Plate Heat Exchanger

Plate Heat Exchanger

Introduction

Plate heat exchangers are heat exchangers made up of a series of metal plates with a certain wavy shape stacked together. Thin rectangular channels are formed between the various plates for heat exchange. These exchangers are used for liquid-liquid and liquid-vapor heat exchange. They feature high heat exchange efficiency, minimal heat loss, compact and lightweight structure, small footprint, easy installation and cleaning, wide application, and long service life. Under the same pressure drop, their heat transfer coefficient is 3-5 times higher than that of tubular heat exchangers, occupying one-third of the space, and the heat recovery rate can reach over 90%.

Operating Principle

       The working principle of a plate heat exchanger operates through heat transfer mechanisms. According to thermodynamic laws, heat always spontaneously flows from a high-temperature object to a low-temperature one. Two fluids with different temperatures flow in the separated space between walls, facilitating heat exchange between them through conduction through the walls and convection formed by the fluids at the wall surface. Heat exchanger plates are formed by pressing thin metal sheets into a specific wavy shape, then stacked and secured with clamps and bolts. Various plates create thin rectangular channels, where heat exchange occurs through half-plates. The working fluid flows through narrow and winding channels between two plates. Cold and hot fluids sequentially pass through the channels, separated by a partition plate that allows for heat exchange through it.

Product Features

       Compact structure, small footprint, high thermal efficiency, high operational flexibility, broad application range, minimal heat loss, easy installation and cleaning.

Application Range

       Used as condensers and evaporators; chemical industry; metallurgy industry; machinery industry; electric power industry; papermaking industry; textile industry; oil processing; petroleum, shipping, seawater desalination, geothermal utilization, solar energy utilization.