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Heat Exchangers
SWEP BPHEs : Challenging efficiency
SWEP International is gearing up as a first-time exhibitor at Heat Exchanger World Conference & Expo in Rotterdam in November . Segment
Manager Frida Cullin Persson explains the company ’ s background and ethos and the technology behind the products and applications that SWEP will showcase at the exhibition .
By Frida Cullin Persson - Segment manager , SWEP
The B221 is a large-size , highcapacity model in the All-Stainless portfolio of heat exchangers for the most demanding applications with high demands on corrosion resistance and where copper contamination or copper corrosion must be avoided .
SWEP was established in 1983 by two Swedish entrepreneurs with a vision to create products that would optimise energy use for heating and cooling systems . Nearly 40 years on , SWEP has become a world-leader in developing and manufacturing brazed plate heat exchangers ( BPHEs ) with more than 1000 employees worldwide and production facilities in five countries .
Recovering waste heat Many industries consume vast amounts of energy , yet in many applications , up to half of this energy is wasted in the form of vapor , hot water , oil , or hot air . But it doesn ’ t have to be this way . BPHE technology is one the most efficient means to recover waste heat and transfer heat from one medium to another . Recovered heat can be reused for other purposes , contributing to the reduction of both carbon emissions and energy , leading to significant cost savings for both producers and end users .
BPHE design BPHEs are widely used in many different industries and in a variety of functions as they can act as condensers , evaporators , oil or gas coolers that involve the transfer of heating or cooling . A BPHE heat exchanger consists of corrugated plates that combine to create channels through which a hot medium and a cold medium ( typically water ) can be distributed . With no need for gaskets or supporting equipment , about 95 % of the material is used to transfer heat . The BPHEs are compact by design allowing for efficient use of space and more flexible system design . By combining plate design , materials , and connections from standard components , larger installations , for example , can be constructed unit by unit via standard doors and elevators , and easily expanded when capacity demand increases . Let ’ s have a closer look at some examples of how SWEP innovation in the use of BPHEs enables heat recovery :
Benefit from the high-temperature energy of superheated refrigerant gas Industrial refrigeration systems with air-cooled condensers waste energy by emitting condensation energy to the ambient air . By installing a desuperheater with a BPHE , much of this waste energy can be converted to hot water for a range of applications . Desuperheaters operate by utilizing the highpressure , superheated discharge gas temperature to heat water . The cooling of the discharge gas normally represents 15-25 % of the total heat of rejection .
BPHE technology is one the most efficient means to recover waste heat and transfer heat from one medium to another . Recovered heat can be reused for other purposes , contributing to the reduction of both carbon emissions and energy , leading to significant cost savings for both producers and end users .
Heat recovery using combined heat and power ( CHP ) Traditional engines produce electric power at around 40 % efficiency . A way to improve efficiency is to install cogeneration systems that collect thermal energy from the engine jacket water , lubrication oil , and exhaust gas . Hot water can then be produced via BPHEs , increasing total energy utilization efficiency . Cogeneration engines deliver reliable energy production at remote settlements and are ideal for emergency power for hospitals or data centers .
Reclaim more energy from compressed air systems Around 10 % of all electricity used in industry derives from compressed air systems . Most is converted to heat without any purpose . So with inefficient systems , energy is first used to generate heat and then more energy is used to remove it via cooling fans . But by utilising this energy instead with energy recovery , significant cost and carbon savings can be achieved . Heat recovery is a complex subject and we ’ ve only touched the surface here . In times of spiralling energy costs and the need for sustainable energy solutions , SWEP is convinced that constantly challenging efficiency through heat transfer solutions can actually lead the way to sustainable energy usage .
Meet SWEP at Heat Exchanger World Conference & Expo Europe 2022
Stop by the SWEP stand C07 at the Heat Exchanger World Conference & Expo in Rotterdam on 1-2 November for more talks and info about our latest product developments such as SWEP All-Stainless . This is a range of products for systems demanding 100 % stainless steel components . The B221 is one of newest additions to this range of durable , compact , and efficient BPHEs for the most demanding applications , that can be experienced in the SWEP stand . You can also join the conference session where SWEP will present on the topic : ‘ Corrosion & Fouling in heat exchangers ’ on November 2 . www . heat-exchanger-world . com Heat Exchanger World October 2022
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