lei maintains a steadfast focus on technical precision and industryleading standards , driving advancements in heat transfer technology . He can be reached via email at leitao @ hfm-phe . com .
Although wide channel plates have significant advantages in handling complex fluids such as high viscosity , their heat transfer efficiency is usually lower than traditional plate heat exchangers due to their thicker plates and corrugated gaps .
Thickness and heat exchange area : the 3 dimensions of the plate The thickness of the plates and the heat exchange area both significantly impact the performance and suitability of plate heat exchangers for different applications . Different aspects need to be taken in consideration , such as the cost , the space , the application and the kind of fluids to exchange heat .
Thicker plates They are commonly chosen when the process requires higher mechanical strength due to high pressures or mechanical stress . It is also known for having a longer longevity , since their thickness give them better resistance to corrosion . They are most used in industrial processes involving corrosive fluids , high pressure steam heating and where the heat exchanger needs to be subject to constant disassembly and reassembly .
Thinner plates These plates tend to provide more efficient heat transfer due to their reduced thermal resistance and they tend to be more efficient as well as to be cheaper since they require less material to be manufactured . They are commonly used in HVAC systems , residential heating and cooling and other operations with non-corrosive fluids and lower pressure .
Plates with large heat exchange area These plates promote higher heat transfer rates , which makes them suitable for applications that demand rapid heat exchange . They also tend to have reduced fouling as an effect of their large surface area , which prevents the contaminants to be concentrated small spots . They are commonly used in chemical processing , power generation and heating .
Plates with small heat exchange area They tend to have reduced cost since they require a smaller amount of material to be manufactured and are easier to be maintained . They are also suitable for space-constrained installations , thanks to their reduced dimensions . They are commonly used in residential and small-scale applications and where a moderate heat transfer rate is enough to satisfy the usage requirements .
Best practices : ensuring optimal performance Selecting the appropriate kind of plate is essential for the optimal performance of the PHE , but the best practices for installing it and maintaining this equipment is also key element that should not be taken for granted .
Location and orientation It is important to ensure that the heat exchanger is installed on a level surface in order to prevent uneven stress on the plates and gaskets . Besides that , its location has to allow easy access for maintenance , inspection and cleaning , but at the same time , they should be located in a place where they are protected against external elements , such as weather or physical damage , especially for outdoor installations .
Piping connections Careful alignment for the piping connections with the inlet and outlet ports of the heat exchanger are important to prevent stress on the connections and ensure proper flow distribution . Besides that , it is important to support the piping adequately to
32 Heat Exchanger World December 2024 www . heat-exchanger-world . com